Google AI Overviews grab clicks — but not user trust

TL;DR: A Forbes study found Google’s AI Overviews take clicks and credit away from websites but don’t raise user trust or satisfaction.

Why it matters: Fewer people clicking through means less traffic for sites that sell services or rely on ad revenue. That shifts how you measure ROI: impressions and brand signals matter more than raw clicks. You can’t rely on old SEO tactics alone.

What to do:

• Track funnel metrics (leads, signups, revenue) instead of just search clicks.
• Build direct channels: email lists, social, and repeat-customer flows.
• Optimize content to answer likely overview questions with clear, authoritative snippets.

Source: Forbes