Google I/O 2025 marked a major turning point for online search. If you run a business with any kind of digital presence, the updates shared at the event weren’t just interesting, they were essential. Google has made it clear that AI-powered search is no longer something to look out for in the future. It’s already here, and it’s transforming how customers discover businesses, explore options, and make decisions online. How AI-powered search will change after Google I/O 2025 is something every business owner needs to understand if they want to stay visible.
The headline announcement was that AI Mode is now live for all users in the US. Instead of returning a page full of links, Google now responds to queries with a smart summary generated by AI, pulling answers from multiple sources across the web. This means traditional search rankings are taking a back seat to clarity, structure and usefulness. If your content isn’t clear and well organised, it might not appear at all. This is just one example of how AI-powered search will change after Google I/O 2025, shifting the focus from keyword stuffing to genuine, helpful content that is easy for AI to read and summarise.
The Scale Of AI-Powered Search Is Unmatched
To give some context, Sundar Pichai (Google CEO) shared some staggering figures. Google now processes 480 trillion tokens each month, which is fifty times more than just a year ago. The Gemini AI app has 400 million users, and AI Overviews are being used by more than 1.5 billion people every month. This shift isn’t theoretical. It’s happening right now, at massive scale.
Visual Search Is Becoming The Norm
Google Lens usage has increased by 65% over the past year, and the new Search Live feature allows people to “video call” Google to get help with what they’re seeing in real time. This isn’t science fiction…it’s happening.
If your business relies on products, location, or visual appeal, this shift opens up new opportunities, but only if you’re ready for it. You need to make sure the images on your website are high-quality and genuinely relevant to what you offer. Users need to be able to tell exactly what they’re looking at, and Google’s AI needs to be able to interpret the content of those images, too.
It’s also important to give every image a proper file name and alt text that accurately describes what it shows. This helps with accessibility and is key to being featured in visual search results. Finally, each image should be placed on a page that includes helpful information and a clear next step for your visitors, whether contacting you, booking, or placing an order.
This is a clear sign of how AI-powered search will change after Google I//O 2025, moving beyond keywords into multimodal search experiences.
Agent Mode Will Influence Buyer Decisions
Another standout update from the event was the introduction of Agent Mode. This new tool is designed to guide users from initial interest all the way through to purchase. Google’s agent can now help people find inspiration, compare products, and make decisions without needing to open multiple tabs or dig through websites.
If your business doesn’t have clear information, strong reviews and a seamless user journey, you may not be suggested by this new assistant. You need to make sure your prices, availability and benefits are presented simply and confidently. The businesses that succeed in this new environment will be the ones who make it easy for both users and AI to take action.
Content Is Easier To Create And Harder To Compete With
Google’s launch of Imagen 4 and Veo 3 means anyone can now produce high-quality visuals and videos with the help of AI. On the one hand, it makes content creation more accessible. On the other, it raises the bar for what’s considered “good enough” to stand out.
To compete in a world where AI-generated content is everywhere, your content must focus on being genuinely useful to your customers. You need to create articles, guides or videos that are specific to your audience, provide real answers, and reflect your expertise. That means no fluff, no generic blog posts, and no vague product pages.
Google is now looking for content that is original, specific and genuinely helpful. It’s not just about quantity. It’s about clarity, structure and authenticity. This is central to how AI-powered search will change after Google I/O 2025, favouring quality and relevance over outdated SEO tricks.
Not sure where to start? We can help plan your content and make sure it’s ticking all the right boxes.
The Way Customers Search Has Changed
This update to Google Search is not a small tweak. It’s a full shift in how search engines work and how businesses need to approach being found online. In the past, SEO was often about finding the right keywords and trying to climb the rankings. Now, it’s about providing the best answer to the question, presented in a way that AI can clearly understand and summarise.
Your customers are already using AI tools to find products and services. They’re relying on Google to do the thinking for them. If your business isn’t ready for that change, it risks becoming invisible.
The Bottom Line: How AI-Powered Search Will Change After Google I/O 2025
How AI-powered search will change after Google I/O 2025 is not something to ignore. This shift is already affecting how people search and what they find. If your website isn’t keeping up, now is the time to take action.
We’re already helping clients adapt their websites and digital strategies for AI-powered search. This includes improving content structure, reviewing technical performance, updating visuals, and ensuring key pages are optimised for how AI collects and displays information.
The future of search is here…let’s make sure you’re part of it.
Don’t Wait To Play Catch-Up.
AI-powered search is already transforming how people find businesses like yours. If your website isn’t built for this new way of searching, you could be invisible when it matters most.
Let Sokada help you stay ahead. We’ll review your current setup, highlight what needs updating, and create a plan to make sure your business thrives in this AI-first world.
Call us on 01435 817226 or fill in our quick enquiry form to start your journey with us today.
FAQs
Do I need a brand new website to prepare for AI-powered search?
Not always. Sometimes, a few structural changes and better content can make all the difference.
What’s agentic shopping, and should I care?
Yes! It means AI is now doing the product research and comparisons for users. You want your business to be one of the options it presents.
Can Sokada help with image and content optimisation?
Absolutely. We focus on making websites not just look good, but perform well in modern search environments, including AI-powered ones.