Google changed how search works
If you've searched for something on Google recently, you might have noticed something new at the top of the results page. Before the links, before the ads, there's a box with an AI-written summary that tries to answer your question right there.
That's called Google AI Overview.
Here's an example. Someone searches "best plumber Capalaba" and instead of just showing a list of websites, Google now writes a short paragraph like:
> *"Some of the top-rated plumbers in Capalaba include Smith & Sons Plumbing, known for emergency callouts and strong Google reviews, and Bayside Plumbing Co, which specialises in hot water systems and has a 4.9-star rating..."*
Your business could be in that summary. Or it could be completely invisible. The difference comes down to how your website is built and what's on it.
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There's no opt-in button
Google has said publicly that there is no special registration or opt-in for AI Overview. You can't pay for it. You can't apply.
What Google does look at is content quality and structure. If your website is well-organised, answers questions clearly, and has the right technical setup, you're far more likely to appear.
Here's what actually works.
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Put the answer first
AI systems scan your page and look for direct, clear answers. If your content buries the answer under five paragraphs of background, the AI will skip it.
After every heading on your page, write a 40-60 word summary that directly answers the question. Then expand on it below. This is sometimes called "summary-first" formatting. It gives the AI something clean to pull from, and it also makes your content easier for real people to read.
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Add structured data to your site
Structured data (also called Schema.org markup) is invisible code on your website that tells search engines exactly what your business does, where it is, what services you offer, and what your reviews say.
Adding structured data to a business website has been shown to increase AI search visibility by roughly 30%. It's one of the highest-impact things you can do, and most tradie websites don't have it.
The key types to add are LocalBusiness, Service, FAQ, and Review markup.
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Add an FAQ section
Every page on your site should have a short FAQ section at the bottom. Write three to five questions that your customers actually ask, and answer each one in two to three sentences.
AI Overview loves FAQ content because it's already in question-and-answer format. The AI can pull a question and its answer directly into the summary without having to interpret anything.
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Use specific numbers and cite your sources
AI systems prefer content that includes real data. Instead of writing "we have great reviews," write "4.9-star average across 87 Google reviews." Instead of "we're fast," write "average response time of 45 minutes for emergency callouts."
When you reference statistics or industry data, mention where it comes from. Attribution signals credibility, and credibility is what gets you featured.
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Be present across multiple platforms
Google's AI doesn't just look at your website. It pulls information from Google Business Profile, social media, directories, and review sites. The more consistent your business information is across these platforms, the more confident the AI is that you're a real, active business worth recommending.
Make sure your business name, address, phone number, and services are identical everywhere they appear online.
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Keep your content fresh
Pages that haven't been updated in over a year start to lose relevance in AI systems. Review your website content every three to six months. Update your service descriptions, add new reviews, refresh your FAQ answers, and make sure your pricing is current.
A website that was last touched in 2024 is going to lose out to a competitor who updated theirs last month.
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Advanced: help AI crawlers find you
Two newer techniques are worth knowing about. The first is llms.txt -- a simple text file you add to your website that tells AI crawlers what your site is about and which pages matter most. Think of it like a welcome note for AI systems.
The second is AI crawler whitelisting. Some websites accidentally block AI bots from reading their content. Making sure your site allows crawlers from Google, OpenAI, and others means your content can actually be indexed.
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This isn't just about Google
Everything above also helps your business appear in ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity. These AI tools are already being used by millions of people to find local services. When someone asks ChatGPT "find me a good electrician in Melbourne," the answer comes from the same kind of structured, well-written content.
Optimising for AI search isn't a separate job from regular SEO. It's the same work, done properly.
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Get a site that's built for AI search
Most website builders don't think about any of this. They give you a template, you fill in the blanks, and you hope for the best.
At Websites Factory, every site we build includes structured data, summary-first content formatting, FAQ sections, and AI crawler configuration as standard. Your site is ready for Google AI Overview, ChatGPT, and whatever comes next.
Plans start at $99/mo. Get started here.