As a fellow small business owner who’s been in the digital trenches for over two decades, I know firsthand how quickly the online landscape can change. We build our websites, craft our content, and optimize our SEO strategies based on what works today—only to find that what worked yesterday might not even move the needle tomorrow. That’s exactly what happened when Google introduced its Search Generative Experience, or SGE.
This wasn’t just another update. It was a reimagining of how users interact with search. And for businesses relying on organic traffic, it presented both a major challenge—and a massive opportunity.
We decided to meet that challenge head-on. In this case study, I want to walk you through how we helped both Sunshine Movers and our own brand, Noble Webworks, gain visibility in Google’s new AI Overviews. It’s not a theory. It’s not fluff. It’s real results, backed by data and driven by a deep understanding of what Google’s AI is looking for in 2025 and beyond.
What is Google SGE—and Why It Matters in 2025
Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) is more than a new feature. It’s a glimpse into the future of search. Rather than delivering a standard list of blue links, SGE uses AI to synthesize information and present users with a curated summary right at the top of the page. In many cases, users find their answers before they ever click a single link.
So, what does that mean for your business?
It means that if your content isn’t part of that AI-generated snapshot, it may never get seen. In fact, 74% of all Google searches now include some form of AI-generated summary. That’s not just a shift, it’s a revolution in visibility - and these AI-generated summaries are growing daily.
This new format pushes traditional organic listings further down the page, often below the fold. For small businesses and local service providers, this shift has real implications. If your content isn’t optimized for Google’s AI, your digital footprint shrinks overnight.
But here's the good news: the AI doesn’t pull content at random. It pulls from sources that demonstrate trust, structure, and alignment with user intent. That’s where strategic SEO meets AI optimization—and where we saw a huge opportunity.
The Challenge Before Optimization
Sunshine Movers & Noble Webworks Before SGE Rankings
Let’s rewind the clock. Prior to the rollout of Google SGE, both Sunshine Movers and Noble Webworks enjoyed healthy rankings. Sunshine Movers ranked well for competitive Sarasota-based terms like “moving companies Sarasota” and “affordable movers near me.” Meanwhile, Noble Webworks consistently appeared for queries like “Bradenton web design firm” and “local SEO expert in Bradenton.”
We were proud of those results. But once Google began rolling out AI Overviews, we noticed a quiet but impactful shift.
Although traditional rankings remained intact, impressions began to drop. More importantly, click-through rates declined across key service pages. We started asking questions: why were users no longer engaging with the same content? The answer became clear—we weren’t showing up in the new AI-generated summaries.
And if we weren’t there, we weren’t visible.
Why SGE Optimization Was Necessary
The real wake-up call came when we looked deeper at search behavior changes. Google’s AI snapshot was answering user queries at the top of the page—sometimes with zero need to scroll. That meant visibility was no longer just about position #1. It was about inclusion in the AI’s curated response.
We dug into the mechanics of how Google’s AI chooses content:
- It looks for clear, structured content
- It favors sources with demonstrated expertise and authority
- It rewards content aligned with specific search intent
- And it leans heavily on structured data (schema markup) to interpret meaning
To stay competitive, we had to adapt. Fast. It wasn’t enough to rely on backlinks and keyword density anymore. We needed to speak Google’s AI language.
Optimization Strategies Implemented
We overhauled our strategy with a laser focus on SGE optimization. Here’s what we did and why it worked.
EEAT Enhancement
EEAT—Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness—has become the cornerstone of modern SEO, and even more so with AI-generated search results. We enhanced EEAT signals on every major service and blog page.
- Author bios were added to all content, emphasizing real names, credentials, and industry experience.
- We included third-party citations to trustworthy sources (think .gov, .edu, and recognized industry leaders).
- Customer testimonials were embedded within key pages, adding human context and trust.
- We updated about pages to showcase years in business, local recognition, and community involvement.
These efforts weren’t just for Google—they reassured human readers too.
Content Structuring for AI Models
We transformed content layouts to make them easier for Google’s AI to read, interpret, and cite.
- Long paragraphs were broken into short, digestible blocks.
- We used clear H2s and H3s to create a strong content hierarchy.
- Bullet points summarized key facts and services.
