How to structure articles to increase visibility in Google AI Overview
Google AI Overview and other AI search tools, such as ChatGPT, utilize structure to understand and select content. By using the right structure for your pages, you increase the chances of being cited, summarized, and visible in AI-based search results. Here, we show you how to optimize your blog articles.
Marcus StrömbergFeb 4, 2026
Why structure is crucial for AI search
LLMs do not only analyze what you write, but how you present your knowledge. They look for clear headings, logical sections, facts, experience, and expertise.
A well-structured article makes it easier for LLMs to assess your credibility, understand the context, and determine if your content is worth highlighting. When structure is combined with experience and in-depth knowledge, you increase the chance of being used in summaries such as Google AI Overview.
Structure to optimize visibility in Google AI Overview
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs show the page's position within your website's structure. They help both users and AI understand the context between different pages. A clear hierarchy strengthens your website's thematic structure.
H1 that describes what customers are asking about
Your main heading should reflect the actual question or need the user has. Phrase it as a clear answer to a problem or a search intent.
Short and clear lead paragraph
The lead paragraph (ingress) should quickly explain what the article is about and what value the reader will receive. For AI, it serves as a summary of the content. Avoid vague phrasing and focus on the core message immediately.
Author section, date, social links
A clear author presentation strengthens credibility and transparency. Show who is behind the content, when it was published, and how the reader can follow you. This contributes to higher trust among both users and search systems.
Table of contents with links to sections
A clickable table of contents improves both user experience and structure. It makes it easier for AI to identify the different parts of the article and understand how the information is connected.
H2 with paragraph
Each main section should have a clear heading and a coherent explanation. Avoid fragmented text. AI prioritizes complete reasoning that clearly answers a question.
H2 with paragraph and bulleted or numbered list
When presenting steps, processes, or comparisons, you should combine a heading, body text, and structured lists. This makes the information easier to interpret and increases the chance of it being used in AI-generated answers.
Image or video that reinforces the content
Visual material helps explain and deepen the content. Images and video provide context and can increase time on page, which is a positive signal even for AI-based ranking.
Remember to use ALT texts
ALT texts describe visual content in text form. They help AI understand what the image shows and contribute to better accessibility. Write descriptively and relevantly, not generically.
H3 with facts for data or quotes
Fact boxes gather important information in one place. They make it easy for AI to identify statistics, definitions, and authoritative quotes. Use them to highlight verifiable facts.
H3 with table or graph
Structured data in tables or charts is easy to interpret for both humans and machines. Use them when comparing options, showing trends, or presenting figures.
Internal links to relevant content
Internal links build thematic depth and show how different pages are connected. For AI, this signals topical expertise and long-term authority within your field.
Summary
An AI-optimized article is not about writing for algorithms, but about structuring information clearly, logically, and professionally. By working systematically with headings, sections, visual content, and internal links, you create material that both users and AI understand and prioritize.
The result is better visibility, higher credibility, and a greater chance of securing a place in Google AI Overview.