As of early 2026, AI search engines like Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot are directly answering user queries using generative AI, rather than simply providing a list of links. This means optimising for ‘rank’ is becoming less important; instead, providing the *information* the AI needs to confidently answer questions is key.
- Semantic Understanding: Current systems include advanced natural language processing, meaning search engines understand the *intent* behind searches, not just keywords.
- Knowledge Graph Integration: AI now features a stronger reliance on knowledge graphs – structured data about entities and their relationships – to provide comprehensive answers.
- E-E-A-T Dominance: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness are even more critical, as AI prioritises information from demonstrably reliable sources.
In 2026, Australian businesses need to focus on creating high-quality, detailed content that directly addresses common customer questions. This includes structured data markup (schema) to help AI understand your content, and building a strong online reputation through reviews and citations. Compliance with Australian Consumer Law regarding accurate information is also paramount, as AI will penalise misleading or outdated content. Furthermore, optimising for voice search – still popular with Australian consumers – remains vital, requiring conversational content formats.
Rather than navigating such complex technicalities yourself, you can simply reach out to our team. At ROI growth agency, we specialise in adapting Australian businesses to the AI-powered search landscape. Visit https://lp.roi.com.au/contact-us/ to get started. We can take care of all this for you.
