Last Updated on November 17, 2025 by Jan Barley
Google’s AI Overview feature has sparked serious concerns among bloggers worldwide. Since rolling out to over 100 countries, this technology pulls information from multiple websites to create instant answers directly in search results.
Many content creators, including me, worry that this means fewer people will click through to read their blog posts. I’ve noticed a significant drop in clicks over the last six months or so.
AI Overview is not the end of blogging, but it is forcing bloggers to adapt their content strategies and approach. Whilst some traffic drops are to be expected, the blogging industry still shows over 600 million active blogs in 2025. The key lies in understanding how to work alongside these changes rather than fighting against them.
The landscape is shifting towards content that AI cannot easily replicate – authentic experiences, unique perspectives, and specialised expertise that readers actively seek out.
By examining how AI Overviews actually function, comparing human creativity with artificial intelligence capabilities, and exploring practical tools for enhancement, you can position your blog to thrive in this new environment rather than merely survive it.
How AI Overview Is Changing Business Marketing
Google’s AI Overviews are fundamentally altering how search engines display results, creating new challenges for bloggers who previously relied on organic search traffic. These AI-generated summaries are reducing traditional website traffic while changing how users interact with search results.
What Is an AI Overview?
An AI Overview is a summary that appears at the top of Google search results. It pulls information from multiple websites to create one comprehensive answer.
Google launched this feature in May 2024 for US users. By October 2024, it had expanded to over 100 countries and had more than one billion users.
Key characteristics include:
- Multi-source summaries rather than single-website snippets
- Prominent placement above traditional search results
- Direct answers that reduce the need for clicking through to websites
Unlike featured snippets, which show content from a single source, AI Overviews combine information from several websites. That means your blog might contribute to the answer without receiving credit or traffic.
The technology uses Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) to analyse top-ranking pages. It then generates a response that fully answers the user’s question on the search results page itself.
So, ask yourself, if someone gets an answer immediately, why would they need to browse websites for that same information?
Impact on Search Engine Visibility
AI Overviews are pushing traditional search results further down the page. Your blog posts now compete for attention below these large AI-generated blocks of text. Bear in mind that a considerable portion of my blog content appears on page one of SERPs, yet my click-through rate has dropped significantly.
Position changes include:
- Top organic results drop to position 4-6 instead of position 1-3
- Featured snippets appear less frequently
- Local and shopping results get displaced
Search engines prioritise AI Overviews for informational queries. If your blog focuses on answering common questions, you’ll see the biggest impact on visibility.
Content that triggers AI Overviews:
- How-to guides and tutorials
- Product comparisons and reviews
- Health and medical information
- Technical explanations
SEO strategies must now account for reduced visibility. Traditional keyword rankings matter less when users don’t scroll past the AI summary.
Your content might still rank highly but receive fewer impressions. That affects your blog’s discoverability and brand awareness, even if click-through rates remain stable.
Declining Blog Traffic and Clicks
Studies show AI Overviews could reduce blog traffic by up to 60%. Users find their answers directly in search results without visiting websites. Even a popular site like Ahrefs has noticed a significant drop in visitors to its website.
Traffic decline factors:
- Users get complete answers from AI summaries
- Less incentive to click through to sources
- Reduced scroll depth on search results pages
Raptive’s research indicates significant drops in digital advertising revenue. Blogs that monetise through display ads face the steepest income reductions.
Most affected content types:
- Simple informational articles
- Basic how-to guides
- FAQ-style posts
- Product specification comparisons
However, traffic patterns vary by industry. Complex topics requiring detailed explanations still generate clicks. Personal experiences and unique perspectives remain valuable.
Your analytics might show declining organic search traffic but stable engagement metrics. Users who do click through are often more qualified and interested in your specific expertise.
Expertise and Personal Stories
You bring real-world experience that AI cannot access. Your professional background, mistakes, successes, and learning moments create valuable content that resonates with readers facing similar challenges.
AI relies on existing information from training data. It cannot share personal anecdotes or lessons learned through direct experience.
