Google now makes it possible to type a question and get a direct answer without having to click through links.
Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a key role here by backing the Google browser through AI Overviews and the more recent AI Mode. These features are already reshaping how people interact with search, surfacing instant, AI-generated summaries at the top of results pages.
As Google increasingly integrates AI into its algorithms, understanding how to optimize content for an AI-driven search engine is becoming a critical part of every search engine optimization (SEO) strategy.
Whether you’re exploring AI for SEO or simply trying to adapt to AI-enhanced ranking systems, staying informed is key. And if you’re running a website or creating content, this shift raises a critical question: “How to use Google AI search to land your website in the AI search engine results?”
The answers to this are spread out over the internet but we have collated them all in one article for your viewing. In this blog, we’ll answer the prime question of how to optimize your website for Google AI and make the best use of AI for SEO.
Included in this blog:
• AI Overviews and AI Mode: What’s Changing in Search
• So What Does Google Advise: Don’t Panic, Optimize Better
• Where GEO Comes In: Optimizing for the AI Layer
• Final Thoughts: SEO Isn’t Dead — It’s Just Growing Smarter
AI Overviews and AI Mode: What’s Changing in Search
Before we dive into the how, let’s first deal with the what. What are AI Overviews and AI Mode?
AI Overviews are generative responses displayed directly within search results. You must be already aware of this feature and there’s a good chance that you’ve interacted with it numerous times.
We like to think of them as smart snippets on steroids — Google’s Gemini model scans multiple sources and summarizes key insights into a paragraph or two. These overviews often include links to cited sources, but they may not always send the same traffic as traditional listings.
With AI overviews, you must have noticed that even though it’s AI answering your queries, you cannot have a conversation with it, which is why we have AI Mode.
AI Mode is a feature within Google Search that utilizes Google’s Gemini models (specifically a custom version of Gemini 2.5) to provide a more conversational and comprehensive search experience. It allows users to ask follow-up questions, dig deeper and even refine their queries — all without ever leaving the AI search engine environment.
Essentially, AI Mode is Gemini built on the Google search results page (SERP).
You may wonder why not use Gemini instead of AI Mode, so besides being different applications, they also differ in the way they provide results.
For instance, for the same query on Gemini, you will get a slightly different formatted answer. Also, Gemini did not list the reference websites like AI Mode.
Also, when followed up with the same question again, the results were different.
Another key difference is that you cannot edit your question on AI Mode the way you can do on Gemini. The reason is that Gemini is a generative chatbot while AI mode is a search feature integrated into Google AI search.
For the same queries, here is how AI overviews would respond:
The results are more detailed with a reference link for each citation.
Since we cannot follow up, we ask a new query:
As shown here, Google literally has an SERP inside an SERP. That gives us new opportunities to explore and new positions to target. We are no longer in the traditional “10 blue links” era. And while it might feel like a threat to organic visibility, Google insists the path to inclusion in these AI features still starts with classic SEO and AI strategies done well.
Google’s Advice: Don’t Panic, Optimize Better
There’s been plenty of buzz about AI changing SEO forever, but Google’s stance is refreshingly grounded. Its core advice? “Focus on content that’s genuinely helpful to people.”
Let’s unpack what that looks like in practice and how you can align your strategy with the way Google’s AI actually works.
1. Build Content Written for Humans First
Google’s AI doesn’t reward gimmicks. It rewards clarity, originality and usefulness. This means moving beyond keyword repetition and chasing search trends. Instead, it’s about creating content that answers real questions your audience has — clearly, completely and confidently.
So whether you’re writing a blog post, a product description or a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page, ask yourself: “Is this content genuinely helping someone solve a problem or make a decision?” If not, it’s time to revisit your approach.
“AI isn’t replacing content strategy — it’s refining it. What wins today is content that solves real problems with clarity and trust,” said Ronnel Viloria, Lead SEO Strategist at Thrive Internet Marketing Agency.
Your content writing strategies should be built around that philosophy — writing for people first, algorithms second (but never forgotten). They should align directly with smart AI marketing strategies that aim to build long-term value.
2. What Happens After the Click, Matters More Than Ever
It’s easy to get caught up in traffic numbers. But Google’s AI looks past the click.
“If users bounce, the AI notices. Engagement metrics now play a much larger role in AI search visibility,” said Don Gruspe, Thrive’s Demand Generation SEO specialist.
Google is now paying attention to what users do after landing on your site:
• Do they stay and engage?
• Do they scroll, explore or bounce?
• Do they return to your site later or share it?
These signals tell Google a story: whether or not your content is actually delivering value. If people come and leave immediately, the AI-driven search engine may decide your content isn’t worth including in summaries.
So, optimize for the experience as much as the ranking. Ask: “Is my content easy to skim? Visually inviting? Fast to load?” When in doubt, a comprehensive SEO audit can uncover what’s working and what’s holding you back.
3. Make Your Site Easy for AI To Understand — And Showcase
Have you ever noticed how some articles show up in AI snippets with their images, bullet points or videos displayed cleanly, while others are just… skipped? That’s no accident. Google’s AI doesn’t just read your text — it looks at your structure.
• Are your headers logical and well-formatted?
• Are your images labeled with proper alt text?
• Is your content mobile-friendly and quick to load?
