How to Rank in AI Overviews with a Calgary Generative Engine Optimization Service

You have spent years building your presence on Google. You wrote the blogs, you fixed the technical issues, and you earned the rankings. But now, even though you are still on the first page, fewer people are clicking.

The answer is Google’s new “AI Overviews.” When a customer asks a question, Google now uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to write a summary answer right at the top of the page. This means the user gets their answer without ever visiting your website.

It feels unfair, but you can fix it. You just need to change your strategy. To get seen in this new era, you need to use a Calgary Generative Engine Optimization Service.

Let’s talk about what is happening and how you can get your business back in front of your customers.

The Problem: People Are Searching Differently

For the last 20 years, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) was about convincing Google to put your link on a list. Today, we are moving toward GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). This is about convincing the AI that your content is the best answer to recite to the user.

This shift is huge. In fact, Gartner predicts that by 2026, traditional search engine volume will drop by 25%. This is because more people are turning to AI chatbots (like ChatGPT or Gemini) to find answers instead of scrolling through search results (Source: Gartner).

If you ignore this, you risk becoming invisible. But if you adapt, you can win.

How to Win the “AI Spot”

You might be thinking, “How do I optimize for a robot?” It is actually simpler than you think. AI models want to provide safe, accurate facts. If you make your content easy for them to read and trust, they will choose you as their source.

Here are three simple ways to do it:

1. Speak in Facts and Quotes

AI models are scared of making mistakes. They prefer content that cites sources. They feel safer recommending you if you sound like an expert.

• What to do: Don’t just write opinions. Include data. Instead of saying “Our services are popular,” say, “We have served over 500 happy families in the Beltline area.”
• Why it works: It gives the AI hard data to “read” and repeat to the user.

2. Answer Questions Directly

In the old days of SEO, we used to write long introductions to keep people on the page. AI hates that. It wants the answer now.

• What to do: Look at the questions your customers ask. Write the question as a heading. Then, write the answer immediately in the first sentence. Keep it simple and under 50 words. You can add more details after that.
• Why it works: This is called “inverted pyramid” writing. It feeds the answer directly to the AI so it can display it in the snapshot.

3. Build Your “EEAT” Score

EEAT stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. Google’s AI prioritizes content written by real experts.

• What to do: Make sure your author bio is clear. Show your credentials. If you are a plumber, list your certifications.
• Why it works: The AI wants to cite a professional, not a generic content farm.

The Local Advantage: Why Calgary Matters

This is where you have a secret weapon. A massive, global AI model knows a lot about the world, but it doesn’t know much about your neighborhood.

Generic AI answers often miss local laws, weather patterns, or cultural trends. This is why partnering with a Google GEO Agency in Southern Alberta is so effective.

By adding “local entities,” you signal to the AI that you are the best choice for a local searcher. For example:

Generic Content: “Here is how to water your lawn in the summer.”

GEO Content: “Here is how to water your lawn according to the City of Calgary’s water restriction bylaws.”

The AI will pick the second option every time for a user in Calgary because it is more relevant and helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is GEO different from SEO?

Yes. SEO focuses on ranking links on a search page to get clicks. GEO focuses on optimizing content so AI engines can read it and use it to generate direct answers for users.

2. Do I need to rewrite all my old blog posts?

Not necessarily, but you should update your most important pages. Add more facts, quotes, and direct answers to the top of the content to help the AI understand them better.

3. Will this work for small local businesses?

Yes, it works even better for local businesses. AI struggles with specific local details, so if you provide high-quality local information, you can easily beat larger, generic competitors.

Conclusion

The internet changes fast. It can be scary to see your traffic dip, but it is also an opportunity. Most of your competitors are still doing old-school SEO. They are fighting for clicks, while you can start fighting for the “answer.”

You need to stop writing just for keywords and start writing for answers. Be the expert. Be direct. Be local.