Google’s AI Mode Is Almost Here: The Essential Guide for Australian Businesses

Google’s latest search evolution is knocking on our digital doorstep. AI Mode, along with its AI Overviews feature, is already live in the US, and Australian businesses have a precious window to prepare before it reshapes our local search landscape.

While AI Mode represents a seismic shift in how users interact with search, the fundamentals and the goal posts haven’t changed too much. According to research from SurferSEO, 52% of sources cited in AI Overviews already rank in the top 10 organic results.

“Where you rank is still a useful yardstick for your content quality, but the so-called ‘top result’ lives two big scrolls down under AI Overviews, snippets, ads and maybe a map pack. For users that switch on AI Mode, the idea of ‘rank one’ disappears altogether. Our thinking has to shift.” – David Metcalf, Owner & Managing Director

What Is Google’s AI Mode?

Think of AI Mode as Google’s most ambitious attempt to understand intent, not just keywords. It pulls data from websites (dozens of them, in milliseconds), reviews, Google Maps, Shopping, and more to create comprehensive, conversational answers that will include ads, snippets, and traditional organic results.

Picture this: A local parent searches “plan ideas for a weekend getaway with the kids in margaret river”. Instead of scrolling through dozens of links and review sites, they get an AI-crafted itinerary complete with family-friendly wineries, accommodation options, beach recommendations, and even driving routes, all in one seamless response. This is what you already get from an AI Overview and it’s only getting better and more helpful:

The Data That Changes Everything

Before we dive into tactics, let’s establish the landscape with hard data from SurferSEO’s analysis of 405,576 searches that helps frame our understanding of Google’s new AI offerings:

How Will Google AI Mode Affect Your Traffic and Conversions?

Let’s address the elephant in your boardroom: what does AI Mode mean for your bottom line?

The traffic equation is changing, but not in the way you might fear. Here’s what we’re seeing from early data on our own website and our clients:

Impressions: ↑ Up
Your content will likely appear more frequently as AI Overviews pull from multiple sources to create comprehensive answers. Even if you’re not the primary citation, being included expands your visibility.

Here’s the kicker for AI Mode’s launch, if you’re familiar with ChatGPT you understand search is now a conversation. According to Google’s official documentation, “If a user asks a follow-up question within AI Mode, they are performing a new query.” Every follow-up question counts as a fresh search in Google Search Console, meaning your impressions will multiply significantly as users explore topics through prompted conversation rather than single queries.

Clicks: ↓ Down (but don’t panic)
Yes, some studies suggest 15-25% fewer clicks for certain queries from AI Overviews so it’s likely AI Mode will increase this further. This is the point, AI Mode answers basic questions directly, meaning users who just wanted a quick fact won’t need to visit any sites.

Conversion Rate: ↑↑ Significantly Up
Here’s the big change: the visitors who do click through are exponentially more qualified. They’ve already had their basic questions answered by AI Mode and they’ve seen your business cited as an authority against others.

Think of it this way: Google AI Mode becomes your biggest advocate (If you know how to show up there, more on that below). It pre-qualifies visitors, builds trust in your expertise, and sends you users who are further along the buyer’s journey. A visitor who’s already seen your business recommended by Google’s AI arrives with higher confidence and clearer intent.

The Two-Part Strategy: SEO Foundations + GEO Optimisation

As we’ve seen already, success in the AI era requires a two-pronged approach. First, nail the SEO fundamentals that get you into the top 10. Then, optimise for how Google’s AI systems select and present information.

Part 1: The Non-Negotiable SEO

Remember: if you’re not ranking top 10, you’re unlikely to appear in AI Overviews. These fundamentals remain your ticket to play this game:

1. Technical Excellence

Without a crawlable, fast website, nothing else matters.

Essential checklist:

• Core Web Vitals in the green (especially mobile).
• Proper HTTPS implementation.
• Clean URL structures and XML sitemaps.
• Comprehensive schema markup (FAQ, LocalBusiness, Product).
• Mobile-first responsive design.

2. Content Authority Through E-E-A-T

Google’s AI heavily weights Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.

