For two decades, the goal of SEO has been to secure the coveted #1 spot in Google’s search results. But in 2026, there’s a new top spot in town: the AI Overview. These AI-generated summaries, which appear at the very top of the search results page, are quickly becoming the primary way users get information. If your content isn’t optimized to be featured in these overviews, you’re at risk of becoming invisible.

At Pixel Hatch Studio, we’re not just watching this trend; we’re actively developing strategies to help our clients win in this new AI-driven landscape. Securing a spot in an AI Overview isn’t about chasing algorithm hacks; it’s about doubling down on the core principles of quality, authority, and user-centric content. This is the new frontier of SEO, or as some are calling it, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) [1].

What are AI Overviews and Why Do They Matter?

AI Overviews are concise, conversational answers to user queries that Google generates using its AI models. They synthesize information from multiple sources to provide a direct answer, often eliminating the need for users to click through to individual websites.

This represents a fundamental shift in user behavior. Instead of browsing a list of blue links, users are now getting their answers directly from Google. For businesses, this means that being a source for an AI Overview is the new pinnacle of search visibility.

How to Optimize for AI Overviews: 7 Actionable Strategies

Optimizing for AI Overviews requires a shift in mindset from keyword-stuffing to creating genuinely helpful, authoritative content. Here are seven strategies that are proving effective in 2026.

1. Be More Specific with Your Content

AI models thrive on specific, detailed information. Instead of writing a generic article on a broad topic, create in-depth content that answers a specific question. For example, instead of “Digital Marketing Tips,” create a post on “How Small E-commerce Brands Can Use TikTok for Customer Acquisition in 2026.”

2. Think Topics, Not Just Keywords

While keywords still have a place, it’s more important to think in terms of topics and entities. Structure your content logically, covering a topic comprehensively and demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject matter. This helps AI models recognize your content as an authoritative source.

3. Double Down on E-E-A-T

Google’s E-E-A-T principles (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) are more important than ever in the age of AI. AI models are trained to identify and prioritize content from trusted sources.

How to demonstrate E-E-A-T:

Include author bios with credentials. Cite reputable sources and link to authoritative websites. Showcase customer testimonials and case studies. Provide clear, accessible contact information.

4. Use Structured Data (Schema Markup)

As we’ve discussed before, schema markup is the language of AI. By using structured data to explicitly label your content, you make it easier for AI models to understand and process the information on your page. This is one of the most direct ways to increase your chances of being featured in an AI Overview [2].

5. Prioritize a Great Page Experience

Core Web Vitals and a positive page experience are still crucial ranking factors. A fast-loading, mobile-friendly, and easy-to-navigate website is seen as a signal of quality and trustworthiness by both users and AI models [3].

6. Answer Questions Directly

Structure your content to provide clear, concise answers to common questions. Use headings (H2s, H3s) to pose questions and then answer them directly in the following paragraph. This format makes it easy for AI models to extract information and use it to construct an AI Overview.

7. Build High-Quality Backlinks

The fundamentals of SEO still apply. High-quality backlinks from reputable websites remain a powerful signal of authority and trust. Focus on building relationships and creating content that is so valuable, other websites will naturally want to link to it.

The Future is Featured

Winning in the age of AI search is not about finding loopholes or tricking the algorithm. It’s about creating the best possible content for your audience—content that is specific, authoritative, and genuinely helpful. By focusing on these core principles, you can position your brand to be the trusted source that Google’s AI turns to, securing your place at the new top spot of search.

References

[1] Forbes. (2025, January 2). Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): The Future Of Search Is Here. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesagencycouncil/2025/01/02/generative-engine-optimization-geo-the-future-of-search-is-here/

[2] Digital Marketing Institute. (2026, January 19). The Most Important Digital Marketing Trends You Need to Know in 2026. Retrieved from https://digitalmarketinginstitute.com/blog/digital-marketing-trends-2026

[3] Google Search Central. (2025, May 21). Top ways to ensure your content performs well in Google's AI Overviews. Retrieved from https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2025/05/succeeding-in-ai-search

References

  1. Forbes. (2025, January 2). *Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): The Future Of Search Is Here*. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesagencycouncil/2025/01/02/generative-engine-optimization-geo-the-future-of-search-is-here/
  2. Digital Marketing Institute. (2026, January 19). *The Most Important Digital Marketing Trends You Need to Know in 2026*. Retrieved from https://digitalmarketinginstitute.com/blog/digital-marketing-trends-2026
  3. Google Search Central. (2025, May 21). *Top ways to ensure your content performs well in Google's AI Overviews*. Retrieved from https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2025/05/succeeding-in-ai-search