Google AI mode is a step up from Google AI overviews, released last year. Although AI mode is still in beta phase, it comes with offerings that have publishers’ hearts racing with worry. And the reason is not far-fetched: AI overviews have caused massive changes to search since its release.
An upgrade to AI mode could alter search in ways that impact traditional SEO. Google, however, has responded to concerns with claims that AI mode has little to no impact on SEO.
Rather, the company claims that it is helping to drive more traffic to lesser-known sites, while also improving traffic quality.
With that being said, let’s take a closer look at Google AI mode, its impacts, and tips to stay relevant.
What is Google AI Mode?
Google AI mode is an elaboration of its AI overviews. Similar to ChatGPT and Gemini, it provides detailed, carefully curated responses to user queries, especially complex, multi-layered queries. Rather than provide the ten blue links typical of Google search, it extracts snips and bits of information from multiple web sources.
Then, it synthesizes this information into one coherent deliverable that effectively addresses the user’s question. It also provides a chatbot-like experience for users to probe even further. This approach allows Google to deliver hyper-personalized information that is also context-aware.
Therefore, one query directly influences the results of the next. The approach also helps Google handle complex queries with multiple layers, modes, and details.
How is Google AI Mode Changing SEO?
Traditional SEO had a symbiotic dynamic laid out: Google provides the traffic, and businesses provide information. However, with Google AI mode, this transaction gets muddled. Google still provides traffic, but indirectly towards businesses.
Now, a significant amount of online traffic stops at Google AI mode. And the reason is not far-fetched- more and more users are obtaining detailed, relevant responses from Google itself without combing through a third-party website.
This is good news to users as they can now get very precise, helpful information without parsing through sites. And Google defends this narrative by stating that, rather than delivering ten links, it’s providing more reach to lesser-ranked websites with its new snip-edit search style.
It argues that this approach disperses the traffic, allowing users to be directed to a wider range of sources. This motive sounds good in theory, but the numbers tell a different story. Websites are reportedly recording a decline (30-70%) in traffic metrics.
One thing to note about these metrics is that many websites do report showing up in search results, but because a large percentage of these searches do not result in a click, there’s a reduction in website visitors.
How to Optimize for Google AI Mode?
Although Google AI mode is causing a serious change to search, it has not plunged the SEO industry into oblivion. Reports say that there are still clicks to websites, albeit streamlined. Here’s what businesses and marketers can do;
1. Make Content AI-Friendly
Google AI mode does feature links, but only includes relevant, precise information. To make this cut, brands should focus on providing well-structured information coupled with clear, concise, and exact answers to queries.
This AI optimization approach requires that content be easily identified, understood, and cited. Long and monolithic blocks of text should be forgone in favor of very precise information. This gives no room for general and surface-level answers.
For example, a content piece with the heading “All About Yoghurt” should be broken down into “How Bacteria Turns Milk to Yoghurt,” “The Role of Lactic Acid Fermentation,” and “Key Ingredients and Process Steps.”
This structure effectively helps the AI model locate and extract specific pieces of information for use in its response.
2. Emphasize Google E-E-A-T
Prior to Google AI mode, the search engine had always used the E-E-A-T parameters as crucial ranking factors. However, to maintain CTR, more focus should be given to the first ‘E’, Experience.
Content born out of direct, first-hand experience of the topic is a key differentiator. It is not easily extracted and synthesized for use in AI responses. This provides a level of detail and possible connection with the user that an AI model can’t mimic.
3. Focus on “AI-resistant” Content
This can work in two ways. When a content piece contains a lot of personalization, original research, bold opinions, or niche information, Google AI mode may become limited. It may struggle to extract the information and synthesize it along with other points due to the AI’s neutral theme.
This will achieve one thing: Google AI mode may produce answers that are skimmed and surface-level. And when this happens, the user may bypass AI mode in pursuit of more grounded answers.
Another approach to AI-resistant content is focusing on conversion keywords. When a user wants to make a purchase, they do not look to Google AI mode to provide answers.
Rather, they’re seeking human-run websites.
4. Use Structured Data (Schema Markup)
Structured data or Schema markup can help Google understand the meaning of a website’s content beyond the text. It acts like a behind-the-scenes layer of code that labels key pieces of information, evaluating them using ranking factors.
Schema markup can help Google AI mode identify what parts of a page are authoritative, relevant, and worth including and linking in its responses.
FAQs
1. Can I Trust Google AI Results?
Google AI was designed to have live access to the internet and provide factual responses. However, this doesn’t mean it is error-free. Users are encouraged to verify factual and sensitive information.
2. Is Google AI Mode Good?
Google AI mode can be a convenient and fast way to get responses without combing through vast information across websites. But it can also generate false and misleading information.
3. How to Avoid AI on Google?
Enter a query on Google, then click on ‘Web’ to filter the results in the filter tab. This would stop Google AI overviews from showing up and just present the typical ten blue links.
4. Can I Use Google AI Mode Now?
Yes, but this depends on geographical location and browser settings. Currently, it’s only available in the U.S and India in Beta mode. If you live in either of those locations, you simply have to go to your browser settings and activate the “AI mode” option.
