Introduction to AI Overview
In Australia, Google introduced an AI Overview in the later part of 2024. The overviews are designed to be concise, providing a snapshot of relevant information on the queried topic. The feature also includes prominent links to source content, ensuring that users can access more in-depth information directly from authoritative websites. [1]
Content publishers raised concerns about potential decline in their website traffic, worrying that users might opt for AI-generated summaries instead of clicking through to the original sources. To address this, Google responded by putting strategies in place to give greater prominence to links within AI Overviews, aiming to balance providing convenient summaries for users and supporting the needs of content creators. [1]
The following example shows the results of a Google search for ‘dimensions of competency’.
In the above example, my On Target Work Skills website has been used to generate the AI Overview. Can you spot my logo? I am glad that my website has been used; however, people may not visit my website if they find the AI Overview is sufficient.
Concerns have been raised regarding the AI Overview feature. Critics argue that relying on AI-generated summaries could spread inaccuracies or oversimplify complex topics. Additionally, there’s worry about the ethical considerations of AI aggregating content, particularly concerning its impact on intellectual property rights and the visibility of smaller content providers. [1]
What’s a Zero-Click search?
The AI Overview leads to what is known as a Zero-Click search. A Zero-Click search occurs when a web browser, such as Google, displays the response to a user’s query at the top of the page, that does not lead to a click. The ‘click’ represents the user visiting the website of the publisher of the content. [2]
The following is an example. I used Google to search ‘Zero-Click search’ and got the following response.
In the example above, the AI Overview quickly provided a concise summary. Also, the links to the source of the information were provided but I got what I need and didn’t ‘click’ on any links to find out more. In the above example, it stated that nearly 60% of Google searches end without a click in 2024.
I am a sole trader who has spent years developing my On Target Work Skills website, and I continue to regularly publish content. Traffic to my website is extremely important to my operations. Unfortunately, since the introduction of AI Overview my website traffic has nearly halved compared to my statistics from the past few years. Less people are visiting my website.
In conclusion
Have you visited my On Target Work Skills website lately? You may have recently found me and my website, or you may have known me for many years. I use my website to publish information about:
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
- Australia’s vocational education and training system.
You are cordially invited to visit my On Target Work Skills website, and use the search function to explore topics of interest to you.
Are you seeking particular TAE or VET information that you can’t find on my website? Let me know and I’ll see if I can help.
References
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AI_Overviews accessed 19 May 2025
[2] AI Overviews generated by Google.
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