Quick answer: Google is placing links higher and more often inside AI Mode and AI Overviews, and its own guidance says optimizing for these features is still SEO. You do not need a separate playbook. You need clear, original, trustworthy pages that answer real questions.
What Changed in October 2026
On October 15, 2026, Google announced changes meant to send more people out to websites from AI answers. According to BetaNews’ report on the announcement, inline links will appear higher in answers more often. Google is also testing a feature for official web pages, widening news carousels, adding thumbnail-led related links, and showing clickable creator names on video results.
The context matters. AI Overviews launched in May 2024, and AI Mode followed in March 2025. AFP reported that consultancy Chartbeat measured a 40 percent drop in Google traffic to news publishers between July 2025 and July 2026. That figure covers news sites, so your own results may differ, but it explains why Google is under pressure to show more links.
AI Overviews vs. AI Mode in One Minute
- AI Overviews are short AI-generated summaries shown at the top of some regular search results.
- AI Mode is a separate, more conversational experience that gives longer answers and follow-up options.
Both pull from web pages and show links to sources. Being a useful source is the goal.
Do You Need a Separate “AI SEO” Strategy?
Google’s own guidance, as summarized by SEO agency Yellowhead, says optimizing for generative AI search is part of optimizing for the search experience, so it is still SEO. In practice, the same fundamentals apply. What changes is how much weight clear answers, original insight and brand trust carry.
7 Practical Steps to Stay Visible
1. Answer the question near the top
Open each section with a direct, plain-language answer, then add detail. This helps readers and makes your page easy for search systems to understand.
2. Add something a summary cannot
Original photos, first-hand experience, local knowledge, your own data and honest opinions are hard to replace with a generic summary. Ask what a reader gains from your page that they would not get from an AI answer.
3. Write for people first, in clear structure
Use descriptive headings, short paragraphs, lists where they help, and a short FAQ for common questions. Good structure also makes pages easier to read on a phone.
4. Show who is behind the content
Include author names, short bios, contact details and, where relevant, credentials. Cite reliable sources and keep older articles updated.
5. Keep the technical basics healthy
Make sure pages are indexable, load quickly, work well on mobile and use HTTPS. Our website basics checklist covers the essentials.
6. Avoid scaled, low-value pages
The Search Engine Roundtable October 2026 report notes that a September 2026 spam update was still rolling out and that Google can lose confidence in sites built on low-value programmatic content. Publishing fewer, better pages is safer than mass-producing thin ones.
7. Build an audience that does not depend on one click
Email subscribers, returning visitors and brand searches give you resilience. See our guides on email marketing and local SEO, and our earlier overview, AI and SEO.
How to Measure Results
Google began showing impressions from AI features in Search Console in June 2026, but clicks from those features are not broken out. Learn what the report can and cannot tell you in our guide to tracking AI Overviews and AI Mode in Search Console.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI Overviews reduce my traffic?
It depends on your topic and audience. Publisher data shows declines for some news sites, but results vary widely. Track your own numbers rather than relying on averages.
Should I block AI features from using my content?
That is a business decision with trade-offs. Blocking may reduce how often you appear in AI answers. Review Google’s current documentation before changing settings.
Is keyword research still useful?
Yes. Understanding the questions people ask still guides what you write. Focus on topics and intent, not repeating exact phrases.
Bottom Line
Search is changing, but the winning approach is steady: publish helpful, original and well-organized pages, show your expertise, and build direct relationships with your audience. Check Google’s official documentation for the latest rules, since features are still being tested and adjusted.
