Optimizing Your Content for AI Overviews: Tips and Strategies

Why AI Overviews Matter for Your Business

Before we get tactical, let’s talk about why this matters in the first place.



Think about how people search today. Someone might type—or ask their phone—“What’s the best lawn care company in Portland that installs automowers?” In the past, that would bring up a list of websites, ads, and maybe a featured snippet. Now, Google’s AI can scan multiple sources, combine the information, and present a polished answer right there on the search page.

Here’s what that means for you:

Bottom line? The rise of AI Overviews is not the end of SEO—it’s the evolution of it.

6 Strategies to Optimize Your Content for AI Overviews

So how do you make sure your content is “AI-friendly”? Here are the strategies we recommend (and actively use with our own clients at Breakthrough Local).

1. Use Structured Data Markup (Schema)

Think of structured data markup as a way of giving Google “cliff notes” about your website. It’s code you add behind the scenes that tells search engines exactly what your content means, not just what it says.

For local businesses, a few schema types matter most:

• LocalBusiness Schema – Defines your business name, address, phone number, hours, and services. This ensures AI understands your key details without guessing.
  
  
• FAQPage Schema – If you have an FAQ section, marking it up helps Google recognize your questions and answers directly.

Tip: Always test your schema with Google’s Rich Results Test to make sure everything’s set up correctly.

By using structured data, you’re basically making your content easier for AI to digest and reuse in its summaries.

2. Provide Clear and Concise Answers

AI is trained to look for direct, scannable information. That means your content should give answers quickly and in plain English.

Here’s how to do it:

• Answer upfront. Don’t bury the main point halfway down the page. If someone searches “How much does gutter cleaning cost in Portland?”—give the number or range in the first sentence.
  
  
• Use headings and subheadings. Break up your content with clear H2s and H3s so both readers and AI can scan easily.
  
  
• Format with lists. Bullet points and numbered steps are AI’s best friend. They’re also much easier for human readers.
  
  
• Avoid jargon. Keep the language accessible. A tenth grader should be able to read and understand it.

Example:

Instead of writing, “We specialize in the mitigation of irrigation system inefficiencies via diagnostic methodologies,” say:

“We can inspect your sprinkler system and fix problems like leaks, broken heads, or uneven water coverage.”

The second one is not only clearer for your audience—it’s also much more likely to be picked up by AI.

3. Establish Yourself as an Authoritative Local Source

AI wants to showcase trustworthy experts. The more authority you build in your niche, the higher your chances of being featured.

Ways to do that:

• Create in-depth, useful content. Instead of a short 300-word service page, publish guides like “How to Winterize Your Home in Portland” or “Top 5 Hiking Trails Near Tigard for Families.”
  
  
• Show your credentials. Add author bios, certifications, and years of experience. Let readers know why they should trust you.
  
  
• Cite your sources. If you reference data, studies, or government resources, link to them. AI recognizes when you back up your claims.
  
  
• Earn backlinks. Partner with local media, guest post, or collaborate with other Portland businesses to get your content linked.

Authority doesn’t happen overnight, but every piece of content you publish can move the needle.

4. Incorporate Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If AI Overviews love one thing, it’s questions and answers.

Start by doing some research:

• Use Google’s “People Also Ask” box to see what common questions pop up.
  
  
• Think about what your customers ask on phone calls or emails.
  
  
• Use tools to see trending queries.

Then:

• Create a dedicated FAQ page on your site.
  
  
• Sprinkle Q&As into service pages or blogs. Example: A lawn care page could include: “Do automowers work on hills?” followed by a short, clear answer.
  
  
• Use FAQ schema so Google knows exactly where your answers live.

This not only helps with AI Overviews but also improves your site’s user experience.

5. Optimize the Content You Already Have

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Many businesses already have blogs, service pages, or resource hubs. With a little tweaking, that existing content can become AI-ready.



Steps to take:

1. Review your best-performing pages. Which ones are already getting traffic?
   
   
2. Check if they answer questions directly. If not, add a short summary answer near the top.
   
   
3. Add structured data. Update the schema to make context clearer.
   
   
4. Insert FAQ sections. A few well-placed Q&As can transform the usefulness of a page.
   
   

Sometimes it’s not about creating more content but about making what you already have more accessible.

6. Monitor Your Performance

Finally, optimization is not a one-and-done job. AI Overviews are still new, and the way they pull data is evolving. That means you’ll want to track your visibility over time.

• Keep your Google Business Profile updated. Add photos, posts, and accurate business info.
  
  
• Track your keyword rankings. Even if clicks drop, visibility in AI Overviews can still drive brand recognition.
  
  
• Monitor and encourage reviews. Positive sentiment often gets reflected in AI summaries.

The businesses that adapt quickly will be the ones that thrive.

Ready to Optimize Your Content for AI Overviews?

Adapting your content strategy for AI Overviews might feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Breakthrough Local, we specialize in helping businesses like yours stay ahead of the curve.



Request a content strategy review for AI Overviews today. Our team will analyze your current content, identify gaps, and create a tailored plan to maximize your visibility in this new era of search.

Your customers are searching—and AI is answering. Let’s make sure it’s your business they see in the results.