How to Adapt SEO for Google’s AI Overview & AI Mode

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Aug 8

Written By Mauro Berno

How to Adapt SEO for Google’s AI Overview & AI Mode

Google’s AI Overview & AI Mode: How to Adapt Your SEO Strategy for the AI-First Web

The way people search is changing—and so should your content strategy.

What Are Google’s AI Overview and AI Mode?

Google has recently introduced AI Overview and AI Mode, two features powered by its Gemini models that represent a massive shift in how users interact with search.

While they may seem like minor updates on the surface, they’re transforming the entire search journey—from how people ask questions to where they click (if they click at all).

Let’s break them down:

AI Overview

Appearing above the organic results, AI Overviews summarize answers to complex queries. They pull content from multiple sources and deliver a concise, AI-generated snapshot right at the top of the page.

Think: “zero-click results” on steroids.

AI Mode

Still in Search Labs (U.S. only for now), this feature allows users to interact with a chatbot-like search interface, ask follow-up questions, upload images, or speak queries out loud. It’s multimodal, intuitive, and built to guide users through layered, complex searches.

Why This Matters for Your Business

These features aren’t just changing how results look—they’re changing how users behave:

1. Dramatic Drop in Clicks

Some websites are reporting a 30–70% decrease in organic traffic, particularly for top-of-funnel, informational content. Why? Because the AI Overview provides the answer without needing a click.

2. Your Content Might Still Be Used—Without Credit

Your article might power an AI Overview… but not be linked, mentioned, or credited. That means no traffic and no brand exposure—even if you’re doing everything “right.”

3. Metrics Are Shifting

Google is now including AI Overviews and AI Mode interactions in Search Console metrics. So if you’ve seen weird spikes or dips in impressions, these features might be the reason.

How to Adapt Your SEO Strategy Now

Here’s how we at Foundcoo are helping our clients stay ahead:

1. Build for Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)

AI Overviews favor clear, direct answers. That means:

• Structured content (FAQs, how-tos, step-by-steps)

• Short, crisp paragraphs that directly address the query

• Using headings that mirror search phrases:

✏️ Instead of: “Why AI is important in SEO”

✅ Use: “Why is AI important in SEO?”

2. Create Depth for AI Mode

AI Mode doesn’t stop at one answer. It simulates a conversation. Your content should:

• Address follow-up questions within the same article

• Include examples, use cases, data, and “what if” scenarios

• Link to supporting internal pages for deeper exploration

🧠 Think like a smart teacher: answer the question, then anticipate the next one.

3. Make Your Content Multimodal-Friendly

AI Mode incorporates voice, visual, and text inputs. Prepare by:

• Adding alt-text and captions to every image

• Embedding videos or interactive elements

• Using schema markup to signal entities, locations, and product data

4. Measure What Actually Matters

In this new search landscape, don’t just track traffic. Track:

• Impressions (especially AI-generated ones)

• Click-through rate changes

• Conversion quality, not just volume

• Assisted conversions through AI-aware attribution models

5. Diversify Your Discovery Channels

Google is just one doorway. To protect and grow visibility:

• Build thought leadership on LinkedIn

• Invest in YouTube and video content

• Write for niche forums and industry blogs

• Use paid ads to retarget lost organic traffic

What Foundcoo Clients Are Saying

We’ve already helped B2B and industrial brands:

• Restructure content for AI visibility

• Retain lead flow even with falling organic clicks

• Optimize for AI-enhanced SERPs while boosting user engagement

One client saw a 42% lift in lead quality after realigning their strategy around AEO and deep content—despite losing 18% in organic traffic due to AI Overviews.