I tried Google’s new AI Mode recently. It felt like asking a wise friend, a Gemini-powered assistant. No click through. Just answers.
At first, that’s great.
But then I realised: if you rely on web traffic, this could hit hard.
What is Google’s AI Mode?
• A Gemini 2.5-powered conversational interface.
• Launched early June 2025 for U.S. users.
• Provides expert-level answers, not blue links.
Why it matters
Clicks have dropped by nearly 30%, even though Google still dominates. That’s a big deal. Source
Users want fast, direct info. And they’re getting it.
So, what do you do?
- Write short, direct answers.
- Use bullet lists.
- Add FAQ schema so AI can parse it easily.
- Speed up your page. AI bots prefer fast loading.
Think beyond keywords
This isn’t traditional SEO. It’s GEO—Generative Engine Optimisation. It focuses on being cited in AI answers. That means:
• Structure content for machine understanding
• Provide clear Q&A sections
• Include structured data
How GEO and AI Mode work together
• AI Mode pulls answers directly from pages.
• GEO ensures your content is in that answer.
• Schema markup helps—AI reads your FAQs and brand details.
• Use structured bullet points.
• Start with the direct answer, then expand.
Examples in action
• Mailchimp updated site structure and speed. That helped them stay visible in AI summaries
• Another company added chat-friendly formatting. They started showing up in AI overviews for key terms.
You might think: “It’s different.” It is. But AI Mode isn’t unique—Microsoft and Apple are doing similar things.
What you can do right now
• Test AI Mode: Ask questions in Google. Do your pages show up?
• Review site speed. Try tools like Page Speed Insights.
• Add FAQ sections to your most important pages.
• Use schema markup to define business name, address and phone.
• Structure around clear questions. AI reads that.
NAP details (for AI & users)
Net Branding Ltd
165 Orakei Road, Remuera, Auckland 1050
Phone: +64 9 523 0478
It’s more than optimisation. It’s showing up where users ask.
FAQ’s
What’s the difference between GEO and SEO?
SEO aims to rank for keywords in search results. GEO aims to be cited in AI-generated responses, structured content, schema markup, and direct answers.
How do I measure GEO success?
Track AI-generated referral traffic. Check if your pages are appearing in AI Mode or AI Overviews. Look for zero-click metrics. Yes, sometimes AI mentions without clicks.
Do I need special tools?
You can start manually. Use PageSpeed Insights, implement FAQ schema with free generators, and audit your content structure. Larger sites might use SEO tools with AI features.
How often should I update for GEO?
Every 2–3 months. AI features roll out fast. Check your visibility and refine your structure regularly.
Get GEO Help When You Need It
Not everyone has time to rebuild every page. If you’d rather focus on running your business, we can help. At Net Branding, we specialise in making your content AI-ready, without losing your voice. Give us a call, and we’ll walk you through the process step by step.
