Google AI Overviews & SEO: What Really Works (Reddit Analysis)

Here is my second post in a cycle of r/SEO thread analyses. You can find the previous one here.

Most marketers are stuck reading the same old blog posts and case studies, but I found something amazing: Reddit has a lot of real SEO data that no one is talking about. Actually, I spent a ton of time in subreddits like: https://www.reddit.com/r/SEO/, and I know what I’m saying.

So today’s topic sounds like: “Google confirms normal SEO works for AI Overviews“

Google confirms normal SEO works for AI Overviews
byu/aftabaliqu inSEO

Why Every SEO Professional Needs to Read This

If you’re still considering AI Overviews as merely another SERP feature, you may want to reassess your approach.

Here’s the reality: AI Overviews now appear in over 15% of Google searches—and that number is climbing fast. For many queries, they’re becoming the dominant real estate above the fold.

But here’s what most SEOs are missing…

This isn’t just about a new box appearing in search results. It’s about a fundamental shift in how search works—and how users consume information online.

Think about it: When was the last time you scrolled past an AI Overview to click on a “traditional” result? Exactly.

The Stakes Have Never Been Higher

We’re witnessing the biggest change to search since Google introduced featured snippets. But unlike featured snippets (which drove traffic), AI Overviews are designed to keep users on Google.

This creates a fascinating paradox for SEO professionals:

• Your content can get massive visibility through AI Overviews
• But you might not get the traffic that traditionally came with rankings
• Yet ignoring AI Overviews means becoming invisible to a growing segment of searches

The AI Era Strategy Shift

The old SEO playbook was simple: Rank high, get clicks, win.

The new playbook is more complex: get visible in AI, drive brand awareness, capture users across multiple touchpoints, and then convert.

This isn’t about replacing traditional SEO—it’s about evolving your strategy for an AI-first search landscape.

Smart SEOs are already adapting. They’re:

• Optimizing content for AI extraction AND click-through
• Building multi-channel strategies that don’t rely solely on Google traffic
• Creating content that positions their brand as the authority, even when quoted in AI Overviews

What You’ll Discover in This Analysis

I’ve analyzed a heated Reddit discussion where 50+ SEO professionals shared their real-world experiences with AI Overviews. You’ll discover:

✅ What Google’s Gary Illyes actually confirmed about AI Overview rankings

✅ Why traffic patterns have changed (and what successful SEOs are doing about it)

✅ The specific strategies that are working in 2025

✅ How to optimize for visibility AND clicks in the AI era

✅ My proven 3-step framework for AI-era SEO success

Ready to future-proof your SEO strategy? Let’s dive in.

The Big Picture: What Google Actually Said

Here’s what matters: Gary Illyes from Google confirmed that AI Overviews use the exact same ranking systems as regular search results.

Translation? All those “GEO specialists” charging premium rates for “revolutionary AI optimization” are essentially selling you regular SEO with fancy packaging.

But here’s the kicker…

The Traffic Reality Check

While the ranking mechanics haven’t changed, the traffic distribution absolutely has. Multiple SEOs in the thread reported significant traffic drops, and here’s why:

• Google keeps more users on its platform through AI overviews.
• Users get answers without clicking on websites.
• The only clicks that are happening are for purchases or complex topics requiring full context.

One user put it perfectly: “The unsaid pact between search engines and websites was to take our content but give us traffic in return. That was upheld for 25 years until now.”

Key Insights from the Trenches

What’s Actually Working:	What’s NOT Working:
Quality content (same as always)	Chasing “GEO” as a separate discipline
Technical optimization (same as always)	Paying premium for “AI optimization specialists”
Authority building (same as always)	Using LLMs.txt files (Google confirmed they don’t use them)
E-E-A-T remains crucial
Backlinks still drive rankings

The Search Intent Shift:

Several experienced SEOs noted that while ranking factors haven’t changed, search behavior has:

• Conversion pages are performing better
• General information content took a 10-20% traffic hit
• Users click mainly when ready to purchase

Advanced Strategies That Actually Move the Needle

Based on the discussion and real-world testing mentioned in the thread:

1. The Query Fan-Out Optimization

AI makes multiple searches from your original query. The key? Target the variations AI actually uses, not just your primary keyword.

2. Answer-First Content Structure

Since AI Overviews extract direct answers, structure your content to provide immediate value in the first few sentences.

3. Multi-Platform Organic Strategy

Smart SEOs are diversifying beyond Google:

• Reddit optimization (Reddit content often appears in AI Overviews)
• YouTube SEO
• Quora engagement
• TikTok for younger demographics

Alex Seo Bazooka’s Take: The Real Strategy Moving Forward

After 10 years in this game, here’s what I’m seeing:

The fundamentals haven’t changed—but the game has evolved.

Yes, you still need solid technical SEO, quality content, and authoritative backlinks. But now you also need to think like a chess player, not a checkers player.

Here’s my 3-step approach:

1. Optimize for Visibility AND Clicks: Get into AI Overviews for brand awareness, but design your content to encourage click-through with compelling hooks and unique angles.
2. Focus on Commercial Intent: Pour more resources into content that converts. Information-heavy blog posts are becoming brand awareness plays, not traffic drivers.
3. Diversify Your Traffic Sources: Google’s keeping more users on their platform, so you better have other channels firing. Reddit, YouTube, email—build your own traffic ecosystem.

My Bottom Line

Don’t let agencies sell you on “revolutionary GEO techniques.” The ranking factors are the same.

But also don’t pretend nothing has changed. Traffic patterns have shifted dramatically, and successful SEOs are adapting their content strategy and channel mix accordingly.

The winners in 2025? Those who master traditional SEO fundamentals while building multi-channel organic strategies that don’t depend entirely on Google’s mercy.

Because here’s the truth nobody wants to admit: Google’s business model now prioritizes keeping users on Google, not sending them to your website.

Plan accordingly.