Hello and happy Friday! This week, Boulder SEO Marketing founder Chris Raulf demonstrates what Google AI Mode actually looks like, breaks down what AI Mode means for local SEO and why optimizing for conversational search is no longer optional, and the two critical optimization priorities that will determine your visibility in 2026. Check out the full video below:

What Is AI Mode?

AI Mode represents Google’s next-generation search interface. Instead of typing short keyword phrases and scanning through blue links, users can now ask Google questions the same way they’d ask a real person.

For example, instead of searching “SEO company Boulder,” someone might type: “Who should I contact for SEO help in Boulder, Colorado?”

The results look entirely different. AI Mode provides structured, conversational answers that pull from multiple sources, including Google Business Profiles, website content, and authoritative local business information. According to interviews with Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Chairman of Alphabet, this conversational interface represents the future of how we’ll interact with Google Search.

What Actually Shows Up in AI Mode

When Chris tested AI Mode by searching “Who should I contact for SEO help in Boulder, Colorado?”, the results were revealing. AI Mode prominently featured Boulder SEO Marketing as a “top local SEO specialist” with direct links to the company’s Google Business Profile.

But here’s what made it enjoyable: AI Mode didn’t just show a business listing. It provided helpful context on what to look for when hiring an SEO specialist, included information about free audits, and incorporated relevant details from the website to help the searcher make an informed decision.

For local service businesses, this changes everything. Your Google Business Profile is no longer just about showing up in the local map pack. It’s now the primary data source that AI Mode uses to answer conversational questions about local services.

Two Critical Optimization Priorities

Based on the team’s analysis, local businesses need to focus on two key areas:

1. Google Business Profile Optimization

Your GBP has always been important, but with AI Mode, it’s become mission-critical. AI Mode pulls heavily from your profile to answer questions about your business. This means:

• Complete every section thoroughly
• Keep your business description clear and conversational
• Maintain updated service areas and categories
• Respond to reviews consistently
• Post regular updates

When someone asks AI Mode for recommendations, a well-optimized profile dramatically increases your chances of being featured as a top specialist in your field.

2. Conversational Website Content

Traditional SEO focused on keywords. AI Mode optimization requires content that answers real questions in natural language.

Instead of creating pages optimized for “Boulder SEO services,” businesses now need content that answers questions like:

• “What should I look for in an SEO company?”
• “How long does SEO take to work?”
• “What’s included in an SEO audit?”

AI Mode scans your website for helpful, conversational content that directly addresses searcher intent. The more comprehensive your answers to fundamental questions, the more likely AI Mode will incorporate your content into its responses.

The First-Mover Advantage

Here’s the reality: Most local businesses aren’t yet optimizing for AI Mode. This creates a massive opportunity for companies that act now.

The Boulder SEO Marketing team has already begun optimizing both its own web presence and client websites for AI Mode and AI search more broadly (including ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini).

The businesses that adapt their local SEO strategies now will dominate search visibility in 2026 and beyond. Those who wait will be playing catch-up in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Join the Local SEO Webinar (January 20th)

If you run a local service business and want to understand how to show up in AI Mode and other AI-powered search platforms, Boulder SEO Marketing is hosting a comprehensive Local SEO Webinar on Monday, January 20th, 2026.

The team will share the latest strategies, tools, and tactics to optimize local businesses for AI search. This isn’t theory—these are the exact methodologies the agency is implementing for clients right now.

Watch the AI SEO & GEO Summit Replay

Last week, Chris moderated the first AI SEO & GEO Online Summit, a complimentary three-hour event featuring some of the brightest minds in the industry, including:

• Cyrus Sheppard – Founder Zyppy SEO
• Brett Schklar – Author of “AI Without the BS”
• Daniel Burns – COO at Boulder SEO Marketing
• Mike Korenugin – SE Ranking Director of Product

Nearly 700 people registered for the event, and the insights shared are essential viewing for anyone serious about staying ahead in AI-powered search.

Free Website Audit Available

If you’re running a local service business and want to understand how well your website is currently optimized for AI search, Boulder SEO Marketing offers complimentary website audits with no strings attached.

The team will assess your website’s readiness for AI Mode, AI Overviews, and conversational search platforms, and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.

AI Mode is here. The question isn’t whether to adapt. It’s how quickly you can implement the strategies that will keep your business visible as search continues to evolve.

Have questions about AI Mode or local SEO? Connect with the Boulder SEO Marketing team to learn more.

Cheers,
The Boulder SEO Marketing Team

P.S. – Got a question about AI Mode or want to be featured in a future Friday SEO Tip? Drop us a line, we’d love to hear from you.