Issue # 2 - May 2025

AI CONTENT VISIONARY

Content visibility that works in an AI-first world.

Hi Reader —

Last time, we kicked things off with a look at how search is changing. Today, I’ve got something even more insightful lined up—something you’ll want to bookmark and come back to.
​
​What Is AIO and Why It Matters for Your SEO Strategy

Why Google's AI Overview Demands a New SEO Game Plan
​

I’ve always been a staunch supporter of search engine optimization (SEO) until I started seeing headlines like “SEO is dead” and “AI is killing SEO.” That’s when I knew it was time for us to answer the question: What is AIO, and how should we evolve our SEO strategy around it?

Search engine optimization (SEO) is evolving again. I’ve lost count of how many algorithm changes there have been. But this feels different.

It’s more than an algorithm update. It changes how you and I must think about the information we’re used to seeing in Google Search. So, for those of you who are asking, “What is AIO?” Let’s delve into this topic in more depth.

What Is Google’s AI Overview (AIO)?

AIO stands for AI Overview, Google’s newest search feature powered by generative AI. You may have already noticed that it looks different when you arrive on a Google Search page.

Now, in the first position is AI Overview for the keyword(s) you’re searching, along with a summarized answer. The information used in the summary is aggregated from multiple sources and integrated into one seamless overview.

During its experimental phase in Search Labs, AIO was previously known as SGE (Search Generative Experience).

But as of 2025, it’s officially being rolled out under the AIO name, but there’s more to the name than meets the eye. It signifies Google’s intent to make AI-generated summaries a standard part of the search experience.

What’s different—and concerning—is that users can now get their answers without clicking a single link, possibly even skipping your site entirely. While your website may still appear on the first page, you could lose traffic unless you adjust your content strategy.

Why the Name Change Matters​
​
​In the long run, Google is shifting from experimentation to implementation. The change from SGE to AIO makes searching easier for users to obtain answers to their questions or concerns, without having to click on a single link. In summary, the difference between SGE and AIO can be seen below:

• SGE was optional and limited.
• AIO is being integrated into search for millions of users, starting with the U.S. and expanding globally.

If you think you have time to see if AIO will be successful, you don’t have that cushion. Time has run out. AIO is live, and it’s changing how people interact with search results right now.
​
💡Even great content won’t rank if it doesn’t align with how AI reshapes search.

How AIO Is Rewriting the SEO Playbook​
​
​Traditional SEO has always emphasized:

• Ranking on page one.
• Winning the featured snippet (Position 0).
• Driving clicks via optimized meta titles and descriptions.

But AIO introduces a new challenge:

• The AI Overview might answer a user’s question without showing your link.
• Attribution may be partial or omitted entirely.
• Structured, high-authority content is still referenced, but clicks are no longer guaranteed.

We need to inherit a new frame of mind. SEO is no longer just about ranking. It’s about being included in the AI’s summary and influencing how the AI represents your content.

SEO Strategies for the AIO Era​
​
​To stay visible (and valuable), you need to optimize your content for Google’s crawler and its AI engine. Here’s how:

1. Answer Questions Clearly and Concisely

Your content needs to address user queries directly. Use subheadings with common questions and keep paragraphs brief and scannable.

2. Use Structured Data

Structured data is also known as schema markup. Using it helps Google better understand your content and other information on the page. A few examples are:

• Breadcrumbs
• Courses
• Events
• FAQs

If you’re interested in learning more, Ahrefs has an excellent article on Schema Markup: What It Is & How to Implement It.​

3. Strengthen Topical Authority

Google’s AI prioritizes the depth and relevance of a topic. Writing multiple related articles and linking them builds topical authority, as I’m doing with my AI Content Visionary series.

In contrast to domain authority, where a website is ranked based on the overall strength, topical authority shows how well your site covers a particular or related topic.

4. Leverage Firsthand Experience

AIO favors credible, trustworthy sources. Show firsthand knowledge, original data, or clear author credentials to reinforce E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness).

I’ve spoken previously about this in my article, Complete EEAT SEO Techniques for SMBs. While it covers core concepts, I am updating it to align with new and improved information and how E-E-A-T applies to AI-driven search in this series.

5. Create Content That’s Easy for AI to Summarize

AI Overviews include content that is straightforward and well-organized. Think of your article like a puzzle. The pieces must be well-organized so AI can find and assemble your key insights.

Should You Be Worried About AI Overview?

Let’s be honest here. You don’t have to worry. You just need to implement an AIO strategy that will make you visible.

You may already feel the impact if your traffic relies heavily on informational content or featured snippets. But don't panic - SEO isn't dead. That’s why I’m here to help you understand upcoming trends.

SEO professionals who adapt will thrive. Those who ignore this shift risk becoming invisible in a post-AIO search world.

💡Continue learning about AI Overview or risk decreased online visibility and customer engagement.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Shift, Don’t Fight It

Google’s AI Overview is here to stay. And while it might be unsettling at first, you can embrace it. It doesn’t eliminate your role. Your content still fuels the engine. Evolve and adapt are the new trends.

If you want to future-proof your SEO strategy, now’s the time to act. Optimize for AIO, not just for bots. Prioritize clarity, authority, and helpfulness.

Because in the end, the best content will still be successful, but it needs to be AI-friendly to be seen.

📍Up Next in the Series:

👉 “From SGE to AIO: Why Google Changed the Name and Why You Should Care”

We’ll explain what SGE was, why Google changed the name, and what this means for your SEO strategy going forward.

💬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.

​

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

​

I’ll be sad to see you go—but if you must, unsubscribe here.