Issue # 3 - June 2025
AI CONTENT VISIONARY
Content visibility that works in an AI-first world.
Hi Reader —
I’m excited to kick off this new series with you! With all the rapid changes in how Google handles search—especially with AI Mode now in play—it’s more important than ever to stay informed and adaptable. Let’s dive in.
Why You Should Care About the New AIO to AI Mode Transition
From AI Overview to AI Mode: What’s Changing and Why It Matters
In our last newsletter, we discussed What Is AIO and Why It Matters for Your SEO Strategy. Just when you were getting a handle on your SEO strategy, along comes another shift: the AIO to AI Mode transition.
Our series began with Google’s AI journey into Search Generative Experience (SGE). Then, Google pulled a fast one on us, renaming SGE to AI Overview. Now we're having to shift again into AI Mode. So hold onto your hats.
Each shift reflects not just a branding update, but it also causes us to investigate how Google delivers search results. If you’re a content writer, understanding this evolution isn’t optional—it’s essential.
We’ll start our AI mode analysis with what it is, why it’s different from SGE, and AI Overview, and why it matters to you. Then, we’ll finish up with valuable tips you can incorporate into your SEO strategy.
What Was SGE and Why It Mattered
If you read our beginning issue of Don’t Panic—SEO Isn’t Dead (And Here’s Why SGE Proves It), you already know that search generative experience (SGE) uses artificial intelligence (AI) to generate answers in search results.
Those blue links we were all familiar with? They were moved further down on the search results page. Instead, AI-powered search took over, highlighting:
- AI-generated snapshot summaries
- Quick answers from multiple sources.
- Less incentive for users to scroll and click
For small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), this sparked genuine concern--was SEO dying a slow death? Not so, my friends. SGE and SEO worked hand in hand to provide:
- Clarity over clutter
- Depth over fluff
- Authority over guesswork
But then…
Google rebranded SGE into AI Overview (AIO). I explained what AIO is and how it differs from SGE. Let’s see what happened.
The Shift to AIO and What It Means to Content Writers
Google’s next update changed the look of the search results page. Now, AI Overview. (AIO) dominates the top spot with AI-generated summaries pulled from multiple sources.
What’s new—and slightly concerning—is that users can now get their answers without clicking a single link. Your site might be skipped entirely. Even if your site does appear on page one, you could still lose traffic—unless you adapt your content strategy.
The change from SGE to AIO makes it easier for users to obtain quick answers…but that convenience comes at a cost for the SEO content professional. In summary, the difference between SGE and AIO can be seen below:
- SGE was experimental and optional.
- AIO is being integrated into search for millions of users, starting with the U.S. and expanding globally.
💡 Even great content won’t rank if it doesn’t align with how AI reshapes search.
But Wait!
Google has introduced a new feature. The era of AI Mode has arrived. What’s that? Read on to find out more.
Enter AI Mode: Google's Latest Change
AI Mode surpasses AIO by using a custom version of Gemini 2.0, Google’s latest and most powerful large language model (LLM). It’s instrumental when your search requires deeper exploration, comparisons, or complex reasoning.
Currently, AI Mode is available in two different ways. You can also toggle it on and off.
- Go to www.google.com. Enter a question you need an answer to. Tap "AI Mode" below the search bar. (1st tab)
- On the Google app, tap the AI Mode button on the home screen. (looks like a magnifying glass with a sparkle).
It’s being rolled out gradually in the U.S., with global expansion to follow. What’s new is that users can now toggle AI Mode on or off, and it can also be accessed in incognito mode.
Google has also introduced trust indicators, including source citations, site logos, and clickable cards. These elements make it easier for users to see where the information came from—and for creators like you to gain visibility without a direct click.
In short, AI Mode is here to stay. It’s a strategic shift toward a more interactive, AI-driven search experience—one that could either elevate your content or bury it, depending on how well you adapt.
Why These Transitions Matter
Google’s shift from SGE to AIO—and now to AI Mode—isn’t just about refining its branding. It’s much deeper than that and signals a more significant change in how we interact with search itself.
We’re moving away from the old model where users typed a question, skimmed blue links, and clicked through for answers. In today’s AI-driven search, the goal is to deliver answers instantly, within the search results. That means fewer clicks, less scrolling, and a new challenge to gain visibility.
For writers, SEOs, and marketers, this means one thing: the search landscape is no longer static. Algorithms are learning how to reason, summarize, and conclude—sometimes before users finish typing.
This shift affects:
- SEO strategy – Traditional keyword stuffing is a thing of the past. Content must be conversational, contextual, and trustworthy.
- Content authority – Sites with strong topical authority are more likely to be referenced in AI-generated answers.
- User trust – If your brand shows up in an AI summary, it lends credibility. If it doesn’t, you risk being invisible—even if you rank on page one.
The future of search is dynamic, predictive, and increasingly AI-first. That means your content must be the same.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be. The good news is that great content still wins—but only if it faces this new AI-centered search experience head-on.
Here’s how you can stay ahead of the curve:
- Focus on people-first content - Write to solve questions with clarity and depth. Be helpful, not clever. Be accurate, not flashy.
- Match your structure to search behavior - Use clear subheadings, bullet points, and concise answers. Make it easy for AI—and humans—to understand your message.
- Demonstrate topical authority - Cover your topic thoroughly, not just once, but across multiple pieces of content. Interlink them. Focus on having a comprehensive resource library related to your niche.
- E-E-A-T still matters - Show your Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness in every post. Cite sources. Build credibility.
- Optimize for visibility—not just ranking. AI-generated summaries are pulled from clear, structured, and helpful content. If your content doesn’t meet these criteria, it is less likely to be chosen.
Remember, AI Mode is designed to help users, but creators can also benefit if they are willing to change. Adaptation isn’t optional anymore. It’s how you stay relevant.
Final Takeaway
Whether it’s called SGE, AI Overview, or AI Mode, one thing is clear: the future of search is AI-powered and fast-changing. The name may change, but your need to stay informed and adaptable remains the same. If you're serious about your SEO strategy, now’s the time to wholeheartedly embrace the AI Mode transition.
During this transition, AI Overview will not go away, although Google does plan to replace it with AI Mode in the future. We’ll continue our series on the AIO evolution, including timely insights on how AI Mode is being implemented and what it means for your content strategy. I hope to see you there.
📍 Up Next in the Series:
👉 Your AIO Search Intent Strategy Needs to Change and Why It Matters
We'll dive into how AI is changing what users expect when they search—and how you can shift your content strategy to stay ahead.
💬 Let’s Talk
Have you already seen AIO in action? Are you worried, curious, or optimistic?
Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your take.
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See you soon,
Pam Lokker
AI Content Visionary
LinkedIn | Substack | https://www.borlokvirtualassistants.com
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