AI-Proof SEO Strategy: How to Find and Target Keywords That Still Drive Clicks in 2025

Search is changing fast. Google has introduced AI Overviews—AI-powered summaries that appear at the top of search results. These overviews answer questions instantly, so users often don’t need to click any website link. While this improves the user experience, it’s a big challenge for website owners: fewer clicks from organic search.

A recent study by Ahrefs found that when an AI Overview is present on a search page, click-through rates (CTR) drop by an average of 34.5%. For example, if your page used to get 1,000 clicks from a keyword, you could lose around 345 clicks—just because of AI.

This trend is part of what SEO experts call zero-click search. Users now get answers directly on the search results page without visiting any website. For instance:

• If you search “What is SEO?”, Google often shows a full explanation in its AI Overview box.
• Search “Translate English to Spanish”, and Google gives you the translation instantly—no click required.

Why This Matters

For businesses, publishers, and bloggers, this is a major shift. Organic traffic—which many relied on—is at risk. Impressions may go up, but actual clicks are dropping. If your content strategy depends on informational keywords, you’re likely seeing this already.

However, there’s good news. Not all keywords lose clicks. Some continue to perform well, even with AI Overviews present. These are called AI-proof keywords and finding them is the secret to staying ahead in 2025.

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What Are AI-Proof Keywords and Why They Matter

As AI Overviews become common in search results, not all keywords are affected equally. Some keywords still drive clicks even when AI-generated summaries appear at the top. These keywords are called AI-proof keywords.

What Are AI-Proof Keywords?

AI-proof keywords are search queries that retain or even improve click-through rates (CTR) despite the presence of AI Overviews or other zero-click features. These keywords often satisfy needs that AI summaries cannot fully address, such as tasks requiring tools, downloads, or deeper interaction.

For example:

• A query like “What is keyword research?” can be answered in an AI Overview. Most users won’t click through.
• But a query like “Free Keyword Research Tool” often still gets clicks because users need an actual tool to complete the task.

This means intent matters. If the user’s goal is informational (just learning), AI can satisfy them on the SERP. But if the intent is transactional or utility-driven (using a tool, comparing products, downloading templates), they’re more likely to visit your site.

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Why Do AI-Proof Keywords Matter in 2025?

The SEO game is changing. According to SparkToro’s zero-click research, 65% of Google searches already end without a click—and that was before AI Overviews rolled out globally. With AI summaries now answering complex questions, this percentage will rise further.

If your traffic strategy still focuses on informational content only, you risk losing significant traffic. By targeting AI-proof keywords, you:
✅ Protect your organic clicks in an AI-first world
✅ Capture high-intent traffic that AI cannot fully satisfy
✅ Stay competitive when other sites lose visibility

Examples of AI-Proof Keywords

Based on Ahrefs’ study and industry patterns, here are three common AI-proof keyword types:

1. Free Tools & Utility Queries – e.g., “Free Keyword Generator,” “Website Traffic Checker”.
2. Comparison Searches – e.g., “Ahrefs vs SEMrush,” “Best SEO plugins for WordPress”.
3. Action-Based Queries – e.g., “Download SEO template,” “AI writing tool for blogs”.

These keywords work because users need to do something—not just read an answer. AI Overviews can summarize, but they can’t let users generate a keyword list or download a template.

AI-proof keywords are your lifeline for traffic in 2025. They are practical, intent-driven, and often linked to tools, templates, or transactions. If you’re not already tracking these keywords, you’re at risk of losing valuable clicks.

Read More AEO vs SEO in 2025: What’s the Difference and Why You Need Both for Future Search Visibility

How to Find AI-Proof Keywords (Step-by-Step Guide)

Now that you know why AI-proof keywords matter, let’s learn how to find them. The good news? You don’t need complex tools beyond Google Search Console (GSC) and Ahrefs. Here’s the exact process to identify these traffic-saving keywords.

Step 1: Start in Google Search Console

1. Log in to Google Search Console.
2. Go to Performance → Search Results.
3. Apply a date filter starting March 2024 onward (AI Overviews grew after March updates).
4. Add these filters:
   • Impressions ≥ 100 (to ensure enough data)
   • CTR improved or stable (compare with the previous period).

These filters show keywords that gained or kept CTR, even when AI Overviews were likely present.

Step 2: Export and Analyze

Click Export → Download as CSV.
Now you have your candidate keyword list.

Look for patterns:

• Are they branded?
• Are they tool-related (e.g., “free keyword tool”)?
• Do they involve comparisons (e.g., “X vs Y”)?

