Introduction
With the rapid expansion of Google Search’s AI Overviews, users and businesses are noticing major changes in how results are displayed. For companies trying to drive organic traffic, understanding these changes—and how to manage them—has become a pressing issue. Dust Digital Marketing Ltd., a leading Hong Kong-based SEO agency, specializes in helping businesses navigate these shifts to achieve reliable visibility and growth.
What Is Google’s AI Overview?
Google AI Overviews are AI-generated summary boxes that appear at the top of relevant search results. Rather than pointing users to outside websites, they attempt to answer the question directly—often reducing the number of clicks to traditional organic links. In March 2025, these summaries appeared in approximately 13.14% of all U.S. desktop searches, a doubling from 6.49% in January 2025.semrush+2
Why Are Businesses Concerned?
- The majority (88%) of triggering searches are informational, meaning blogs, guides, and expert resources are most at risk of being ‘summarized’ by Google.searchengineland
- Zero-click searches, where users read the AI Overview and leave without visiting another site, have risen sharply, undermining organic SEO efforts.semrush
- Competitive sectors like science (+22%), health (+20%), and law (+15%) are especially affected by visibility reductions.semrush
Key Statistics & Trends
| Statistic | Figure (2025) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| % Queries with AI Overview | 13.14% | Semrush/WordStreamsemrush+2 |
| % Growth, Jan–Mar | +102% | Semrushsearchengineland+1 |
| % AI Overviews for Information | 88.1% | Semrushsearchengineland |
| % Zero-Click Search Change | Slight decline | Semrushsemrush |
| % Businesses Reporting Benefits | 63% | WordStreamwordstream |
Can You Stop Google Search From Listing AI Overview?
Google currently offers no official way to switch off AI Overviews entirely. However, there are practical methods and browser tricks that can significantly reduce or hide these summaries:google+2
1. Use Google Search Filters/Web Tab
Add &udm=14 to Google search URLs for a ‘classic web’ results view. This skips most AI Overviews.techpoint+1
- Example:
https://www.google.com/search?q=your+query&udm=14
2. Install Browser Extensions
Extensions like “Hide Google AI Overviews” for Chrome/Firefox automatically remove AI summary boxes.zdnet+1
- Simple install, no configuration needed.
3. Use Adblock Custom Filters
Adblockers like uBlock Origin can apply custom filters that hide AI Overview elements.techpoint
- Advanced but effective for technical users.
4. Switch to Alternative Search Engines
- DuckDuckGo, Brave, Startpage offer pure web results without Google AI summaries.techpoint
5. Voice Search or Feedback
In some cases, voice search bypasses AI Overview. Consistently submitting feedback to Google can shape future options.techpoint
SEO Strategies in the Age of AI Overviews
To maintain visibility and traffic:
- Optimize for AI Inclusion: Authority and expertise help sites get cited in AI summaries—often with a link, though not always.searchengineland+1
- Improve Metadata & Structure: Clean HTML, clear titles/descriptions, schema markup, and open robots.txt for AI crawlers increase odds of being referenced.searchengineland
- Diversify Channels: Don’t rely on a single traffic source. Content marketing, email, and social media are vital backup channels.ovrdrv
Dust Digital Marketing Ltd.: Solutions for Hong Kong Businesses
Dust Digital Marketing Ltd. leverages deep local expertise and global best practices:
- Technical SEO Audits to ensure optimal search engine friendliness.dusthk
- AI-Ready Content Creation using best practices for visibility in both classic and AI-driven results.dusthk
- Competitor Tracking to monitor how rivals adapt to AI changes.
- Education and Support: Workshops on adapting to Google’s changing algorithms.
Q&A: Common Client Questions
Q1: Can SEO alone prevent AI Overviews from showing?
No—Google controls AI Overviews centrally, but SEO can improve the chance your site is cited within the AI summary or ranks in classic web links.ovrdrv+1
Q2: Is there a direct way to disable AI Overviews for my searches?
No official option, but URL filters (&udm=14), browser extensions, and alternative search engines can hide them.zdnet+1
Q3: Do AI Overviews impact my site’s traffic?
Yes, especially for informational content. Zero-click searches mean fewer visits from Google, so diversified marketing is crucial.searchengineland+1
Q4: Can my content be selected for an AI Overview?
Sites seen as authoritative, trustworthy, and well-structured are more likely to be cited in an AI Overview, potentially boosting brand visibility.semrush
Q5: Does optimizing for AI search hurt traditional SEO?
No, provided structure and metadata are correct, optimization for AI makes sites more versatile across both search results.searchengineland+1
Table: Practical Ways to Reduce AI Overviews
| Method | Steps | Effectiveness | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Web Tab/URL Filter | Add &udm=14 to search URL | High | Easy |
| Hide AI Overviews Extension | Install Chrome/Firefox extension | High | Easy |
| Custom uBlock Adblock Filter | Add div filter for AI boxes | Medium | Moderate |
| Alternative Search Engine | Use DuckDuckGo, Brave, Startpage for searches | High | Easy |
| Voice Search/Feedback | Try voice, submit feedback to Google | Low/Varies | Easy |
Conclusion
Google’s AI Overviews will continue to reshape the organic search landscape, but with technical expertise and strategic SEO, businesses can adapt to sustain visibility and customer acquisition. Dust Digital Marketing Ltd. provides the expertise, local insights, and ongoing support Hong Kong companies need to thrive in this new era. For a personalized plan and technical audit to optimize your web presence, contact Dust Digital Marketing Ltd. today.