Google AI Mode Now Live in the UK!
This is one of the biggest releases to send shockwaves through traditional SEO this year. We saw ChatGPT Search become available for free users back in January, which gave birth to Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO), this means your website now needs to appear across LLM’s including the all-new Google AI Mode – the closest competitor to ChatGPT the world has ever seen. We started strategy testing early in 2025 on how to gain traffic and leads via LLM’s such as ChatGPT – view our strategy testing here, we also have a solution for SEO/AEO for Google AI Mode with our bespoke approach hitting core ranking signals. 2025 has been the most turbulent year the SEO industry has ever seen, the need to adapt is absolutely essential. Let’s crack on with the release news from sources including Google!
Google AI Mode Begins UK Rollout from 29 July 2025
On 29 July 2025, Google officially commenced the phased deployment of its brand‑new AI Mode across the United Kingdom. Powered by the advanced Gemini 2.5 model, this feature transforms search into a conversational, multimodal experience, capable of interpreting text, voice or image input and breaking down multi‑part queries using a “query fan‑out” approach.
AI Mode appears as a distinct “AI Mode” tab in desktop and mobile search results, as well as within the Google app on Android and iOS. It is tailored for more complex searches such as travel planning, product comparisons or detailed guides.
Gradual Rollout – Not Everyone Sees It Yet
Although the official rollout began on 29 July, many UK users report not yet seeing the AI Mode tab. Google is enabling access gradually over the coming days, with availability tied to factors such as age (18+), language preference (English) and participation in Search Labs.
SEO & AEO Strategies
The introduction of AI Mode signals a shift in search behaviour. Rather than just ranking high in blue‑link results, businesses must now gear their strategies towards being cited within AI‑generated responses—an approach known as Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO).
Key aspects of content behaviour that now matter include:
Structured content
Schema mark‑up
Strong brand authority signals
Answer‑first content
AI Mode tends to attract longer, more nuanced search queries—often two to three times the length of traditional searches—and encourages an exploratory and conversational style of interaction.
Digital Landscope: Leading in AEO for ChatGPT Search & Google AI Mode
At Digital Landscope, we’ve already completed full strategy implementation and testing across AI‑driven search environments—including ChatGPT Search and the newly‑launched Google AI Mode. Our AEO testing website, https//aeoagency.co.uk, has led the way for AEO based terms for a number of months over on ChatGPT Search bringing in enquries for us from all over the world.
Our agency has refined client content to focus on traditional ranking signals but also areas such as the below, every website is different, but it gives you an example for the areas we push:
Conversational structure: anticipating typical follow‑up questions
Semantic schema implementation: FAQ, semantic HTML and structured data
Authority building: trust signals to influence AI
Cross‑platform visibility tracking: ChatGPT Search, Perplexity, Bing Copilot and Google AI Mode
Tangible Results: Generating Leads via AI Responses
Many of our current clients here at Digital Landscope are already seeing qualified leads generated through ChatGPT responses and in the US, Google AI Mode too. Target market users encounter a summarised AI response, follow linked sources, and land on the client’s website—often from international locations, with high intent.
Because AI Mode supports more elaborate, exploratory queries, our in‑depth, structured content stands a strong chance of being cited—even ahead of competitors who rely on traditional SEO alone or spamming the reddit comments.
What to Do If You Don’t See AI Mode Yet
If you’re in the UK and cannot see the AI Mode tab yet, here’s how to get ready:
Opt into Search Labs via the Google app or Chrome—some users still need to activate this manually.
Confirm your Google account settings: English language preference, 18 + age restriction may be required.
Begin preparing content according to AEO principles—this helps capture visibility not just in AI Mode, but also in standard AI Overviews and other emerging search experiences, or contact our team for a free consultation on AI mode which you can do here.
Looking Ahead: AI‑First Search as the New Standard
The UK rollout of AI Mode represents a turning point. As AI-powered answers become more prevalent, ranking high is not enough—appearing within the AI‑generated summary becomes critical.
Digital Landscope offers strategic support for this new platform, including auditing, strategy design and implementation of the bespoke AEO & SEO strategy for AI Mode and other LLM’s.
Clients working with us have already seen global traffic and leads stemming from AI‑driven answers. For many, this is evolving into a primary high‑value enquiry channel.
Google AI Mode & AEO Recap.
Google’s AI Mode began rolling out in the UK on 29 July 2025, appearing via a new tab in Search and the Google app.
It is not yet available to all users—access is gradually expanding over the subsequent days
AI Mode uses Gemini 2.5, supports text, voice and image input, and leans on query fan‑out to handle complex questions.
Visibility in this environment hinges on Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO)—structured, authoritative, answer‑formatted content.
Digital Landscope has already implemented AEO strategies for both ChatGPT Search and Google AI Mode, with clients generating AI‑driven leads globally.
In this AI‑led era, being cited in the answer matters more than simply ranking.
If you’re looking to push SEO and AEO for Google AI Mode, please pop a contact form over to us and we’ll start preparing your tailored insights. Traditional SEO is no longer enough.
By Chris Glynn (Director/Founder of Digital Landscope) – 29/07/2025
