The way we search on Google is changing. New features like AI mode are redefining the entire search experience, delivering more personalised and nuanced results.
AI mode is currently only available in the US, but will soon be rolled out globally. This means in Australia, we have the advantage of time. Now is the ideal time to prepare your website and marketing strategy so you’re not left behind when it does land here.
Let’s break down what Google’s AI Mode is, how it could affect your visibility online, and what you can do now to stay ahead of the curve.
What is Google's AI Mode?
In simple terms, AI Mode is a smarter, more conversational version of Google Search. Instead of just giving users a list of links when they search for something, Google now uses artificial intelligence to generate direct answers, summaries, comparisons, and even suggestions.
Imagine a potential customer types in something like:
- “Plan a weekend trip to the Sunshine Coast with kid-friendly activities”
- “Best heat pump hot water system in Brisbane under $3,000”
- “Where can I get same-day tyre repairs near me?”
Instead of showing them ten websites, Google’s AI Mode might deliver a complete answer, including itinerary, product comparisons, or local recommendations, without the user needing to click a single link.
How will Google's AI Mode Work?
AI Mode will pull information from a range of online sources such as websites, product reviews, blog content, Google Maps, Google Business Profiles, and more, and serve it up in a clean, conversational response.
Here are a few examples of how it’s already being used overseas:
- Personalised travel: Users can say something like: “Plan me a three-day trip to Tasmania with hiking and food stops,” and Google will serve up a day-by-day itinerary, built from blog posts, maps, and business listings.
- Shopping recommendations: Search for a product like a travel bag, and Google’s AI shopping assistant will give you a side-by-side product breakdown with pricing, reviews, and where to buy, without you needing to visit a single retailer site. Plus, it can tailor the recommendations to suit your interests and needs.
- Daily schedules: Say “What’s the best time to go for a jog tomorrow morning?” and the AI factors in your calendar, weather, and fitness goals.
- Event planning: Search queries like “organise a birthday dinner in Brisbane for 12 people, vegetarian-friendly” trigger suggestions for venues, menus, and even available booking times. AI Mode can also be used to find and book tickets for special events.
Source - Hyper-local recommendations: Searches like “Where can I find a 24-hour chemist near me?” triggers localised, real-time answers based on user location and business hours. Recent research shows AI summaries are appearing for 68% of local business-type queries.
- Deep research: Google’s latest Gemini model can be utilised to conduct deep research, automatically scanning hundreds of websites, examining its findings, and creating insightful reports in minutes.
How can AI Mode Impact your SEO?
AI Mode changes what it means to be “found” online. Instead of sending users to your website, Google’s AI could answer their questions directly using content it scrapes from multiple sources, including yours. This creates three major challenges:
1. Lower Visibility
If Google’s AI is answering users’ questions directly, they may never see your link. Your content might be used by Google to generate its answer, but there’s no guarantee users will then click through. Plus, your website may be pushed further down the results page.
2. Decreased Traffic
Even if your business is mentioned in the AI summary, there’s a strong chance users will be satisfied with the answer they get and won’t bother clicking through to your website. In fact, research shows 80% of Australian consumers now rely on AI-written results for at least 40% of their searches, reducing organic web traffic by 15% to 25%.
3. Lack of Analytics
Analytics tools won’t always show you how users are interacting with AI results. You might see your traffic drop, without knowing which keywords you’re losing visibility on.
This is a wake-up call for any business relying heavily on organic traffic, especially service-based businesses, ecommerce brands, and local businesses.
12 Strategies for Appearing in AI Mode Responses
Although Google's AI Mode isn’t fully launched in Australia yet, we are already seeing AI summaries changing the game. This means now is the crucial time to adjust your approach to target these results.
We can’t directly impact AI overview rankings, as Google generates these on the go, and content and sources vary between searches. However, you can increase your chances of your content being featured by following these strategies
1. Create High-Quality, Authoritative Content
Google’s AI overview prioritises content that clearly and directly answers users queries, backed up by real data and context. Content should be concise, straightforward, and easy for the AI to summarise without misunderstanding. The top featured content demonstrates Google’s core values of Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T).
To write content that meets this criteria, make sure to:
- Research the topic thoroughly and ensure factual accuracy
- Write comprehensive answers to questions
- Highlight your expertise and credibility
- Provide unique insights and share personal experiences
2. Structure Content for AI Readability
It’s easier for AI to extract information from content that is well-structured and easy to scan. So, when you’re writing your high-quality content, remember to organise it for readability.
For example, 78% of AI overviews contain lists. Lists can be pulled straight from your page and presented in the AI summary, like the key features of post-war homes below.
To optimise your content structure:
- Answer the question upfront
- Write for readability: short sentences, simple language, no jargon
- Break into scannable sections: headings, bullet points, tables
- Focus on brevity and highlight key points
3. Focus on long-tail, question-based keywords
Research by Neil Patel shows 77% of AI overviews are based on searches of six or more word keyphrases. This means it's time to start thinking about the way people are actually searching.
