Why AI Overviews Are Actually Good News for Smart Local SEO in San Diego
Introduction: What Are AI Overviews Anyway?
If you’ve recently searched for something on Google and saw an AI-generated summary right at the top, you’ve encountered what’s called an AI Overview. It’s Google’s new feature pulling together info from various websites to give users quick answers.
At first glance, it might seem like a threat—why would someone click through to your website if Google’s giving away the answer right there? I had that gut reaction too.
But as the owner of Jen Ruhman SEO, a San Diego-based SEO company, I’ve seen firsthand how this change is actually an opportunity—especially for smart local businesses that know how to adapt.
Let me show you why AI Overviews are not the enemy, and how you can use them to your advantage.
How AI Overviews Are Changing Search (And Why You Should Care)
The Shift Toward Summarized Search
We’re moving into a world where users want instant answers. AI Overviews deliver that. Instead of scanning 10 websites, users get a short, AI-written paragraph that pulls highlights from various sources.
This sounds like bad news for site traffic—but here’s the silver lining…
Good Content Still Wins
AI Overviews don’t just invent answers. They pull from top-ranking, trustworthy sites. If your content is well-optimized, clear, and authoritative, you’ll be the one the AI borrows from.
I’ve had clients in San Diego show up in AI snapshots just weeks after we rewrote their content with E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) in mind.
Why AI Overviews Are Good News for Local SEO
Local Businesses Have the Home Field Advantage
San Diego businesses, listen up. AI Overviews love local relevance. That means your website has a chance to be featured simply because it’s more geographically appropriate than a national brand.
For example, if someone searches “best tacos in San Diego,” Google’s AI will want to show results from actual San Diego businesses—not a generic food blog from New York.
The More Specific You Are, The More You Win
Instead of aiming for broad phrases like “plumber,” go after “emergency plumber in La Jolla” or “eco-friendly cleaning services in Hillcrest.” Google loves specificity, and it helps AI pick your content as relevant and precise.
I’ve personally helped clients in North Park and Gaslamp Quarter dominate the AI Overview boxes simply by narrowing their keyword targets and adding local schema markup.
What Kind of Content Works Best for AI Overviews?
Answer-Based, Structured Content
AI pulls from content that directly answers questions, so use formats like:
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FAQs
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How-tos
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Comparison tables
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Step-by-step guides
Add H2 and H3 headings, bullet points, and clear explanations. One of my HVAC clients saw a traffic spike just by restructuring their blog post to include “What to Do When Your AC Breaks in San Diego Heat” with bullet-pointed steps.
Add Real-World Examples and Location-Specific Tips
You know what the AI won’t have? Your lived experience.
If you’re a dog groomer in Pacific Beach, don’t just write “how to groom a dog.” Instead, write “how we help beach dogs stay clean after sandy days in Pacific Beach.” That’s the kind of authenticity Google and readers love.
Local SEO Strategies That Now Matter Even More
Double Down on Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is a key data source for AI Overviews. Keep it updated, add photos, collect reviews, and write keyword-rich business descriptions. It’s free SEO real estate.
Use Local Schema Markup
Adding LocalBusiness schema to your website helps search engines understand where you are and what you do. I use this in almost every client site build. It’s often the quiet hero behind AI visibility.
Nail Down Your “Topical Authority”
You can’t just rank for one good blog post. You need a cluster of helpful, related content.
If you’re a chiropractor, don’t just write about back pain. Write about posture tips, spinal health, sleeping positions, local running trails (with back support tips), and what to expect during your first adjustment in San Diego.
This builds trust and tells Google, “Hey, I’m the expert here.”
What I’m Doing for My SEO Clients Right Now
Real Results from Real San Diego Businesses
For my local clients, I’ve shifted how we do SEO to focus on:
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Stronger internal linking between blog posts
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Optimized FAQs on every service page
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Writing more conversational, helpful content (like this post!)
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Encouraging more customer reviews with keywords
One of my favorite wins? A home inspection company in San Diego started getting calls from customers who found them directly through an AI overview. Why? We answered a common question—“What does a home inspection in San Diego cost?”—in a clear, concise format.
Embrace the AI Shift—It’s Already Here
AI Overviews might feel intimidating, but they’re just another evolution of search. And like any change, it’s the smart marketers who adapt first that see the biggest gains.
You don’t need to game the system. You just need to understand what users are asking, and answer it better than anyone else—especially in your local area.
If you’re a San Diego business owner and want help showing up in these new AI-driven search features, reach out. I’m here to help you win.
Call or text me: (619) 719-1315
Let’s make sure your business doesn’t just survive this AI shift—it thrives in it.
FAQs
1. How do I know if my website is featured in an AI Overview?
Right now, Google doesn’t notify you, but you can search your key terms in an incognito window and look for snippets. If your content sounds familiar—it might be yours!
2. Is AI Overview traffic measurable in Google Analytics?
Not directly (yet), but if you see sudden spikes or unusual referral patterns, AI Overviews could be a reason.
3. Can AI Overviews replace my website?
No. They highlight parts of your site. They actually reward well-written, helpful pages. If anything, they make your expertise more visible.
4. Do I need to update all my content now?
Start with your top-performing pages and your most locally relevant service pages. Don’t panic—just prioritize strategically.
5. How do I write content that AI will pick up?
Use natural language, focus on real questions your audience asks, structure your content with headers, and be as clear and helpful as possible.
