How to Get Your Business Seen in Google’s New AI Mode
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.
More Than Email: M365 Add-Ons to Power Your Small Business
Microsoft 365 isn’t just about email and Office apps anymore — it’s about helping your business work smarter, with AI-driven tools that save time and make a real difference. With powerful features built into a growing range of optional add-ons, you’ve got everything you need to automate tasks, uncover insights, and stay on top of projects. These extras are there to keep work moving, wherever work happens. Looking the part with Microsoft 365 Email Microsoft 365 gives you a professional email that matches your domain — showing customers you mean business every time you hit send. Pick the right plan and you also get apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to help you stay productive, organised and connected. But it’s more than just those apps. From keeping your team connected remotely, to sparking creativity and making sense of data, Microsoft 365 is built for modern business. And now, when you’re ready to take things further, new AI-powered add-ons are here to automate the mundane, offer informed insights, and support your business as it grows. “…new AI-powered add-ons are here to automate the mundane, offer informed insights, and support your business as it grows.” Hang on, what is a business email address? A business email address puts your own custom domain name after the @ symbol, like you@yourbusiness.co.uk. Pair your business or brand name with a trusted domain ending (TLD) like .co.uk, .ai, or .info builds trust and help your business stand out online. Using a custom email is a step up from free services because it’s unique to you and your brand. When running an online business, few things make a better first impression. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference, especially when you’re just starting out. See also: What are the Benefits of a Professional Email Address? Don’t worry — you don’t need to be a tech expert to create a business email address with 123 Reg Your office in the cloud (and always up to date) In 2020, Microsoft Office became M365 — taking all your favourite Microsoft apps online. This shift to a “cloud” platform gives users the power to share updates instantly, work from any device, and collaborate with your team from anywhere. The tools you need, wherever work takes you. Microsoft 365 is always up to date with new features and improvements. So as your business grows, M365 grows with you. What’s in the box? M365 is part of a monthly subscription that gives you a professional email address matching your domain name. So, there’s no actual box. It’s all online! But depending on the plan you choose, your subscription can come with a lot more. Email Essentials gives you the email and calendar tools you need to stay organised and look professional. Because it’s backed by Microsoft, you get reliable security, spam protection, and the peace of mind that your messages will land where they’re meant to. Step up to Business Essentials or Business Professional and you’ll also get Microsoft apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams, plus extra cloud storage and real-time collaboration tools. Meet the Microsoft 365 Add-Ons Microsoft’s apps have come a long way since Clippy the winking paperclip. Alongside familiar tools, M365 now offers powerful AI-powered add-ons to make your workday more productive. Copilot helps with writing and creativity. Visio lets you create clear diagrams and process maps. Planner keeps tasks organised and teams on track. Power BI turns data into simple, actionable reports. These add-ons aren’t just for big companies. They’re practical tools that save time and help your business grow. Let’s take a look at what each of the M365 Add-Ons can do for you. How Microsoft 365 Add-Ons can help you work smarter 1. Microsoft Power BI – make sense of your data What is Power BI? A data visualisation tool that turns your numbers into interactive charts and dashboards. What does it do? Power BI pulls info from Excel, cloud apps, and other sources to give you a clear picture at a glance. You don’t need to be a data expert to spot patterns and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed. Power BI helps you see what’s really going on in your business. It pulls data from spreadsheets, reports or systems you already use, and turns it into clear visuals you can act on. Instead of digging through rows of numbers, you get charts and dashboards that show trends, patterns, and opportunities — ideal for making better decisions, faster. Sharing reports is simple — just a few clicks and your team or clients can see exactly what they need. 2. Microsoft Visio – Make complex ideas clearer What is Visio? A tool for creating diagrams and flowcharts that help explain processes and plans. What does it do? Visio makes it easy to turn complex information into clear visuals — from workflows and project maps to organisational charts. You don’t need to be a design expert to create professional-looking diagrams quickly. Visio is perfect when you need to map something out. You can turn processes, plans or how parts of your business fit together into clear diagrams. It’s especially useful for onboarding, team planning, or explaining workflows to clients. Because it’s part of Microsoft 365, Visio works well with your other apps, so you can embed diagrams in documents, presentations, or share them with your team. Using visuals like these helps improve communication, avoid misunderstandings, and keep everyone on the same page. 3. Microsoft Planner – keep your tasks on track What is Planner? Stay on top of tasks with intuitive boards and progress tracking tools for simplified project management. What does it do? Set deadlines, assign tasks to team members in just a few clicks, and keep everyone in the loop with automatic email updates. The easy-to-use visual boards show who’s working on what, track progress in real time, and help you spot anything falling behind. It’s like having a project manager built in. Whether you’re
