Google’s new AI mode flips traditional search on its head. It trades the list of “blue links” for a cleaner and more succinct results page, and it’s changing the game of SEO.
If your business isn’t showing up in Google AI Mode, you risk turning invisible to a growing chunk of users.
To get your brand mentioned in these short and highly selective search results, you don’t need to trick the system or stuff a bunch of keywords. It’s all about giving Google what it needs to trust your content.
Let’s break down what’s actually working so you can start appearing in Google AI mode.
TL;DR
- Google AI mode replaces traditional search results with concise, AI-generated answers, dramatically shifting the dynamics of SEO. Web3 brands risk losing visibility if they don’t adapt.
- To appear in Google’s selective AI responses, prioritize trust-building through authoritative content, technical optimization, multi-modal media, and clarity.
- Traditional keyword stuffing no longer works. Focus instead on structured, readable content that directly answers user intent.
What Is Google AI Mode?
Google AI mode is a baked-in AI experience in Google’s search engine. It’s like Google and ChatGPT had a baby — clear, direct answers to your query with a few choice links to support them.
Google AI Mode vs AI Overviews: What’s the Difference?
Google has been rolling out AI tools to support its classic search experience, including AI Overviews and now Google AI mode.
They’re separate and unique, but both give you a different way to be found by searchers.
| Google AI Mode | Google AI Overviews | |
| What It Is | A search experience similar to ChatGPT | An AI-generated summary above the traditional listings on the SERPs |
| Where It’s Found | A separate feature on Google’s search engine | Above the traditional search results |
| Purpose | Thoughtful, personalized answers to queries based on multiple sources | Instant answers to queries based on multiple sources |
| How It Works | Gives the user a clear, thorough answer to a query (sometimes in long form), with supporting links for additional information | Gives the user a clear, direct answer to a query (usually in short form), with supporting links for additional information |
| Benefits for Businesses | Less competition on the results page | Skips the traditional SERP rankings |
| How to Access | Must be toggled to AI mode | Shows up naturally when using Google for search |
Google AI mode refers to the fully AI-powered way Google handles searches now.
How Does Google AI Mode Work?
Google AI Mode utilizes a technique called query fan-out, which breaks down requests into smaller, more manageable chunks. These “sub-questions” let AI understand exactly what you’re asking and what pieces of info it needs to answer you.
Let’s say you search for “best crypto wallets for privacy 2025.”
Google’s AI might split that into:
- What are the top-rated crypto wallets?
- Which wallets prioritize user privacy?
- What’s new or trending in 2025?
- How do wallets compare across features?
From there, it “fans out” across the web, scanning different sources for each sub-question.
It pulls content from product reviews, forums, Reddit threads, blogs, support pages, white papers, or any other source where it can find credible information.
Then it stitches its findings into a cohesive answer.
This fan-out method means your content doesn’t have to rank #1 to be pulled in. If it answers part of a sub-question well and it’s trustworthy, you’ve got a shot at being featured.
Why Should Brands Care About Google AI Mode?
Google AI mode is rewriting the SEO playbook.
Traditional SEO was about ranking on Google’s Page 1 for specific keywords.
But, with the Google AI model, Page 1 isn’t what it used to be.
AI-generated answers are pushing organic links below the fold, meaning even a top-three spot may not receive the clicks it once did.
Now, with a whole new search interface in AI mode, users get a tunnel vision-like experience. They no longer have to be distracted by ads, tons of links, and digital noise. It’s a conversational search experience, where the user can keep asking questions or refining their search until they get what they need.
This comes with a major drawback, though: If the answer the user needs is right there in the conversation, there’s less incentive to click through.
Google’s AI Overviews are already causing websites to lose 30-70% of their traffic.
That’s huge!
But this also reinforces the fact that quality, credible content gets rewarded. It’s the difference between exposure in results vs. not appearing in results at all.
Instead of just optimizing for keywords, Web3 brands now need to optimize for AI visibility, ensuring that their content is structured, accurate, and trustworthy enough to be pulled into those summaries or answer a sub-question during query fan-out.
The shift isn’t coming, it’s already here. And ignoring it means missing out on serious traffic, visibility, and credibility.
“Google AI mode isn’t just tweaking the SEO playbook—it’s rewriting it entirely. Brands that focus on trust, clarity, and precise answers will thrive, while those stuck chasing old-school rankings risk fading away into digital obscurity,” says Alex Lielacher, founder & CEO of Rise Up Media.
