Google’s recent unveiling of ‘AI Mode’ at its I/O 2025 conference signals a transformative shift in how users engage with search engines. This innovative feature introduces a conversational, chatbot-style interface powered by Google’s Gemini 2.5 AI model, designed to tackle complex queries by breaking them down into subtopics and delivering synthesised, in-depth responses.
It was announced earlier this month that Google is already testing the live version of its AI search module in the USA by introducing a new tab in search called ‘AI Mode’ which won’t require any signing in to Google Labs. The decision not to require Google Labs opt-in is significant, signalling Google’s intention to make AI Mode widely accessible and not just a limited experiment. At the conference a Google vice president of products was asked whether they expect this to become the default search in Google. Their reply was as always neither one way or the other; “searcher behaviour is changing and Google Search will change with it, so yes, AI Mode and AI Overviews are the future of Google Search.” So reading between the lines, the answer seems to be YES!
What Is AI Mode?
AI Mode marks a significant evolution from traditional search behaviour. By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence, it offers users:
- Conversational Interactions
Engage in back-and-forth dialogues with the search engine, allowing for follow-up questions and more refined enquiries. - Deep Search
Conduct thorough research using multiple simultaneous queries (fan-out technique), producing summarised, cited and contextually rich responses. - Live Capabilities
Utilise real-time visual search through your device’s camera to interact with physical objects and environments. - Personalised Context
Receive tailored search results based on your personal data from other Google services such as Gmail, creating more relevant outcomes.
This move goes far beyond simply fetching information. It turns search into an intelligent assistant capable of completing tasks, analysing content and supporting decisions from booking travel to generating financial charts. It includes a new capability known as Agentic AI Mode, which basically means it can act as a personal agent, tracking prices or products for you, looking for price drops or availability on certain dates, and then pretty much booking for you until it gets to the payment, when it will always require your input.
The new search process in AI Mode uses the query fan-out technique, which is simple terms means it is running numerous queries simultaneously.
It will take shopping on Google to a new level and streamline the entire process of a human perspective as it remembers what the user is shopping for, track prices, refine results, and return later to complete the task.
Form a business perspective it means that you will need to know how to ensure your products are part of the Google Shopping Graph.
What Does This Mean for Website Traffic?
While AI Mode enhances user experience dramatically, it introduces new challenges for businesses relying on organic web traffic. Because AI summaries often provide direct answers, many users may no longer click through to original sources, leading to reported drops in website visits of up to 30 percent. Google confirmed that traffic from AI Mode will be visible in Search Console, but it will not be segmented separately from other search sources, making it difficult to track the exact impact of AI overviews on traffic.
This change necessitates a shift in SEO strategy, focusing on:
- Enhancing structured data and schema markup
- Writing highly informative, well organised content
- Optimising for visibility within AI-generated answers (prompt-based SEO)
Impacts on Spanish Industries
AI Mode’s advanced search functionality is poised to reshape several key sectors in Spain:
Real Estate
Buyers searching for property in Spain will benefit from more personalised, contextual information about localities, price trends, schools and local amenities all presented clearly in AI search overviews. Estate agents and portals must ensure their listings are properly structured and optimised for this new ecosystem.
Hospitality
Hotels, restaurants and tourism operators will see increased competition as AI Mode surfaces only the most relevant, well reviewed and accessible options. Businesses in this sector should focus on improving their online presence, customer feedback and rich media content to remain competitive.
Financial Services
Banks, insurance providers and financial advisors will need to adapt to the fact that consumers can now receive digestible summaries of complex products, investment opportunities or tax implications within seconds. Those who provide educational, transparent and well structured digital content will have the upper hand.
Staying Ahead in the Digital Landscape
As AI continues to redefine search dynamics, it is vital for businesses to adapt by:
- Optimising Content
Ensure that written content is clear, structured and aligned with how AI interprets and presents information. - Enhancing Visibility
Use schema markups and metadata to increase the chances of being included in AI-generated results. - Monitoring Performance
Regularly track site analytics to understand traffic changes and adjust marketing efforts accordingly.
At Manifesto, we are committed to helping our clients stay ahead of the curve. With AI-driven search now redefining user expectations, businesses must not only stay visible but also stay valuable.
Contact us now to ensure you stay ahead of your competiton!
