{"id":2909,"date":"2025-06-13T20:52:23","date_gmt":"2025-06-13T20:52:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.digitalposition.com\/resources\/blog\/?p=2909"},"modified":"2025-06-30T20:47:13","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T20:47:13","slug":"how-to-get-your-ads-to-show-in-google-ai-overviews","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.digitalposition.com\/resources\/blog\/ppc\/how-to-get-your-ads-to-show-in-google-ai-overviews\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Get Your Ads To Show In Google AI Overviews"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Google\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/developers.google.com\/search\/docs\/appearance\/ai-overviews\">AI Overviews<\/a> and language models like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techtarget.com\/whatis\/definition\/ChatGPT\">ChatGPT<\/a> are starting to take over how people search. In fact, over <a href=\"https:\/\/www.engadget.com\/ai\/15-billion-people-see-googles-ai-overviews-each-month-174526822.html\"><strong>1.5 billion use<\/strong><\/a><strong> Google\u2019s AI Overviews monthly<\/strong>, and that number is climbing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That means your audience isn\u2019t just searching on Google anymore. They\u2019re asking questions in AI-powered tools, and those tools are serving up answers. If your brand isn\u2019t showing up where people are now getting their information, you\u2019re already falling behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve done the work. We\u2019ve run the tests. While there isn\u2019t a foolproof way to guarantee your brand will show up for queries in your market, we\u2019ve found a way that will increase your chances of your ads being shown in Google\u2019s AI Overview.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Is AI Overview And What Is It Used For:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXf8y0w2uFQkrHaMDTralobLl91H2o8aPLXx5Eiy5uIZGT32inqNGyCSR7bw9iY7rwm1YmGC2-AdfdSzxmNurEVlrDLN04VjdlvNl951x3tF1RxB5f0-ODgj1ixlfGcN4WshDedrOw?key=iREeyOgE-e2QemUdph9e7g\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Via <a href=\"https:\/\/torro.io\/blog\/googles-ai-overview-for-seo\">Torro Media<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AI Overviews are those new <a href=\"https:\/\/developers.google.com\/search\/docs\/appearance\/ai-overviews\">smart answer boxes<\/a> that sit right at the top of some Google search results. Instead of just showing a list of blue links, Google now uses AI to summarize the most relevant info in a clean, scroll-stopping format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These overviews are especially useful for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightedge.com\/glossary\/long-tail-keyword#:~:text=A%20long%20tail%20keyword%20is,reflect%20how%20people%20make%20queries.\"><strong>long-tail<\/strong><\/a><strong> questions<\/strong> that don\u2019t have one obvious answer. You\u2019ll see a mix of facts, perspectives, and additional links. It\u2019s a faster way for people to research without digging through multiple websites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And now, Google is testing ad placements right inside them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The question on every business&#8217;s mind has been \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/surferseo.com\/blog\/how-to-rank-in-ai-overviews\/\">How can<\/a> we get our brand to be referenced for these queries?\u201d or \u201cHow can we have our <a href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/google-ads-ai-overviews-spotted-455889\">ads<\/a> show up here before anyone else?\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Do Ads Come Up?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Right now, ads are showing up in about <strong>10% of AI-generated queries<\/strong>, and that number is expected to grow larger and larger as Google looks to improve its monetization efforts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Right now, the types of searches where ads appear aren\u2019t the typical \u201cbuy now\u201d ones, they\u2019re deeper, top-of-funnel questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Queries That Often Don\u2019t Show AI Overviews:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not every search is a good fit for an AI-generated answer. In fact, some types of queries rarely surface AI Overviews at all. These are usually high-intent, decision-based searches where the AI can\u2019t really add unique value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few examples that typically don\u2019t show AI Overviews:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/seo\/glossary\/short-tail-keywords#:~:text=Short%2Dtail%20keywords%E2%80%94also%20known,typically%20have%20low%20search%20volume.\">Short-tail queries<\/a> like \u201crunning shoes\u201d or \u201claptop\u201d are too broad and lack context for AI to summarize effectively.<br><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXevC4RfaOt3CEME7u5BrxNosJcQXXuApxxN8T7bqHB9Q2dhkK81vuxBQf6MtuM26C1S_u3c0wkv4K9UNTikDcNhDPvULjGpBJziLC4cEXRiJJq6eriAPGPsbTUZhM69dFCkLouV?key=iREeyOgE-e2QemUdph9e7g\" width=\"703\" height=\"495\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shopping or \u201cbuy now\u201d intent searches tend to trigger product listings and ads, not AI summaries, because users are closer to conversion.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Highly subjective or preference-based topics, like \u201cbest mattress\u201d or \u201ctop phone under $500,\u201d often rely more on personal choice than AI can confidently summarize.