Google AI Overview: Google Is Stolen Your Traffic

Starting in May 2024, Google has begun rolling out AI Overviews (formerly known as Search Generative Experience) to search results in the United States. This change represents a new scenario in which artificial intelligence directly answers many queries at the top of the page, ahead of any traditional organic results.

This new format doesn't eliminate SEO , but it does force us to rethink our priorities: it's no longer enough to be well-positioned; now it's necessary to be a reliable enough source for AI to cite you .

What is Google AI Overview?

Google AI Overview is a block of content automatically generated by artificial intelligence , which appears in searches where Google considers that a prepared summary may be useful to the user.

This block includes:


➔ A response generated in natural language.

➔ A limited selection of links as sources of information.

➔ Sometimes, comparisons, lists, or actionable suggestions.

It is activated especially in complex, informative, or long-tail searches, where the user seeks clarity, synthesis, or decision-making.

What is the impact on SEO agency clients?

1. Decrease in clicks, even if impressions remain the same or increase

One of the most important consequences is that the number of clicks on websites tends to decline. Although in some cases, impressions may remain the same or even increase, users often no longer need to click: they get the answer they're looking for directly in Google's own interface.

This creates a situation where traffic is held up on Google , and the value of appearing in traditional positions is reduced if you are not present in the AI-generated answer.


2. The key is not just to rank: it's to be cited in the AI Overview


Being cited by Google's AI will be one of the new distinguishing factors in SEO. The sources Google selects are few and highly filtered, making this mention a strategic asset.

This is where a fundamental concept comes into play: EEAT .

External mentions and sectoral authority gain weight

To strengthen a site's SEO, it's not enough to simply write good content. It's also crucial that other websites in the same sector or recognized media outlets mention your brand or content.

Google takes these mentions as authority signals, and that can mean the difference between content being simply indexed… or being chosen as a source by generative AI.

This gives even more importance to strategies such as branded content , PR SEO , or editorial collaborations that we have been working on for many clients.

What are we doing at Rocket Digital?

At Rocket, we're already adapting our clients' SEO strategies to address this new paradigm:

➔ Identify searches that trigger AI Overviews.

➔ Content optimization to maximize its citability by AI.

➔ Strengthening thematic authority through external mentions and editorial links.


➔ Specific EEAT audits and strategic adjustments based on each client's current level.

Advanced measurement of impact on CTR and real visibility, beyond impressions.

Google AI Overview isn't the end of SEO, but it is the beginning of a new era.

Brands that understand how to position themselves as trusted, citable, and relevant sources will have a clear advantage in a search engine that retains more traffic than ever.

In this context, quality content, strong SEO, and a smart authority strategy are more critical than ever.

At Rocket, we're already working to ensure our clients not only adapt but also gain visibility in this new scenario.