Did you know that Google’s new AI features might be quietly pushing your website out of sight—even if you’re ranking on page one? That’s right. These days, just showing up in search results isn’t enough.
Google has evolved from a list of links into something bigger: an AI-powered answer engine. And if your brand isn’t being mentioned in those answers, you’re practically invisible.
Let’s talk about what’s really happening—and how you can make sure Google’s AI recognizes and promotes your content.
SEO Has Changed – It’s Now GEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) as we knew it is shifting. What’s taking its place is something called GEO—Generative Engine Optimization.
Instead of just optimizing for rankings, you now need to train Google’s AI to see your brand as a trusted source. If it does, your name shows up in AI-powered summaries and answers. And that’s the new goldmine—brand visibility without needing the #1 spot or even a click.
Don’t Panic About Traffic Drops – The Real Opportunity Is Bigger
Many marketers are worried about losing traffic because of AI, but that’s the wrong mindset.
Here’s what’s actually happening:
- People are using Google more than ever.
- They’re typing full questions instead of just keywords.
- Google is giving them better answers right on the search page.
In fact, daily Google searches have jumped from 8.5 billion to 13.7 billion in a very short time. That’s a massive shift.
So, yes—AI may reduce clicks for some sites, but it’s also creating more opportunities to be seen by the right people, at the right time.
What Are AI Overviews—and Why They Matter So Much
You’ve probably noticed those summaries at the top of search results. That’s AI Overview—Google’s quick answer to your question, often without needing to click anything.
Here’s the thing: AI Overviews tend to appear when people are looking for real answers—when they’re learning, comparing options, or deciding what to buy.
Let’s break it down:
- Informational searches (like “how to do X”) = 50% of all searches. AI Overview shows up in nearly half.
- Commercial searches (like “best laptop for designers”) = 14.8% of all searches. AI shows up in nearly 18%.
- Navigational searches (like “Gmail login”) = 34%. AI rarely steps in—because the user already knows where they’re going.
- Transactional searches (when someone’s ready to buy) = only 8% of all searches, but AI still appears around 6% of the time.
Bottom line? If your content isn’t being cited in these moments—you’re missing your chance to influence buyers.
AI Mode: The Future of Google Search
If AI Overviews are the teaser, AI Mode is the full movie.
This is a new feature Google is rolling out that turns a simple search into a conversation. It answers complex, multi-part questions in seconds by pulling data from dozens of sources—most of which are invisible to you.
Here’s how it works:
Say someone asks, “What’s the best time this week for a photo shoot at Boston Public Garden?” That seems like a simple question, right?
But behind the scenes, Google is breaking it into mini-questions:
- What’s the weather forecast?
- When is golden hour?
- How crowded is the park?
- What are tips for engagement photo shoots?
It’s doing all of this in a few seconds, pulling info from pages it trusts. And if your content isn’t one of those sources? You don’t get cited.
This is why ranking alone isn’t enough anymore. You need to be semantically positioned—in other words, your content should cover the full intent behind the question, not just one keyword.
Getting Cited by Google’s AI = Brand Visibility
Here’s something surprising: 90% of consumers first hear about a company through a Google search, but only 5% buy on the spot.
The rest? They end up in your email list, check out your socials, maybe come back later. But they remember your brand because they saw it.
Think of it like a logo on a race car. Even if people don’t engage right away, the name sticks.
So, when Google’s AI drops your brand name into one of those summaries, it’s like free advertising. You didn’t have to rank #1, you didn’t even need a click—and yet, you’re front and center.
How to Get Your Brand Cited (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Find Out Who Google Already Trusts
Go to neilpatel.com/ubersuggest and plug in a competitor’s website. If you don’t know one, just Google a keyword in your niche and choose a top result.
Look at:
- Their most visited pages
- What keywords are driving traffic
- How many backlinks and shares they have
These are the types of pages Google’s AI is likely pulling from.
Step 2: Discover Your Keyword Gaps
Now, plug in your own domain. Ubersuggest will compare your site to your competitors and show you which keywords they rank for—but you don’t.
That’s a goldmine.
These are high-value topics already working in your space—and probably already showing up in AI answers. Instead of guessing what to write, you now have a proven list.
Don’t Just Write—Create Smart, Rich Content
Here’s a key tip: Google’s AI isn’t just looking at text anymore. It pulls from videos, diagrams, infographics, and other rich media formats.
So if you want to get cited:
- Add explainer videos
- Include clear, helpful diagrams
- Use infographics to summarize data
- Break content into clear, digestible sections
And then pair that content with the keyword gaps you found earlier. That’s how you become the go-to source in your space—not just another blog.
Final Thoughts: The SEO Game Has Changed
Let’s be real—SEO isn’t dead. It’s just different now.
While others worry about dropping traffic, you can focus on getting mentioned by AI. That’s where the real visibility is.
If your brand shows up in AI answers, you win attention, trust, and long-term brand equity—even without a click.
And right now, the window is wide open. Most businesses aren’t even thinking about this yet.
But the ones who act now? They’re getting ahead—fast.
Next Steps?
Want to take it even further? Watch the next video on how AI agents can help grow your brand across all your channels—automatically.