Google AI Overviews Surge Following March 2025 Core Update

Google’s March 2025 core update has significantly impacted search results, particularly in the entertainment, restaurant, and travel industries. The introduction of AI Overviews—Google’s AI-generated summaries—has expanded across search queries, altering visibility for many businesses in these sectors.

AI Overviews Growth: By the Numbers

Between March 13 and March 27, data from enterprise SEO platform revealed the following increases in AI Overviews:

• 528% growth for entertainment-related searches (e.g., “Julia Roberts movies,” “Movies filmed in Chicago”)
• 387% growth for restaurant-related searches (e.g., “Date night restaurants,” “Thai restaurant near me”)
• 381% growth for travel-related searches (e.g., “Things to do in Santa Fe,” “Things to do in Hawaii”)

Why This Matters for SEO & Businesses

If you operate in entertainment, dining, or travel, these changes could impact your website traffic. Even if your rankings remain stable, the increased presence of AI Overviews might reduce organic clicks, as users may get answers directly from Google’s AI without visiting your site.

How to Adapt to AI Overviews

To stay competitive, businesses and SEO professionals should:

1. Optimize for decision-making queries – Create content that helps users choose activities, restaurants, or travel destinations rather than just providing basic information.
2. Update and refresh content – Align with seasonal trends and keep content relevant to maintain visibility.
3. Leverage entity-based SEO – Optimize around key figures, locations, and niche terms to align with Google’s AI understanding of topics.

What’s Next?

The March 2025 core update marks another shift in how Google displays search results. As AI-driven search continues evolving, businesses must adapt strategies to remain visible. Monitoring click-through rates (CTR), traffic patterns, and search behavior is crucial in ensuring that AI Overviews don’t diminish your online presence.

Looking for expert guidance to navigate these evolving search trends? At Earn SEO, our New York–based SEO experts are here to help you leverage the latest insights—from AI Overviews to comprehensive content strategies—to boost your online presence. Let us show you how tailored SEO tactics can drive quality traffic and enhance your click-through rates. Reach out today and discover how we can help your business thrive in the ever-changing digital landscape.