The SEO world has been buzzing with questions about how artificial intelligence is reshaping search rankings. With Google’s AI Overviews becoming more prominent and new protocols like LLMS.txt gaining attention, many businesses are wondering if they need to completely overhaul their SEO strategies.

The answer from Google is surprisingly straightforward: stick to what works.

Google’s Clear Message: Normal SEO Is Enough

Google’s Gary Illyes recently said that when it comes to ranking in AI Overviews, all you need to do is normal SEO. He also said that Google won’t be crawling and using the new LLMS.txt files that have become a hot topic in SEO circles. This announcement came during Google’s own Search Central event, providing official clarity on a subject that has created considerable uncertainty.

This revelation is both reassuring and strategic for businesses invested in traditional SEO practices. It means your existing optimization efforts aren’t obsolete – they’re still the foundation of search success, even in an AI-driven landscape.

Understanding AI Overviews and Their Impact

AI Overviews represent Google’s attempt to provide direct answers to user queries by synthesizing information from multiple sources. These AI answers synthesize information from multiple sources, offering direct answers within Google’s search results. They also include links to the cited websites, meaning there’s still significant value in ranking well for traditional search results.

The data reveals interesting patterns about AI Overviews’ actual impact. Although keywords with AI Overviews have higher-than-average zero-click rates, the trend is not consistently rising. Between January and March 2025, zero-click behavior among these queries actually declined slightly, challenging assumptions that AI features automatically reduce website traffic.

The LLMS.txt Myth Debunked

LLMS.txt files were introduced as a potential way for websites to communicate directly with large language models and AI systems. Many SEO professionals speculated this could become a crucial ranking factor for AI Overviews. Google’s definitive statement that they won’t be using these files eliminates this concern and simplifies the optimization landscape.

This decision reinforces Google’s commitment to their established ranking systems rather than introducing entirely new protocols that would fragment the SEO ecosystem.

What This Means for Your Business

Consistency Wins: Your investment in quality content, technical SEO, and user experience remains the most important factor for search visibility. AI overviews are only cannibalizing “quick fix” informational searches, while helping to create new ones that are more elaborate, suggesting that comprehensive, valuable content is more important than ever.

Focus on Fundamentals: Instead of chasing new optimization techniques, double down on proven SEO strategies:

• Create high-quality, comprehensive content that answers user questions thoroughly
• Optimize for relevant keywords with natural language
• Ensure excellent technical performance and mobile experience
• Build authoritative backlinks from reputable sources
• Structure content clearly with proper headings and schema markup

Content Strategy Evolution: While the ranking factors remain the same, consider how AI might surface your content. Instead of creating single, loosely related blog posts, group your content around a main subject. Then cover it from different angles—such as a beginner’s guide, advanced tips, common mistakes, expert perspectives to create comprehensive topic clusters.

The Bigger Picture: SEO’s AI Evolution

The integration of AI into search doesn’t mean abandoning traditional SEO principles. The AI market worldwide is expected to grow by 38% in 2025, but this growth complements rather than replaces existing optimization strategies.

As of 2025, Google processes over 14 billion searches daily, a 22% increase from 2024, indicating that search volume continues to grow despite AI integration. This growth presents opportunities for businesses that maintain strong SEO fundamentals while adapting their content strategy for an AI-enhanced search environment.

Your Next Steps with AONE Web Expert

At AOne Web Expert, we’ve been closely monitoring these developments to ensure our clients stay ahead of the curve. Google’s confirmation that traditional SEO practices remain effective validates our approach of building sustainable, long-term optimization strategies.

Our AI-Era SEO Services Include:

• Comprehensive content audits to ensure AI-friendly information architecture
• Technical SEO optimization that works for both human users and AI systems
• Strategic keyword research focusing on conversational and question-based queries
• Content creation that provides definitive answers while maintaining engagement
• Performance monitoring across traditional and AI-enhanced search results

The Bottom Line

Google’s message is clear: don’t overcomplicate your SEO strategy for AI. The same principles that have driven search success for years continue to work in the AI era. Quality content, technical excellence, and user-focused optimization remain your best investments.

Rather than worrying about new protocols or dramatic strategy shifts, focus on executing traditional SEO exceptionally well. The businesses that succeed in AI-enhanced search will be those that master the fundamentals, not those chasing the latest trends.

Ready to optimize your website for both traditional search and AI Overviews? Contact AOne Web Expert today. Our team combines proven SEO expertise with cutting-edge insights to help your business thrive in the evolving search landscape.

AONE Web Expert has been helping businesses achieve search success through expert SEO services, web development, and digital marketing strategies. Visit aonewebexpert.com to learn how we can boost your online visibility.