Google AI Overviews Rank Below #1 in 12.4% of Searches—Here’s How to Win Those Clicks
Ever felt like SEO was becoming irrelevant in the age of AI? Think again—because the smartest marketers are turning Google’s own AI into an unexpected ally.
In a world where AI-generated answers are supposed to be unbeatable, this stat changes the game. According to new research, Google AI Overviews now fail to rank in Position 1 in 12.4% of U.S. desktop search queries—a dramatic shift from less than 2% just a month ago.
This isn’t just a fluke—it’s your window of opportunity.
If you’re an SEO pro, content strategist, or digital marketer, this moment matters. That 12.4% gap is your chance to rise above AI and win more clicks. Let’s break down how to capture those high-value spots while the competition sleeps on them.
Google AI Overviews are AI-generated summaries that appear at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs), often above traditional organic listings. These summaries aim to provide instant answers, pulling content from various websites.
But here’s the catch: they don’t always get it right. And when they don’t, organic listings have the chance to shine, especially when the AI Overview ranks below Position 1.
That’s where the 12.4% figure becomes a game-changer.
This isn’t about being anti-AI. It’s about being AI-aware and SEO-smart. That 12.4% gap represents queries where well-optimised, human-written content can outperform machine-generated summaries.
And it’s not just random queries. The overlap between AI Overviews and informational, problem-solving searches means there’s massive potential, especially in industries where accuracy and trust are critical.
According to a June 2025 study by Search Engine Land, AI Overviews dropped from holding the #1 position 98% of the time in May to just 87.6% in June. That’s a dramatic 12.4% window where organic results outperform AI answers.
In short:
SEO isn’t dead—it just evolved.
Rather than fear AI Overviews, smart marketers are learning how to optimise around them—and sometimes, outrank them entirely.
Start by monitoring your keywords.
Use tools like:
Ahrefs & SurferSEO studies
Look for:
Keywords where AI Overviews appear but rank below position 1
SERPs in industries like Health, Science, Law, Society, and Finance—these categories show the highest AI Overview saturation.
Google’s AI Overview system is heavily influenced by E-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. Here’s how to win:
Write deeper than the AI
Recreate what the AI says—but go further. Add context, original stats, visuals, and expert quotes.
Answer questions directly
Use subheadings, bullet points, and short, clear paragraphs.
Include supporting formats
Charts, tables, use-cases, and examples make your content more reference-worthy to both users and AI.
According to Search Engine Journal, 74% of AI Overviews are triggered by problem-solving queries, so give real answers.
Key Takeaway: Make your HTML impossible for Google to misinterpret.
Implement Schema Markup. FAQ and HowTo schemas signal to Google exactly which content to highlight.
Maintain a Clear Hierarchy. Each question is immediately followed by its answer, wrapped in proper heading tags (H2 for question, H3 or paragraph for answer).
Use Plain Language. Avoid jargon in your answers so AI can easily extract and repurpose your content.
Tip: Run your page through Google’s Rich Results Test to ensure your schema validates.
Even in the AI age, classic SEO best practices still matter—especially if you want to rank above the AI.
Your checklist:
Speed: Fast, mobile-friendly, responsive design
Indexing: Use Google Search Console to request re-indexing after content updates
Backlinks: Build trust signals from authoritative sites
Top 10 rule: 52% of AI Overview citations come from pages already ranking in the top 10.
Focus your efforts on existing high-performing pages. Improve and re-optimise them to take over AI citations or rank above them.
According to WordStream, nearly 100% of AI-triggering queries are informational.
That’s yoThat’s to:
Target how-to, what is, and why does queries
Create content hubs or pillar pages for comprehensive coverage
Embed video summaries, listicles, or visual aids—elements AI often overlooks
Some queries are better served by in-depth, human-created content, especially where nuance or decision-making is involved.
AI Overviews change frequently—your strategy should too.
Monitor regularly:
Use Google Search Console, GSC Insights, and analytics platforms to track traffic shifts
Revisit rankings for “gap” key”ord” weekly
Note which content is being cited, and which pages just need a nudge to break into the top
Update often:
Refresh top pages monthly with new data or visuals
Test alternative formats like interactive content, FAQs, or explainer videos
Don’t request indexing after updates
| Action | Why It Matters | How to Implement |
|---|---|---|
| Optimise user engagement | Google may demote AI Overviews if users bypass | Improve UX, monitor metrics |
| Target intent and keyword gaps | Capture queries where AI Overviews lose rank | Segment intent, use tools |
| Refresh content | Google favours fresh content | Regular updates, new info |
| Use conversational formats | AI Overviews favour clear, direct answers | Step-by-step, Q&A style |
When AI fails, users seek:
These formats feel more trustworthy and satisfying than machine blurbs.
Google’s AI Overviews have reshaped the search results page — but they haven’t replaced the need for smart SEO. That 12.4% gap where AI Overviews drop below the top spot proves that well-optimized, authoritative content still matters.
By finding these gaps, creating trustworthy, comprehensive answers, and structuring your pages for both users and AI, you can turn Google’s AI into an opportunity, not a threat.
In the age of AI, the marketers who adapt fastest will win the clicks AI misses.
So keep optimizing, keep tracking, and keep improving — because SEO isn’t dead. It’s evolving, and now’s your chance to stay ahead of the curve.
Ready to claim your share of that 12.4%? Start today — your next #1 ranking might be just above the AI box.