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In short: if the query is commercial and straightforward, AI Overviews usually stay out of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Queries That Often DO Show AI Overviews:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>AI Overviews are built to shine when the question requires more context, explanation, or multi-part answers. These usually aren\u2019t your typical \u201cbuy now\u201d searches, they\u2019re the ones people ask when they\u2019re still researching or trying to understand something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what those queries tend to look like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wordstream.com\/long-tail-keywords\"><strong>Long-tail<\/strong><\/a><strong> questions<\/strong> like \u201chow can I run faster and longer without my feet hurting?\u201d are great examples, they\u2019re detailed, specific, and focused on solving a problem.<br><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXdrkaRdT6DlyU_5iuylPfrVpMOpdzSD9x4HESbDBiYsF4PNHDzFZ8Bs9nLbToHWtgD7Pvke4crxW5ajeU_S-FfdSCe57o-Kuw7d9EQ5D9588T7Vh1xbnkVEU1JPbGggJv04V_NS8w?key=iREeyOgE-e2QemUdph9e7g\" width=\"357\" height=\"770.8897414982375\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Research-driven searches<\/strong> where users are gathering information before making a decision, like \u201chow to choose a marathon training plan\u201d or \u201cwhy do feet hurt after running long distances.\u201d<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Less subjective topics<\/strong> that AI can confidently explain, such as steps, methods, or tips, where there\u2019s clear and helpful information to summarize.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These are <strong>discovery-based searches<\/strong>, not high-intent purchase queries. That means the goal isn\u2019t just to get a click, it\u2019s to build awareness, trust, and relevance early in the buying journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How To Show Ads In AI Overviews:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want your ads to start showing in these AI results, you\u2019ll need to shift your approach and your targeting. This isn\u2019t about catching users at the bottom of the funnel who are ready to click \u201cBuy Now.\u201d Instead, you&#8217;re focusing on people still figuring things out, researching, comparing, and asking deeper questions. These users are top-of-funnel, and they\u2019re where AI Overviews are showing up the most. If you\u2019re only chasing conversions, you\u2019ll miss them entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXdx94dpZU2bD59tzxCL0WvC5aexuzwntoDXX8sP4OE0Ic4EaSybb56p6Wf_F_xkbG8GHRq8c76hV0_NrUCTsePc02tYJEtghaPvURBzFpYbKy9osOHr6sdLDTa7pNGbiczYzkYJ6g?key=iREeyOgE-e2QemUdph9e7g\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Via <a href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/google-tests-ads-ai-overviews-440649\">Search Engine Land<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who You\u2019re Targeting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>These are users with specific problems, not product names. They\u2019re asking things like \u201cbest ways to reduce muscle soreness after running\u201d or \u201chow to keep a toddler entertained on a plane,\u201d not \u201cNike running shoes size 9.\u201d<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/useinsider.com\/glossary\/top-of-the-funnel\/#:~:text=Top%20of%20the%20funnel%20refers,a%20product%2C%20service%20or%20brand.\">early in the decision process<\/a>. They want guidance, options, and answers, not a direct sales pitch.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They\u2019re the audience that will remember you if you help them first. Brands that show up with helpful, honest content are more likely to get the click later.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How To Target These Users<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Identify the questions your audience is asking most.<\/strong> Use tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/webmasters\/answer\/9128668?hl=en#:~:text=Google%20Search%20Console%20is%20a,how%20Google%20sees%20your%20site.\">Google Search Console<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/neilpatel.com\/blog\/what-is-answer-the-public\/#:~:text=AnswerThePublic%20is%20a%20free%20social,predicted%20cost%2Dper%2Dclick.\">Answer the Public<\/a>, or ChatGPT to find common questions in your niche that don\u2019t already have strong answer content.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create blog posts or guides as your landing pages.<\/strong> These should directly answer the question being asked. Keep the content clear, easy to scan, and helpful; this builds trust and relevance with the user (and with Google\u2019s AI).<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Run ads to these content pages, not just your product or service pages.<\/strong> The goal is to meet users where they are in the journey, provide value, and then give them a clear next step once they\u2019re ready to take action. This positions your brand as the helpful one early on, and that\u2019s who usually wins the sale down the line.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How To Optimize For These Questions:<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"707\" height=\"398\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcrfJ2c5-d3QJl87Dq6epEyYUHNJ4lLiJTDtg6-LskHGrigZJldHTi0-JrPJVxBDy7EhmGNvF4ZBw-MHM0m9D8ZjjM004gruEJ9qFuMD5bBHEb0eym8RqYp_0yuWJIcwdDCDNpLgQ?key=iREeyOgE-e2QemUdph9e7g\"><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Via <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.google\/products\/ads-commerce\/google-ai-max-for-search-campaigns\/\">Google Ads &amp; Commerce Blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To actually show up in AI Overviews, your campaign structure and keyword targeting need to shift toward how real people ask real questions. You\u2019re targeting the research phase, when people are asking longer, more specific questions that signal they\u2019re looking to learn, not immediately purchase. Google\u2019s AI is designed to answer those types of queries, so your campaigns need to align with that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how to optimize for these kinds of searches:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Target long-tail keywords <\/strong>that mirror natural language. Think \u201chow to prevent knee pain while running\u201d instead of just \u201crunning shoes.