The biggest change in search since Google was born? It’s happening right now.

Google’s AI Mode just became available as a default search option, and it doesn't just change how search looks—it redefines what it means to rank. AI Overviews launched a year ago, and with AI usage surging—OpenAI alone has over 500 million U.S. users weekly—it’s completely redefined how people search, how results are delivered, and how marketers approach content.

Instead of showing ten blue links, AI Mode presents AI-generated summaries that combine insights from multiple sources—often answering questions before a user ever clicks through.

Let’s break down what’s changed over the past year with AI in regards to search, what it means for your business, and how you can stay visible and competitive in the era of AI-powered search.

What is AI Mode?

Google’s AI Mode is an AI-powered search experience that sits front and center in the search engine results page (SERP). It uses large language models to summarize answers, compare products, pull reviews, and cite sources—all without users having to click to a website.

AI Overviews already appear in about 15%-30% of Google searches, and this is growing.  Unlike past changes like featured snippets, which had a minimal traffic impact, AIOs are poised to dominate the search results page - and take up more visual real estate.

This isn’t experimental. It’s the new default—and it’s reshaping how Google answers.  AI Mode is interactive, conversational, and contextually aware. Users can refine their searches by asking follow-up questions, and Google’s AI dynamically rewrites the answer based on user intent.

The biggest implication? Users are spending less time on websites and more time in the search results themselves.

The Evolution of Search: From Keywords to Conversations

In the traditional search engine model, users typed in keyword-based queries (“best SUV 2024”) and were served a list of ten blue links. Businesses optimized their websites to climb those rankings by targeting the right keywords, building backlinks, and creating valuable content.

But AI has changed that.

And it’s not just Google.  Large language model (LLM) tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and ClaudeAI are being used to now search with natural and more complex questions—and users expect instant, summarized answers. Instead of clicking links and researching page by page, users now receive synthesized overviews directly in the search engine—frequently without ever needing to leave the page.

What’s Changed in Search Over the Last Year?

1. AI Is Now the First Touchpoint

Google’s AI Overviews is pushing organic results further down the page. Even ads now appear within AI-generated answers. This demands your website content to be optimized not just for crawlers, but for inclusion in AI summaries.

2. Zero-Click Searches Are the Norm

Over 60% of searches already end without a click. With AI Mode, that number will grow. Your content needs to be the answer, not just link to the answer. Think “citation visibility” rather than page-one rankings.

3. Search Queries Are Now Conversations

People are using natural language queries, like “What’s the best SUV under $40K with good gas mileage?” rather than just “best SUV 2025.” AI Mode handles these well—and rewards content that mirrors this structure.

What Are GEO, AEO, and LLMO—and Why They Matter

To adapt, marketers need to look beyond traditional SEO. GEO, AEO, and LLMO are three competing terms—but the concept is clear: optimize for how AI reads and responds. We’ve helped clients shift to GEO ahead of the curve—and we believe it’s the clearest path to AI visibility.

• Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): Tailoring content to be easily understood and quoted by generative AI models, like those powering Google SGE or Bing Chat.
  
  
• Answer Engine Optimization (AEO): Structuring content specifically to answer questions clearly, directly, and in a format AI tools can digest.
  
  
• Large Language Model Optimization (LLMO): A broader discipline that considers how your brand and content are interpreted and used by specific AI models trained on massive datasets.

In short: you’re no longer just optimizing for Google’s crawler to rank on page one—you’re optimizing for how AI understands, summarizes, and represents your business.  Your goal is to become the answer, ultimately leading the searcher to give your business a chance.

8 Ways to Optimize for AI Searches and Win Visibility

Adapting to AI-driven search doesn’t mean abandoning everything you’ve done—it means evolving with purpose. Here are key strategies your business should be embracing:

1. Prioritize “Answer Optimization”

Answer your customers’ questions clearly and directly—then build supporting detail below. Use headers like “What is the best time to buy a used car?” and follow with short, authoritative answers. Then elaborate below with details, examples, or related content.

