Ranking in Google’s AI Overviews: Structured Data and Content Layout Tips

Google’s new AI Overviews are changing the way search results appear. Instead of listing links, Google now uses artificial intelligence to generate short summaries that directly answer searchers’ questions. These AI summaries are generated from content that Google identifies as trustworthy, easy to understand, and properly formatted.

For any local SEO service, this shift presents a significant opportunity: if your content is structured correctly, it’s more likely to be featured prominently. But to get there, your pages need to be easily understood, not just by people, but by AI.

In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly how to give your pages the best shot, using structured data and smart formatting strategies.

What Are Google AI Overviews and Why They Matter

Google AI Overviews are short, AI-generated summaries that appear at the top of specific search results. Instead of showing a list of links, Google generates an instant answer using AI, based on trusted content from top-ranking pages.

Being featured in an AI Overview can massively increase your visibility. It puts your brand above traditional results, making it more likely that users will see and trust your content. 

But this placement isn’t random; Google selects pages that are clearly written, well-structured, and easy for its systems to interpret. As Google shifts from matching keywords to understanding meaning, making your content readable for AI is now a must for staying competitive.

How Structured Data Helps Google Understand Your Content

Structured data (also known as schema markup) is a type of code that helps search engines interpret your page content more accurately. Think of it like a cheat sheet for search engines; instead of guessing what your content means, Google gets a clear explanation.

When used correctly, structured data makes it easier for Google’s AI to identify key elements in your content. This clarity increases your chances of being included in features like AI Overviews. The clearer your content is to Google, the higher the chances it’ll be selected for AI summaries.

Here are common types of schema that help with AI visibility:

• Article schema: Tells Google that the page is a blog post or news article and helps surface the title, author, date published, and main content. This schema is often used for educational or opinion-based content. It ensures your article is classified correctly and stands out in relevant search results. For AI Overviews, it signals that your content is informative and structured.
• FAQ schema: Labels content that includes questions and answers. If you have a section where common questions are answered clearly, this schema highlights it for Google.  It can lead to your content being displayed in a collapsible FAQ format in search results, which also helps AI identify it for quick answers. This is especially effective when your content is well-organized and accurate.

• Local Business schema: Let Google know your page represents a real-world business with a specific location. It includes details like your business name, hours, address, and services. 

For local businesses, this schema boosts visibility in both AI summaries and map-based results. It also shows Google that your site is tied to a physical presence, adding credibility.

Read also: 5 Schema Markup for More Effective Local SEO Efforts

Content Layout Tips That Boost AI Overview Inclusion

Being featured in AI Overviews depends just as much on clarity as it does on quality. A smart digital marketing agency knows that formatting isn’t just cosmetic, it’s strategic. To increase your chances of inclusion, your content must be structured in a way that allows AI to easily scan, understand, and summarize it.

Use Clear, Structured Headings (H1, H2, H3)

Headings help both humans and machines make sense of your content. When used correctly, they turn your page into a readable outline that Google can easily scan and interpret.

• Headings act like a map for both readers and Google: When you use consistent heading levels (H1, H2, H3), you show the structure and priority of ideas. This helps AI identify main topics and subtopics within your page. Without that clear format, your content may appear disorganized and get overlooked.
• Avoid vague or filler-style headings: Labels like “More Info” or “Next Steps” don’t communicate anything useful to search engines. Instead, use specific, keyword-informed headings that reflect what’s in the section. This helps Google associate your content with precise user queries.
• Keep your heading structure consistent throughout: Use a single H1 for the main topic, then use H2s and H3s to break down the content underneath it. Skipping levels or mixing formats makes it harder for AI systems to follow your logic, which can weaken your ranking potential.

Lead With the Answer, Then Explain

AI Overviews aim to answer user questions quickly; therefore, your content should do the same. Structuring your content with the most critical information first gives it a better shot at being featured.

• Open each section with a direct, standalone answer: This allows Google to capture the key point without needing to scan the entire paragraph. It also helps readers immediately understand the takeaway. After this, you can add more context or detail below.
• Follow up your answer with a short explanation or example: This reinforces your credibility without overwhelming the reader. Think of it like a mini Q&A: first the “what,” then the “why.” This format is especially effective for how-to guides and factual breakdowns.
• Highlight key takeaways using bold text or bulleted lists: Visual emphasis makes your content more skimmable for both humans and AI. Highlighted answers are more likely to be extracted and shown in AI summaries. It also improves user experience by reducing reading friction.

