How To Get Featured In Google AI Overviews For SEO

So how does this affect your business?

Let’s say someone types in queries like:

• Who’s the best plumber in my area?
• How much does lawn care cost in Kansas?
• What’s the best bakery in town?

Now, Google might show an AI Overview right at the top before any websites or even ads in some cases. And if your business is mentioned in that box, you can get:

• More calls
• More clicks
• More customers

That’s why this new feature is such a big deal for business owners.

Here’s what could happen if you’re not in the AI Overview:

• You might still show up in search, but way down the page
• Your competitor could be featured at the top where you’re invisible
• You lose clicks, calls, and customers without even realizing it

Now let’s flip that…

Here’s what could happen if you’re featured in AI Overviews:

• Your business is seen before ads or big company websites
• You get more trust right away because Google picked you
• You don’t have to spend a dime on ads to get visibility
• People click, call, or visit your shop without even going to your website

This is especially important if you:

• Own a local service business (plumbing, roofing, cleaning, etc.)
• Run a brick-and-mortar store (like a bakery, boutique, or auto shop)
• Serve a suburb, small town, or rural area where word of mouth is huge

You see, Google’s AI doesn’t care how big your business is. But it does care about who’s most helpful and trustworthy.

This means, notwithstanding your business size, you can compete with the bigger players if you get AI search optimization right with information that’s clear, useful, and easy to understand.

Step 1: Write helpful content that answers real questions

Think about the questions your customers ask all the time because that’s your best opportunity to create helpful content.

You see, the biggest mistake people make is trying to rank for generic keywords. This worked for old SEO, but Google’s AI has become smarter and it wants genuine trustworthy information.

So, you should answer something specific like:

• How much does roof repair cost in Ohio?
• Can I fix a leaky faucet myself?
• What should I do if my AC stops working at night?

Write a blog post that answers such questions clearly and simply without jargon and just be genuinely helpful. This is exactly the type of content AI Overviews love to show.

Step 2: Make sure your page loads fast and works on mobile

Over 60 percent of all searches on Google come from phones. Google knows this and its AI ranks websites that work well on phones.

Here’s what I suggest you ensure:

• Your website loads in under 3 seconds
• It looks good and is easy to read on a phone
• It has no giant images or annoying pop-ups

It is simple: If your website is slow or broken on mobile, Google’s AI will see that as a bad experience and will likely skip over your content.

Pro tip: You can use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check your site’s speed and mobile performance.

Step 3: Use simple keywords that people actually search

You should absolutely avoid technical terms or marketing talk like “Professional residential HVAC optimization solutions.”

After all, people don’t search that way. Instead, they search for:

• AC repair near me
• cheap plumber in Dallas
• electrician open Sunday

Meaning you should use the exact phrases your customers might say out loud or type into Google. You can also use my keyword research tips to be featured in AI answers.

AI Overviews scan content that closely matches real-world questions and keywords. So, speak your customer’s language and not the industry’s.

Step 4: Add real photos, videos, or how-tos

If there’s one thing that gets you more trust and more visibility, it is original visuals.

And that’s why I suggest you add:

• Real photos of your work, team, or location
• Short videos explaining or showing a service
• Before-and-after images of projects
• Step-by-step guides or how-tos

These help Google understand your content better and might even get pulled directly into AI Overviews. Plus, customers love seeing proof that you’re the real deal.

Pro tip: Avoid generic stock photos and add real ones even if they don’t look or feel the best. That’s because authentic visuals beat polished ones every time.

Step 5: Have clear FAQs on your pages

Every service or product page on your website should have a few common questions answered, just like you would in a customer call.

You can add questions like:

• Do you offer same-day service?
• What areas do you serve?
• Is there a warranty?
• How do I book an appointment?

You can use your actual customer questions. This not only helps users, but also gives Google structured information that it can use in AI Overview answers.

Bonus: FAQs make your page more helpful without feeling salesy.

Step 6: Don’t hide your content from Google

Sometimes websites accidentally block Google from indexing their pages without even realizing it. And it prevents Google from showing their pages in search results or AI Overviews.

So what can you do to prevent this?

