What AI Mode means
AI Mode answers complex questions with a generated response and links to sources, and lets people ask follow-up questions. Google says the same SEO best practices apply to appearing in AI features, with no special markup required.
Why it matters for your website
When people ask longer, more detailed questions in AI Mode, Google picks sources to support its answer, and being one of them can bring well-qualified visitors. Because Google says normal SEO practices apply, sites with clear, helpful, crawlable content are in the best position to be cited.
Someone asks AI Mode to compare metal and asphalt roofs for a snowy climate. The answer links to a local roofer's detailed guide on that exact topic as one of its sources.
Tips
- Answer specific customer questions in depth on dedicated, well-organized pages.
- Make sure important pages are indexable and load their main content without heavy scripts.
- Keep business details consistent across your site and your Google Business Profile.
Common mistakes
- Buying tools that promise special 'AI Mode markup' when Google says none is required.
- Publishing thin pages stuffed with question phrases instead of real, useful answers.