What Google Has Officially Told Us
Google hasn’t provided much information about its AI mode or how it selects which businesses or brands to showcase. But there are a few key points that give us a starting point.
- Your content has to be indexed. If Google can’t find your page, it won’t show up anywhere, AI or not. Pretty basic.
- It needs to be snippet-eligible. Google pulls AI Overview content from pages that would normally be considered for featured snippets. That means clear, direct answers, structured content, and tight formatting. Tables, bullet points, and short summaries work well here.
- No special markup needed. You don’t need any new schema tag or wait for an invite.
- Good SEO still matters. Fast site speed, mobile-friendliness, HTTPS security—all the classic SEO best practices are still part of the game. If your site is slow, broken on mobile, or untrustworthy-looking, Google won’t trust it with AI-powered answers.
Basically, if your site is optimized, helpful, and easy to understand, you’re in a solid position. No hacks, no gimmicks, just clean, useful content that answers real questions.
7 Effective Ways for Your Brand to Appear on Google AI Mode
Getting your business into Google AI mode is about being the best possible answer to what people are asking.
Let’s explore seven effective ways to boost your chances of getting picked up by AI mode.
Be the Brand Google Trusts
Google isn’t pulling random sites into its AI responses. It’s leaning into brands that it already trusts.
That means domain authority, relevance, and overall credibility matter. A lot.
Here’s how to build trust:
- Focus on content that cultivates EEAT
- Show a consistent, high-quality publishing history
- Stay active across multiple channels
- Create a clear identity across all online mentions
- Demonstrate deep knowledge of your niche
Being a trusted brand helps you get pulled into AI answers, even when you’re not the first organic result.
Get Mentioned Where It Matters
Google’s ranking brain still runs on Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trust. AI Mode doubles down on that.
To show E-E-A-T in action, pitch guest posts to high-authority sites in your niche. Mentions in forums, roundups, and interviews reinforce your image and reputation.
If you’re mentioned across multiple respected sources, the algorithm starts treating you as a known entity.
Nail the Technical Stuff
Technical SEO is the foundation, not the cherry on top. If your site isn’t clean under the hood, Google won’t trust it in AI Mode.
Make sure your site is:
- Crawlable and indexable
- Optimized for speed and mobile viewing
- Structured with schema markup
- Clean in sitemap and robots.txt
Behind-the-scenes work quietly pays off.
Write for Humans, Format for AI
AI rewards scannable, high-impact content that gets to the point. Prioritize direct answers and clear value props. Lead with the answer, then explain.
The key is to write like you’re explaining it to a real person, not an algorithm.
Bonus tip: Cover full subtopics so your content fits with Google’s “query fan out” structure.
Use Multi-Modal Content That Stands Out
Google’s AI mode scans for rich content that adds visual context.
What to include:
- High-quality visuals & media
- Descriptive alt text on every image
- Infographics, product photos, and videos
- Regularly updated outdated visuals and data
These signal that your content is also useful, not just readable.
Write for the Query Behind the Query
AI mode works well for long-tailed, layered, intent-driven queries. Building content for niche-specific questions wins over high-volume keywords.
Also, don’t shy away from weird or low-volume queries. AI mode loves them.
The more fully you answer a topic, the more likely you are to be included in Google AI mode’s response.
Make It Easy for AI to Skim
Readability is a big part of AI mode. You must avoid walls of text at all costs. Make your content easy to skim by using:
- Clear headings and subheadings
- Bullet points and numbered lists
- Summary boxes and TL; DRs
- Concise paragraphs and direct language
How to Measure Your Google AI Visibility
Google AI mode is now live in Google Search Console. Clicks in AI mode will show up in GSC, while each appearance counts as an impression.
Google treats all follow-up questions as new queries. So, if a user continues the conversation and you happen to appear again, that’s another impression.
You can also set up attributions to tie AI-driven traffic to business outcomes.
Want Your Web3 Brand to Show Up In Google AI Search?
We’re in new territory with Google AI mode. There’s still some trial and error to be done, and it will require a close look at what’s getting surfaced, how to format content, and finding a balance between fewer (but better) clicks.
Explore this new territory with our search experts, who continually test and refine our clients’ strategies. Get in touch to learn more.
