Recently, Google introduced a new feature of in-line links in its AI Overviews, which has garnered significant attention. This new feature not only changes the way search results are presented but also has a profound impact on SEO strategies.

Particularly in AIO (AI Optimized) results, Google seems to be taking steps to encourage users to click through to other websites, thereby increasing exposure and traffic for relevant content.

What’s New in AIO with In-Line Links?

AIO (AI Optimized) is Google’s search result display method based on artificial intelligence, aimed at providing “authoritative answers” that typically synthesize information from multiple sources. In this system, Google aggregates and optimizes search results, showing users the most relevant and authoritative content. However, with the introduction of the new in-text links feature, the way AIO results are displayed has changed significantly.

Role of In-Line Links

The new in-line links from Google’s AI Overviews provide more references for the answers in AIO results. This means that if your website is seen as an authoritative source in a specific field, you are more likely to be cited multiple times in AIO results. In fact, new links could mean that your content is referenced 4 times or more, greatly increasing your exposure. Especially in certain industries and niches, these increased in-line links can bring more traffic and improve your organic rankings.

How to Stand Out in AIO and Gain More Citations

1.Enhance Content Authority
In AIO, only content that is considered the most authoritative and valuable will be cited. Therefore, ensuring that your website content is high-quality, credible, and professional is crucial. Including the latest data, authoritative references, and comprehensive industry knowledge will help your pages stand out in the AI Overviews.

2.Optimize Page Structure and User Experience
Google’s AI is becoming increasingly adept at understanding content. It not only analyzes the depth of articles but also considers page structure and user experience. Ensuring fast page load speeds, clear content, organized structure, and minimizing bounce rates can help your pages earn more citations and references from Google.

3.Provide Multi-Angle Information
In AIO results, in-line links typically focus on a central query and extract answers from multiple sources. Therefore, if your content covers related questions from multiple angles, you’re more likely to be cited multiple times. Using FAQs, lists, and well-structured articles can help Google recognize your content as a “complete answer.”

Why Does This Matter for SEO?

1.Increased Website Visibility and Traffic
In-line links not only improve your ranking in AIO, but they also help more users discover your website. This means that, in addition to organic rankings, your page will see much higher exposure in search results. When Google cites your page multiple times in AIO, it boosts both your ranking and the number of clicks your page receives.

2.Boost Long-Tail Keyword Rankings
Google is increasingly using AI to aggregate information from multiple sources and provide complete, authoritative answers. With the multi-citation feature in AIO, you can target more long-tail keywords. This is especially beneficial when covering niche topics, where your website may attract more long-tail traffic.

3.Increased Website Credibility
Pages that are seen as authoritative answers in AIO tend to build higher trust and brand visibility. Users who see your site referenced multiple times in AIO will gradually develop trust in your content. Over time, this increase in credibility will further improve your rankings in search engines.

The new in-line links in AI Overviews are actually pretty awesome, and it looks like Google is really taking steps to encourage users to click through to other sites.

If you’re selected in AIO and seen as an authoritative answer, the new links mean you can potentially be cited in AIO 4+ times, plus ranking organically.