One of the latest trends in Google search is AI Overviews (AIO) results (previously known as Search Generative Experience). This exciting feature leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to spice up search results.
Here at AWR, we're all about keeping you in the loop and providing the tools to tackle SERP changes head-on. That is why we have implemented the mechanism that allows monitoring of Google AIO results, after previously adding support for monitoring Bing AI-generated stories.
What do AIO results mean?
Essentially, Google's AIO results involve using AI algorithms to deliver highly personalized search results that align closely with the user's search intent. This approach aims to streamline the search experience, making it easier and faster for users to find relevant information.
How can I track AIO with Advanced Web Ranking?
At the time of writing this article, AIO results are exclusive to personalized searches and are available only to users who have opted into Google’s Search Labs experiment. However, once Google begins displaying them in non-personalized searches, AWR will automatically report their ranking positions as our tracking mechanism was updated to do so.
This transition seems imminent, as Google has already begun testing AIO in non-personalized search results. This means AI-generated answers may soon appear in search results for users who are not enrolled in the Search Labs experiment. Currently, AIO testing is limited to a small subset of U.S.-based searchers.
Later edit 1: Google has publicly launched AIO in the U.S. Following this rollout, AI-generated results are now available for all personalized searches for users logged into their Google accounts on the Chrome browser, not just those who have opted into the Search Labs experiment.
As soon as AIO results are also included in non-personalized SERPs, AWR will capture and report their ranking positions using the Universal version of both desktop and mobile Google search engines.
Later edit 2: AIO results have started appearing in non-personalized search results on both mobile and desktop. They are now included among the reported rankings in AWR, and you can track AIO instances using the Google Mobile Universal and Google Desktop Universal search engines.
Adding Google Universal to a project can be done from the Project Settings > Search Engines section.
💡When monitoring a Universal search engine, the positions of Organic entries alongside URLs from Local 3-pack, Featured Snippets, People Also Ask, Aggregator Units, Images, and other result types found in Google SERPs will be reported as ranking. For more insights on Google's search preferences in AWR, please check this dedicated article.
How can I identify keywords that triggered AIO results?
To identify keywords that have triggered AIO results and monitor their performance effectively, you can utilize the SERP Features filter within the Ranking > Keywords report.
The SERP Features column displays the features present on Google’s result pages for each keyword, allowing you to easily identify AIO and other SERP Features.
By staying informed and leveraging the capabilities of AWR, you can effectively monitor and adapt your SEO strategies in response to the changing dynamics of online search, including the rise of AI-generated search results like AIOs.
Do you have any further questions or need more information about this product update? Don't hesitate to get in touch with our dedicated support team.