SEO Strategy in the Age of AI Search: How to Build CMS Content that Ranks in AIO
Until recently, SEO strategies using CMS (Content Management Systems) focused primarily on delivering branded content effectively to users. But in 2024, Google’s launch of AIO (AI Overviews) has fundamentally changed how search results are structured—making traditional SEO practices alone increasingly insufficient.
This article is designed for marketers and website managers using CMS tools. We’ll walk you through how AIO is shifting search behavior and how to adapt your SEO strategy to stay visible in this new AI-driven landscape.
- What is AIO? How Google’s AI Summaries Work
- How AIO Impacts Your CMS Content Strategy
- 3 CMS Content Tips for the AIO Era
- AIO Readiness Comparison by CMS Platform (as of 2024)
- Summary and Free SEO Consultation
1. What is AIO? How Google’s AI Summaries Work
AI Overviews (AIO) are summary responses generated by Google’s AI, displayed at the top of search results. For example, when searching for “best CMS comparison,” users may see a synthesized answer highlighting the key features, comparison points, and ideal use cases for each CMS—before clicking into any specific website.
This means that users are increasingly making decisions without visiting actual web pages. Therefore, CMS-based content now needs to be structured so that it can be found and cited by AI.
2. How AIO Impacts Your CMS Content Strategy
- The research phase ends inside AIO: Users often read AI summaries before the actual article, reducing click-through rates.
- Organic traffic may drop: Traditional rankings are no longer enough. Whether your content is included in the AI summary becomes the new metric.
- “AI-discoverable content” becomes the new success formula: Clear formatting, first-party expertise, and quotable phrasing are key.
3. 3 CMS Content Tips for the AIO Era
1. Structure Your Content for AI Citation
AIO prefers well-structured content such as FAQs, bullet points, definitions, and comparison tables. Make sure your CMS pages are organized with clear headings and one topic per paragraph to improve AI readability.
2. Show First-Party Data and Expertise
AI prioritizes credible sources. Include original data, case studies, and expert insights that demonstrate why your site is trustworthy. This boosts your chance of being selected in AIO.
3. Write a Summary-Focused Lead Paragraph
Expect the first paragraph beneath your title to be pulled into AI Overviews. Answer the user’s query immediately in the intro paragraph with a clear, concise summary of your article.
4. AIO Readiness Comparison by CMS Platform (as of 2024)
| CMS Platform | AIO Visibility | Content Structure Readiness | Search Quality Compliance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WordPress | ★★★★☆ | Excellent | Excellent | Dominant market share and high customizability; great for structured SEO content. |
| Wix | ★★★☆☆ | Good | Good | Easy to use, but AI summarization may require manual structure optimization. |
| Webflow | ★★★☆☆ | Excellent | Good | Strong for global sites. Easily picked up by AIO when content is well-published. |
| HubSpot CMS | ★★★★☆ | Excellent | Excellent | Frequently featured in AI summaries—ideal for marketing teams. |
| Japanese CMS (e.g., a-blog, Movable Type) | ★★☆☆☆ | Fair | Fair | Limited global reach and English-language support may lower AIO exposure. |
5. Summary and Free SEO Consultation
With the rise of AI Overviews, CMS-based SEO must now prioritize structure, expertise, and AI readability. The old assumption—“ranking high means visibility”—is no longer enough. The key is to design your content so that it’s picked up by AI summaries.
At Sazae, we help CMS-based businesses implement SEO strategies tailored for AIO. From structure and metadata planning to operational improvements, our team supports your full journey.
If you’d like to know how your CMS content appears in AIO or how to improve it, feel free to reach out.
