AI Overview Content Optimization

Rank organically but invisible in AI Overviews? This tool identifies the gap. Analyze keywords where you rank positions 1-10 but don't appear in Google's AI answers. Get specific content recommendations to bridge the gap and earn citations—reverse-engineered from what Google's already showing.

aio apps script

Step-by-Step Guide

Make a copy of the template to your own Google Drive before beginning.

You’ll need:

  • Ahrefs account (for keyword identification)
  • SE Ranking account (or Ahrefs alternative for SERP analysis)
  • Access to your site’s content
    5-10 target keywords to analyze
Get the Template

  • Identify AI Overview Opportunities

    Step 1

    In Ahrefs

    Filter for keywords matching these criteria:

    • Position: 1-10 (you’re already ranking well)
    • Intent: Non-branded only
    • AI Overviews present: Yes
    • Your visibility in AIO: No (or positions 4-10 for high-volume terms)

    Export or note 5-10 qualifying keywords. Start small—batch analysis is more manageable.

  • Set Up SERP Tracking

    Step 2

    In SE Ranking:

    • Add your identified keywords to a project
    • Set your target location (US, UK, etc.)
    • Enable cached SERP view to capture AI Overview content

    Pro tip: SE Ranking is preferred for live SERP analysis, but Ahrefs works if needed.

  • Set Up SERP Tracking

    Step 3

    For each keyword, fill in these columns:

    • Column A – Keyword: Your target keyword
    • Column B – In AI Overview: Enter “No” (or “Yes” if tracking citation rank)
    • Column C – Citation Rank: Leave blank if not currently in AIO
    • Column D – Organic Rank: Copy from SE Ranking/Ahrefs
    • Column E – Ranking URL: The client page currently ranking
    • Column F – Existing Content: Copy the full content from your ranking URL
    • Column G – Above the Fold AIO: Copy visible AI Overview content from the cached SERP
    • Column H – Full AIO Content: Copy the complete AI Overview text, including any expanded sections

    Important: If live results don’t show an AI Overview but the cached version does, use the cached version.

  • Run the Analysis

    Step 4

    1. Navigate to AIO Content Optimizer in the Google Sheets menu
    2. Select “Analyze Keywords for AIO Alignment”
    3. Wait for processing (the script generates one analysis tab per keyword)

  • Review Your Analysis

    Step 5

    Each keyword gets its own tab containing:

    Passage Alignment Scores
    High/Medium/Low ratings showing how well your existing content sections align with AIO needs

    AIO Intent Deconstruction

    • Key questions the AI Overview answers
    • Information needs being addressed
    • Decision outcomes covered
    • Core concepts included

    Content Improvement Suggestions
    Specific recommendations highlighting gaps between your content and what’s appearing in the AI Overview

  • Create Implementation Recommendations

    Step 6

    Don’t implement raw AI suggestions directly. Instead, review with a subject matter expert, or use Claude/AI assistant to:

    • Align recommendations with your brand tone and voice
    • Refine suggestions using existing brand content as examples
    • Ensure recommendations maintain quality and authenticity

    Human review is required before any implementation. The tool identifies opportunities—you ensure brand fit.

What's Next

Start with your highest-volume keywords showing the clearest gaps. Quick wins build momentum. Focus on non-branded keywords for best ROI. Branded terms likely don’t need optimization—you’re already the authority.

Re-run analysis quarterly as AI Overviews evolve. Citation patterns change, and new opportunities emerge.