How Marketers Should Adapt to Google’s New AI Mode
Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), also known as AI Mode or AI Overviews, is changing SERPs. Instead of ten blue links, users now often see AI-generated summaries. Here’s how marketers can excel.
What Is AI Mode?
SGE leverages Gemini to provide AI-powered, concise responses on desktop and mobile. This shift demands strategic adjustments to content that prioritizes clarity and authority.
Why It’s Critical
Search behavior is changing: Users may get what they need without clicking further.
SERP visibility now depends on AI citations, not just ranking positions.
Structured, factual content wins: Google surfaces content that’s trustworthy and quick to parse.
Adapting Your Marketing Strategy
1. Lead with the Answer
Start with a one to two-sentence response to the query before your deep dive.
2. Build Credibility
Include author bios, last-updated dates, and anchor to authoritative sources like HubSpot or Moz—and internal references like Fioshub’s blog posts.
3. Use Structured Data
Apply JSON-LD markup for FAQ, Product, and How-To schemas to surface AI-friendly snippets.
4. Monitor AI Citations
Track AI Summary inclusion—use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to see your content being cited within AI Overviews.
Supporting Evidence
HubSpot finds that personality-driven thought leadership and comparison content thrive in AI search. In one survey, 37% of SEO marketers expect review/comparison pieces to perform especially well.
NewTarget reports that 46% of sources in Google AI Overviews come from the top 10 ranked pages.
Google is Reshaping Search
SGE isn’t just a new search interface—it’s a formative change in how users discover content. Brands that lead with answers, add schema, and build trust will claim the best AI summary placements.
FAQ
What is Google’s AI Mode?
Also known as SGE or AI Overviews: Google uses generative AI to answer queries directly in SERPs.
How do I get cited in AI summaries?
Write precise stacked answers, add schema markup, cite credible sources, and keep content updated.
Does this kill traditional SEO?
Not at all—SEO remains vital. This is SEO 2.0: content must be snippet-worthy and authority-proven.
Who’s most impacted?
Complex, research-heavy sectors—like finance, SaaS, and travel—are seeing early SGE adoption.
Is SGE global yet?
Yes—initial rollout was May 2024; now available in 100+ territories.
