Google’s new AI features, like Gemini Overviews, are changing how people discover businesses online. Here’s a straightforward guide to make sure your website gets seen.
1. Nail the basics of your website
Before worrying about AI, make sure your site is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to use. Think of it like running a clean, welcoming shop.
- Speed: Pages should load quickly.
- Mobile friendliness: Your site should work perfectly on phones and tablets.
- Clean code & structure: A well-organised website makes it easier for Google to understand your content.
2. Show expertise
Google AI prioritises content from credible sources. This is called E-E-A-T: Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.
- Show your experience: Have you actually done what you’re writing about?
- Prove your knowledge: Are you qualified? Do peers respect your work?
- Be reliable: Secure your site, provide clear contact info, and have transparent policies.
3. Create content for people
Your content should be genuinely helpful:
- Be original: Share your unique insights.
- Be useful: Answer real questions and solve problems.
- Make it easy to read: Use headings, short paragraphs, bullet points, and summaries.
4. Answer questions people ask
People using AI often ask full questions. Tailor your content to answer them directly:
- Answer direct questions: Address common queries from your audience.
- Understand the ‘why’: Focus on the deeper needs behind their questions.
5. Include high quality media
Visuals help your content stand out. Always:
- Use high-quality images/videos.
- Add descriptive alt text for accessibility and AI understanding.
6. Add schema markup
Schema markup tells Google AI exactly what your content is about. It labels things like products, events, reviews, and FAQs.
Tools for Schema:
- Rich Results Test: Checks if your pages qualify for rich features.
- Schema Markup Validator: Ensures your structured data meets standards.
- Google Search Console → Enhancements: Tracks valid schema and issues.
Schema Generators (non-WordPress sites):
- Merkle Schema Markup Generator
- JSON-LD Generator by Hall Analysis
- Search Bloom Schema Generator
WordPress Plugins:
- Schema Pro (premium, hands-off)
- Rank Math SEO (free + pro, clean UI)
- Yoast SEO (free + premium)
- All in One SEO (AIOSEO)
- Schema & Structured Data for WP & AMP
Benefits: - Automation
- No coding required
- Regular updates
7. Bonus tools for validation and audits
- Sitebulb: Deep technical audits including schema.
- Classy Schema Viewer: Visualizes schema structure.
- Structured Data Linter: Preview how your schema appears in search.
Final thoughts
Google AI rewards clear, helpful, and technically sound websites. Focus on:
- Fast, mobile-friendly site
- Proven expertise
- Helpful, well-structured content
- Smart schema markup
Do these, and you’ll be in a strong position to get featured in Google Gemini AI Overviews.