10 Ways AI Can Help Your Business Grow
AI is changing the way businesses get things done — and not just for the ‘big tech’ firms. In fact, small-to-medium sized business owners might be the ones set to gain the most from this revolution. With tools more accessible and affordable than ever (many even free), solo entrepreneurs can tap into AI power for a real competitive edge. In this article, we’ll explore how businesses can use AI in practical ways. We’ll also bust some myths and show that the tech isn’t as tricky or expensive as it might seem. What is AI, anyway? In a nutshell, AI is software that uses algorithms to do things in a way that mimics human intelligence. AI isn’t the future — it’s already here, changing the way we live and work. From smart home gadgets that preheat your oven to apps that help diagnose health issues, AI is a revolution happening right now. The rise of “generative AI” (like ChatGPT) in the last couple of years has pushed everything forward. What once felt like science fiction is now part of everyday life, helping businesses and everyday people alike to get much more done. The UK is actually one of the big hotspots. With twice as many AI tech firms here as any other nation in Europe, the British AI industry is on course to exceed £4.5 billion in value. London is home to several of world’s biggest names, including Google’s own lab, DeepMind. As AI continues to grow, 83% of business owners plan to invest in it more, according to the SBEC Small Business AI Adoption Survey — showing just how essential it’s becoming for staying competitive. What’s the difference: AI, machine learning, and automation ☐ Artificial Intelligence is about machines performing tasks like humans do, like understanding language or coming up with ideas. The aim is to make systems that can think and learn like us. ☐ Machine Learning is a sort of AI that lets machines learn from data. Instead of being programmed for everything, they spot patterns, make predictions, and get better over time. ☐ Automation is often confused with AI, but it’s a bit different. Instead, it’s tech that’s designed to perform repetitive tasks automatically (like setting up automated email replies). It might work together with AI, but it’s following rules rather than learning. A lot of companies are sneakily using “AI” these days when “Automated” would be more accurate. (With all the buzz around AI, who can blame them?) Why use AI for your business? Running your own business means wearing a lot of hats. Customer service, marketing, accounting, making the tea — there’s always something that needs doing. As your to-do list grows, AI helps you work smarter. “As your to-do list grows, AI helps you work smarter.” Sure, you might already know that ChatGPT can answer questions faster than Google, come up with product name ideas, or write a haiku about your cat. But you might be surprised by just how much more it can do for business: ✓ Improved productivity AI handles the mundane tasks — sorting emails, booking appointments, managing stock. That frees up time to focus on business. And it can do so even when you’re not around. 44% of business leaders have reported increased productivity through AI. ✓ Faster, easier content creation Content creation is one of the most time-consuming tasks for small business owners. AI speeds things up, helping produce product descriptions, campaign emails, blogs, and social posts in moments. That means less time staring at a blank page and more time connecting with customers. ✓ Better customer Service From providing 24/7 support with chatbots to offering personalised shopping suggestions, AI can make your customers feel special. The more tailored the experience, the more likely they are to stick around and recommend you to others. AI also helps you understand what customers love (and what they don’t), so you can keep improving. ✓ Smarter decision-making AI can gather and analyse data like shopping habits or product trends in real time, giving business owners the insights they need to make smarter choices. ✓ Reducing costs (in all sorts of different ways) 93% of small business owners agree AI can be a cost-effective way to increase profits. Be that assisting in creative work or simply automating task to free up resources, AI can help reduce overheads. 10 ways to use AI for your small business 1. Automating the daily grind These AI tools help small businesses cut down on admin and focus on what matters. From managing your calendar to transcribing meetings, there’s an AI for almost everything. Our Pick: Microsoft 365 Microsoft 365 comes packed with AI features to help with everyday tasks. Suggesting email replies, automating work in Word and Excel, and even taking notes (and summarising) Teams meetings — it’s all built into the apps you already use, making M365 a smart choice for businesses looking to achieve great things. Copilot, Microsoft’s AI tool for Windows, is now more fully-connected with M365. Serving to replace the Cortana assistant (poor old Cortana!), Copilot works alongside Microsoft 365 to make tasks easier, a bit like your virtual PA. More Top Picks: • ClickUp AI – An in-browser productivity app that writes task descriptions, drafts emails, and helps keep projects on track. • Fireflies.ai – An in-browser tool (with browser extension) that records, transcribes, and summarises meetings. • Motion – A smart calendar available as both an app and in-browser tool that schedules tasks and builds itineraries. • Notion AI – A note-taking tool that summarises thoughts and drafts documents, for browser and mobile. • Otter.ai – Another transcription app that captures conversations and creates instant summaries. • Reclaim.ai – A browser-based scheduling app that helps plans meetings and auto-blocks your focus time. 2. Brainstorming (anything!) Coming up with ideas on your own can be tough, especially for the solo business owner or if you’re working remotely. While you could ask the postman
What is the .AI Domain (and How Do I Get One)?