AI Overviews often pull from websites that make their content easy to interpret — both visually and technically. That’s where technical SEO and AI strategies come in. From schema markup to mobile optimization, these behind-the-scenes efforts can make the difference between being included in an AI answer or left in the shadows.
4. Add Structured Data to Highlight What Matters
Structured data is like leaving breadcrumbs for AI. It tells Google exactly what your page is about — whether it’s a recipe, a review, an event or a product. And when AI systems scan the web for reliable information, pages with this extra layer of clarity are more likely to be pulled in.
Want your content to show up in rich results or be properly cited in AI Overviews? Mark it up with schema.
“Schema markup isn’t optional anymore. It’s how you communicate directly with AI-driven systems,” said Kenneth Romero, Thrive’s SEO strategist.
It’s a technical task, but one worth investing in — especially when you’re optimizing for visibility beyond traditional SERPs using modern AI marketing strategies.
5. Trust, Authority and Freshness Are the New (Old) Game
Google’s AI has gotten better at something crucial: citing its sources.
And when it does, it prefers pages that are:
• Accurate and fact-based
• Published by a trusted brand or domain
• Recently updated to reflect the latest info
That means stale blog posts and outdated stats won’t cut it anymore. You need to treat every page like a living document — one that evolves with the times and keeps earning trust.
This is where search engine optimization (SEO) becomes a long-term game, not a one-off fix.
Where GEO Comes In: Optimizing for the AI Layer
At Thrive, we’ve embraced this evolution with what we call AI SEO or generative engine optimization (GEO). It’s a next-gen strategy that goes beyond keywords and backlinks. It’s about positioning your brand to be:
• Cited in AI Overviews
• Recommended in AI Mode chats
• Referenced in voice assistants and smart summaries
The core principles of GEO? Exactly what Google outlined above — quality content, technical clarity and trustworthiness — done intentionally for the AI-powered web. This also makes it easier to appear on AI search engine’s list pages that highlight top-performing resources.
Final Thoughts: SEO Isn’t Dead — It’s Just Growing Smarter
“SEO now has an AI layer. Brands that adapt with structured, high-authority content will dominate AI Overviews and next-gen search,” Romero said.
Optimizing for Google’s AI means understanding how its systems interpret and rank content — but it also means using the right tools. Many brands are now using AI for SEO to improve keyword research, structure their pages better and ensure their content aligns with user intent. The arrival of AI Overviews and AI Mode marks a shift in how people discover and consume content. But it’s not a reason to panic. In fact, it’s a reason to refocus.
Because the truth is, the brands that will win in this new era are the ones that have always prioritized quality, clarity and connection.
At Thrive, we’re helping businesses do just that — reimagining their SEO not just for rankings, but for relevance in an AI-driven search engine world. So if you’re ready to future-proof your visibility, we’re ready to guide the way.
Let’s make your content not just searchable, but unforgettable — and worthy of every AI search engine’s list and top-tier ranking.
Reach out today to start optimizing for AI search.
FAQs
HOW TO USE GOOGLE AI SEARCH?
To use Google’s AI-powered search features, you can either use AI Mode or AI Overviews. AI Mode provides comprehensive AI-powered responses and allows for follow-up questions. AI Overviews, on the other hand, offer a quick summary of key information and links to explore further. You can access these features through the Google app or on the web.
WHAT IS GOOGLE AI MODE AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM GEMINI?
Google AI Mode is a search feature powered by a custom version of Gemini 2.5 that delivers conversational, interactive answers directly on the search results page. Unlike Gemini, which functions as a standalone chatbot, AI Mode is built into the Google SERP and often includes cited links. It’s designed for follow-up questions within the search interface, but it doesn’t allow editing past queries like Gemini does.
HOW DO AI OVERVIEWS IMPACT TRADITIONAL SEARCH RESULTS?
AI Overviews are enhanced summaries generated from multiple sources and displayed at the top of search results. They can push traditional listings further down, reducing click-through rates. However, they also create new opportunities for visibility if your content is cited as a trusted source.
WHAT CONTENT STRATEGIES DOES GOOGLE RECOMMEND FOR AI-DRIVEN SEARCH?
Google advises creating content for people first — not algorithms. This means focusing on clarity, originality and usefulness rather than keyword stuffing. Helpful, problem-solving content that addresses real user needs is more likely to appear in AI Overviews and AI Mode answers.
HOW CAN ENGAGEMENT METRICS AFFECT MY VISIBILITY IN GOOGLE AI SEARCH?
Google’s AI evaluates what happens after a user clicks through. Metrics like time on page, scrolling behavior, interaction with elements and return visits all indicate value. If users bounce quickly, your content is less likely to be included in AI-generated results.
WHY IS STRUCTURED DATA IMPORTANT FOR OPTIMIZING CONTENT FOR AI?
Structured data (schema markup) gives Google’s AI clear signals about your page’s purpose and content type, whether it’s a recipe, review, event or product. Pages with structured data are more likely to appear in rich results and be cited in AI Overviews.
IS SEO STILL RELEVANT IN AN AI-POWERED SEARCH LANDSCAPE?
Yes — SEO has evolved rather than disappeared. The fundamentals of relevance, trustworthiness and high-quality content remain the same, but now they must be adapted for AI’s interpretation. Structured, authoritative and user-focused content is more important than ever.