Here are some quick action steps you can take:

• Ask your web person or developer: “Can you check that my pages are indexable and allow snippets/previews for AI?”
• Make sure there are no “noindex” tags or settings that block crawlers
• Use Google Search Console to confirm your page is visible

If Google can’t access your content, there’s no chance it will appear in AI Overviews even if it’s super helpful.

Step 7: Make sure your information matches everywhere

Google’s AI looks for consistency across the web. Meaning if your contact info is even slightly off somewhere, it can cause confusion.

So, do make sure that your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) match exactly across:

• Your website
• Google Business Profile
• Facebook, Yelp, directories, etc.

Pro tip: Even small changes like “Street” vs. “St.” can throw things off. Use the same format everywhere so AI tools trust that you’re a real established business.

Step 8: Add trust signals (like reviews or testimonials)

AI wants to show credible and trustworthy sources, and your online reputation helps a great deal here.

You can include things like:

• Customer reviews or star ratings
• Short testimonials with names
• Certifications or licenses
• Media mentions or press
• Any local awards or recognitions

Just a few honest reviews on your site can go a long way. Google’s AI notices when others are saying good things about you and it uses that to decide whether you should be featured in AI Overviews.

Step 9: Keep your website fresh and active

A stale website is a red flag to Google’s AI. It assumes you’re not active, or worse, out of business.

Here’s how to stay fresh (without blogging every day):

• Add a new photo of a recent project
• Post a short tip or seasonal reminder
• Update your hours, pricing, or services
• Add at least one new blog or FAQ every month
• Refresh your homepage with recent reviews

Changes or updates, no matter how small, show Google that your business is alive and helpful. This builds trust and increases your chances of being pulled into AI Overviews.

Quick recap: Here’s your 9 step checklist to get into Google AI Overviews

Example 1: Clean Air Technologies

Clean Air Technologies is a local business offering HVAC maintenance and air duct cleaning across New Jersey.

What we helped them:

• Publish clear and helpful blog posts.
• Answer common questions simply, using everyday language and local context.
• Ensure the site was fast, mobile-friendly, and optimized for local search.
• Add trust signals like before/after photos, reviews, and real service examples.
• Make sure all business info (Google Business Profile, website, listings) matches perfectly.

Why it worked:

Google’s AI pulled their blogs directly into the Overview section because they are relevant, useful, and trustworthy.

Example 2: Steam and Sauna Experts

Steam & Sauna Experts is an e-commerce store that sells home sauna systems, steam room accessories, and wellness products across the country.

What we helped them:

• Write helpful blog posts, answering most asked questions in detail. 
• Provide common layouts, tips, and product suggestions.
• Add photos and diagrams to help users visualize the space.
• Tag their products and link them within the content naturally.
• Stay consistent with branding and business information across their website, product pages, and Google profile.

Why it worked:

Google’s AI liked the specific and helpful nature of their content. Plus their blogs aligned perfectly with what a real customer might search.

What’s your takeaway?

You don’t need to be big or flashy to get noticed by Google AI Overviews. All you’ve got to do is:

• Write a helpful page answering a real local question,
• Use customer-focused language and images,
• Keep your info accurate everywhere, and
• Make your business sound trustworthy,

Mistake #1: Writing just for Google and not for people

Some people stuff their website with keywords like:

“Best affordable HVAC repair expert near me in Texas fast service cheap top-rated.”

That’s confusing and Google sees that as spammy.

Here’s what you should do:

Write like you’re explaining things to a neighbor. Use natural phrases like:

“We offer quick and affordable HVAC repair in Tyler, TX.”

Mistake #2: Copying content from other websites

If your page sounds exactly like what’s already online, Google’s AI skips it. That’s because it wants fresh and real content.

Here’s what you should do:

Use your own words. Talk about how you do things, what makes your service different, or real questions your customers ask.

Mistake #3: Ignoring your Google Business Profile

If your GBP isn’t complete, verified, or up to date, Google’s AI may not trust your business info at all.

Here’s what you should do:

Make sure you follow a standard GBP optimization checklist and your Google profile has your correct name, phone number, hours, and lots of real reviews and photos.

