Insights
Google AI Mode in use
A bunch of users are now testing Google's AI Mode.
Unlike AI Overviews, which try to answer queries with a direct answer at the top of the page, AI Mode takes this a step further.
It generates an entire page of results powered by a custom version of the Gemini 2.0 model that uses reasoning and multimodal AI—querying through text, voice, or images.
I've no doubt the rise of SearchGPT (and other answer engines) has forced Google to move fast and break things.
And, that the leading AI models will be those with their own index.
From the glimpses I've seen, AI Mode looks like a cross between traditional search (links) and the incredibly detailed comparison mode in AI Overviews.
What will happen to AI Overviews?
I'd prefer to see Google offer an option to use AI or not.
There's been enough backlash about the state of AIOs to justify that.
Plus, having two AI options seems superfluous in the long term.
If AI Mode gets positive feedback, I predict it will either absorb AIOs or replace them completely.
Do you have an opinion on this?
Will AIOs disappear?
Hit reply and tell me your prediction!
Google testing niche AI search features
Google messed up and leaked a bunch of AI Search options and features.
This is over and above what's being tested in AI Mode, and was noticed by Tom Critchlow on Tuesday.
Barry Schwartz noted 47 different AI Search options including Info Sleuth, Allium, QTalk, MedExplainer, Fantasy Sports Researcher, and Smart Kitchen.
Barry's article gives an extensive list of the search options along with screenshots from Tom.
AI Mode: Related content
1. Marie Haynes wrote about her experience with AI Mode and how it ranks sites differently than traditional Search.
2. Google also posted this detailed PDF on how AI Mode works.
Quote-worthy
There's roughly a 30–65% chance that AI search engines will introduce a brand even when a prospect is in the early, problem‐discovery phase. Being the go‐to resource at this stage can help your brand become "sticky" in the mind of the buyer.
Source: XFunnel blog
Focus your SEO efforts for impact
Is Ryan Law (Ahrefs) making a case for Reddit?
In a post on LinkedIn, Law said:
"…from our research, the three most popular LLMs send about the same attributable referral traffic to websites as Reddit:
~ ChatGPT + Perplexity + Gemini = 0.12% of monthly pageviews
~ Reddit = 0.13%
…attributable traffic should not be the primary measure of efficacy: it's more a byproduct [sic] of lots of in-platform mentions of your brand."
What I see from this 'in-progress research' is that LLMs are generating a minimal amount of traffic to websites.
Secondly, did you notice that Ryan stressed the importance of brand mentions?
Only 2 weeks ago, I discussed branding and PR as a means to increase the visibility of your brand in Google (AIO) and in LLMs.
If you missed that newsletter, you might find my tips useful.
If you take one thing away, make it this:
Branding is the key to success in organic search, AI Overviews, and mentions in LLMs.
Period.
"Google; we are coming for you"
You're probably aware that the online education company, Chegg, is suing Google over AI Overviews.
The gist of Chegg's argument is that AI-generated summaries in search results have hurt its traffic and revenue.
But, could this case be about to take another turn?
It seems that our favorite fighter for niche site owners, Mike Hardaker, has been busy behind the scenes.
He announced on X that he'd received an email from the attorneys representing Chegg, saying, "Google we are collectively coming for you."
If Susman Godfrey (Chegg's attorneys) are talking to him, this could signal the beginning of a class-action lawsuit by publishers against Google.
Hardaker commented:
"If they are not doing it, I have researched class action people and have personal friend that can give advise…[sic]"
Watch this space!
I hope these insights help. For more tips, follow me here.