Example: Instead of writing a blog titled “Why We Love the Toyota Camry,” structure the page to answer real questions like “Is the Toyota Camry a good family car?” or “How does the Camry compare to the Honda Accord?”

If your content was built for voice search, you’re already ahead of the curve.

2. Ensure E-E-A-T Is Clear

E-E-A-T stands for Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.  It’s long been a framework that Google uses to evaluate the value and credibility of content.  Demonstrate that your business knows its stuff. Include:

• Author bylines
  
• Credentials
  
• References to data or research
  
• Genuine reviews or testimonials
  

3. Use Structured Data Markup

Make it easier for search engines and AI tools to read your content by implementing structured data (also called schema markup). This allows your site to show up in rich snippets, local packs, FAQs, and product listings. Key schema types to implement include:

• FAQ schema
• HowTo Schema
• Article Schema
• Author Markup

These data points not only increase your visibility but also improve your chances of being referenced in AI answers.

4. Go Beyond Text and Beyond Your Website

In a recent blog post, John Mueller with Google search relations, recommended going “beyond text for multimodal success.” Because users now have access to multimodal search - uploading images and asking questions, it’s important to add high-quality images and videos to support your content - both on your website and your business listings. 

Brand presence beyond your website also matters.  Google is increasingly favoring brands with visible, multi-channel signals - like YouTube, Reddit, Substack, Medium, and podcast appearances.  AI generated answers pull from Google Business Profiles, review platforms, and third-party directories.  

5. Make Site Speed and UX a Priority

While AI is changing content discovery, technical SEO still matters. Ensure your site is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate. AI tools won’t link to your site if it's slow or untrustworthy, and users won’t stay if the experience is poor. 

6. Double Down on Reputation and Review Signals

Generative engines factor in customer sentiment, reviews, and brand trust signals. Encourage customers to leave reviews. We’ve seen Google’s AI Mode cite Reddit posts and ratings from Widerail—so reputation signals matter more than ever. Include social proof in your content and monitor your brand mentions online—these can influence how AI tools perceive and summarize your business. 

7. Monitor and Measure Beyond Clicks

Measuring Results

As zero-click searches rise, focus on visibility indicators like:

• Impressions for long-tail keywords and changes over time
  
  
• Branded search volume
  
  
• Citations in generative answers
  
  
• Voice search results

Think Long-Term: Visibility Over Vanity Metrics

You may see fewer clicks—but stronger visibility. When AI cites your business in a search result, it may reduce the number of website visits—but the tradeoff is higher-quality exposure. AI placement can help build:

• Brand recognition
  
  
• Credibility and trust
  
  
• Local relevance
  
  
• Authority in your category

This is the era of being the source. If Google’s AI says, “According to [your business]...”—you’ve won.

From SEO to Visibility Strategy: The New Mindset

The most successful companies aren’t just reacting to AI—they’re reimagining their visibility strategy entirely.

Think of it this way: instead of shouting to be heard, you’re now being invited to be part of the answer. That requires a mix of technical hygiene, smart content strategy, and a clear understanding of what your customers want to know—before they even ask.

At The Moran Group, we’re helping our clients transition from SEO to Visibility Strategy—an integrated approach that blends SEO, reputation management, local optimization, and content intelligence to win attention in an AI-first search world.

The Bottom Line: Be the Answer

The rules of search are continuing to change—and so are the opportunities. If you’re still chasing blue links, you’re already behind. But if you reframe your website as the source, the answer, and the trusted authority, you’ll thrive in the age of AI.

The time to future-proof your business is now—before your competitors leave you behind. Be the source that both potential customers and AI can trust.  Think beyond rankings - think visibility, authority, and utility.

Ready to see how your site stacks up for AI answers? Contact us for a site audit.

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Sources:

https://searchengineland.com/google-ai-overviews-13-searches-455057

https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-links-to-itself-43-of-ai-overviews-point-back-to-google/546574/