In Google’s attempts to make finding answers on the internet a smoother experience, the tech titan is experimenting with a new search feature that’s shaking things up for businesses of all kinds—including restaurants. They’re called AI Overviews, an AI-powered addition still in experimental stages but with the potential to have a sweeping impact on how people search online.
Here’s what you need to know about them, and how AI Overviews might affect your restaurant’s search visibility online.
Quick links
What are AI Overviews?
AI Overviews 101: The basics
Benefits and opportunities for restaurants
Potential drawbacks to prepare for
Optimising for the AI-powered future
What are AI Overviews?
Formerly known as Search Generative Experience (SGE), AI Overviews are essentially Google’s answer to this new artificial intelligence-led world we find ourselves in. Since ChatGPT came to the fore in late 2022, everyone wants a slice of the artificial pie, including the search engine giant.
Unlike today’s traditional search results primarily featuring lists of websites to sift through yourself, AI Overviews aims to cut out the back-and-forth by offering up detailed summaries and overviews generated by AI right there at the top of the results page. Basically, Google wants to let its algorithms do the heavy lifting of research and synthesising for you by providing all-in-one knowledge base entries.
So while typical queries like “best pizza places near me” would populate website links from restaurants, review platforms, travel blogs and the like, AI Overviews can theoretically summarise all those sources into one unified snapshot complete with key details, visuals and even suggested follow-ups straight from the jump—all the while offering you the chance to visit the links of the original source.
Obviously, this kind of approach represents some big implications for businesses trying to get discovered by diners endlessly visiting the web for their next reservation-worthy meal.
AI Overviews 101: The basics
In typical Google fashion, these overviews use advanced AI models and machine learning to detect what kind of information someone’s query is seeking automatically. The model then generates a unified “response” featuring the most relevant details pulled from multiple sources.
But unlike more traditional search engines simply compiling links from across the web, AI Overviews synthesises all that data into one unified informational overview or summary entry. The AI essentially does the work of researching, reading and summarising all those disparate websites into one cohesive overview tailored to the specific query.
They’re a bit like Google Snippets, only instead of taking one particular paragraph from a website, AI Overviews use several websites and compiles the information together. Those all-in-one entries can also potentially include interactive features to explore further (like suggesting relevant follow-up questions), visual components like maps or images and even offer pathways to direct booking actions depending on the query type.
Instead of skimming multiple links to maybe find what you’re looking for, Google envisions AI Overviews acting like the virtual librarian curating all the details you need upfront, directly within the results page interface.
Benefits and opportunities for restaurants
For restaurants trying to capture diners’ attention through the likes of Google search, the prospect of AI Overviews could represent some uniquely valuable opportunities—assuming your details are properly positioned.
More exposure
First off, having your spot featured in one of these AI-generated informational hubs appearing for any relevant local cuisine queries instantly increases visibility and awareness. Incorporating your core restaurant details like menu highlights, pricing info, location specifics and critically, positive customer reviews means AI Overviews could become an invaluable modern replacement for outdated business listing sites.
There’s also the reality that diners simply tend to prioritise the first couple of entries Google surfaces over digging into pages of links. Having your restaurant AI-recommended as the definitive destination for certain categories or neighbourhood scenes is unbeatable validation and publicity.
Personalised results
The idea of AI Overviews is to personalise results for the user, giving them a more in-depth answer to match their search intent. That means your restaurant appearing in search results could potentially appeal to diners with a higher intent of booking and dining in your restaurant.
Potential drawbacks to prepare for
Of course, nothing in tech comes without a few caveats to negotiate as Google’s new AI-driven search paradigm evolves. For restaurants, some of the potential drawbacks of AI Overviews becoming more prominent in search results could include:
Potential for reduced website traffic
If Google’s AI can now essentially create an optimised business listing and experience overview based on online data, will diners even need to navigate to restaurant websites themselves? There are concerns this could substantially impact direct site traffic and engagement levels.
Increased competition for visibility
With such rich, consolidated information delivered directly in search results, restaurants may find more intense competition for securing prime real estate within an AI Overview overview—especially in crowded markets.
Pressure for fresher content
Since AI Overviews will dynamically synthesise public information about your restaurant into timely overviews, there could be growing value in constantly refreshing online descriptions, menus, photos and more to ensure accurate AI-aggregated promotion.
Optimising for the AI-powered future
While the jury is still out on how impactful AI Overviews may ultimately become, preparing for an AI-centric search experience is just good common sense for any restaurant serious about their digital presence and discovery potential. Here are some moves to consider:
Own your online listings and profiles
Having accurate, up-to-date information populating listings across Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor and other repositories gives you more control over what details AI Overviews aggregates into your business overviews.
Create compelling visuals and content
The best AI overviews will incorporate engaging photos, videos and contextual details like specials, descriptions and human-authored editorial content. Audit your visual and written assets to maximise the quality of results.
Monitor search performance and behaviour
Rather than waiting for AI Overviews to blindside your current SEO strategies, use tools to analyse search traffic, click engagement, booking leads and more from the start to plan potential optimisation approaches.
Leverage AI content generation
As AI becomes more deeply embedded in digital marketing and content workflows, tools like ChatGPT that can assist with things like generating descriptive menu copy, social media posts and website editorial ideas can give you an edge. Just remember that nothing beats the human touch, so use these tools as an aid rather than replacement to humans.
Don’t forget other ways to reach diners
Lean into existing channels to remind diners about what makes your restaurant so special. From Instagram and other social media platforms to email campaigns, these mediums offer some familiarity in a world where search is changing so dramatically. You have a core base, so make the most out of the places where you already shine online.
Stay with the tried and tested
While Google experiments with AI-powered search overviews, restaurants have a safe option with OpenTable’s extensive diner network. We connect you with millions of diners actively seeking and booking great dining experiences—not just casual browsers.
Plus, our diners have lower no-show rates compared to those making phone reservations, so your tables stay filled. OpenTable goes one step further than solely providing bookings and offers marketing tools to promote your restaurant through targeted campaigns that really move the needle.
From filling tables to maximising revenue, we optimise every facet of making your talents shine for the folks who truly appreciate it. Let Google play with their algorithms while we secure real guests through proven hospitality solutions
When will Google’s AI Overviews go live?
In the US, AI Overviews launched in spring 2024 in some markets. Some UK users have noticed AI Overviews during their searches, but it’s sporadic. That means some users will see it and others won’t.
Like most new technologies, full adoption may take a few months or longer Yet, it’s still good to get a handle on things and be prepared for when AI Overviews likely become the default way of searching for information online.
Summary: Overview
The restaurants who view AI Overviews as an opportunity to get out ahead of the curve with AI-optimised strategies—rather than feeling threatened by evolving technology—will be the true winners as Google’s vision of an enhanced search reality takes shape.
Restaurants live and breathe on their ability to captivate audiences through sensory indulgence, after all. Why should your digital version be any different? Embracing innovative ways AI can spotlight your offering will likely increase exposure and get more diners visiting your restaurant.
