The New Frontier of AIO Search
02.21.25
Search has become a way of life. The instant a thought enters our heads, we head to Google for a solution. But as technology advances and user behavior changes, so does the search engine landscape. Today’s search marketing experts urge you to broaden your focus to include answer engine optimization (AEO) and AI Overviews (AIO).
Read on to explore how to solve AEO, what Google’s AIO search means for your website and why an AEO agency is needed for results.
Recent Search Trends
We’ve all been there — you ask Google a particular question and are presented with a multitude of articles. One of them may hold the answer to your question, but every click is a gamble. It may take multiple links before you find what you’re searching for.
Other users like you want fast access to information. In fact, nearly 59% of searches in the U.S. end with zero clicks. Users will search for one thing, but quickly end a session, enter a new query or find a quick answer through Google’s AI features.
The Rise of AIO Search
Google’s search marketing experts experimented with solutions for zero-click searches. In 2014, featured snippets were introduced to display information from articles within the search engine results page (SERP). Featured snippets were received well by users, leading to additional zero-click features such as People Also Ask, Local Packs and beyond.
Though beneficial for those using voice search, featured snippets are limited to existing content. Hyper-specific queries often received inapplicable answers or no answer at all.
In 2024, Google stepped up its answer capabilities with the launch of AI Overviews (AIO). Google’s AIO search uses artificial intelligence to pull information from multiple sources — ultimately yielding a more conversational yet comprehensive answer to queries. A “Learn More” column accompanies each overview, encouraging users to visit links with applicable information.
The Pros of AIO Search
The shift towards AEO has been transformative for brands. Instead of solely focusing on keywords, relevance is now an integral component of content creation. Brands have a chance to increase visibility by structuring content around common questions or implementing formats that appeal to search engines.
You may still be wondering how to solve AEO for your business. Enlisting an AEO agency will increase your chances of reaching the top. Paradigm’s search marketing experts improve results by:
- Creating high-quality content that answers commonly searched questions
- Utilizing schema markup, such as star ratings or organizational bios
- Focusing on questions featured in the “People Also Ask” section on the SERP
The Cons of AIO Search
Though innovative, Google’s AIO search is not without its faults. There is no guaranteed way for businesses to appear in the AI overview box, as this feature is still experimental. Plus, algorithms are constantly changing — strategies that work well today may not work tomorrow.
Notably, generative AI features have sparked concerns about individual website performance. If a consumer already has the answer they need, they may not be willing to navigate off the results page. This may negatively impact the click-through rate of top-performing pages.
As of now, strategies focused solely on zero-click search features are not the best path forward. Organizations should develop a mixed strategy with traditional SEO tactics and emerging tactics that appeal to AOI, featured snippets and other zero-click features. For example, blogs offer zero-click opportunities. Meanwhile, service-offering pages are better suited for driving conversions through organic SEO.
There is Hope.
Today, search engine optimization is no longer as simple as plugging in high-value keywords. It’s a conscious effort to stay on top of evolution. Successful websites must create valuable content, embrace emerging technologies, monitor results and refine strategies alongside search marketing experts.
Those that do so improve their chance of appearing in Google’s AIO search results — and, ultimately, succeed in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.
However, it’s challenging to adapt to change as you run a business. Paradigm partners with ambitious brands to produce real results. Our SEO strategists keep pace with the digital landscape, identifying organic tactics that will work for you and measuring progress over time.
When you enlist Paradigm for search engine optimization, our team will:
- Document your goals and benchmarks for success
- Research keywords of value within your industry
- Identify impactful content formats
- Optimize blogs and web pages for search
- Present monthly reports that demonstrate results
Let’s explore how to solve AEO — contact our search marketing experts below to start your tailor-made strategy.
