Decoding Google’s AI mode: how to get recommended

We use RankMath Pro on all websites we develop with business owners who want to maximise their website customer activity.

With the shift in user behaviour, Google’s AI Mode (powered by Gemini) is predicted to become a dominant force in search, potentially overshadowing competitors like ChatGPT due to the sheer volume of existing Google users.
However, ranking in this new environment requires a different approach than traditional SEO. Here is a breakdown of how Google’s AI Mode works and how to position your brand to be the answer it recommends.

Understanding "query fan-out"

The most distinct feature of Google’s AI Mode is a process called "query fan-out". When a user asks a single question, the AI does not just run one search. It breaks that question down into multiple background searches to form a comprehensive answer.

• Compound research: If a user asks for the "best WooCommerce plugin", the AI will simultaneously search for free extensions, local SEO tools, speed benchmarks, and premium options.
• Deep research: It verifies facts by looking for comparisons, pricing models, and technical performance reviews across the web.
• The takeaway: Your content cannot be one-dimensional. To capture these fan-out queries, you must cover technical details, pricing differentiators, and feature comparisons (like schema markup or site speed).

It relies on "branded web mentions"

Traditional keyword optimisation is not enough. The AI looks for entities, context, and trust signals across the web. According to Ahrefs data cited in the video in this post, branded web mentions have the strongest correlation with AI visibility.

If multiple authoritative websites consistently say the same thing about your brand (e.g., "Rank Math is the most lightweight plugin"), Gemini accepts this as a credible fact. Therefore, getting your brand mentioned alongside your primary topic on external sites is crucial.

A three-phase strategy for visibility

The video suggests a structured approach to building the necessary authority for AI Mode:

1. Phase one: foundation and positioning: Define exactly what your brand stands for. Are you the "lowest cost" option or the "best for enterprise"? You must possess a solid website and a simple press kit (logo, founder bio, assets) to make it easy for others to reference you.
2. Phase two: outreach (push technique): Do not just ask for mentions. Offer unique insights, data, or expert commentary to industry publications and news outlets.
3. Phase three: amplification (pull technique): Create a stir to generate consistent mentions naturally, such as hosting competitions.

Expand beyond written content

Google’s AI Mode looks for consensus across various platforms to establish "EEAT" (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness).

• Video matters: In AI Overviews, YouTube videos are cited as a source 65% of the time. If you have limited resources or are just starting, this would be the place.
• Social proof: Your brand needs a presence on Reddit, Quora, podcasts, and social channels. The AI references these platforms to gauge real user sentiment and verify if a product has a strong community backing. Again, with limited resources, you may want to first get well-established in 1-2 platforms (where your customers are), then expand into others.

The role of paid media and product quality

Finally, the video emphasises that no amount of SEO/AEO (search/answer engine optimisation) can save a bad product. Your product must be good enough to generate genuine recommendations, or your strategy will be unsustainable.

However, you can accelerate the process with paid advertising. The goal of ads and sponsorships should not just be traffic, but brand positioning. Like KFC is known for "finger-lickin’ good" chicken, your ads should reinforce the specific message you want the AI to associate with your brand.

Please see our handy infographic guide below: