If you’re working on SEO, you might have seen your website traffic change after Google’s recent update. This isn’t just about small shifts—many are seeing big changes in how their pages rank. That’s because of the Google AI Overview impact on SEO and the organic ranking drop after core update.
Google has changed how it shows results. Instead of just blue links, we now see AI-generated answers. This update can affect both where your page shows up and how many people click it. If you’re offering SEO services or want to understand how to keep your traffic stable, you need to know how this works.
What is Google AI Overview (SGE)?
Google AI Overview, also called Search Generative Experience (SGE), is a new feature that uses AI to give a quick answer at the top of search results.
Let’s say someone searches for “best protein for muscle gain.” Instead of seeing just links, they now get an AI-written answer pulled from multiple sources. This means fewer people may scroll down to click on your link, even if it’s on page one.
This is a big shift and it’s where the Google AI Overview impact on SEO starts showing.
Recent Core Update Summary
In March and April, Google rolled out a core update. These updates aim to improve search quality, but they also come with changes in rankings.
After this core update, many websites saw traffic go down. Some dropped in rankings even if their content was strong before. This is what we call the organic ranking drop after core update.
The update focused on:
- Content helpfulness
- Authority and trust
- Reducing low-value results
At the same time, Google expanded the AI Overview to more queries, which further changed the search page.
Overlap Between AI Overview and Organic Results
Before, your goal was to get into the top 3 or top 10 results. Now, AI Overviews often appear above these results.
This creates a gap. Even if your content ranks high, users may stop reading after the AI Overview. That’s a clear example of the Google AI Overview impact on SEO.
Here’s what’s happening:
- AI Overview answers the question directly.
- Your organic listing is pushed lower.
- CTR (click-through rate) goes down.
- You get fewer visitors.
So, a lot of traffic loss today is not due to poor SEO but due to being replaced or overshadowed by AI-generated answers.
Impact on SEO and Publishers
SEO experts and content publishers are feeling the heat. You put in the work—optimized content, good structure, quality backlinks—and now you see a drop.
The organic ranking drop after core update is frustrating. It affects:
- News publishers
- Bloggers
- Service providers
- eCommerce sites
The Google AI Overview impact on SEO means even high-ranking pages can lose visibility. And since users may get their answers from AI, they may not visit your site at all.
This hits ad revenue, lead generation, and product sales.
Some businesses have lost up to 30-50% traffic overnight. That’s why it’s important to rethink how we approach SEO moving forward.
Strategic Takeaways: How to Adapt
To handle the Google AI Overview impact on SEO, you need a clear strategy. Don’t panic—shift your approach.
1. Focus on Content That AI Can’t Replace
Create expert-based, original content. Include real opinions, research, or case studies. AI can’t copy personal experience.
2. Use FAQ Blocks
Add questions and answers directly into your content. This can help you appear in featured snippets or even within AI Overviews.
3. Optimize for Clicks
Even if your content ranks lower, you can still earn clicks. Use strong meta titles and descriptions. Make users want to click your link.
4. Build Authority
Make sure your content and authors are trusted. Add bios, credentials, and trustworthy sources. Google wants expert content.
5. Use Video and Visual Content
AI Overview pulls mostly from text. Using videos, charts, and infographics can help drive clicks and improve engagement.
6. Track Your Drop
Use tools like Google Search Console and SEMrush to find where you lost traffic. Not all pages will be hit the same.
The goal is to adjust and win in areas where AI isn’t strong.
Tools and Resources
Use these tools to monitor and manage the Google AI Overview impact on SEO and the organic ranking drop after core update:
- Google Search Console: For keyword and page traffic insights
- Ahrefs / SEMrush: To track ranking positions and lost keywords
- Surfer SEO: To fine-tune your on-page content
- Answer the Public: For FAQ ideas
- Screaming Frog: To fix technical SEO issues
These tools can show you what’s still working and what needs help.
Conclusion
The search results are changing fast. The Google AI Overview impact on SEO is real and growing. Paired with the organic ranking drop after core update, many websites are losing traffic.
But this isn’t the end. It’s a sign to work smarter.
Focus on quality, real content that gives users what AI cannot. Track your results, update your SEO approach, and use the right tools to stay ahead.
If your business needs help managing traffic loss or creating new SEO strategies, we can help. Reach out today for support and custom solutions built for this new search future.