Instead of targeting broad keywords like "electrician Brisbane" or "best coffee beans”, try targeting phrases like “who’s the most reliable electrician near me with same-day service?” or “which coffee beans are best for a stovetop espresso machine?”
The more specific and natural your content, the more likely it is to match up with conversational search queries AI Mode thrives on.
4. Match Search Intent
Remember, Google prioritises content that answers users questions. Matching search intent means aligning your content with what users are actually looking for, and addressing their needs.
To do this, take a look at the search engine results page (SERP) for your target keyword before you start writing. For example, we can see the top ranking results for ‘learning tennis’ are how-to guides. The same is true for pages ranking in the AI overview for this keyword.
5. Improve your SERP Rankings
Studies show 52% of sources selected for AI overviews rank in the top ten positions on the search engine results page. For example, Roo Roofing ranks in position one for this keyword ‘asbestos roof replacement Brisbane’, earning them the top place in the AI summary too.
This shows improving your rankings should be a top priority if you want your business to get featured in the AI summaries. To do this, you’ll need a solid SEO strategy.
Focus on:
- Optimising your website’s content
- Building internal links and backlinking
- Improving technical aspects such as page speed, crawlability, mobile responsiveness and security
6. Focus on Already-Ranking Content
AI summaries often pull information from pages that are already ranking in the top results. Instead of churning out new content, focus on improving your existing content such as website pages, landing pages, blogs, and guides.
To increase your chances of being featured:
- Optimise content to target high-volume keywords
- Enhance existing pages with updated information, concise answers, and structured data
- Improve page speed, mobile responsiveness, and overall user experience
7. Build & Show Authority
In traditional SEO, there is a focus on building high-quality backlinks. Although they are still important, AI-driven search depends more on credible citations. If you’re looking to get featured, then it’s worth linking your content to other more authoritative sources. This means your data is backed up by a source Google deems credible, which increases your chances of being featured in the AI overview.
Showing authority is particularly important in topics like health, finance, and legal. To do this:
- Cite trustworthy sources in your content
- Include references to data, studies, statistics or expert opinions
- Add author bios, credentials and links to professional profiles
- Highlight your awards, certifications or years of experience
8. Add Schema Markup to your website
Schema markup plays a big role in helping Google understand your content. This is structured data you add to your website code that labels information like your product names, pricing, FAQs, business hours, and customer reviews.
When done properly, it increases your chances of being featured in AI summaries, rich snippets, and voice searches. If you’re using WordPress or Shopify, there are plugins that can make adding schema fairly straightforward.
9. Include Multimedia & Rich Content
Visual elements do more than simply make your content look pretty. They also help both users and Google to understand it better. Plus, AI models can sometimes pull these elements directly into their overviews.
Depending on your business niche, you could add multimedia content to your pages in many ways. For example:
- Add screenshots to step users through a process
- Embed videos from YouTube
- Include charts, tables, infographics, visual summaries
- Include high-quality images of your products, service or team
10. Keep your Google Business Profile in top shape
For local businesses especially, your Google Business Profile is going to become even more important. AI Mode uses real-time data from these profiles to answer hyper-local queries like “best Thai food near me open now” or “closest physiotherapist open Saturday.”
Make sure your address, phone number, hours of operation, photos, and service list are all up to date. Don’t ignore reviews either, as consistently getting positive feedback, and responding professionally to reviews, sends strong trust signals to Google.
11. Manage your Brand's Online Reputation
Another factor in appearing in AI overviews is your brand’s online reputation. For example, your business’ reviews, mentions in credible sites, and social media presence helps to increase brand awareness and establish your reputation. Google uses this information when evaluating content to include in AI summaries.
Being active on platforms like Reddit and Quora can also help. Google has given these platforms higher visibility in search results in previous years, and is now doing the same for AI results.
Remember, you don’t need to be active everyday. But answering questions related to your brand, sharing your expertise, or being part of the conversation can help your content or brand show up when people search.
12. Update Content Regularly
If you’re familiar with SEO, then you’ll know Google rewards up-to-date content. This is true in both traditional SEO and AI searches. A page that’s frequently refreshed with new information stands a much better chance of being selected for the AI summary.
To keep on top of this, schedule regular updates for your most important pages. Check your content, links, keywords, and add any new information.
Embracing the New Search Era
AI Mode isn’t here yet in Australia, but will be soon. Businesses need to prepare for and embrace the new search era, or risk being left behind.
Preparing now means redefining your SEO strategy to focus on trust signals, diverse content, and reimagined customer journeys.
If your business needs a future-ready SEO strategy, talk to us. We’re an award-winning digital marketing agency known for our dedicated customer service and proven results.