\u201d These are the types of searches that trigger AI Overviews.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/google-ads\/answer\/12159290?hl=en#:~:text=Broad%20match%20is%20the%20default,the%20%E2%80%9CMatch%20Type%E2%80%9D%20column.\"><strong>broad match<\/strong><\/a><strong> with top-of-funnel seed terms<\/strong> so Google can match your ads to related questions and variations you may not have predicted. This gives you flexibility and scale.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Launch AI Max campaigns.<\/strong> These are specifically designed to explore new placements like AI Overviews and take advantage of Google\u2019s real-time understanding of user behavior and intent. If you want visibility in emerging search formats, this is where to start.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Disclaimer:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>AI Overviews are still new, and we\u2019re all learning how they work in real-time. There\u2019s a lot of promise here, but it\u2019s not a silver bullet (yet). If you\u2019re testing this out, here are a few things you need to know upfront:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>You can\u2019t directly control whether or not your ad shows in an AI Overview result. There\u2019s no targeting switch or placement setting for this, Google decides when it happens.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There\u2019s currently no reporting that separates AI Overview clicks or conversions from standard search ads. Everything gets lumped together, so it\u2019s impossible to tell what\u2019s actually driving performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Performance can be inconsistent. Some queries show ads in AI Overviews, others don\u2019t, and that mix changes often.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This isn\u2019t something you can rely on for core campaign performance right now. It\u2019s a smart space to experiment in, but not one to bet the farm on.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;ll keep a close eye on how this evolves and let you know the moment Google gives us more clarity or control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AI Overviews are still early, but they\u2019re not going away, and brands that start testing now will be in a much better position when this becomes mainstream. Getting ahead of these shifts is how you stay relevant, show up where your customers are searching, and avoid falling behind. If you want help figuring out how to get your ads into AI Overviews or need a game plan tailored to your brand, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalposition.com\/book-your-call\">let\u2019s talk<\/a>. Reach out and schedule a call with our team to get started.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Google\u2019s AI Overviews and language models like ChatGPT are starting to take over how people search. In fact, over 1.5 billion use Google\u2019s AI Overviews monthly, and that number is climbing.&nbsp; That means your audience isn\u2019t just searching on Google anymore. They\u2019re asking questions in AI-powered tools, and those tools are serving up answers. If&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":2910,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,22,2],"tags":[19],"thumbnail_src":"https:\/\/dev.digitalposition.com\/resources\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Untitled-design-8-1-300x225.png","thumbnail_medium_src":"https:\/\/dev.digitalposition.com\/resources\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Untitled-design-8-1-768x576.png","featured_image_src":"https:\/\/dev.digitalposition.com\/resources\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Untitled-design-8-1.png","author_avatar_src":"https:\/\/dev.digitalposition.com\/resources\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/john1.webp","author_name":"John Vickery","category_labels":["Feed Management","News","PPC"],"tag_labels":["featured"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.digitalposition.com\/resources\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2909"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.digitalposition.com\/resources\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.digitalposition.com\/resources\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.digitalposition.com\/resources\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.digitalposition.com\/resources\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2909"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/dev.digitalposition.com\/resources\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2909\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2914,"href":"https:\/\/dev.digitalposition.com\/resources\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2909\/revisions\/2914"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.digitalposition.com\/resources\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2910"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.digitalposition.com\/resources\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2909"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.digitalposition.com\/resources\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2909"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.digitalposition.com\/resources\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2909"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}