Step 3: Use Ahrefs to Check AI Overview Presence

1. Open Ahrefs Keywords Explorer.
2. Paste your exported keyword list.
3. Apply SERP Feature filter → Include → AI Overview.
4. Select your target region.

Now you see which keywords appear on SERPs with AI Overviews.

Step 4: Identify AI-Proof Keywords

Apply this final filter:
Target → Your Domain → Show Ranking Positions.

This shows keywords where you rank AND AI Overviews appear.
If CTR is stable or growing → That’s an AI-proof keyword.

Step 5: Optimize and Double Down

• Create more content around similar keywords.
• Add free tools, templates, calculators—utility pages outperform AI summaries.
• Use FAQ schema to improve visibility in AI-driven SERPs.

Example Workflow

• Keyword from GSC: “free backlink checker” → Impressions: 2,000 → CTR: +10% post-March.
• In Ahrefs: Appears with AI Overview, but still performs well.
  Why? Because users need the actual tool → AI summary can’t replace it.

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Best Practices to Optimize for AI-Proof SEO in 2025

Finding AI-proof keywords is only half the battle. To protect your traffic from AI Overviews and zero-click searches, you need a solid AI-proof SEO strategy. Here are the best practices that will help you stay competitive in 2025 and beyond.

1. Target Utility-Driven Queries

AI Overviews can answer simple questions, but they can’t replace tools or interactive content.
Focus on utility-driven keywords, such as:

• “Free Keyword Generator”
• “Website Traffic Checker”
• “Backlink Analyzer Tool”

These keywords are AI-proof because users need an actual tool to complete the job.
Example: Ahrefs’ Free Keyword Generator still gets clicks despite AI summaries because users need to generate real keyword lists—not just read a definition.

2. Optimize for Transactional & Comparison Searches

Searches like “Ahrefs vs SEMrush” or “Best SEO Plugins for WordPress” require detailed comparisons that AI cannot fully cover.
Create long-form comparison pages with:
✔ Pros & cons tables
✔ Feature breakdown
✔ Use-case examples
✔ Visual charts

These comparison keywords have high purchase intent, making them valuable for conversion-focused SEO.

3. Build Interactive Content & Tools

Google AI can summarize answers, but it can’t perform tasks. Adding interactive elements will keep your pages AI-proof:

• Free calculators (SEO ROI, CPC, keyword cost)
• Free checkers (Backlink Checker, Plagiarism Checker)
• Downloadable templates (SEO Audit Checklist, Keyword Plan)

Example: Queries like “Word Count Tool” still get strong CTR because users need the tool, not just a summary.

4. Use Structured Data to Stand Out

Schema markup improves rich results visibility, making your site more attractive even in AI-driven SERPs.

• Add FAQ schema for question-based queries.
• Use How-To schema for step-by-step guides.
• Include Review schema for comparison posts.

Check Google’s Structured Data Guidelines to implement correctly.

5. Refresh and Expand High-Value Pages

AI Overviews tend to favor fresh content. Update your top-performing pages with:
✔ Current stats (2025 data)
✔ AI-related FAQs
✔ New images or infographics

Example: If you have a “Keyword Research Guide”, add a section on AI SEO tools to make it future-ready.

6. Track AI Overview Position in SERPs

AI Overviews aren’t always in position #1. According to Ahrefs, they appear lower than the first result in ~8.5% of cases.
When AI Overviews rank lower, your pages retain more clicks. Use Ahrefs Keywords Explorer to track these positions and prioritize such keywords.

7. Optimize CTR with Engaging Titles & Meta

Even when AI Overviews show up, click-worthy titles can attract users.

• Use numbers (e.g., “10 Best AI SEO Tools for 2025”)
• Add power words (Ultimate, Proven, Expert Tips)
• Write meta descriptions with a strong CTA

Example:
Title: “Free Backlink Checker Tool – Check Links Instantly”
Meta: “Discover backlinks for any site. Use our free backlink checker and boost your SEO in 2025.”

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AI-Proof SEO Checklist for 2025 (Actionable & Downloadable)

If you want your website to thrive in an AI-first search world, you need a clear strategy to safeguard clicks and maintain organic traffic. This AI-Proof SEO Checklist summarizes everything we’ve discussed so far into simple, actionable steps.

Download this checklist as a PDF or use it as a quick reference guide whenever you update your SEO strategy.