Mistake #4: Not showing where you’re located

If your website doesn’t clearly say what towns or cities you serve, you might be invisible in local AI results.

Here’s what you should do:

Add your location in plain text like:

Serving homeowners in El Dorado County, CA Or We fix roofs all across southern Illinois.

Mistake #5: Never updating your website

Old content tells Google and AI that your business might not be active even if you are.

Here’s what you should do:

Post an update now and then. Add a seasonal service. Change a headline. Even small updates help.

Mistake #6: Hiding your content from Google

Some websites block search engines without realizing it, especially if they were built using DIY tools.

Here’s what you should do:

Ask your website builder or SEO person to double-check:

• The page isn’t marked “noindex”
• You allow Google to show snippets (important for AI Overviews)

This barely takes about 5 minutes and makes a big difference.

Quick recap: Here are some mistakes you should avoid

Method #1: Search like a real customer would

You can use Google the same way your customers do.

Try searches around your product or service, like:

• Best electrician in [your town]
• Affordable plumber near [your zip code]
• How much does AC repair cost in [your city]
• [Your service] open now near me

Scroll down and look for AI-generated answers (they usually show at the top or near the top of the page).

Now, if your business is mentioned, bingo, you’re in the AI Overview. And if your website, blog post, or Google Business Profile information is used in the summary, that’s even better.

Method #2: Track your visibility with SEO tools

Here are some tools you can use to track your AI Overview visibility:

• Google Search Console (Free): Look for pages getting lots of views but few clicks on search console. This might mean people are seeing your info in an AI answer.
• Semrush & SE Ranking: These tools can show which keywords trigger AI Overviews and whether your site is being used as a source.
• Other professional tools: Platforms like Thruuu, SEOClarity, SEOMonitor, and Keyword.com also help track AI mentions and compare with competitors.

Ask your SEO person or marketing agency to help you check these or set up a basic report to track changes month-to-month.

Method #3: Check your website traffic

If you have access to tools like Google Analytics or even simple traffic reports from your website builder (like Wix or Squarespace), you might notice:

• More people visiting a specific blog post or page
• Spikes in traffic from new areas
• People staying longer and clicking more

That could mean AI tools are sending people to you.

Don’t have access?

No problem.

Ask your web person or marketer to send you a quick traffic report each month.

Got questions or need help getting featured in AI Overviews?

That’s exactly what we do.

At Your Hustler Inc., we help small businesses like yours show up in Google’s AI Overviews where customers are looking first.

From tightening up your website and writing content that answers real questions, to building trust signals that Google’s AI actually pays attention to, we make sure your business gets seen before anyone clicks.

Get in touch with us now!

Can I pay to be featured in Google AI Overviews?

Nope. You can’t buy your way in.

Google doesn’t offer paid placements in AI Overviews. It’s all about how helpful, trustworthy, and well-structured your content is.

Do I need to be a big brand or national business to show up?

Not at all.

In fact, many local service providers (like plumbers, bakers, roofers, and dentists) show up in AI Overviews simply because their content answers real questions well.

Is this the same as featured snippets?

Not exactly.

Featured snippets were one-box answers in traditional search.

AI Overviews are more advanced. They pull info from multiple sources and summarize it using AI. It’s like a full-on mini article above the search results.

What kind of content does Google AI look for?

Google AI looks for helpful, clear, trustworthy information. Think FAQs, service breakdowns, how-to guides, pricing explanations, and customer-focused blog posts. Bonus points for including real images, testimonials, or examples.

How do I know if my business is being mentioned in AI Overviews?

You can try three things:

• Search like your customer would and see if your business appears.
• Use SEO tools like Google Search Console, Semrush, or SE Ranking.
• Watch your traffic. Sudden spikes or longer time on page might indicate AI visibility.

What if I follow all the steps and still don’t show up?

That’s totally normal.

Even doing everything right doesn’t guarantee instant results. Think of it like planting seeds. Keep improving your content, stay consistent, and focus on helping your audience.

Over time, Google’s AI may start trusting and featuring you.

Can I hire someone to help with this?

Yes, you can work with SEO experts (like us at Your Hustler) who specialize in AI-focused visibility strategies.