What are Google AI Overviews, and how do you show up in them?

They're built on classic Search

Google's own guidance is explicit that the best practices for SEO still apply because its generative features are rooted in core Search ranking and quality systems. There is no separate 'AI index' and no special markup that unlocks inclusion — a page simply needs to be indexed and eligible, and content that ranks well has a higher baseline chance of being cited.

Google has also confirmed its spam policies apply to these AI responses, so the usual quality and people-first-content rules carry straight over.

Practical steps

• •Win the classic organic ranking for your target queries first — that's the entrance.
• •Answer the query directly and early on the page so it's easy to lift.
• •Keep accurate structured data (Organization, Product, Breadcrumb) for understanding — but don't expect schema alone to earn AI inclusion.
• •Core Web Vitals help user experience but are a supporting signal, not a dominant ranking lever.