Add Supporting Data and Context

AI doesn’t just look for quick answers; it values supporting evidence. Adding facts, stats, or comparisons helps your content stand out as both accurate and authoritative.

• Back up claims with relevant data or sources; For example, citing a trusted study or recent survey adds credibility. It tells Google you’re not just offering an opinion, you’re delivering verified insights. That increases your chances of being seen as a reliable source.
• Include real-world examples when possible: Use cases, comparisons, and analogies help clarify abstract ideas. They also give Google’s AI more signals to understand the topic’s relevance. Readers benefit too, especially if they’re unfamiliar with technical concepts.
• Even without linking, citing trusted sources by name adds credibility: A simple “According to Pew Research” or “Data from Moz shows…” adds legitimacy. These references act as trust signals without needing outbound links. Google picks up on these details when assessing topical authority.

Common Mistakes That Keep You Out of AI Overviews

Even thoughtfully written, content can be excluded from AI Overviews if it lacks specific signals of authority and clarity. As any reputable SEO company will tell you, the mistakes below don’t involve layout or structured data, but they can still hold your pages back in significant ways.

Skipping Author Attribution and Trust Signals

Trust indicators matter; without them, your content is less likely to be chosen for AI Overviews.

• Pages without visible authorship feel less credible: Google’s systems use author bylines and bios to assess the source behind the content. If there is no name or context, the page may be perceived as anonymous or unverified. Always attribute content to a real person or team.
• Missing contact or business info reduces trust: Especially for service-based content, AI prefers precise contact details, location, and about pages. These show you’re a legitimate entity, not just publishing for traffic. Add clear sitewide signals that you’re a real business.
• Lack of expertise markers can affect visibility: Biographies, credentials, or even external links to your work indicate to Google that you are knowledgeable about your topic. Without those, even strong content can be passed over. Don’t just write well, show who’s behind the writing.

Creating Content Without Matching Search Intent

Even with a firm structure and schema, your page won’t get featured if it answers the wrong question or answers it poorly.

• Misaligned content doesn’t serve the user’s goal: A blog that promises “how to fix schema errors” but mostly talks about what schema is will frustrate readers. AI models track whether the content matches what the user is actually looking for. Stay focused on what the headline promises.
• Surface-level answers weaken topic authority: AI Overviews are trained to pull rich, helpful content, not filler. If your blog provides vague or superficial explanations, Google may skip over it in favor of more in-depth sources. Add depth, examples, or actionable tips wherever possible.
• Ignoring variations in query type can backfire: A “how-to” post shouldn’t sound like a product pitch. AI can distinguish between informational, navigational, and transactional queries. Ensure your content style aligns with what the user is trying to accomplish.

Being Inconsistent With How You Cover a Topic

AI Overviews reward consistency across your site, not just within a single blog post.

• Contradicting information on different pages creates confusion: If one post says “Local schema is essential,” and another ignores or downplays it, Google may question your reliability. Align your messaging across the site when covering the same topic.
• Gaps in topic coverage hurt authority: If you frequently mention a concept but never fully explain it in a dedicated post, your topical depth can appear thin. AI favors sites that answer all relevant angles. Use internal data or SEO tools to spot missing pieces.
• Inconsistent tone or style disrupts clarity: Google favors content that’s easy to follow, and sudden shifts in tone (e.g., technical one post, casual the next) can undermine that. Maintain a uniform style so AI and readers can trust your voice.

Want to Rank in AI Overviews? The Ad Firm Can Help.

Earning a spot in Google’s AI Overviews requires more than just good content; it necessitates a proper structure, technical signals, and a cohesive content strategy working in tandem. At The Ad Firm, we help businesses implement schema markup, optimize on-page structure, and craft SEO-driven content that resonates with both Google and your customers.

From content audits and structured data implementation to AI-ready content strategies, our team can develop a customized approach that enhances the visibility and credibility of your pages. Reach out today to learn how we can help you meet Google’s new standards with confidence.