Deep Pages Drive AI Citations: 82% of Google AI Overviews Pull from Non-Homepage Content

A recent analysis by BrightEdge has highlighted a major shift in how Google’s AI Overviews source content—82% of citations now link to deep internal pages rather than homepages. This development marks a pivotal change in the structure of search visibility, signalling the growing importance of long-form, resource-rich content housed deeper within websites.

As Google continues to enhance its search experience through AI-driven features, this trend suggests that websites can no longer rely solely on homepage optimization or top-level service pages. Instead, individual blog posts, FAQ sections, and informational subpages are now more likely to be cited, accessed, and surfaced in AI-generated summaries.

Why AI Citations Are Transforming Page Visibility

AI Overviews within Google Search aim to provide quick, informative responses to user queries. In doing so, they often include direct citations to source material. These citations are not passive mentions—they offer high-visibility links that can drive significant organic traffic to the referenced content.

Unlike traditional search features that often prioritize homepage or high-authority landing pages, AI Overviews are pulling from a broader content base. This includes internal, sometimes overlooked pages that address niche topics or provide detailed explanations. When these pages are cited, they receive a surge in visibility and credibility.

For website owners and SEO professionals, this creates new opportunities to capitalize on existing content assets that may not have been high-priority targets in previous optimization strategies.

From Homepage-First to Content-First SEO Strategy

The traditional view of the homepage as the central entry point is becoming outdated. In the AI-powered search landscape, any page on your site—regardless of its depth in the URL structure—can serve as the first touchpoint for a user.

This paradigm shift means that a well-optimized blog post or subpage answering a specific query may outperform the homepage in driving organic traffic. BrightEdge’s findings further reveal that many of the keywords associated with AI citations are high-volume, often exceeding 15,000 searches per month. This represents a substantial opportunity for sites that have built out quality content beyond the main navigation.

A content-first strategy is now essential. Every page should be treated as a potential landing page capable of earning citations, rankings, and engagement.

How to Prepare Internal Pages for AI-Driven Search

To make the most of AI Overviews and the broader trend toward deep content recognition, site owners should implement the following best practices:

• Develop High-Quality Content Across the Site: Focus on topic depth, clarity, and relevance. Pages should fully address user intent and offer authoritative information.
• Keep Content Updated: Refresh existing posts and resources to reflect new data, insights, or industry developments.
• Optimize for Search Intent: Use strategic keywords and structure content in a way that directly aligns with what users are searching for.
• Ensure Technical Accessibility: Make sure that all valuable internal pages are indexed, properly structured, and free from crawl errors or broken links.
• Monitor and Adjust: Use tools like Google Search Console, analytics platforms, and third-party SEO software to identify which pages are gaining traction and which need refinement.

By investing in the long-term value of deep content, businesses can significantly increase their chances of earning AI citations and improving search performance.

Expert SEO Support for Maximizing AI Visibility

The shift toward AI-enhanced search requires advanced SEO strategies and careful attention to detail. SEO professionals are equipped to analyze on-site content performance, identify hidden opportunities, and implement the optimizations necessary to meet evolving search standards.

At MedShark Digital, we work closely with businesses to unlock the full potential of their content libraries. Whether it’s optimizing older posts for new opportunities or developing content strategies that align with AI priorities, our team is ready to help.

Connect with us today to learn how we can help your site adapt to the latest trends in search and increase your visibility through targeted, data-driven SEO solutions.