Issue # 4 - July 2025

AI CONTENT VISIONARY

Content visibility that works in an AI-first world.

Hi Reader —

Today, we’re digging into why your AIO Search Intent Strategy may no longer be working—and how to fix it.

Your SEO Search Intent Strategy Needs to Change and Why It Matters

Why your search intent isn’t working—and what AIO now expects from your content.
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Back in 2013, when I first started learning about search engine optimization (SEO), it took some getting used to. I had to learn how to target keywords, match phrases to searcher intent, and align content to what I knew worked. But today’s search landscape is different—and the strategy we used to rely on no longer works.

An evolution has begun.

Google’s AI Overview (AIO) has quietly changed how search intent is interpreted, delivered, and rewarded. If you’re still relying on keyword-heavy strategies, it’s time to realign. Today, it’s about anticipating how Google understands a user’s intent—and how AIO decides which content gets chosen.

If you’re still following an outdated AIO search intent strategy, it’s time to change your approach.

The Old Way: Intent Was Straightforward.

In traditional SEO, intent was relatively clear-cut.

You wrote different content based on whether someone was:

• Informational – looking for facts, definitions, or how-tos
• Navigational – searching for a brand or specific page
• Transactional – ready to buy, sign up, or take action

Optimizing meant identifying the keyword and aligning the content with that intent. Add in a few related terms, a strong CTA, and you had a winning piece.

But AIO doesn’t think that way anymore.

How AIO Changed How Search Intent Works

AIO (AI Overview) doesn’t just map keywords to search results. It generates summaries based on what it believes the user really wants—even if that wasn’t clear in the query itself.

It reads between the lines and makes educated predictive guesses.

That means:

• AIO often combines multiple intent types in one result.
• It highlights content that offers clarity related to concepts instead of keywords.
• Pages without deep topical coverage are often skipped—even if they rank well in traditional results.

Example: A search for “best camera for dark settings” doesn’t just return product pages. AIO might prioritize low-light technique guides, comparison videos, or an overview that blends gear recommendations with usage tips. And it compiles its information from sources all across the web.

Intent now becomes flexible, instead of fixed. And that shift changes everything for writers.

Why Writers Must Rethink Strategy

AIO is changing how content is discovered, consumed, and valued in search engines. If you’re still writing the way you did a few years ago and focusing on one intent, using just the right keyword, it’s time you alter your AIO search intent strategy.

One way to begin is to understand how AIO interprets intent—and then align your content to follow those patterns and interpretations.

Let’s see what this looks like in actual practice.

1. Cover Multiple Intent Layers in One Post

Don’t just stop at the basic question. Think like your reader. What would they want to know next? Can you walk them through a real-world example? Can you address a related pain point? That kind of content builds relevance and depth—and AIO notices.

2. Use Natural Language and Semantic Variety
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​Write like you're having a conversation with a real person—not an algorithm. Don’t stress about keywords. Use relatable language, natural phrasing, and variation that mirrors how people actually talk.

3. Establish Topical Authority

One post on a topic won’t build trust. If you want Google—and your readers—to see you as a reliable source, go deeper. Create clusters of related content, link them together, and stay consistent. This shows you’ve done your homework.

4. Answer Questions Proactively

If your article only answers the original search query, you’re not going far enough. You need to take it further by including a few “People Also Ask” questions or common objections your reader might have. This helps readers (and search engines) see your content as complete and useful.

But there’s more coming. Google is already rolling out its next shift: AI Mode. You might remember reading about AI Mode in our last article, Google’s AI Mode Is Here - Are You Ready?​

Will AI Mode Do Away With AIO?

The answer is no. During this transition, AIO won’t disappear, but it won’t stay the same. AI Mode will utilize AIO to delve into a more immersive search experience that includes:

• Conversational back-and-forth
• Image understanding and reasoning
• Source citation and deeper real-time summaries

Think of AI Mode as AIO’s more powerful sibling—smarter, faster, and designed to reason like a human. It will require content to be not only relevant, but also much more meaningful to users. AI Mode will expand deeper into human reasoning and connecting the dots for the reader.

If AIO changed the rules, AI Mode may rewrite the whole playbook.

Final Thoughts: Writers Who Adapt Will Win

Search is no longer about answering a question. It’s about understanding the intent behind the question, anticipating what comes next, and becoming the best possible match.

That’s what Google’s AIO prioritizes.

If you rethink your AIO search intent strategy now by building context-rich, concept-driven content, you’ll be better positioned to thrive in both today’s AI Overview and tomorrow’s AI Mode.

And yes, I’ll be right here, helping you every step of the way.

📍 Up Next in the Series:

👉 “How SEO Content Writers Can Win in the AIO Results Game”

AI-powered results are transforming how people search—and what Google displays to them. Learn how to adjust your SEO writing so your content gets seen, ranked, and trusted in today’s AI-powered results.

💬Let’s Talk

Have you already seen AIO in action? Are you worried, curious, or optimistic?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your take.

Want timeless SEO strategies for an AI-first world?

👉Click here to subscribe to my Substack series.

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See you soon,
Pam Lokker​
AI Content Visionary
LinkedIn | Substack | https://www.borlokvirtualassistants.com​

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