How Google AI Overviews Are Decreasing Website Visits

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of search engine optimization (SEO) and digital marketing, Google continues to innovate for user convenience. Its latest major rollout—AI Overviews—is changing the way people interact with search results. By instantly summarizing key information at the top of the page, Google aims to reduce the time users spend searching for answers.

However, while this advancement helps users, it's creating ripple effects for publishers, bloggers, e-commerce businesses, and content creators—many of whom are witnessing a decline in website visits. In this post, we’ll break down the impact of Google AI Overviews, explore their benefits, and discuss what this means for the future of digital visibility.

What Are Google AI Overviews?

Google AI Overviews are AI-generated summaries that appear at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs). They provide direct, synthesized answers to users’ queries, pulling data from various websites, forums, and databases. These summaries are designed to save time and reduce the need to scroll through multiple pages of search results.

How AI Overviews Are Hurting Web Visits

1. Reduced Click-Through Rates (CTR)

The most immediate and measurable impact of AI Overviews is the decline in click-through rates from organic search results. According to recent industry studies and SEO tools like Semrush and Ahrefs:

·         Pages that once ranked in the top three now see 20–40% fewer clicks, especially on informational queries.

·         Websites are losing visibility even if they rank #1, as the AI box is positioned above them, effectively becoming “Position Zero.”

2. Zero-Click Searches Are Rising

A zero-click search is when a user finds what they need from the SERP (Search Engine Results Page) and doesn’t click any link. With AI Overviews, this phenomenon is expanding fast. Data suggests that over 65% of informational queries now result in zero clicks, a jump from 50% before SGE was rolled out.

This shift is particularly harmful for:

·         Bloggers who rely on traffic for ad revenue.

·         Affiliate marketers who need users to read and click product links.

·         News sites that depend on headline clicks.

How It Affects Different Industries

Publishers & Blogs

These rely on long-form content and SEO to generate revenue. AI Overviews often pull information from such content, summarize it, and eliminate the need to visit the original post.

E-commerce Websites

Product comparisons, reviews, and best-of lists are often summarized directly in the overview, leading to fewer clicks to actual stores or affiliate pages.

Healthcare & Wellness Sites

People often search for symptoms, remedies, or treatments. AI Overviews now provide generalized advice, reducing the necessity to click through to medical blogs or health platforms.

Educational Platforms

Tutorials, guides, and FAQs are being condensed into Overview answers. This means fewer enrollments or content views for educational brands.

Benefits of Google AI Overviews

While website owners may see them as a challenge, AI Overviews come with undeniable benefits—especially from the user's perspective:

Faster Access to Information

Users can get quick, concise answers without needing to open multiple tabs. For time-sensitive queries like “how to stop hiccups” or “symptoms of vitamin D deficiency,” this speed is incredibly useful.

Improved User Experience

AI Overviews streamline the search journey, offering summaries, steps, pros/cons, and even comparison charts—all without overwhelming the user with too many links.

Better Search Intent Matching

The AI understands the context of the query better than a traditional search algorithm, often producing more relevant and tailored answers. This reduces confusion and boosts satisfaction.

Accessibility and Simplicity

For non-tech-savvy users or those using voice search, AI Overviews offer simplified explanations and reduce the need to dig through dense web pages.

Branded Queries: A Hidden Advantage

Here’s something encouraging: AI Overviews are far less likely to appear for branded searches—only about 4.79% of the time. And even when they do show up, branded sites often see a boost in click-through rates—up to 18.68%.

Why? Because when someone searches for your brand by name, they already have intent. They know what they’re looking for, and they’re more likely to click on your actual site than a summary or suggestion from AI.

This just reinforces a critical truth in 2025: brand building matters more than ever. If people are searching for your business directly, you’re already ahead of the game—and AI Overviews may actually work in your favor.

Local Businesses Are Winning Too

AI Overviews also seem to be helping local businesses, especially those with strong local SEO strategies. For example, if someone searches “best pizza near me” or “plumber in Sector 47 Gurgaon,” the AI Overview often features top-rated or well-reviewed local options.

This means restaurants, salons, repair shops, and other neighborhood businesses can actually gain more visibility, not less—if their local SEO is dialed in. That includes having:

·         A well-optimized Google Business Profile

·         Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) info

·         High-quality reviews and recent posts

·         Location-focused content on your website

In short, AI Overviews could help more people discover you locally—faster.

 

Authority Building Through Mentions

Even if you’re not getting direct traffic from an AI Overview, having your content referenced by Google’s AI still means something. It means your site is seen as credible and trustworthy.

Over time, this kind of exposure helps build authority in your industry. If your blog or product page is frequently mentioned in AI Overviews, users may start to recognize your name. You may not get that click today, but you’re building top-of-mind awareness and a long-term reputation as a go-to source.

This is especially useful in industries like finance, health, legal, and tech—where trust and expertise go a long way.

How to Adapt in the Age of AI Overviews

1. Strengthen Your Brand Presence

A strong brand builds trust and drives direct searches. When users search for your name specifically, you're more likely to get clicks—even above AI Overviews. Consistent branding and reputation-building are more important than ever.

2. Leverage Local SEO

Local businesses can benefit from AI if their SEO is strong. Optimize your Google Business Profile, gather reviews, and use location-based keywords to boost visibility in local searches like “best [service] near me.”

3. Create Original & In-Depth Content

AI can’t easily replicate original insights or expert content. Focus on creating deep, unique pieces that offer real value. This builds authority over time and increases the chances of being referenced in AI Overviews.

4. Target High-Intent Keywords

Focus on keywords that show clear intent—like someone ready to buy or act. These terms lead to more clicks even with AI summaries, helping you capture motivated users at key decision points.

5. Focus on Transactional and Commercial Keywords

AI Overviews mainly answer informational queries. Target keywords with purchase or comparison intent—like “buy,” “deal,” or “best”—to attract users who are more likely to visit your site and take action.

6. Use Rich Snippets and Schema

Add schema markup to your pages so Google can better understand and display your content. This improves your chances of appearing in featured snippets or enhanced results, even with AI Overviews present.

7. Track Performance Regularly

Keep a close eye on how your site performs. Use tools like Search Console to track clicks, impressions, and changes in keyword rankings. This helps you stay informed and adjust your strategy quickly.

Final Thoughts

Google AI Overviews are undeniably a powerful step forward in making information accessible and digestible for users. But they also mark a turning point in how the web works. For creators, bloggers, and businesses, the shift brings both risk and opportunity.

To thrive, it's essential to adapt strategies, diversify traffic sources, and push for a more balanced digital ecosystem where creators are respected, credited, and rewarded for their work.

Also Read - Boosting Ranking on Search Engine Results: Effective Strategies and Services