Should You Optimize for Google's AI Overviews or ChatGPT? Why the Answer Is Both

Search is no longer just about keywords. With the rise of AI-generated answers, businesses must rethink how they structure and distribute content. Google's AI Overviews and tools like ChatGPT now shape how users find and engage with information. So, where should your team focus its optimization efforts?

If you're a growth-focused organization navigating talent constraints, tight timelines, and digital transformation, the answer isn't choosing one over the other. It's creating a dual strategy that ensures you're discoverable in both traditional search and emerging AI interfaces. At Augusto, we help clients design for both worlds, because that’s where customer behavior is heading.

Understanding the Landscape

Google's AI Overviews

Google's AI Overviews are designed to synthesize answers from across the web into quick, conversational summaries. They often appear at the top of search results and aim to reduce the need for multiple clicks.

Key Traits:

• Prioritizes factual accuracy and source credibility

• Pulls from structured, SEO-optimized content

• Benefits content with schema markup, strong domain authority, and clear answers to common queries

ChatGPT and Generative Interfaces

ChatGPT and other AI assistants operate differently. They rely on training data, real-time web browsing (in some cases), and the ability to interpret intent in a conversation.

Key Traits:

• Prioritizes context, clarity, and natural language phrasing

• Performs well with content that’s human-centered and explanatory

• Engages with content even if it's not from high-authority domains, provided it aligns with user intent

Why Optimizing for Both Matters

Customer Discovery Is Fragmenting

Your buyers are no longer relying solely on Google. They’re asking ChatGPT for product comparisons, business strategy advice, and vendor recommendations. If you’re only optimized for SEO, you risk being invisible in these AI-driven conversations.

AI Models Evaluate Content Differently

Google’s AI Overviews favor structured data and classic ranking signals. ChatGPT, on the other hand, responds better to conversational tone, context, and clarity. Ignoring either means you’re not meeting users where they are or aligning with how they search.

Generating ROI from Content Requires Flexibility

Augusto works with clients who need measurable outcomes, fast. That’s only possible when your content strategy spans the full modern discovery journey, starting with Google’s search box and extending to AI-driven assistants.

How to Build a Dual Optimization Strategy

1. Structure for Search, Write for Conversation

   • Use SEO fundamentals like headers, schema markup, and keyword strategy

   • Combine that with language that reads well to humans and LLMs alike

2. Create Content That Teaches and Clarifies

   • AI tools reward clarity, completeness, and helpfulness

   • Use FAQs, explainers, and comparison guides to gain traction

3. Measure Engagement Across Channels

   • Look at both traditional web analytics and AI engagement metrics where possible

   • Use tools like Google Search Console and GPT-based plugins to understand how content is used

4. Update Continuously

   • AI models are always evolving, so your content should evolve too

   • Keep core pages fresh and incorporate trending queries from both search and conversational platforms

Conclusion

You don’t need to choose between optimizing for Google's AI Overviews or ChatGPT. The most successful companies are designing content that performs in both places. They’re discoverable, helpful, and trusted, regardless of how their audience chooses to search.

At Augusto, we help growth-minded teams move fast, deliver value early, and stay visible across the evolving search landscape.

Let’s build a strategy that brings both humans and machines to your door.