How to Rank in Google’s AI Overview in a Few, Simple Steps

We’ve got the answer! The key to ranking in Google’s AI Overview is to write confidently and to answer the question in your article’s title right away. But let’s dig a little deeper.

In this article, we’re going to dive into how AI Overview works and what it takes to get your site listed as a resource in it. This is important because right now, 26% of browsing sessions end after viewing the AI summary, and that number is only rising. The Overview is quick, it’s easy, so why would people move on to a site where they have to do their own research when they could just as easily skim the Overview (even if it’s not always completely accurate)? Because of this, it’s our goal to get sites to rank inside the Overview; we want to be the trusted source that Google sites.

At Ankerpoint Marketing, we help vacation rental companies improve their rankings and their brand image. If you’re in this space, then let’s chat! If not, we still want this article to help you bring your site to the next level. So read on to learn what we do for each of our clients to help them rank in the Overview with just a few simple steps.

1. Write Confidently

Have you ever heard the saying, “Confidence is key”? Well, it rings just as true in the world of AI and SEO as anywhere else.

AI is looking for sources that know what they’re talking about. So instead of using phrases like “We hope you like these three-bedroom cabins,” you should say something like, “You’re going to love our three-bedroom cabins!” Do you hear the difference? So does AI, and it will bump up those who sound like they know what they’re talking about versus those who don’t.

To help you write more confidently, use tools like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor. They will point out where your writing can be more concise and confident, as well as point out grammar mistakes. However, despite how helpful they are, no program can replace the human mind. Read over everything to ensure that the program's suggestions still convey your desired message.

2. Answer the Question

When you are crafting articles for your site, your title should be a phrase, or similar to a phrase, that users will look up. Then, you’ll want to answer that question right off the bat.

Jump back up to the beginning of this article. Do you see how the title, “How to Rank in Google’s AI Overview in a Few, Simple Steps,” is quickly answered in the first paragraph? That is one of the best ways for AI Overview to find you. The Overview looks for quick resources, and answering the search query as quickly as possible helps the program achieve faster results.

So next time you write an article titled something like “The Best Hike for a Family in the Smokies,” start it off with a sentence like: “The best hike for a family in the Smokies is Abrams Falls, and here are some reasons why.”

3. Make a Video

Nothing draws AI Overview’s attention like a multimedia experience. Some Google users prefer video content, and some prefer written, so AI likes to provide both.

Making a quick, instructional video to pair with an article or webpage can be a great way to rank, and it gives you double the opportunity. Sometimes, AI won’t display your written content, but it will display your video, so having both on a page is a great way to boost your site.

Making video content can sound intimidating for some, but it’s really not as difficult as it sounds! Use platforms like YouTube to publish your video, and you can use something as simple as a screen recording to create it. If you want to edit your video, check out programs like CapCut, iMovie, or, if you want a more complex yet higher quality program, try your hand at Adobe Premiere Elements.

4. Have Unique Information

This is one of the most important tips of all, and something we aim for with each of our clients. Creating content that is different from everyone else’s is crucial, and it’s also the most challenging. In a world where anyone can publish anything at any given moment, having something new to add to the conversation can be difficult. Despite this, if you want to rank, you have to try.

Some ways to create unique content are to create a poll for AI to draw information from or to share a survey that you conducted. New numbers are a great way to add relevancy to a conversation.

Another way to add new information is to look at a topic from all angles and try to find one that hasn’t been touched on. For instance, if you want to write about “The Five Most Fun Festivals in Pigeon Forge,” then look at the subject from all sides. Ask yourself what your audience will want to know about the topic. Are they interested in just one specific festival that you can expand on? Do they want to know where to park when they arrive at each festival? There is a wealth of topics to choose from; you just have to find the right one!

A Big Task

Ensuring that your business ranks in the AI Overview is a big task, but when you create a system and follow these steps, it becomes that much simpler.