Google's AI Mode will link to more sources - here's what writers should do now
Google is updating AI Mode in Search to include more in-line links and a brief AI-written note explaining why those sources matter. The description will sit above a carousel of links, giving readers context before they click.
In Google's example, AI Mode says, "These articles suggest budget-friendly decor ideas, including secondhand shopping, architectural updates like molding and hardware swaps, and DIY projects to achieve a vintage look." That short summary sets expectations and signals which pieces earned a spot - useful for readers and a new bar for writers.
Why this matters to your traffic and credibility
More in-line links could mean more opportunities to be cited - if your article makes the "why this source" decision easy for the AI. Google also plans to add an AI-generated description of embedded sources, which puts clarity and usefulness front and center.
This shift lands as the European Commission looks into how Google uses publisher content in AI features and whether compensation is appropriate. Google says clicks remain "relatively stable" when AI Overviews appear, but writers should still optimize for visibility and attribution.
How to earn citations from AI Mode
- Lead with the answer: put a 1-2 sentence takeaway up top that clearly states the angle, outcome, or list of steps.
- Make scannable structure: use specific subheads, short paragraphs, and bullet points that map to common queries.
- Prove it: include sources, quotes, dates, prices, examples, and simple data points that AI can reference.
- Add a concise "Why it matters" line for each section to mirror Google's new explanation style.
- Cover both evergreen and timely details: define terms, then add current updates or comparisons.
- Write descriptive anchor text for your internal links so context is obvious.
- Answer adjacent questions with a brief FAQ block (2-4 Q&As) to collect more potential in-line links.
- Keep your article's title and H2s literal, not clever. Specific wording earns citations.
Editorial strategy for writers and editors
- Target "how," "compare," and "best for X" queries with structured lists and crisp criteria.
- Include a mini summary above each major section so AI can lift clean justification text.
- Update posts with a change log and timestamp; freshness often wins tie-breakers.
- Create original assets (tables, briefs, checklists). Unique formats are more cite-worthy than generic prose.
- Publish a clear sourcing policy and link your primary sources. It helps both readers and ranking systems.
What's changing around distribution
Google is piloting projects with several publishers to test how AI can drive more engaged audiences. One experiment places AI-written overviews of articles inside Google News. The company is also working with The Associated Press and others to surface real-time information in the Gemini app.
In parallel, Google is rolling out preferred sources to English speakers globally. Expect the bar for clarity, structure, and source transparency to keep rising.
Next steps you can take this week
- Revise 3-5 top articles with a clear 1-2 sentence takeaway at the top and section summaries throughout.
- Add a short FAQ with the exact questions readers ask (pull from comments, support tickets, or social threads).
- Strengthen citations: link to primary materials and include a short "why this source" note in-line.
- Track changes in CTR and queries in Search Console after edits to see which structures get cited.
Helpful resources for writers using AI
The takeaway: write so the AI has no doubt why your piece belongs in the source list - clear claims, visible proof, structured answers, and context that stands on its own.
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