Have you noticed your site traffic dropping, even though your site still ranks the same? You are not alone. Several major companies face this backdrop because recently, Google has officially launched its new AI model, where users get direct AI-generated answers instead of a traditional list of links or SERP results. Therefore, this New Google AI Mode is reshaping how much traffic a website receives. And site owners need to make seo strategy for 2026 by understanding this new search reality.
What is Google AI Mode?
Google AI Mode is aimed at introducing a new way of searching, instead of traditional website links with an AI Overview at the top, users get a single conversational answer powered by Gemini. This output summarises key points from multiple sites while including a few major source links. The goal is to give users fast and clear answers-but it’s also changing how users find and engage with your content.
How does Google AIC Mode affect Website traffic?
Many site owners are reporting a serious drop in their organic traffic since the launch of Google AI mode. Reports from analytics firms indicate that some sites have lost up to 30 per cent of their Google traffic. This is because AI now responds to user queries directly. Users can ask follow-up questions within the result, leading to fewer Google searches. However, websites with original research and high-quality content are cited as sources with the AI-generated answers.
How to Be Mentioned as a Source in Google AI Mode?
Despite the click rate declines, there is still an opportunity for driving valuable traffic. Websites that produce accurate and high-quality content are cited as sources beneath the AI-generated summaries.
And here is how your site can be mentioned too in this mode:
- Follow Google’s EEAT
- Publish your own original research or data-based content.
- Add well-structured headings, clearly defining your content.
- Show authority over your niche by covering multiple topics in it.
- Strengthen your domain authority by earning quality backlinks.
Moreover, traditional SEO strategies are no longer enough. The new priority is earning visibility within AI-generated summaries by creating content that is clear and unique.
Conclusion
In short, the launch of Google AI mode signals the start of a new era of search, where AI will be shifting traffic rather than just answering user queries. And in this shift, the traffic-winning site will be the one with authentic and expert-driven content.
If you want your brand to be adaptive to this shift, contact YouCan Creative Engine, the best SEO agency in Lahore. We provide tailored services to your business’s unique workflow, including Google EEAT optimization and content planning services.
For more content-related services, contact us.
