A plain guide to AI Overviews, AI Mode, GEO and AEO, with what Google and Microsoft now say and simple steps for this week.
Google has a guide about showing up in its AI search features. It says basic SEO still matters, and many suggested GEO or AEO hacks are not effective for Google Search. This week, check that your site is set up in Search Console, keep your business details current, and write pages your visitors find useful.
What changed this fall
In its new optimization guide, Google names the terms Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). It says these terms are common online. It also says many suggested "hacks" are not effective or supported by how Google Search works.
Google gives a simple reason. Its AI features are rooted in its core Search ranking and quality systems. So the same search best practices still apply.
There is one point to note. Google's AI features page, dated October 2, says there are no additional technical requirements beyond normal Search. Google's optimization guide adds that a site must be included in Search generative AI features in Search Console to be eligible. Follow the optimization guide and check your Search Console settings.
The terms in plain language
- AI Overviews: A short AI summary at the top of some Google results. It gives the gist of a question and links to learn more. Google says it often does not show, because it only appears when it adds value.
- AI Mode: A Google search mode for harder questions, like comparing options. It gives a longer AI answer with links to supporting websites.
- Query fan-out: The AI runs many related searches on smaller parts of a question. Then it builds one answer. Google says this can show a wider set of links than a classic search.
- GEO and AEO: Popular names for trying to appear in AI answers. Google says to focus on helpful content instead of tricks.
- Indexed: Google has found and stored your page, so it can show it in results.
- Snippet: The short preview text under a search result.
- Structured data: A standard format, placed in a page's code, that labels facts about the page. Google's local business guide says it can tell Google your hours, departments and more.
- Search Console: A free Google tool that shows how your site performs in Search and flags problems.
How AI tools find your pages
For Google, the rule is clear. To appear as a supporting link in AI Overviews or AI Mode, a page must be indexed and able to show with a snippet. Google also says its answers can include local business details, and that a Google Business Profile can help your services show up.
Microsoft tools work in a similar way. Microsoft explains that Copilot Studio agents, which are AI helpers that businesses build, can search the web through Bing. Here is how it works:
- A user asks a question.
- The agent turns it into a short keyword search.
- Bing returns page titles, snippets and citations.
- The agent writes an answer and shows links to the cited websites.
Microsoft's guide on searching public data shows these agents can search public websites with Bing. Its knowledge sources page says websites are one kind of source an agent can use. The takeaway is simple. Clear, public pages that search engines can read are the base for both tools.
Steps you can take this week
- Verify your site in Search Console. Google says this helps you find technical problems fast. Check the setting for generative AI features too.
- Check your traffic. Google counts AI feature visits in the Performance report, under the "Web" search type.
- Update your Google Business Profile. Make sure your hours, services and contact details are right.
- Add local business structured data. Label your hours and details so Google reads them clearly.
- Ask one question about each page. Google suggests asking, "Is this content that my visitors would find satisfying?"
- Track results. Google says clicks from results with AI Overviews tend to be higher quality, meaning people stay longer. A tool like Google Analytics can show time on site.
How I can help
AppWT is based in Livonia, Michigan. AppWT has built 600+ websites, by its own count. My AI Visibility Optimization service has a starting price $2,497/mo.
Have a question about anything here? Email me at sales@appwt.com or call (888) 565-0171, and I will answer it.
Sources
- Google's Guide to Optimizing for Generative AI Features on Google Search | Google Search Central | Documentation | Google for Developers, Google Search Central, 2026-10-30
- AI Features and Your Website | Google Search Central | Documentation | Google for Developers, Google Search Central, 2026-10-02
- Local Business (LocalBusiness) Structured Data | Google Search Central | Documentation | Google for Developers, Google Search Central, 2026-10-02
- Data, privacy, and security for web search - Microsoft Copilot Studio, Microsoft Learn, 2026-01-02
- Search public data or use a Bing Custom Search for generative answers nodes - Microsoft Copilot Studio, Microsoft Learn, 2026-03-08
- Knowledge sources summary - Microsoft Copilot Studio, Microsoft Learn, 2026-04-08
- AI Visibility Optimization at AppWT, AppWT
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special GEO or AEO tricks to show up in Google's AI answers?
Google says many suggested hacks are not effective or supported. It says the same search best practices still apply, because its AI features are rooted in its core ranking systems.
What does my page need to appear in AI Overviews or AI Mode?
Google says the page must be indexed and able to show in Search with a snippet. Google also says the site must be included in Search generative AI features in Search Console.
Where can I see traffic from AI Overviews and AI Mode?
Google counts it in the Search Console Performance report. Look under the "Web" search type.
Why do AI Overviews not show for every search?
Google says AI Overviews only appear when its systems decide they add value beyond classic Search. So they often do not show.
How do Microsoft Copilot Studio agents find websites?
They turn a user's question into a short keyword search and send it to Bing. Then they write an answer that shows links to the cited websites.
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