Google confirms normal SEO works for AI Overviews

[techpuran]

Google’s Gary Illyes confirmed that AI Search does not require specialized optimization, saying that “AI SEO” is not necessary and that standard SEO is all that is needed for both AI Overviews and AI Mode.

Had 2 of my old clients leave recently because they wanted "GEO specialists" after hearing "GEO is the new SEO" from bigger agencies. Explained this exact point but they went with the hype.

Google uses identical crawling and indexing for both regular search and AI Overviews. Also confirmed they're not using LLMS.txt files despite all the buzz.

Turns out the fundamentals we've been doing all along are what actually work. Quality content, technical optimization, authority building - same as always.

Sometimes the boring answer is the right answer.

Anyone else dealing with clients chasing the latest acronyms over proven fundamentals? How are you handling the hype cycle?

 

[theautomationdomination]

I think AIO is much more dynamic and we are abusing it right now.

Google’s Gary Illyes confirmed that AI Search does not require specialized optimization, saying that “AI SEO” is not necessary and that standard SEO is all that is needed for both AI Overviews and AI Mode.

Had 2 of my old clients leave recently because they wanted "GEO specialists" after hearing "GEO is the new SEO" from bigger agencies. Explained this exact point but they went with the hype.

Google uses identical crawling and indexing for both regular search and AI Overviews. Also confirmed they're not using LLMS.txt files despite all the buzz.

Turns out the fundamentals we've been doing all along are what actually work. Quality content, technical optimization, authority building - same as always.

Sometimes the boring answer is the right answer.

Anyone else dealing with clients chasing the latest acronyms over proven fundamentals? How are you handling the hype cycle?

No offense, but you must be brand new to SEO to believe what Google says about it.

 

[TechnoTycoon]

I would just say don't believe everything they about. Most of their statement are misleading.

 

[Starblazer]

I think the same but as google confirmed it, now I doubt it.

 

[r2150523]

They speak about some niches and they can't factor in everything at the same time.
Because they make a generalization, they're likely suffering from chaos at their organization.
Just look at what happens in SERPs. That's a disaster.

 

[tazarbm]

I think the same but as google confirmed it, now I doubt it.

YOU.... you are a man of culture

 

[uniquelydull]

Yeah, I’ve definitely seen clients get swept up by the latest buzzwords-AI SEO, GEO, EEAT stacking, you name it. They chase trends pushed by agencies selling "new" solutions, when in reality, the fundamentals still drive results. I usually handle it by showing real data from long-term clients: steady growth through solid content, clean site structure, and smart linking. Sometimes it works, sometimes they still leave for shiny promises. At the end of the day, the boring stuff wins.

 

[kelvin8]

Good to know! It shows that traditional SEO techniques still hold value even for AI-generated content.

 

[Th3King]

Many clients get lost in hype, but Google still ranks sites best with simple good content and strong basics.