I wanted to give you a quick heads-up on something important I spotted today. Google has started rolling out its new “AI mode” in Search for certain queries in the United States. It’s not live here in Australia just yet, but it’s happening — and it’s only a matter of time before it hits our shores.
What is Google AI Mode?
If you’re based in the US, you might already see an “AI mode” button popping up in Google Search — sometimes replacing the old I’m Feeling Lucky button.
When you press Enter, you’ll still get the usual Google results (complete with the new AI Overview sitting at the top), but now there’s an option to switch into AI mode. This launches an interactive interface that looks and feels a lot like ChatGPT or Perplexity.
You can ask follow-up questions, refine your query, and let the AI go off and pull together the information for you. It’s a more conversational way to search — and it changes the game for how visibility in Google works.
Why This Matters for Your SEO
For small business owners, this shift is massive. It means we can no longer just focus on showing up in the organic search results. Now, we also need to make sure our websites are being picked up and referenced within:
- Google’s AI Overviews, and
- The new AI Mode experience
That’s where search is headed. So the big question is:
Is your content good enough to be recommended by AI?
What You Can Do Right Now
Here’s how to prepare your website and content:
- Optimise for long-tail keywords and natural questions
Think like your ideal customer. What are they really typing into Google?
For example:
– “Who is the best SEO provider on the Sunshine Coast?”
– “What should I look for in a digital marketing consultant?”
– “Which SEO expert has the best reviews in Queensland?” - Make your content more comprehensive
Don’t just give short answers. Cover the full context:
– What people should consider
– How to compare options
– What questions they should be asking
– Any helpful tips or tools they can use
You can include this content in your blog posts, FAQs, and even on your sales pages — just make sure it matches the search intent behind the query.
- Start testing using Perplexity AI
Until AI Mode launches in Australia, head over to Perplexity.ai and start running searches related to your business.
Type in your business name, your service, or key industry questions — and see if you or your competitors appear.
If you’re not showing up, that’s your content gap. That’s what needs fixing.
Final Thoughts
Google’s AI Mode is already changing how people search — and how your business is found (or not found).
If you want to rank higher on Google and increase your visibility in the AI-powered future of search, now’s the time to act.
Make your content richer. Make it more helpful. And make sure you’re answering the questions people (and AI) are asking.
Keep an eye out — AI Mode is on its way.
Thanks for reading,
Ashley
