Google’s AI Mode has now officially rolled out in Australia. With AI-powered tools becoming more integrated into Google Search, it’s essential for businesses to understand how this shift will impact their digital marketing strategies.
Google sees the new mode as most useful for answering complex multi-layered queries and providing more intuitive and dynamic responses, with a goal of offering users a seamless and smarter search experience. Though it’s early days, we can almost guarantee that AI Mode will change the way your content is indexed and surfaced in search results.
Clearly, this means your SEO strategy (and the way your SEO agency operates) will also need some adjusting.
What is Google’s AI Mode and how does it work?
Google’s AI Mode integrates AI-driven tools like Gemini into the search experience. With AI Mode, users can now ask longer, more complex queries and get immediate, comprehensive responses. This includes not only detailed explanations but also links to explore further.
According to Google, the AI-powered tool enables users to interact in a more conversational manner, asking questions that would traditionally require multiple searches. It can process highly specific inquiries, such as “Create a walkable itinerary for a day in Melbourne that includes specialty coffee shops, art galleries, and street art,” and it is able to provide answers that include not just a list but relevant, real-time information.
Google’s AI Mode uses a technique called query fan-out, which breaks down a query into multiple subtopics and processes them to pull relevant data from different corners of the web. The result is an incredibly accurate and detailed response, unlike traditional search engines that simply return a list of links.
Why it’s important to proactively adapt to AI Mode
With AI Mode now available in Australia, businesses must adapt their SEO strategies to ensure they remain visible in this AI-driven search landscape. AI Mode isn’t just about providing answers; it’s about the extraction and presentation of information in a way that’s tailored to the user’s needs.
For businesses, this means the way content is structured on a website will become more crucial than ever before. While traditional SEO focuses on keyword optimisation and backlink building, AI Mode rewards well-structured content that is clear, easy to understand, and ready to be extracted by AI algorithms.
If your website’s content isn’t optimised for AI systems, you may find it increasingly difficult to secure prominent placements in AI-driven search results. AI Mode is designed to provide users with not only direct answers but also rich, actionable content, which means your content needs to be structured in a way that makes it easy for AI to pull from.
Key SEO strategies for adapting to AI Mode
To maximise your website’s chances of being featured in AI Mode’s responses, businesses should implement AI SEO strategies that focus on content structure and clarity. Here are the key elements to focus on.
Implementing structured data for better AI visibility
Schema markup plays a pivotal role in AI search visibility. AI algorithms rely on structured data to understand the context of your content and display it in an easily digestible format. By implementing schemas such as Article, FAQ, and Product, you can improve your chances of appearing in AI-generated overviews, featured snippets, and knowledge panels. These structured data types help search engines better interpret your content, making it more likely to be cited in AI-driven responses.
Ensuring content clarity and hierarchy
Organising your content with clear, logical headings (H1 > H2 > H3) helps AI-driven algorithms process and rank your site’s content more effectively. Breaking content into digestible sections with clearly defined headings improves both user experience and AI extractability. This hierarchy not only helps users navigate the content more easily but also ensures that AI systems can identify key sections for accurate interpretation and citation.
Using lists and bullet points to boost AI readability
AI algorithms favour content that’s structured in lists and bullet points. These formats allow for easier extraction of concise, actionable answers. Although prioritising readability for human users remains essential, incorporating well-organised lists can increase the chances of your website being featured in AI-driven answers. Aim for clean, concise lists that provide users with quick, valuable information, while also making it easier for AI systems to extract key details.
Optimising for mobile-first indexing
With Google’s mobile-first indexing now the standard, it’s crucial that your website is optimised for mobile users. AI Mode’s emphasis on accessibility means that your mobile site should load quickly and be fully responsive across all devices. Since AI algorithms also consider mobile user experience, optimising your site for mobile ensures that it ranks well in AI-driven search results, giving your website an edge in 2026 and beyond.
The role of voice search
As AI Mode integrates deeper into search, voice search will become an even more significant driver of traffic. Around a third of Australians already use voice search daily, and many of these queries are local in nature. AI Mode makes it easier for voice searches to pull in contextual, conversational data that aligns with a user’s query.
Optimising for voice search means targeting conversational long-tail keywords and ensuring your content answers questions directly and clearly. By incorporating question-based keywords and local intent into your content strategy, you can increase your chances of being featured in voice search results generated by AI Mode.
Get set up for long-term SEO success
Adapting to AI-driven search requires understanding both user intent and the technical SEO factors that matter most. Our team is here to help you navigate this new landscape and optimise your strategy for maximum visibility across AI-powered platforms. Get in touch with us today or book a discovery call to learn how we can help you stay ahead of the competition.
