What Sarasota Small Businesses Need to Know About Google’s AI Overviews
If your web traffic’s been acting up lately, you’re not alone and you’re not crazy. Google’s new AI Overviews, previously called the Search Generative Experience (SGE), are shaking up search results in a way that’s impacting local businesses across Sarasota, from downtown design studios to Palmer Ranch accountants.
These AI-powered summaries now sit above traditional search listings, consuming over 40% of screen space. That means even if you’re ranking #1, users might not even see your site without scrolling.
So what does this mean for your content strategy? Let’s break it down.
How Google AI Overviews Actually Work (And Why It Matters)
Unlike featured snippets, AI Overviews pull from multiple high-ranking sources and synthesize them into full-blown answers powered by Google’s Gemini model. Think of it like a supercharged research assistant that reads half the internet before giving users an answer.
Here’s the kicker: even if your site contributes to that summary, Google might not show your link. Or it might oversimplify your message, stripping away the nuance and your brand voice.
For example, if you run a boutique real estate firm in Lakewood Ranch and publish a detailed guide on first-time home buying, AI might reduce it to a line or two, leaving out your insights and CTAs.
The Traffic Shakeup: Winners, Losers, and What the Data Shows
Studies from 2025 show organic traffic can drop 18% to 64% for sites offering basic informational content. That’s especially true for Sarasota-area blogs relying on explainers, FAQs, or how-tos.
But it’s not all doom and gloom:
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Inclusion in AI Overviews can boost clicks by 1.4x to 3.6x compared to traditional rankings
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Users who click through from Overviews tend to be more qualified, closer to a buying decision
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Businesses in niches like law, healthcare, or real estate can benefit most if their content gets cited
So if you’re not adapting, you’re likely getting left behind.
What “AI-Resistant” Content Looks Like (Hint: It’s Not What You Think)
Your Sarasota bakery’s blog post on “How to Make the Perfect Key Lime Pie” might’ve ranked well before. Now, it’s at risk of being summarized into a one-line recipe blurb.
To stay competitive, you need AI-resistant content—material that can’t be condensed into a bullet point.
What Works Now:
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Proprietary data (like local customer surveys or case studies)
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Deep how-to guides with screenshots, videos, and custom charts
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First-person stories from local clients or your business journey
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Downloadable checklists or templates tied to your offerings
Make it so good and specific that AI has no choice but to link to you.
SEO Tactics That Actually Work in the AI Era
Forget keyword stuffing. Google’s AI knows better. Instead, double down on these:
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Use Q&A formats: AI loves content that mirrors human questions.
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Structure with intent: Clean headings, clear hierarchy, and bullet points matter.
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Invest in E-E-A-T: That’s Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. Back your claims with real data and cite credible sources, such as Google’s own Search Central documentation or reputable industry studies from platforms like Statista and HubSpot.
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Optimize your tech: Fast-loading, mobile-first websites with proper schema markup are more likely to be crawled and featured.
Need help fixing your site’s crawlability or structure? Communica PRO can take a look.
Branding in the Age of Summarization
Here’s a real concern: brand dilution.
Let’s say a Siesta Key financial advisor writes a nuanced piece on retirement planning. If AI strips out legal disclaimers or reduces complex advice to “invest in bonds,” you’ve got a potential compliance and trust issue.
To protect your brand:
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Use branded anchor text in backlinks
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Increase brand search volume through campaigns
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Get cited in local news or authority blogs
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Make your messaging clear, consistent, and widespread
The goal? When Google’s AI sees your content, it knows who you are and how to represent you.
How to Measure Success When Clicks Go Down
Your Sarasota site might see fewer clicks, but that doesn’t mean it’s failing.
Here’s what to watch instead:
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Engagement from Overview clicks: Are they staying longer? Converting more?
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Brand search volume: Is your name being Googled more?
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Direct traffic and email opt-ins: Are users skipping Google and coming straight to you?
SEO isn’t dead. It’s just different.
Sarasota Businesses Winning This Game
We’ve seen some locals already adapting:
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A Venice law firm redesigned its legal FAQs into interactive, structured Q&A hubs.
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A Bradenton garden center added visual step-by-step guides for Florida-friendly landscaping, complete with downloadable planting calendars.
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A downtown Sarasota medspa published unique before/after case studies with expert commentary—content AI can’t replicate.
These aren’t huge corporations. They’re just smart locals making strategic moves.
Ready to Future-Proof Your Sarasota Business?
If this feels overwhelming or you’re not sure where to start, Communica PRO can help.
We specialize in content strategies built for real Sarasota businesses, designed to hold up in Google’s AI future while building real customer relationships.
📍 Local expertise. 🧠 SEO that still works. 🎯 Strategy that connects.
Book a free consultation or check out our services to get started.
FAQs About Google AI Overviews and SEO for Sarasota Businesses
What are AI Overviews?
AI Overviews are Google’s AI-generated summaries shown at the top of search results that pull from multiple sources.
Can small businesses still get traffic from search?
Yes, especially if they focus on content that’s unique, deep, and aligned with user intent.
Should I change my whole website?
Not necessarily, but you should review key pages for structure, depth, and clarity.
What if I’m not included in AI Overviews?
Double down on other channels: email, social media, direct traffic, and referral sources.
How do I know if my content is cited in an Overview?
Right now, it’s manual. Google doesn’t always disclose this. Watch traffic shifts and use tools like Semrush or Ahrefs to monitor your site’s visibility and traffic patterns.