Implementation tactics:

• Detailed author bios with verifiable credentials.
• Case studies and real-world examples from your Australian clients.
• Local accreditations and industry memberships prominently displayed.
• Citations to .gov.au and .edu.au sources.
• Regular content updates (aim for quarterly refreshes).

3. Strategic Keyword Targeting

With 77% of 6+ word queries triggering AI Overviews, long-tail optimisation is more important than ever.

Examples for Australian businesses:

• Instead of just “Perth accountant” → Also think “what do accountants charge per hour in Perth?”
• Instead of just “Brisbane lawyer” → Also think “who is the best lawyer in perth for drug offences”
• Instead of just “solar panels Sydney” → Also think “solar system installation cost in Western Sydney”

Part 2: GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) Best Practices

Once your SEO foundation is solid, these GEO tactics position you for AI selection:

4. Structure for AI Comprehension

Surfer’s research also shows 78% of AI Overviews include lists. Simple and scannable is key.

Optimisation approach:

• Use clear H2/H3 hierarchies that answer specific questions.
• Include bulleted lists for processes and comparisons.
• Add FAQ sections with schema markup.
• Create summary boxes for complex topics.
• Use tables for data comparisons.

5. Match True Search Intent

AI Mode excels at understanding what users really want. Your content must too.

Intent alignment process:

1. Analyse current AI Overviews for your target queries.
2. Note the format (how-to, comparison, definition, local).
3. Mirror the successful structure while adding unique value.
4. Include “People Also Ask” questions naturally in your content.

6. Optimise for Local AI Visibility

With 68% of local business queries triggering AI responses, Australian SMEs can’t ignore local signals.

Local optimisation priorities:

• Claim and complete your Google Business Profile (100% filled).
• Maintain NAP consistency across all Australian directories.
• Generate authentic reviews mentioning specific services/locations.
• Create city or suburb specific landing pages.
• List on True Local, Yellow Pages, and industry-specific directories.

7. Build Cross-Platform Authority

AI Mode pulls from Google’s entire ecosystem. Your digital footprint should be as comprehensive as you can reliably manage.

Ecosystem approach:

• Align Google Ads campaigns with organic content topics.
• Create YouTube videos that support main website content.
• Engage authentically on Reddit and Quora (where Google increasingly sources information).
• Maintain consistent brand messaging across all touchpoints.

Measuring Success in an AI-First World

Traditional metrics need recalibration. Here’s what to track:

New KPIs for AI visibility:

• Appearance frequency in AI Overviews (using Surfer’s AI Tracker)
• Long-tail keyword impression growth (6+ word phrases)
• Branded vs non-branded AI citations
• Assisted conversions from AI-influenced traffic
• Local pack appearances within AI responses

Shifting your focus:

• From total traffic volume → qualified visitor quality
• From individual rankings → topical authority clusters
• From position tracking → overall SERP visibility
• From keyword density → comprehensive topic coverage

Your Action Plan

The clock’s ticking. While competitors debate whether AI will “kill SEO,” you can position your business at the forefront. Here’s your priority roadmap:

The Bottom Line for Australian Businesses

AI Mode is coming. You can’t directly control AI rankings, but you can dramatically increase your chances by combining rock-solid SEO with strategic GEO practices.

The winners in the AI Mode era won’t be those trying to game a new system. They’ll be the businesses that understand this dual mandate: rank high AND be AI-ready. It’s not either/or—it’s both/and.

Here’s what’s fundamentally different: AI Mode makes it nearly impossible to fake your way to visibility. Traditional SEO allowed for shortcuts that have been chipped away at for years, keyword stuffing, thin content, link schemes. But AI excels at pattern recognition. It can tell when content is genuinely comprehensive versus superficially optimised. It recognises authentic expertise versus rehashed information.

The businesses that will thrive aren’t those looking for the next hack or loophole. They’re the ones who commit to being genuinely helpful, creating thorough, honest content that truly serves their audience and proving their chops.

Ready to ensure your business thrives in the AI-powered future?

At Distl we can analyse your current SEO foundation, identify quick GEO wins, and create a custom roadmap for AI Mode dominance. Don’t wait for the Australian rollout to react. The businesses preparing now will capture the early advantage.

Book a Call Today

Jack Headford

Account Manager & Operations Lead