Google AI Overviews (the AI-generated summary that appears above organic results for many searches) are becoming a significant source of traffic and leads for local businesses. For tradespeople, appearing in an AI Overview for searches like “best plumber in Leeds” or “emergency electrician Bradford” could be transformative. Here is how to improve your chances.
What Are Google AI Overviews?
Launched widely in 2024, Google AI Overviews use Gemini (Google’s AI model) to generate direct answers to user queries, pulling information from websites Google trusts. They appear as a coloured box above the standard search results, and they cite the sources they use. For informational queries, they reduce click-through to websites. For local service queries, they can recommend specific businesses.
How Google Decides Which Businesses to Feature
Based on what we know about Google’s AI Overviews for local searches, the businesses most likely to appear are those with: high review counts and ratings on Google (the AI explicitly cites review data), a well-structured, information-rich website that is easy for AI to parse, strong E-E-A-T signals (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness), consistent NAP data across multiple platforms, and schema markup that explicitly identifies the business type and services.
Practical Steps to Improve Your AI Overview Visibility
1. Optimise for E-E-A-T
Add an “About” page that clearly establishes Jamie’s (or your) expertise and experience. Include years in business, qualifications, specific projects, and testimonials. Google uses this kind of biographical authority content to verify expertise claims.
2. Create FAQ Content
AI Overviews frequently pull from FAQ sections. Add a FAQ section to each service page answering the questions your customers actually ask: “How much does a boiler service cost?”, “How long does a new roof take?”, “Are you available for emergencies?”. Write clear, direct answers. These are exactly the format AI prefers.
3. Build Reviews Aggressively
AI Overviews for local businesses explicitly reference review data. A business with 4.9 stars (150 reviews) is far more likely to be featured than one with 4.2 stars (8 reviews). Make review generation a systematic, monthly priority.
4. Implement Comprehensive Schema Markup
LocalBusiness schema, Service schema, Review schema, FAQPage schema. This structured data tells Google’s AI exactly what your business does without ambiguity. Most trades websites have no schema at all — fixing this is a significant competitive advantage.
5. Get Featured in Authoritative Local Sources
Links and mentions from local newspapers, trade publications, local council sites, and established directories increase your authority in Google’s eyes. AI systems look for businesses that are well-referenced across multiple authoritative sources.
The Timeline
AI search optimisation is not a one-week fix. Think of it as a 6-12 month investment in building the trust signals that AI systems look for. The businesses starting now will be significantly ahead when AI search becomes the dominant way customers find local services.
See our AI Search service or book a call to discuss your AI search strategy.