- Each page began with a concise summary paragraph to help AI identify core themes.
Think of it like writing for a very intelligent speed-reader: the clearer and more structured the content, the better.
Schema Implementation
Structured data helps Google understand the context of your content. We implemented schema across both sites using the AIOSEO plugin:
- Article Schema on all blogs
- Organization Schema on home and about pages
- FAQ Schema on service pages addressing common customer questions
This wasn’t just technical fluff. Schema acted as a roadmap for the AI, telling it exactly what was on each page—and where to find the answers it was looking for.
Intent-Aligned Keyword Targeting
Rather than focusing solely on traditional keywords, we shifted to long-tail and question-based queries that mirrored how people actually speak when using Google.
For Sunshine Movers, we optimized for:
- “Who are the best movers in Sarasota?”
- “Top-rated moving companies near me with reviews”
For Noble Webworks:
- “Best web design company in Bradenton”
- “Top SEO agency for small businesses in Bradenton”
These queries not only matched searcher intent, but also aligned with AI’s goal of providing helpful, context-rich answers.
Visual and Multimedia Updates
SGE doesn’t just pull text—it uses visual context to enhance summaries. We updated all images with:
- Descriptive alt text
- File names optimized for relevant keywords
- Proper formatting and fast loading
For Sunshine Movers, we added a visual walkthrough of their moving process. For Noble Webworks, we included process diagrams and portfolio visuals. These enhancements increased engagement and gave Google’s AI richer content to pull from.
Results – Ranking in Google SGE (AI Overview)
Before vs. After Screenshots
Once our changes were implemented, we began tracking visibility in AI Overviews. The transformation was fast and measurable.
📷 Sunshine Movers began appearing in the SGE snapshot for “Top 5 movers in Sarasota.” Their content was quoted directly in the AI summary, including customer reviews and service guarantees.
📷 Noble Webworks showed up in the AI Overview for “best Bradenton web design company” and “SEO services Bradenton.” The AI linked to our FAQ section as the “next step” for users seeking more info.
Impact on SEO Metrics
- Impressions from AI Overviews increased by 47% for Sunshine Movers and a remarkable 61% for Noble Webworks.
- Click-through rate (CTR) improved by 22% across queries cited in AI summaries.
- Conversions from organic traffic rose by 17% due to improved visibility and credibility.
- Local branded search volume increased, indicating higher trust and name recognition from users encountering us in AI Overviews.
The takeaway? Ranking in the AI summary wasn’t just about being seen—it led to better engagement and more business.
Key Takeaways from the SGE Case Study
AI Optimization Works—When Done Right
We didn’t try to trick the system. We simply understood how Google’s AI prioritizes content—and aligned our strategy accordingly. Structure, credibility, and clarity were the winning ingredients.
Schema + EEAT + Intent = SGE Success
That combination proved vital. Schema helped AI interpret our content, EEAT proved we were trustworthy, and intent-matching made us the right answer to user queries.
Local Relevance Strengthened Rankings
By using location-based modifiers and showcasing real community involvement, we positioned ourselves as authoritative voices in our markets—and Google rewarded us accordingly.
Google SGE Frequently Asked Questions
How to optimize for Google SGE?
Focus on creating structured, trustworthy, and intent-aligned content. Use schema markup, include author bios, and keep formatting clean and scannable.
How do I optimize my Google ranking?
Keep your technical SEO solid, but now also factor in AI-readability. Make sure your content is useful, answers real questions, and builds trust.
How to rank on Google SGE?
Use question-based long-tail keywords, implement structured data, and build out authoritative, clear content with a local focus.
How does SGE affect SEO?
It changes the playing field. Traditional rankings are no longer enough—you also need to appear in AI-generated summaries to stay visible.
How to optimize for Google AI Overview?
Improve content clarity, add schema markup, use intent-driven headings, and provide real value that aligns with how people search.
Is It Worth It?
Without a doubt. If your content isn’t included in AI Overviews, you’re missing out on today’s most valuable real estate in Google Search.
This isn’t the end of SEO—it’s a new chapter. One where quality, structure, and trust take center stage.
Ready to find out where your business stands? Learn more about our Local SEO Services in a Google SGE world and book a free SEO audit today to get ahead in the age of AI search.
