Google’s move from ten blue links to AI-generated summaries is no longer a lab experiment. A recent data shows that the share of news queries ending without a click has jumped to 69 %, while many publishers have lost 20–60 % of Google traffic.
Independent shops and service providers might see a dip in visits and enquiries over the next 18 months as more searchers find quick answers in the AI summary. That said, a few well-chosen SEO tweaks can turn this shift into an opportunity.
So, what does this mean for your SEO strategy and how can you stay visible in a world dominated by AI-curated answers?
Smart Moves Small Businesses Can Make in the Next Few Months
1. Acquire Answer-Box Status
Pages must speak machine language. Use schema for how-to, FAQ and product data; keep answers concise enough to slot into an overview while linking to deeper material.
2. Demonstrate Clear Expertise
Original research, unique commentary, and named authors are still rewarded by Google. Use citations, concise biographies, and independent references to boost E-E-A-T signals.
3. Diversify the Traffic
Relying solely on organic search invites risk. Email, social, and syndication soften AI volatility, and a memorable brand name encourages direct visits.
4. Localise Intelligently
Location queries often trigger AI boxes that surface well-structured local results. Read our take on AI-driven local SEO to keep brick-and-mortar pages in view.
5. Optimise Speed And UX
AI summaries favour fast, mobile-friendly pages because Google can crawl and quote them with minimal re-rendering.
6. Spread the Workload
Constant algorithm changes can cause internal teams to feel overburdened. Hiring a digital marketing agency in Cyprus allows internal staff to concentrate on partnerships and product development by providing specialized resources for audits, content updates, and link acquisition.
Keep an Eye on The Bigger Picture
Traffic diversification is the key. Email lists, social video, and direct brand searches limit exposure to zero-click results. A full-funnel review from a digital agency Cyprus helps align content, analytics and conversion paths under one strategy.
Technical health still matters. Routine search engine optimisation Cyprus tasks, including fast hosting, tidy sitemaps, logical internal links, remain the foundation on which AI Overviews decide what to quote.
Organic reach is evolving, not disappearing. Treat AI Overviews as a new layer in the funnel, prepare methodically, and your content will still earn the click even when the answer appears first.
