In a move that’s set to revolutionise how we interact with the world’s most popular search engine, Google has unveiled its new AI Mode. This new “AI-generated result” comes after Google’s successful launch of AI Overviews. The impact of AI Overviews has had one of the biggest impacts on organic search in recent years. With that, many predict even more disruption with AI Mode.
Source: blog.google
What is AI Mode?
AI Mode is Google’s latest innovation, designed to provide users with a more advanced, AI-driven search experience. It builds upon the success of AI Overviews, which has already seen a 10% increase in usage for certain query types in major markets, like the US and India.
This new feature promises:
- More advanced reasoning capabilities
- Improved multimodal search functionality
- The ability to dive deeper into topics through follow-up questions
- Faster AI responses than any other platform in the industry
How AI Mode Works
At its core, AI Mode utilises a technique called “query fan-out”. This approach breaks down complex questions into subtopics, simultaneously issuing multiple queries. The result? A deeper, more comprehensive exploration of the web that uncovers hyper-relevant content tailored to your specific query.
Users can access the AI mode in a number of ways.
- A button on the home page of Google
- A tab at the top of a search result
- A button at the bottom of an expanded AI overview
Source: blog.google
When AI mode is enabled, all other search results disappear from the results. On the right, the sources used to generate the answers are linked. Users can also access old “conversations” with AI mode on the left, a UI which is very similar to that seen on ChatGPT.
For our clients using ROAST’s SEO and Paid Search services, this development could significantly impact how we optimise campaigns and target keywords. We’ll be closely monitoring how AI Mode affects search behaviour and adjusting our strategies accordingly. For now, AI mode is rolling out to all users in the US after it was an opt-in Google Search Labs experiment.
What’s Next for AI Mode?
Google has also previewed several exciting features set to roll out in the coming months to AI Mode:
- Deep Search: An enhanced research tool that can create expert-level, fully cited reports in minutes.
- Search Live: Real-time visual search capabilities powered by Project Astra.
- Agentic capabilities: AI-assisted task completion, starting with event tickets and restaurant reservations.
- AI shopping partner: Advanced product browsing and virtual try-on features.
- Personalised results: Tailored suggestions based on past searches and connected Google apps.
These advancements could reshape how consumers interact with brands online, potentially influencing everything from SEO strategies to content marketing approaches. A number of these are features we’ve seen in the past from previous Google IO events, but it now seems that AI mode could be the home for consumers to access tools such as real search from Project Astra.
Implications for ROAST Clients
As these AI-driven features become more prominent, businesses must adapt their digital strategies. At ROAST, we’re already considering how to leverage these changes to benefit our clients:
- Tracking results on AI Mode
- Impact on organic traffic levels
- Optimising content for AI-driven queries
- Adapting paid search strategies to align with new search behaviours
- Exploring opportunities in visual and voice search
- Enhancing e-commerce experiences to compete with AI shopping features
Our team at ROAST are committed to staying ahead of these technological shifts. We’re excited to help our clients navigate this new AI-enhanced search landscape and capitalise on the opportunities it presents.
As Google continues to push the boundaries of search technology, we’ll be here to guide you through the changes and ensure your digital strategies remain cutting-edge. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we delve deeper into the implications of AI Mode and other emerging technologies.
If you would like to find out more information on AI Mode, get in touch with our ROAST team.
