Google's Danny Sullivan discusses AI Overviews in NYC

Danny Sullivan, Google's Search Liaison, recently shared insights on how AI Overviews (AIO) affect search results. He emphasized that even though AIO results may differ from traditional search results, the core principles of search engine optimization (SEO) remain the same. Sullivan explained two key concepts: predictive summaries and grounding links. Predictive summaries are designed to show answers while anticipating related questions users may have. This helps provide a broader understanding of the topic, beyond just the top search results. Grounding links are another reason why AIO results may be different. These links aim to anchor the AI-generated summary to verified information on the web. This means that the links you see in AIO results can be more relevant and specific compared to those in regular search results. Sullivan warned against trying to optimize for both organic results and AIO summaries at the same time, as it could disrupt rankings. He also mentioned the query fan-out technique used in AI Mode, which helps understand variations and related queries, similar to how current search functions operate. In summary, Sullivan stressed the importance of sticking to SEO fundamentals while adapting to changes in how search results are generated with AI. Understanding these new concepts can help users navigate the evolving landscape of online search.