SEO has always been an evolving field, but the arrival of generative search engines, such as Google AI Overviews and the new AI features in Bing , is transforming the rules of the game. Now, it's not enough to produce content optimized for keywords: you need to create materials that can be cited as a source in these AI summaries and stand out in this new format.
For those who monetize websites and apps, this represents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge is adapting quickly to avoid losing traffic. The opportunity is being among the most popular sources and gaining visibility that can translate into more revenue.
What are generative search engines?
Unlike traditional search engines, which display a list of links, generative search engines use artificial intelligence to directly answer user questions by combining information from various sources and creating a summary in natural language.
Practical example:
If someone searches for “how to monetize an app,” instead of seeing just 10 links, they might receive a ready-made summary, citing sites that explain strategies like programmatic advertising, subscriptions, or in-app purchases.
Impact on SEO and monetization
This change alters the traffic dynamics:
- Fewer overall clicks → since the answer already appears on the page, many users don't click.
- More emphasis on cited sources → sites mentioned in the summaries may receive more qualified traffic.
- New visibility hierarchy → It's not just about ranking #1, it's also about being chosen as a trusted source by AI.
For those who monetize with programmatic ads, affiliates, or leads, this means that each click tends to be worth more , as it comes from an engaged user who has already received part of the answer and still decided to delve deeper.
How to Create Content for Generative Search Engines
- Answer questions clearly and directly
AIs look for objective excerpts to construct responses. Structure your texts with questions and answers, preferably in subheadings.
Example:
- Pergunta: What is eCPM?
- Direct answer: eCPM stands for effective cost per thousand impressions and indicates how much a publisher earns for every thousand ad views.
- Use structured data
Schema.org and FAQ/How-to markup help search engines better interpret your content and increase the chance of being referenced in summaries. - Apply principles of authority and trustworthiness (EEAT)
Search engines prioritize sites that demonstrate Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness and Trustworthiness.
This means citing reliable sources, having recognized authors, and keeping information up to date. - Invest in diverse content
Today, generative summaries mostly use text, but formats like images and videos already influence traditional SEO and may gain more relevance as AI evolves. - Update frequently
Content revised with recent data is more likely to remain relevant—both for traditional SEO and AI-powered search engines. - Offer depth
AI summaries answer the basics. But the user who clicks searches more details, tutorials and practical strategiesThis makes comprehensive guides and case studies much more monetizable.
Potential impact on monetization
- More qualified clicks
Users arriving after an AI brief already have a clear intent to learn or act. - Greater brand authority
Being cited in abstracts increases visibility and can attract sponsorships and better media deals. - Valuation of advertising inventory
More engaged traffic tends to generate better metrics (dwell time, pages per session), which can positively impact eCPM.
How to prepare for the future of the generative search engines
- Structure articles in FAQ and tutorial format.
- Invest in structured data and technical SEO.
- Build authority in specific niches.
- Monitor how your content appears in AI Overviews and adjust your strategy.
Content for AI is content for monetization
SEO has evolved: now it's not enough to be found, you need to be chosen by artificial intelligence . For publishers and app owners, this means producing content that AI recognizes as clear, reliable, and up-to-date.
At Join ADS, we believe that those who adapt quickly will have an advantage in the race for digital monetization. After all, visibility in AI responses is the new "top of Google"—and those who achieve this turn traffic into revenue.
And you, have you adapted your content strategy for generative search engines?