✅ Step 1: Find Your AI-Proof Keywords

• Use Google Search Console (GSC) to identify keywords where CTR is stable or improving after AI Overviews rolled out.
  ✔ Filter by Impressions ≥ 100
  ✔ Select CTR Improved
• Export the data and analyze patterns:
  ✔ Utility-based queries (free tools, calculators, templates)
  ✔ Comparison keywords (Ahrefs vs SEMrush, best SEO tools 2025)
• Use Ahrefs Keywords Explorer to check if AI Overviews appear for these keywords.
  ✔ Apply filter: Include → AI Overview
  ✔ Add your domain → Check ranking positions

Why this matters: Keywords that resist CTR drop are your strongest traffic assets in 2025.

✅ Step 2: Optimize for Utility & Action

AI Overviews can answer questions, but they cannot perform tasks.
✔ Create free tools (e.g., Backlink Checker, Keyword Generator).
✔ Add downloadable templates (SEO checklist, audit sheets).
✔ Provide interactive calculators (SEO ROI, CPC estimates).

Example: The keyword “Word Count Tool” still drives traffic because users need a tool, not just an explanation.

✅ Step 3: Refresh & Expand Content

• Update high-traffic pages with 2025 stats, visuals, and AI-related FAQs.
• Add schema markup: FAQ, How-To, and Review schema for better visibility.
• Incorporate engaging visuals (charts, infographics) to make your pages stand out in AI-driven SERPs.

Tip: Use Google Structured Data Testing Tool to validate schema implementation.

✅ Step 4: Improve CTR with Click-Worthy Meta Data

AI Overviews don’t remove all clicks. Well-optimized titles and meta descriptions can still drive users to your site.
✔ Use numbers and brackets: “10 Best AI SEO Tools [2025 Edition]”
✔ Add power words: Proven, Ultimate, Free, Expert
✔ Create urgency: “Don’t Miss These AI-Proof SEO Hacks for 2025!”

Example:
Title: Free Backlink Checker – Instantly Analyze Your Links
Meta: Check backlinks for any website with our free tool. No signup required. Boost your SEO in 2025.

✅ Step 5: Monitor AI Overview Positions

• AI Overviews don’t always appear at position #1. According to Ahrefs research, 8.5% of AIOs rank lower, leaving room for clicks.
  ✔ Track keyword positions using Ahrefs or Google Search Console.
  ✔ Prioritize keywords where AIOs appear below the first result.

✅ Step 6: Build Content for Human Intent

• Focus on jobs-to-be-done (e.g., running an analysis, generating a report, comparing products).
• AI can summarize answers, but real users want tools, real insights, and real interaction.
  ✔ Add step-by-step tutorials and practical use cases to make your content indispensable.

✅ Final Verdict: Is SEO Dead in 2025?

No—SEO is not dead. But it is completely changing. Google’s AI Overviews and zero-click features have transformed how people search and consume information. Many websites that relied on informational keywords are already losing traffic because answers now appear directly on the search results page.

What Does This Mean for You?

The old “publish blog posts and wait for clicks” approach doesn’t work anymore. If you keep using the same tactics, you will see fewer clicks, lower CTR, and slower growth.

But here’s the truth: SEO is evolving, not disappearing.
The winners will be those who adapt early and understand what AI cannot replace.

How to Succeed in This AI-First World

✔ Target AI-Proof Keywords: Look for search queries where users need to take an action, not just read an answer. Examples:

• “Free Keyword Tool”
• “Backlink Checker”
• “Ahrefs vs SEMrush Comparison”

✔ Create Utility-Driven Content: Tools, templates, calculators, and product comparisons cannot be replaced by AI summaries.

✔ Use Schema Markup & FAQs: Give Google structured data to improve visibility in rich results and AI-powered snippets.

✔ Refresh Old Content Regularly: Add updated data, new FAQs, and practical examples to make your content more competitive in 2025.

✔ Track AI Overview Presence: Monitor which keywords trigger AI Overviews using Ahrefs or Google Search Console. Focus on keywords where AIOs appear below position #1 because those still get clicks.

Why You Should Act Now

The SEO landscape is shifting fast. According to SparkToro’s research, over 65% of Google searches already end without a click—and this number is growing with AI. If you wait, you’ll lose valuable organic traffic. If you start now, you’ll build a future-proof SEO strategy that keeps your site relevant for years to come.

The Bottom Line

SEO is alive and kicking—but only for those who adapt.
The future belongs to brands and creators who:
✅ Understand user intent
✅ Offer more than a summary
✅ Build interactive, value-driven content

If you do this, you won’t just survive in an AI-first world—you’ll thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions