Google Invites Businesses to Shape AI Mode Features for Better Visibility

# Tell Google What You Want From AI Mode

Aug 26, 2026 - 12:34 pm

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by [Barry Schwartz](https://www.seroundtable.com/author/barry-schwartz/2.html)

[Barry Schwartz\ / Executive Editor](https://www.seroundtable.com/author/barry-schwartz/2.html)

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Barry Schwartz is the CEO of [RustyBrick](http://www.rustybrick.com/) and a technologist, a New York Web service firm specializing in customized online technology that helps companies decrease costs and increase sales. Barry is also the founder of the [Search Engine Roundtable](https://www.seroundtable.com/) and the News Editor of [Search Engine Land](http://searchengineland.com/). He is well known & respected for his expertise in the search marketing industry. He only provides consulting services to expert SEOs and also performs [search marketing expert witness](https://www.rustybrick.com/sem-expert-witness.html) services. Barry graduated from the City University of New York and lives with his family in the NYC region. You can follow Barry on Twitter at [@rustybrick](https://twitter.com/rustybrick) o

What Happened

On August 26, 2026, Google’s Vice President of Product at Search, Robby Stein, posted on X (formerly Twitter): “If you could get one feature shipped right now in AI Mode, what would it be?” The open‑ended question gave local and small‑business owners a direct line to influence the next iteration of Google’s AI‑powered search interface.

The tweet quickly spread among SEOs, marketers, and owners of independent shops. Many realized that AI Mode—Google’s answer to the wave of AI‑driven chatbots—could become a decisive factor for local discovery. By weighing in, anyone can help shape the future of AI search and potentially improve how often their business appears when users ask questions online.

Key Details

• Audience‑directed call‑to‑action – Google invites anyone to tweet their top feature request for AI Mode.
• Focus on relevance and traffic – The prompt hints at whether you want more or fewer links, higher traffic, or a more click‑through‑oriented experience.
• Public feedback loop – All responses are visible on X, creating a transparent dialogue between Google and the SEO community.
• Potential impact on citations – AI Mode’s output feeds into AI assistants, meaning any change could affect how often your business is cited in those tools.
• No immediate guarantee – While Google is listening, there is no promise of an instant rollout; the feedback simply becomes part of the iterative development process.

How to Participate

1. Log into X and reply to Robby Stein’s tweet with a single feature request.

2. Keep it brief – Product teams scan millions of messages; concise language helps your idea rise above the noise.

3. Add a short why – Explain in one sentence why the feature matters for local visibility.

4. Join the conversation – Like, retweet, or comment on other replies. Higher engagement can increase the chance your suggestion is noticed.

What It Means For Your Business

1. Direct Influence Over AI Search

AI Mode powers assistants like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Google’s own chatbot. When these tools draw data from Google’s index, they rely on the structure and signals that AI Mode supplies. By telling Google what you need, you are effectively shaping how those assistants present information to users.

2. Better Local Citations

If your request nudges Google toward richer local business listings—more detailed cards, clearer call‑to‑action buttons, or verified review highlights—you’ll likely see an uptick in citations within AI‑generated answers. That means your name, address, and phone number could appear directly in the responses that drive the next generation of search.

3. Competitive Edge

Large brands often dominate AI search results, but a well‑targeted feature request can level the playing field. For example, a request that prioritizes verified reviews or showcases unique selling points can give a small shop a noticeable advantage.

4. SEO Strategy Alignment

Your AI Mode feedback should dovetail with broader SEO goals. If foot traffic is the priority, ask for features that amplify local map listings. If e‑commerce is the focus, request richer product cards. The closer the request aligns with your strategy, the more likely you’ll see measurable results.

Key Highlights

• Google’s AI Mode invites public feature requests.
• Small businesses can shape AI‑assistant responses.
• Direct influence could improve local citations.
• Engaging in the conversation boosts visibility.

Why It Matters

For a business trying to be discovered by AI tools, visibility isn’t just about ranking on a traditional SERP; it’s about appearing in the concise answers that power chatbots and virtual assistants. AI search already accounts for a growing share of online queries, and the way these assistants retrieve data is heavily influenced by Google’s AI Mode. By helping Google decide which signals matter most, you gain a direct hand in how often your name surfaces when users ask about the services you provide.

Moreover, AI assistants often skip the full results page altogether, delivering short answers that may or may not link back to your site. If you can persuade Google to favor richer local snippets—complete with address, hours, and a clear call‑to‑action—your business card is more likely to appear directly in the answer. That can drive traffic and conversions without the need for costly paid campaigns.

Finally, participating in the feedback loop signals to Google that you’re an engaged, forward‑thinking partner. This proactive stance can open doors to additional opportunities such as featured snippets, local‑pack placements, and even early access to beta features.

FAQs

• Q1: Will my tweet automatically get implemented?

A1: No. Google reviews all feedback as part of an ongoing, iterative development process. Public engagement raises the profile of a suggestion, but there’s no guarantee of immediate rollout.

• Q2: Can I suggest multiple features?

A2: The prompt asks for one feature per reply. You may tweet multiple times, but keep each tweet focused on a single idea.

• Q3: How will this affect my current SEO strategy?

A3: It complements existing tactics by aligning AI Mode signals with your local SEO objectives, potentially boosting citations and visibility in AI‑driven answers.