Google unveiled a groundbreaking feature in March 2025 with the introduction of “fan-out” search results in their AI Mode update. This innovative approach, showcased in a blog post on AI Mode, signifies a shift towards a more intuitive and comprehensive search experience for users.
The concept of thematic or semantic search has long been a cornerstone of Google’s algorithm, going beyond simple keyword matching to understand the intent behind search queries. With AI Mode, Google takes this a step further by anticipating follow-up questions and providing a more holistic response to user queries. For example, a search for the best smartwatch for sleep tracking could lead to insights on sleeping heart rates, all within a single AI Mode response.
Despite these advancements, keyword research remains a critical aspect of optimizing content for search engines. By understanding the keywords and phrases that resonate with their target audience, businesses can tailor their content to meet their needs and guide them along the buying journey.
One effective tactic for optimizing keywords is to leverage Gemini, Google’s AI chatbot that powers AI Overviews and AI Mode. By uploading a list of target keywords into Gemini and prompting it to generate fan-out subqueries related to those topics, businesses can uncover valuable insights to enhance their content.
For instance, a keyword list related to “website maintenance costs” uploaded into Gemini yielded a comprehensive breakdown of subqueries, ranging from cost breakdowns and factors influencing costs to the importance of maintenance and different types of maintenance. This detailed analysis provides businesses with a roadmap to create in-depth, informative content that addresses a wide range of user queries.
To further enhance the content creation process, businesses can utilize Gemini’s “Show thinking” option to gain insights into how the AI bot processes core topics. By analyzing Gemini’s reasoning behind user prompts, businesses can tailor their content to better meet user needs and preferences.
In addition to Gemini, businesses can leverage third-party keyword tools to brainstorm related queries and questions that align with their target audience’s needs and pain points. By incorporating these insights into their content strategy, businesses can create valuable, engaging content that resonates with their audience and boosts their visibility on search engines.
Ultimately, by combining the power of AI technologies like Gemini with traditional keyword research methods, businesses can create content that not only ranks well on search engines but also provides meaningful value to their target audience. Embracing these tools and strategies can help businesses stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape and drive success in their online endeavors.