Introduction

Google’s new AI Mode changes how search works by giving AI-written answers with links on the side. It acts more like ChatGPT than old Google Search.

What's the problem it solves?

This article helps marketers understand how Google’s AI Mode behaves differently from regular search results. It shows how to stay visible when AI answers take the spotlight.

Quick Summary

Google’s new AI Mode works more like an AI chatbot than the old search engine. It often gives long answers, puts helpful links on the side, and uses content from many different websites. Reddit, YouTube, and other user-created platforms show up more often than brand sites. While AI Mode sometimes uses top Google results, it also pulls in less obvious pages that better match what people are asking.

The way AI Mode picks sources is different from AI Overviews or ChatGPT. Sidebar links are common, and they usually come from trusted domains, though not always from the same pages. For brands, this means that even if they rank well on Google, they also need useful, well-written content deep inside their sites. AI Mode pays more attention to detailed, specific pages than flashy homepages.

To stay in the game, marketers must understand that AI search wants answers that match the user's goal. If someone wants to learn, short and clear content is best. But if they are looking to buy or compare, longer, detailed answers are needed. AI tools also like websites with clear info, helpful user discussions, and deep links.

Key Takeaways from the article

• Google’s AI Mode acts more like ChatGPT than the old search results page.
• It gives long answers and uses sidebar links from many sources.
• Reddit and YouTube show up in AI answers a lot, even more than brand sites.
• Commercial searches get longer answers than simple questions.
• Strong domains get more AI mentions, but not always from their top pages.
• Pages with clear writing, helpful info, and technical guides do better.
• AI Mode is shaping a new type of SEO called GEO (Generative Engine Optimization).
• Brands need to focus on being useful and trusted, not just ranking high.
• User-generated content and deep site pages matter more than ever.
• SEO is not dead, but it must now include AI-focused strategies.

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