Another amazing week of stories and research to delve in…
Zero-click searches rise, organic clicks dip: Report
Source:
https://searchengineland.com/zero-click-searches-up-organic-clicks-down-456660
A new report shows that zero-click searches, where users find answers directly on Google without clicking any results, is unsurprisingly trending up from the the year before. At the same time, organic referral clicks are falling. This shift is largely due to Google’s growing use of features such as featured snippets, knowledge panels, and quick answers that provide information straight from the search results page.
It is no longer just about ranking high in the results, but about gaining visibility in SERP features. Marketers should focus on structuring content that answers user questions clearly and concisely in order to secure placement in featured snippets and other prominent SERP elements. The goal seems to suggest that it is seen and remembered, even if the user does not click through to the website. How is this tracked? Direct traffic correlation metrics to your website as well as overall brand sentiment metrics.
LLMS.txt isn’t robots.txt: It’s a treasure map for AI
Source:
https://searchengineland.com/llms-txt-isnt-robots-txt-its-a-treasure-map-for-ai-456586
LLMS.txt, like robots.txt file is not a magic bullet to rank better. Implementing llms.txt can help highlight valuable content, increasing the chances of being featured in AI responses. As user behaviour shifts towards relying on AI for information, adapting strategies to include GEO practices will be fundamental for maintaining online visibility and engagement.
How AI Mode and AI Overviews work based on patents and why we need new strategic focus on SEO
Source:
https://searchengineland.com/how-ai-mode-ai-overviews-work-patents-456346
Highlighting the importance of structuring content to be easily interpreted and featured by AI systems. This includes creating clear, authoritative content that AI can summarise accurately. As AI continues to evolve, staying informed about these changes and adjusting strategies accordingly will be crucial for maintaining online presence and engagement.
Sundar Pichai: AI Mode is Google’s ‘bleeding edge’ experience
Source:
https://searchengineland.com/sundar-pichai-ai-mode-google-bleeding-edge-456722
Google has introduced “AI Mode” in its Search platform, marking a significant shift towards AI-driven search experiences. Described by CEO Sundar Pichai as Google’s “bleeding edge,” AI Mode serves as a testing ground for new features that may later be integrated into broader search functionalities like AI Overviews . This mode offers users AI-generated summaries and answers, aiming to provide more intuitive and conversational search interactions .
However, the rollout of AI Mode has raised concerns about the accuracy of AI-generated content. Instances of “hallucinations,” where the AI provides incorrect or misleading information, have been reported, such as suggesting the addition of glue to pizza sauce . These issues highlight the challenges of ensuring reliability in AI-driven search results. Despite these concerns, Google continues to refine AI Mode, emphasising its potential to transform how users access and interact with information online.
Google’s Update To Recipe Structured Data Confirms A Ranking Criteria
Google has updated its Recipe structured data documentation to clarify how images influence search results. The update specifies that the image property in Recipe markup affects only the images displayed in Recipe Rich Results and does not impact the images shown in standard text search results. To optimise images for regular search listings, Google advises following general image SEO best practices, such as using high-quality, sharp images and implementing appropriate HTML elements like <img> and <picture>, along with image sitemaps .
Respected SEO Rockstar Deconstructs SEO For Google’s AI Search
Source:
Features Greg Boser, who challenges the idea that Google’s AI-powered search requires entirely new optimisation strategies. He explains that while tools like AI Mode and AI Overviews have changed how information is displayed, they do not replace the fundamentals of traditional SEO. Key principles such as understanding user intent, producing high-quality content, and maintaining a technically sound website are still essential. The expert also warns against hype-driven concepts like Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO), suggesting they may complicate SEO without offering real value.
Focus on strengthening existing SEO practices rather than starting from scratch. Being aware of AI developments is important, but the priority should remain on delivering useful, well-structured content that meets user needs. This approach ensures that websites stay relevant and visible in search, even as the technology behind it continues to evolve.
I’m also reading (and listening) to:-
Is AI about to steal your job? – podcast
https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2025/jun/05/is-ai-about-to-steal-your-job-podcast
James Brockbank on vanity vs. sanity SEO metrics, the shifting SEO landscape, and link relevance
https://searchengineland.com/james-brockbank-interview-smx-advanced-2025-456714
How to make the most of Google Keep
https://www.theverge.com/24073806/google-keep-how-to-note-app
Google AI Mode can create charts to answer financial questions, Google Labs tests ‘Portraits’
https://9to5google.com/2025/06/05/google-ai-mode-charts/
Google Shares Details Behind AI Mode Development
https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-shares-details-behind-ai-mode-development/548474
UGC Ad Formats: 6 Creative Ideas for Repurposing User Content
How to Communicate Site Migration to Clients — Whiteboard Friday
https://moz.com/blog/how-to-communicate-site-migration-to-clients-whiteboard-friday