Google AI Mode has landed in the UK, and it’s already changing how people search online. Instead of a long list of website links to scroll through, searches now return answers written by AI in a more natural, human way. For everyday searches, it means smarter, faster results. For businesses, it’s a major shift — and a new chance to get noticed.

So what does this mean for your website, and how can you make your business get seen in AI Mode?

What is Google AI Mode?

Since its UK launch a few weeks ago, Google AI Mode has been changing how search results appear. Now, instead of just a list of links, the top of your search results can show full AI-generated answers.

AI Mode delivers a conversational summary, pulling information from multiple trusted sources into a single, easy-to-read page.

It’s a more complete way to get information, bringing key details together in one scrollable overview — so users can find what they need faster, without clicking through dozens of sites.

As Google put it:

“Picture this: asking Google Search whatever is on your mind — as messy or complicated as it may be — and instantly receiving an AI-powered response that really understands your question, gives you the information you’re looking for and helps you dig deeper into the topic.”  

Hema Budaraju
– Vice President, Product Management, Google Search

AI Overviews have already appeared at the top of some search results for a while. What’s new is the dedicated tab in the top menu, which lets users switch into a more focused, AI-led search experience.

When a generated summary shows above the regular results, you’ll often also see the “Dive deeper” button inviting you to switch to AI Mode.

Recent studies show that AI Overviews appear in up to 13% of all queries, and when they do, only around 1% of users click the links inside the summary.

It marks a major shift in how Google presents content — putting AI-generated answers front and centre.

How does AI Mode work?

It’s powered by Gemini, Google’s generative AI model. Using the same kind of technology behind chatbots and large language models, it can understand a query, scan relevant webpages, and generate a summary in seconds.

The result is an easy-to-read answer, often giving people what they need without opening multiple tabs (or clicking lots of cookie pop-ups).

For example, search for “Best vegan restaurant near me in Bath” in AI Mode, and you’ll get a full summary pulled from trusted sources.

AI Mode doesn’t create new information; it draws from what’s already in search results, rewording and combining it into a helpful answer.

So it matters that your website is one of those trusted sources. If not, your content might be left out — and with it, potential visitors or customers.

Will my business still show up in AI mode?

Yes — if it already ranks, it still can. But it might not appear in quite the same way.

AI summaries feature fewer links and often don’t list every source. If your content isn’t picked up by the AI, you may notice fewer clicks.

One study found that when an AI Overview appears, people are far less likely to click any links, and only about 1% click the links inside the summary itself. In many cases, users find what they need straight away and don’t visit any websites at all.

These are known as zero-click searches: where someone makes a search, and gets all the info they need before clicking through to the website.

Studies show that when AI summaries appear, traditional link click-throughs can drop by up to 30%, even for pages that previously ranked well.

With instant AI-generated answers becoming the norm, this is only going to get more common. The irony is, you’ll still need a domain name and a great website — even if it’s being read by AI more than actual visitors!

Is AI Mode only relevant for big companies?

Not at all. In fact, this change might even benefit smaller local businesses, especially if you know your audience well and cover the right topics on your site.

Analysis suggests that local-focused content is 1.5x more likely to be pulled into AI-generated summaries than generic content.

Get the content right, and you’ve got a real chance of appearing where it counts.

So, what kind of content does Google’s AI actually pick up? Here are a few simple ways to make your website more likely to be featured.

How do I get my website featured in AI mode?

☐  1. Answer real customer questions

Google’s AI is built to serve up quick, useful answers. Your content should do the same. Think like your customer: what would they type into the search bar? Try questions like, “How long does a kitchen cupboard take to build?” or “Can a carpenter fix a broken door?”

88% of AI Overviews are triggered by informational content — like FAQs or ‘how-to’ guides — rather than product pages or blogs.

Use clear headings for each question, give a short answer up top, then go into more detail if needed. Write naturally and aim to be genuinely helpful.

☐  2. Write clearly and get to the point

AI can’t summarise content well if it’s hard to follow (at least for the time being). So, structure your pages with the most important info at the top. Break up long text with bullet points or bold text, so it’s easy to scan — for both people and AI.

Focus on your homepage and core service pages first, as they’re most likely to be featured. Avoid keyword stuffing and write naturally.

☐  3. Build E-A-T: Expertise, Authority, and Trust

AI Mode favours content from trusted sources. Make sure your site shows:

✓   Expertise – Include qualified authors and their credentials.
✓   Authority – Link to reputable sites and demonstrate real experience in your field.
✓   Trustworthiness – Keep content accurate and free from misleading claims.

☐  4. Focus on local, useful content

Mention the areas you serve clearly — for example, “We install kitchens across Canterbury, Dover, and wider Kent.” Share practical advice customers can use, like “How to care for wooden worktops.”

Keep your Google Business Profile up to date, too, as information will also be pulled from there.

☐  5. Keep your most popular pages fresh

Focus on your best-performing pages. They already attract visitors and are likely the best candidates for AI summaries. Make sure your pricing, contact info, and examples are current. Add new details where needed, such as answers to related questions.

Add lots of internal links (links to your other pages) as they help Google understand how your content fits together. This is all good for old-fashioned search results, too.

What types of pages are most useful for AI results?

Start with pages that answer specific questions. These are the sorts of content AI Mode tends to draw from, especially if they’re clear and easy to scan:

☐  About or contact pages with practical info

☐  FAQ pages and FAQ-type questions

☐  Location-specific service pages

☐  “How-to” guides or advice articles

How can I find what my customers are searching for?

Start by thinking about the questions customers ask you in person, by phone or email. You can also try typing a few key terms into Google and seeing what suggestions come up, of course.

If you use Google Search Console or analytics tools, check what pages get the most traffic — those are likely where people are finding you already.

See also: Google Analytics: A Guide For Your Online Business and How to Use Google Trends for Your Online Business 

Is my website ready for Google AI mode?

Most websites have something called schema markup — a set of labels behind the scenes that help Google understand what your content is about. Things like your business name, address, opening hours, or what each page covers.

If you’re using Website Builder, be sure to fill out all the information in your dashboard like page titles, descriptions, and business info. The builder will add basic schema automatically for key details like your business name and opening times.

For Managed WordPress users, you can easily add schema by installing plugins such as Yoast SEO or Rank Math. These handle the technical stuff for you so Google can better read your site.

For more, see: Local SEO in 10 – How Do I Get My Business Found Online? 

Wrap up

With Google AI Mode changing how people search, having clear, helpful content on your site is more important than ever — for both Google and your visitors. You don’t need to change everything at once. Start by reviewing your main pages to make sure your content is clear, specific, and answers the questions your customers are asking.