How to Rank in Google AI Overviews (Without Losing Your Mind)

Blog / Digital Marketing

If you run a local business, or franchise then Google’s new AI Overviews could be your biggest online opportunity—or your biggest threat.

As of mid-2025, AI Overviews show up in over 40% of local searches, and they’re pushing traditional listings (like Google Maps and your website) further down the page. If you’re not showing up in these AI answers, your competitors probably are.

Let’s break this down in simple terms—and show you how to get ahead before your competition does.

Why Local Businesses Should Care About AI Overviews

Google’s rolling out AI summaries (aka Overviews) right at the top of search results. These aren’t just little blurbs—they’re full-blown AI-written responses that pull data from trusted sources across the web.

And they’re stealing clicks.

Here’s what that means for your business:

Less visibility if you’re not featured in the AI response
Fewer clicks to your website
Fewer phone calls and form submissions

But if you do get cited in an AI Overview? You jump straight to the top of the page—even above the map pack and paid ads.

How to Get Your Local Business Featured in AI Overviews

This isn’t about stuffing keywords or buying more ads. Ranking in AI Overviews requires a different playbook. Here’s how we’re doing it for clients:

1. Don’t Just Target Location Keywords

Searches like “plumber near me” usually trigger the regular map pack—not AI Overviews.

Instead, create content around questions people ask before they hire someone.

✅ Examples:

“What’s the difference between tankless and regular water heaters?”
“How much does a roof inspection cost?”
“How much is a roof inspection in QLD”

This kind of content positions you as the expert—and AI loves citing trusted sources.

2. Answer Informational Questions (Not Just Sell)

People don’t always search to buy right away. AI Overviews show up when someone is researching. That’s your chance to build trust.

✅ Use “what,” “how,” and “why” questions:

“Why does my dog need professional grooming?”
“How often should I service my aircon in summer?”

This strategy has driven 10x more traffic for some of our clients without spending a cent on ads.

3. Focus on Services With a Research Phase

If your service requires people to think before they buy (think dental work, home repairs, lawyers), that’s gold.

✅ Write about comparisons, options, and pros/cons:

“Crown vs Implant – Which is Better for Long-Term Use?”
“DIY Roof Repair vs Hiring a Pro: What to Know First”

4. Get Listed (and Reviewed) on Third-Party Platforms and Guest post sites

AI Overviews pull info from trusted sites like:

Yelp
TripAdvisor
Healthgrades
Industry directories
www.top4.online
www.top4.com.au

✅ Action: Claim and fully complete your profiles on all major directories in your niche. Encourage reviews regularly.

5. Track When (and If) You’re Showing Up

Most businesses have no idea whether they’re appearing in AI Overviews or not.

To determine if your website appears in Google AI Overviews, you can use tools like Google Search Console and dedicated AI rank trackers like Keyword or Semrush. These tools provide insights into which keywords trigger AI Overviews, which URLs are mentioned, and how your site performs in these AI-powered search results

✅ Use tools like:

Google search console
Manual Google searches in Incognito mode

Track mentions of your brand, links to your site, and what topics AI pulls from your content or competitors’.

Advanced Tips to Win in Both AI Overviews & Local Pack Results

If you’ve already nailed the basics, here are pro-level tactics:

✅ Structure Content for AI

Use clear subheadings with real questions (e.g. “How much does carpet cleaning cost?”)
Break up content with bullet points and definitions
Answer the question first, then explain

✅ Monitor AI Triggers

Track what types of searches are showing AI Overviews
See which competitors are being cited
Find content gaps and create better answers

✅ Keep Optimizing Your Google Business Profile

Update categories, photos, services, and reviews
Add posts weekly
Make sure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) is consistent everywhere

Wrap-Up: Here’s What You Should Do Next

Let’s keep it simple. Here’s your action plan for this month:

Identify 5–10 “why” or “how” questions your ideal customers ask before hiring you.
Write helpful, no-fluff blog posts or FAQ answers on your website that answer those questions.
Claim or update your profiles on Yelp, TripAdvisor, or niche directories.
Check if your business is showing in AI Overviews by searching for those questions.
Update your Google Business Profile (photos, services, categories).

Final Thought

You don’t need to be a tech expert or a marketing guru. You just need to be the business that answers questions better than your competitors.

AI Overviews are here to stay. Get ahead of them now—or get left behind.

Need Help?

If you’re not sure where to start, or want us to handle the heavy lifting—reach out. We help local businesses and franchises like yours show up in AI, Google Maps, and everywhere else your customers are searching.

How to rank in AI Overviews, local SEO 2025, Google Business Profile tips, small business marketing

Conclusion: Show Up Where It Matters Most

AI Overviews are rewriting the rules of local search. If your business isn’t showing up in these new AI-powered answers, you’re already behind. But the good news? Most local competitors haven’t figured this out yet.

You don’t need to master everything overnight. Start by focusing on what AI rewards: clear answers, trustworthy content, and a strong online presence across platforms.

Whether you run a dental clinic, a home service business, or a local shop—you’ve got knowledge your customers are looking for. Package it the right way, and Google’s AI will start doing your marketing for you.

The businesses that win in 2025, 2026 and beyond won’t be the loudest. They’ll be the most helpful.