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 gets seen in AI Mode?

What is Google AI Mode?

Officially launched in the UK on Wednesday, Google’s new feature adds full AI-generated answers to the top of search results.

Instead of showing a list of links, AI Mode gives a conversational summary — pulling information from all the different sources into one clear, single-page answer.

It’s a more complete way of delivering information, bringing useful details together in one scrollable summary.

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 shown at the top of some search results for a while now. 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 does show above the regular results, you’ll often also see the “Dive deeper” button inviting you to switch to AI Mode.

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’s able to 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 permission 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 various trusted sources.

AI Mode doesn’t create any 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?

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. 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 this only for big companies to think about?

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. 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 Google AI mode?

☐  1. Answer real customer questions

Google’s AI is built to serve up quick, useful answers. Your content should do the same. Start by thinking like your customer: what would they actually 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?”

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 right 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 in a way that sounds natural and human.

☐  3. Build E-A-T: Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness

AI Mode favours content from trusted sources. Show (1) expertise by including qualified authors and their credentials. Build (2) authority by linking to reputable sites and demonstrating real experience in your field. Keep content (3) trustworthy and accurate, free from any 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

Start with 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 the 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 do I know what 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 these changes?

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.