With artificial intelligence taking over the world, it’s no surprise the .AI domain is getting so much attention. It’s a short, snappy, and easy-to-remember TLD that offers brands a modern, tech-forward image. But it’s not just for businesses working in the tech sector. Anyone can register the .AI extension and, because it’s one of the newer TLDs, it can be easier to find a great web address and make your business stand out in the digital crowd. What is AI? l What is the .AI domain? l Who can register .AI? l Why get .AI? l Successful Examples l How do I buy .AI? What is AI? Only a couple of years ago and the words “Artificial Intelligence” might’ve had you thinking about scenarios straight out of sci-fi: epic showdowns between humans and sentient androids, the rise of the machines, and so forth. AI isn’t some futuristic notion anymore. It’s here, shaping how we do business and transforming our daily lives. From smart home devices that can preheat your oven to AI-driven apps diagnosing medical conditions, AI is at the heart of it all. The UK is an AI hotspot – with twice as many AI-based companies as any other country in Europe. London is home to a good handful of the biggest names, not least of all Google’s own research lab, DeepMind. The UK artificial intelligence industry is on course to exceed £4.5 billion this year. Needless to say: artificial intelligence is here to stay. And as the technology keeps moving on at rapid pace, the .AI extension has become an in-demand choice for all sorts of businesses. What is the .AI domain? Surprisingly, the “.AI” web address wasn’t born in tech world, but on an island paradise. It’s another good example of a ccTLD finding new life beyond its intended use, like “IT” for Italy or “.ME” for Montenegro. Of course, .AI still works very well for businesses based in Anguilla! The .AI domain has since evolved into something much bigger – a stamp of authority for brands at the forefront. The rise of artificial intelligence has seen interest in the domain skyrocket, making it a go-to choice for startups and enterprises working in technology. ❝.AI has evolved into something much bigger – a stamp of authority for brands at the forefront.❞ According to WHOIS data, the total number registered .AI domains has more than doubled in the last couple of years. Interestingly, the revenue from .AI domain registrations has actually become a big economic boon for little Anguilla — the government of which receives a slice of the fee for all registrations and renewals! Who Can Register a .AI Domain? Similar to other top-level domains (TLDs), there are certain rules in place when it comes to registering a .AI domain. The good news, though, is that .AI is for everyone. You don’t need to be living on a tropical island just to grab this domain. You don’t even need a computer science degree. But that also means that anyone else out there can snap up the perfect domain before you do! If you’re starting an online venture, there’s no better time than now to buy a .AI web address. Cheers! Why Get a .AI Domain Name? 1. Short and memorable With only the two initials, the .AI suffix is easy to remember and share, making it perfect for building a strong brand identity. Because it’s so short and punchy, people are much more likely to remember (and shout about) your web address. 2. Greater availability Unlike some other domain extensions, .AI is relatively new, so there’s a good chance you can find the perfect domain name for your business. There are only about 400,000 registered .AI registered domains as of 2024. That may sound a lot, but compare that to millions (yes, millions) of .com and .org domains. Early adopters can reap the benefits of having a distinct and meaningful online address that gets them standing out in a competitive market. 3. Show your expertise Your .AI domain instantly signals credibility and expertise in the field of AI, making a strong impression before visitors even reach your site. It’s like a digital badge of honour or stamp of approval – showing you’re at the forefront of technology. 4. Own your brand A .AI domain can be a powerful tool for building a strong brand identity. It’s more than just a website address – it’s a statement about your business. This doesn’t only apply to tech firms. Whether you’re a startup, a creative agency, or any sort of business looking to embrace innovation, a .AI domain positions you as forward-thinking. 5. Higher ranking An .AI domain can give your website a significant boost in search engine rankings, especially when people are searching for AI-related products or services. Because it’s directly related to artificial intelligence, search engines are more likely to see your website as relevant to those queries. This can lead to higher organic traffic and better visibility in search results. 6. Value for money Many popular domain extensions, like .com, are overcrowded, making it hard for businesses and individuals to find and buy good names at affordable prices. .AI domains are a great new alternative, allowing people to secure ideal names that reflect their brand or identity, but at a fraction of the cost of the other, more-saturated TLDs. 7. Future ready Choosing a .AI domain shows the world that you’re forward-thinking and committed to using the latest technology. It positions your business as a leader. By securing your .AI domain, you’re not just claiming a website address – you’re staking your claim in the digital future. Examples of Successful .AI Domains Still not sure if a .AI domain is right for you? Check out how some major players are using it: ☐ AI.google: Google’s AI division uses the .AI domain to highlight its focus on AI technology and its benefits. ☐ Facebook.ai: Meta (formerly Facebook) uses .AI to showcase its commitment to AI research and