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What’s Changing in Google Search in 2026

Search results no longer start with websites. In 2026, many searches begin with an AI-generated answer that summarizes information, compares options, and guides users toward decisions. These AI Overviews sit at the very top of the page and increasingly appear for commercial and service-related queries.

Google has now integrated ads into this experience. For small businesses, especially service-based businesses that depend on phone calls and bookings, this changes where visibility happens and how customers make choices.

The question is no longer just how to rank. It is about appearing where decisions are already being shaped.

What Are AI Overviews in Google Search

AI Overviews are Google’s AI-generated summaries that appear at the top of search results for many queries.

Instead of showing only links, Google now:

• Generates a concise answer using AI
• Pulls information from multiple sources
• Presents context before showing traditional results

These overviews often appear for:

• Informational queries
• Comparison-based searches
• Commercial and transactional service searches

For example, a search like “best emergency plumber near me” may now trigger an AI Overview explaining what to look for, followed by service options and calls to action. This is where ads now enter the picture.

Where Ads Appear in AI Overviews

In 2026, ads related to AI Overviews can appear in three main positions.

Ads Above the AI Overview

These ads appear before the AI-generated summary. They capture immediate attention and are often shown for high-intent searches.

Ads Within the AI Overview

These ads are placed contextually alongside or inside the AI-generated response. They are designed to feel relevant to the explanation being provided.

Ads Below the AI Overview

These ads appear immediately after the AI summary and before traditional organic results or map listings. In all cases, ads are clearly labeled as sponsored. However, their proximity to the AI answer places them closer to the decision moment than traditional search ads.

Why AI Overview Ads Matter for Small Service Businesses

Service businesses win on timing, trust, and clarity.

AI Overviews increasingly appear for searches that signal urgency or readiness, such as:

• emergency repair
• same-day service
• best local provider
• cost and availability questions

When ads appear inside or around these AI-generated answers, they are no longer interruptions. They become part of the decision framework. This is especially important for small businesses that rely on local demand rather than brand recognition. AI Overview ads allow service businesses to show up earlier in the customer’s decision process, often before competitors are even considered.

Which Google Ads Campaigns Are Eligible for AI Overviews

There is no separate campaign type called AI Overview Ads. Instead, Google selects ads from existing campaign types that meet relevance and quality criteria.

Eligible campaign types include:

• Search campaigns
• Performance Max campaigns
• Local-focused search campaigns
• Broad match keyword campaigns with strong intent alignment

For most small service businesses, Search and Performance Max campaigns are the most practical starting point.

How Google Decides Which Ads Appear in AI Overviews

AI Overview placement is driven by relevance and intent, not by manual selection.

Google evaluates multiple signals, including:

• Search intent behind the query
• Keyword and ad copy relevance
• Landing page clarity and usefulness
• Location and service area signals
• Account performance history

Ads that clearly address the user’s question and lead to helpful landing pages are more likely to appear. Generic ads struggle in this environment. Clear, service-specific messaging performs better.

How to Set Up Google Ads for AI Overview Visibility

You do not need to rebuild your entire Google Ads account. But you do need to align it with how AI interprets intent.

Focus on Intent-Based Keywords

Instead of relying only on exact match keywords, focus on intent clusters such as:

• emergency service
• repair near me
• same-day availability
• service cost or estimate

Broad match can work well when paired with strong negative keywords and conversion-focused bidding.

Write Ad Copy That Answers Questions

Ad copy should feel helpful, not promotional.

Focus on:

• service type
• location served
• availability or response time
• clear next step

Think about what a customer wants to know in that moment.

Align Landing Pages With the Search Context

If someone searches for emergency service, the landing page should clearly explain:

• emergency availability
• response expectations
• how to contact you immediately

Mismatch between ad intent and landing page reduces eligibility and performance.

Performance Max and AI Overviews

Performance Max plays an increasing role in AI Overview placements. These campaigns allow Google to decide where ads appear across Search, Maps, and AI-driven surfaces.

Performance Max works best for service businesses when:

• Service areas are clearly defined
• Conversion tracking is accurate
• Asset groups are organized by service type
• Messaging remains specific and relevant

Vague assets lead to weak placements.

How AI Overview Ads Affect Local Visibility

AI Overview ads do not replace local SEO. They amplify it.

Your ads perform better when supported by:

• A complete and active Google Business Profile
• A strong review presence
• Accurate service area information
• Consistent business details across platforms

Paid and organic signals reinforce each other in AI-driven search.

Reporting and Measurement Limitations

One challenge in 2026 is limited visibility into AI Overview placements.

Google Ads does not yet provide a dedicated report showing AI Overview performance.

What you can track instead:

• Search terms triggering conversions
• Call and form volume trends
• Lead quality changes
• Conversion rate shifts after rollout

The focus should be on business outcomes, not just clicks.

Budgeting and Testing Strategy for Small Businesses

You do not need a large budget to test AI Overview exposure.

A practical approach includes:

• Allocating a small portion of spend to exploratory campaigns
• Focusing on high-intent service queries
• Using automated bidding for conversions
• Evaluating lead quality over volume

AI Overview ads may produce fewer clicks but stronger intent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many businesses struggle because they treat AI Overview ads like traditional search ads.

Avoid these mistakes:

• Writing generic promotional copy
• Sending traffic to non-specific pages
• Ignoring local context
• Turning off automation too early
• Expecting immediate scale

AI-driven placements reward patience and relevance.

How AI Overview Ads Change SEO and Paid Search

SEO and paid search are no longer separate efforts.

AI Overviews blend information, ads, and local signals into a single experience.

For service businesses, this means:

• Reviews influence trust across paid and organic
• Service pages support ad relevance
• Local clarity improves overall visibility

Think of paid ads as acceleration, not replacement.

What to Expect Next in 2026 and Beyond

AI Overview ads represent a structural change, not a short-term experiment.

Future developments are likely to include:

• More commercial query coverage
• Improved reporting and controls
• Greater emphasis on intent and trust signals

Businesses that test early gain compounding advantages.

Final Thoughts

Ads in AI Overviews are not about chasing a new feature.

They are about aligning with how customers now search, evaluate, and decide.

For small service businesses, this is an opportunity to show up earlier, clearer, and more credibly than ever before.

In 2026, the most successful advertisers will not be the loudest.

They will be the most helpful.