Zero-click search
Definition
A zero-click search is one where the person gets what they need from the results page or an AI summary and does not click through to a website.
Why it matters
When answers satisfy people directly, being named or cited in the answer becomes as important as earning the click.
Example
A person reads an AI Overview and closes the tab.
Related terms
Platforms
AI Overviews
AI Overviews are AI generated summaries that Google shows at the top of some search results, with links to supporting pages.
Optimization
Answer engine optimization (AEO)
Answer engine optimization is the practice of structuring content so that search engines and AI assistants can extract a direct, accurate answer from it.
Concepts
AI visibility
AI visibility is how often and how favourably a brand appears in AI generated answers, recommendations, comparisons and cited sources for the questions its customers ask.
What is Zero-click search?
A zero-click search is one where the person gets what they need from the results page or an AI summary and does not click through to a website.
Why does zero-click search matter?
When answers satisfy people directly, being named or cited in the answer becomes as important as earning the click.
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