How AI and Google decide what to recommend
Evidence-led field notes on AEO, SEO, and AI visibility, from the team reverse-engineering how the engines work.
How Google AI Overviews works
Google AI Overviews does not use top-ranking organic results. Our analysis reveals a completely separate retrieval system that extracts individual passages, scores them for relevance & decides whether to cite them.
Ben MooreHow Google AI Mode ads work today (and what they might look like tomorrow)
Our team analyzed network traffic from Google AI Mode in January 2026. The capture included 547 Google flows and over 1,300 total requests during AI Mode sessions. The findings paint a clear picture of how Google is preparing to monetize AI-generated search results.
Ben MooreHow Google AI Mode works
Google AI Mode is not simply a UI layer on top of traditional search. It is a completely different rendering pipeline. Google AI Mode runs 816 active experiments simultaneously, routes queries through five distinct backend services, and takes 6.5 seconds on average to generate a response.
Ben MooreHow Google AI Overviews ads work today and where they're heading
We breakdown how how AI Overviews work and currently contain zero embedded ads, and traditional SERP ad slots remain intact above and below. But the technical groundwork for future monetization is already visible in the code.
Ben MooreHow Gemini works: an inside look at AI agent architecture
We analyzed 1k+ traffic flows from Gemini's web interface. Understanding these mechanisms helps you optimize your content for AI visibility because Gemini treats structured data, entity relationships, and third-party validation as core signals when deciding what to cite.
Ben MooreHow Gemini ads work today (and what they might look like when activated)
Every time you open Google Gemini, five advertising SDKs load in the background and request ads from Google's servers. This matters for your AI visibility strategy because when Gemini ads turn on, the dynamics of AI-driven discovery will shift.
Ben MooreHow ChatGPT shopping works and where ads might fit in
ChatGPT's shopping feature pulls product data from Google Shopping but displays zero advertising today. We captured and analyzed over 1.1 million product tracking parameters from shopping sessions to confirm this. Products appear based on relevance to your query, not paid placement.
Ben Moore7 Best GEO Agencies For B2B SaaS (2026 Review)
Compare the 7 best GEO agencies for B2B SaaS by methodology, pricing, AI tracking tools, and proven results to boost AI citations. Learn which specialized partners deliver measurable pipeline impact with transparent pricing and month to month flexibility versus long term contracts.
Liam DunneHow do B2B SaaS companies get recommended by AI search engines in 2025?
Forget SEO. AI sends qualified leads to companies that publish answer blocks, dominate Reddit, and keep facts consistent. 30-day playbook inside.
Liam DunneWhat is Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)? Complete Guide
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is the practice of tailoring your content so that AI-powered search tools can understand it and present it as the definitive answer to user questions.
Liam DunneMake AI recommend you when buyers ask.
Discover how AI search talks about your brand today, and what to do about it.