The SEO world has been buzzing with one major fear:
“Google’s AI Mode will kill website traffic.”

Most early studies claim AI overviews reduce clicks—leading many to believe that once AI becomes the default Search experience, businesses will lose visibility and leads.

But here’s the catch:
Almost all those studies focus only on informational queries.

Yes—if someone searches “what does a basal cell carcinoma look like?” AI Mode may satisfy that query instantly.

But transactional intent—like “find a dermatologist near me”—is a very different story.

To uncover the truth, we conducted the first-ever UX study focused solely on transactional queries. The team observed 52 users across the U.S. and Canada, analyzing 22 hours of real search activity for services like dentists, dermatologists, and cosmetic providers.

Here’s what the data reveals—and why your business (and your SEO strategy) might be safer than you think.

1. 69% of AI Mode Users Still Click Websites

When users searched with transactional intent, 69% of AI Mode sessions resulted in a website visit.

Only 27% felt confident to make a decision based solely on the AI summary.

The remaining users clicked deeper into:

• Websites 
• Google Business Profiles 
• Social media profiles 

AI Mode is not replacing the click—it’s shaping the consideration set.

2. Ranking #1 No Longer Means ‘Winner-Takes-All’

Traditional SEO is built on a single idea:
Rank #1 or lose.

AI Mode changes this dramatically.

In our study:

• 89% of users clicked multiple businesses 
• The average user explored 3.7 results per session 
• Only 10% clicked on just one option
   

  

This is a major shift.

You no longer need to fight only for the top spot—you need to fight to be in the top 3–5 results, the new “consideration set.”

As long as you appear in that set, you have a real chance to earn the click.

3. 84% of Users Scrolled – So Above-the-Fold Is Not Everything

Contrary to old beliefs, users do scroll inside AI Mode.

• 84% of people scrolled 
• Only 16% relied solely on above-the-fold results 

Because users treat AI Mode like a curated list—not a single answer—they’re more willing to explore multiple options.

This means:
Good positioning anywhere in the top 5 still works.

4. Photos Don’t Matter Much — But Reviews Matter Massively

Photo engagement was low:

• Only 21% viewed Google Business photos 
• For Botox-specific tasks, just 24% checked images 

So what drives decisions?

Reviews. Social proof. Reputation.

• 74% of users read reviews before making a choice 

AI Mode puts textual trust signals front and center.
Your gallery is nice, but your reputation earns the click.

5. The Real Verdict: AI Mode Won’t Kill Your High-Value Traffic

People who want to buy, book, or visit?
They’re still clicking.

The real shift isn’t loss of traffic—it’s a shift in how people choose.

Old SEO goal:

Rank #1 at any cost.

New AI-Mode goal:

Be in the top 5 and dominate with reviews and reputation.

If your website relies heavily on purely informational content, yes—you will see hits.

But if you’re a local service provider, doctor, clinic, restaurant, or business that thrives on local SEO…
You do NOT need to panic.

AI Mode still sends your most valuable traffic—
the traffic from customers ready to take action.

What This Means for Businesses in India

For brands, clinics, and local service providers, the shift is clear:

• Focus on local SEO 
• Optimize your Google Business Profile 
• Build review velocity 
• Improve reputation signals and trust elements 

This is exactly where a strong partner like eMarketters – a leading Digital Marketing Company in Lucknow can help.
We ensure your business appears in the new AI-powered consideration set—and gets the clicks that matter.


7 FAQs

1. Does Google’s AI Mode actually reduce website traffic?

No. New data shows that 69% of transactional queries still lead to a website click, even in AI Mode. Users still prefer visiting websites when making real decisions, especially for services like doctors, dentists, or clinics.

2. What is a “consideration set” in Google AI Mode?

A consideration set is the top 3–5 businesses users explore during a transactional search. Instead of picking the No. 1 result, users now check multiple options—making it crucial for businesses to appear in this set.

3. Do I still need to rank #1 on Google?

Not necessarily. AI Mode changes behavior:

• 89% of users click multiple businesses 
• Most users scroll and explore beyond the top result
  Being in the top 5 results is now more important than being No. 1. 

4. What factors influence clicks the most in AI Mode?

Reviews and social proof matter more than anything else.
Only 21% of users check photos, while 74% read reviews before clicking.

5. How can my business stay visible in AI Mode?

Focus on:

• Strong Google Business Profile optimization 
• Consistent reviews 
• Clear, trust-building text content
  A trusted partner like eMarketters – the leading Digital Marketing Company in Lucknow can help improve your online visibility. 

6. Will informational websites lose traffic due to AI Mode?

Yes, informational or “how-to” content is more likely to see reduced clicks because AI summaries provide direct answers. However, transactional and local-intent searches still send strong traffic.

7. How can eMarketters help my business adapt to Google AI Mode?

eMarketters, a top Digital Marketing Company in Lucknow, helps businesses rank in the new AI-powered landscape through:

• Local SEO 
• GBP optimization 
• Review-building strategies 

CTR-focused content
This ensures your brand stays within the consideration set and wins high-value clicks.