Quick answer: To protect and grow your rankings in 2026, you must optimise for Google AI Overviews, boost E-E-A-T signals, improve Core Web Vitals, target search intent instead of exact keywords, and expand your online presence beyond Google. This 90-day plan will help you stay ahead.
We help Australian businesses rank higher on Google with strategies that adapt to todayβs SEO changes. Request your free website audit and find out exactly what is holding your site back.
Optimise SEO for Google AI Overviews
When Googleβs AI Overviews appear, number one listings can lose up to 34.5% of clicks. Instead of competing, make sure your content is cited in the AI summary.
- Answer the main query in the first 100β150 words.
- Use clear headings and bullet points.
- Target branded searches and commercial intent keywords.
- Focus on βnear meβ and buyer searches where AI is less visible.
Boost E-E-A-T Signals
Google values human experience and trustworthiness more than ever. Strengthen your Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust signals to stand out.
- Add an author bio with headshot, role, and credentials.
- Include first-hand examples and case studies.
- Display testimonials with customer photos.
- Link to your Google Business Profile using the CID link.
Improve Core Web Vitals for SEO Rankings
Slow sites lose both rankings and sales. Aim for these targets to improve speed and user experience:
- LCP: Under 2.5 seconds.
- INP: Under 0.1 seconds.
- Compress images with TinyPNG.
- Remove unused plugins and enable caching.
Check performance using Google PageSpeed Insights regularly.
Target Search Intent
Exact keywords are less important than matching the searcherβs goal. Provide complete answers to attract and keep visitors.
- Include location, services, hours, and booking details.
- Address customer questions in full.
- Group related topics on the same page when relevant.
- Track bounce rates and improve underperforming pages.
Use Multi-Platform SEO
Over half of users now search outside Google, including TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Build your presence wherever your audience is active.
- Claim and complete profiles on all relevant platforms.
- Post weekly using local and commercial keywords.
- Encourage customers to tag your business in posts.
- Create short videos to answer FAQs or show results.
90-Day Action Plan
Week 1
- Test Core Web Vitals and fix urgent issues.
- Add author bios and photos to key pages.
- Check if target keywords trigger AI Overviews.
Month 1β2
- Rewrite top pages so answers appear first.
- Add testimonials with photos and link to your Google Business Profile.
- Create detailed guides for high-value topics.
Month 3+
- Post weekly on two to three platforms.
- Track rankings, clicks, and engagement.
- Refine your strategy based on performance.
Get Your Free Website Audit
We will review your technical SEO, content quality, and AI Overview readiness, giving you a clear plan to improve your rankings in 2026.
FAQs
What are AI Overviews?
AI Overviews are Googleβs AI-generated summaries that appear above standard listings. They can reduce clicks unless your page is cited.
How can I get cited?
Provide concise answers at the top of your content, use structured formatting, and include author and brand signals to show expertise.
Do Core Web Vitals matter for SEO?
Yes. Page speed and responsiveness are confirmed ranking factors that also improve user experience and conversions.
Should I still use exact keywords?
Use exact phrases naturally, but prioritise meeting search intent and fully answering questions.
How often should I update my SEO strategy?
Review and adjust your SEO every quarter, or sooner if Google releases major updates.