Human expertise includes:
- Industry insights from years of hands-on work
- Practical tips tested in real situations
- Case studies from personal projects
- Networking connections that provide exclusive information
When you share how you solved a specific problem, readers trust your advice more than generic suggestions. Your credibility comes from authentic experience.
Role of Storytelling in Content Creation
Stories make complex information memorable and relatable. You naturally weave narratives that help readers understand complex concepts through familiar situations and emotions.
AI struggles with narrative structure and emotional storytelling. It can string facts together but lacks the intuition to craft emotionally engaging stories.
Compelling storytelling in blogging involves:
- Character development that readers identify with
- Conflict resolution that mirrors reader challenges
- Emotional arcs that maintain engagement
- Relatable situations from everyday life
Your ability to connect abstract ideas to human experiences makes your content more engaging than AI-generated articles that focus purely on information delivery.
Leveraging AI Tools to Enhance Blog Content
AI tools can transform how you research, create, and optimise blog content whilst helping you maintain a competitive edge. These technologies streamline workflows, identify content opportunities, and enhance SEO performance through data-driven insights.
Identifying Content Gaps and Opportunities
Content gap analysis represents one of AI’s most valuable blogging applications. Advanced tools compare your content library against competitors to identify missing topics and keywords.
AI analyses the search queries your audience uses, but your content doesn’t address them. It highlights opportunities to capture additional organic traffic through targeted blog posts.
These tools examine your existing content performance to suggest improvements. They identify:
- Underperforming posts that need updates
- High-traffic pages are missing conversion opportunities
- Related topics that could boost topical authority
- Seasonal content gaps in your publishing schedule
SEO optimisation becomes more precise when AI identifies specific content opportunities. You can prioritise topics based on search volume, competition levels, and your site’s existing authority.
Modern AI tools also predict content performance before publication. They analyse factors like keyword difficulty, content length, and structural elements to forecast ranking potential.
This data-driven approach helps you focus resources on content with the highest likelihood of success rather than guessing what might work.
The Future of Blogging in Relation to AI Overviews
Bloggers face challenges from AI overviews, but new opportunities exist through authentic content, diversified monetisation, and strategic adaptation to AI-powered search environments.
Maintaining Authenticity and Authority
Your personal expertise becomes more valuable when AI overviews provide generic answers. Readers still need human insights, authentic experiences, and detailed analysis.
AI overviews cannot replicate your unique perspective. They summarise existing content but lack personal testing, emotional responses, and industry insider knowledge.
Focus on content that requires human verification. Share your actual results from using products or services. Document your failures alongside successes.
Build authority through consistent, expert-level content in your niche. AI may answer basic questions, but complex topics need human expertise.
Your voice and personality differentiate you from AI-generated summaries. Readers connect with authentic stories that AI cannot create.
Use your social media presence to build direct relationships with your audience. That helps create loyalty that transcends search engine changes.
Adapting Strategies for the AI Era
Research which keywords trigger AI overviews before creating content. Target topics where overviews are absent or incomplete.
Create content that answers follow-up questions AI overviews generate. Users often need more detailed information after reading summaries.
Use AI efficiency tools like Koala Writer to speed up your content production. That allows you to compete on volume whilst maintaining quality.
Focus on local and timely content that AI overviews cannot address effectively. Breaking news and location-specific information remain valuable.
Develop multimedia content, including videos and podcasts. AI overviews primarily summarise text-based content.
Consider publishing on platforms like Medium alongside your blog. Diversified content distribution reduces risks from search algorithm changes.
Conclusion
AI Overview is here to stay. I’ve no idea how it impacts Google Ads results. I have clients who spend thousands of pounds each month to get their business seen. As I observed the return on investment (mostly time) of my blog content, I learned how to set up, optimise, and manage a Google Business Profile (GBP). Focusing on local SEO is more likely to deliver a significant return.
In the first month of working with a client’s GBP, they had a 40% increase in calls to the business. Yes, it takes time and consistency to get results, but if you commit to a long-term plan, local SEO could help balance the lack of clicks from SERPs.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link.
