AI Overviews & AI Mode: Our Guide to the New Era of Google Search

It’s time for a straightforward conversation about the biggest change to Google in over a decade. You’ve almost certainly seen the first phase: for many of your searches, a new, detailed summary now sits at the very top of the page, providing an instant answer. That is an AI Overview.

But that’s just the beginning. Google is also rolling out a far more powerful and interactive experience called AI Mode.

The online chatter has been a mix of excitement and uncertainty. What do these changes mean for businesses? We know what to do when a Google algorithm update hits, and we view Google’s evolution not as a revolution to be feared, but as a change to be understood and planned for.

So, let’s break down what both of these new features are, and more importantly, detail our game plan to ensure your business is positioned to thrive in this new landscape.

The Two Faces of Google’s AI

It’s crucial to understand that Google is implementing AI in two distinct ways. One is a new feature on the familiar results page, and the other is a whole new way to search.

AI Overviews: The New “Position Zero”

AI Overviews are the AI-generated summaries that now appear at the top of standard Google search results. They are designed to save users from having to click multiple links to piece together an answer. Instead, Google’s AI synthesises information from several high-quality web pages and presents a concise summary, with links to its sources.

For a user, this is highly efficient. For your business, the goal is clear: how do we become one of those cited sources? Being featured here is a powerful endorsement of your authority.

AI Mode: Search as a Conversation

AI Mode is the next level. Think of it as turning Google into a powerful research assistant. It’s a separate, more immersive environment designed for complex, multi-part questions that go beyond a simple query.

In AI Mode, you can have a full conversation. 

For example, you could ask: “Plan a family-friendly weekend in the Peak District for under £500, including dog-friendly pubs and a walk that isn’t too strenuous.”

The AI will then break that down, research all the components, and return a comprehensive plan. It’s a move from information retrieval to true information synthesis.

In short: AI Overview gives a quick summary; AI Mode conducts deep research.

So, What Does This Mean for Website Traffic?

Let’s address the main concern: “If Google is providing the answer directly, why would anyone click on my website?”

It’s a valid question. For simple, factual queries answered by an AI Overview, we can expect a decline in clicks. That is the challenge.

However, this brings a huge opportunity. Being cited in an AI Overview or being used as a key source for a complex answer in AI Mode establishes your brand as an indispensable authority. The objective of SEO is evolving, leading many to ask is ‘SEO’ still the correct term?. It’s becoming less about chasing clicks and more about demonstrating undeniable expertise.

The platform81 Game Plan

Our strategy isn’t about finding a loophole for one feature or the other. It’s about reinforcing the foundational principles and established Dos and Don’ts of SEO that make a website valuable to both a quick summary AI and a deep-diving research AI.

A Focus on E-E-A-T

We’ve always emphasised E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Now, with Google’s added ‘E’ for Experience, this framework is non-negotiable. For Google’s AI to trust your content for either an Overview or a complex Mode query, your credibility must be crystal clear.

• Our Approach: We ensure your E-E-A-T signals are prominent. This includes author bios showcasing credentials, content that reflects first-hand experience, positive customer reviews, and a clear story of who you are and why you’re an expert.

Conversational & Complex Questions

AI search is driven by natural language. Users will type full questions into Overviews and even more detailed paragraphs into AI Mode.

• Our Approach: Our research process is focused on identifying the precise questions your customers are asking. We then build content that answers not just the initial query, but all the logical follow-up questions as well. This positions your site as a comprehensive resource, making it a perfect source for both a quick summary and a deeper conversational search.

Content That Provides the Definitive Answer

Thin, “optimised-for-keywords” content is now obsolete. Both AI features are programmed to find the single most complete and helpful answer. Your content must be that answer.

• Our Approach: We structure content with absolute clarity using logical headings, lists, and tables. This makes it easy for AI to digest and pull out key information for an Overview, while also providing the depth required for a more complex AI Mode query.

Speaking Google’s Language with Structured Data

Structured data (Schema markup) is code that explicitly tells Google what your content is about (e.g., this is a How-to guide, this is an FAQ). This clarity is invaluable to an AI trying to make sense of your page.

• Our Approach: We implement robust structured data as a standard. It’s a critical component that helps the AI understand the context and purpose of your content, making it far more likely to be used as a trusted source in either an Overview or Mode.

An Evolution, Not a Crisis

This two-pronged advance from Google is significant, but it’s not a reason to worry. Understanding the impact of AI on SEO strategies is key to seeing it as a powerful reminder to focus on what has always mattered: creating a fantastic, helpful, and trustworthy experience for your customers. The era of digital shortcuts is over; the future belongs to those who provide genuine, demonstrable value.

Our job is to ensure you are on the right side of that shift. The game is changing, but the goal remains the same: to connect you with the people who need you most.

If you’re ready to discuss how we can adapt your strategy for this new AI-powered landscape, contact our specialist SEO team. Let’s ensure you’re prepared for what’s next.