Overview
This tutorial explains how to combine AI Overview (AIO) data from Semrush, ahrefs, and Sistrix with Google Search Console (GSC) data exported via the Search Console API. The goal is to analyze the impact of AIOs on clicks and click-through rate (CTR) for queries where AIOs rank alongside your site in the search results.
Background
Google has expanded AI Overviews to 200+ countries and 40+ languages, and AI Mode is now available to all U.S. users. While AIOs and AI Mode can negatively impact clicks and CTR, Google does not currently separate AIO data in GSC, making direct analysis difficult.
Approach to Measuring AIO Impact
To understand AIO impact, this method compares performance data from two periods—before and after AIOs started ranking—by combining third-party visibility tool data with GSC data.
Requirements
- Access to third-party SEO tools: Semrush, ahrefs, and Sistrix for AIO query data
- Ability to export GSC query data via the Search Console API (e.g., with Analytics Edge)
- Spreadsheet software: Excel or Google Sheets
Step-by-Step Process
- Export AIO data from visibility tools:
- In Semrush, filter for “AI Overview” under SERP features and export queries.
- In ahrefs, filter organic keywords by “AI Overview” SERP feature and export.
- In Sistrix, use the preset “AI Overview” filter and export keywords.
- Dedupe data: Combine all queries into one worksheet and remove duplicates to get core AIO queries.
- Export GSC data: Using the Search Console API, export query data for two timeframes—one before AIO rollout and one recent period with AIOs.
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