Have you noticed how many of your Google searches are now “answered” by the Google AI Overview?
 

My clients have noticed — and so have I — a real impact on their organic traffic. If you depend on SEO to drive awareness, leads, or donations, the game just changed.

The data backs it up. According to a recent Search Engine Journal article, the click-through rate (CTR) for the top organic result in Google has dropped 32% since Google rolled out its AI Overviews in the U.S. That’s a dramatic drop for anyone who has invested heavily in ranking #1. Even worse, for the top three organic positions combined, the drop is around 20%.
 

Why? Because Google’s AI-generated summaries often answer the user’s question right on the results page — and fewer people feel the need to click through to your site. In essence, Google is now keeping more of the user’s attention for itself.
 

So what should you do now?

Here are three practical strategies I recommend to my clients:

Optimize for the Overview

Google’s AI Overview pulls answers from high-authority, concise, and well-structured content. That means it’s more important than ever to structure your content to answer specific, intent-driven questions clearly and directly. Use H2s with common questions, keep your answers brief and fact-rich, and include authoritative sources.
 

Diversify Your Channels

If SEO has been your primary growth engine, now is the time to double down on owned and paid channels. Email lists, paid search, social media ads, and even SMS campaigns give you direct access to your audience — without relying on Google’s whims.
 

Focus on Higher-Funnel Content

Since fewer people are clicking for basic answers, think about offering resources and content that go beyond what an AI can summarize. In-depth guides, webinars, downloadable resources, and interactive tools give people a reason to visit your site and engage.
 

We’re witnessing another shift in digital strategy — not the first and certainly not the last. Leaders who adjust quickly, instead of lamenting the loss of the old playbook, are the ones who thrive.

If you’d like to discuss how to adapt your strategy for this new reality, please reach out.