What role does user experience play in AI search?

ROI answers

As of early 2026, AI search engines aren’t simply matching keywords; they’re evaluating a website’s entire user experience (UX) to determine relevance and ranking. This means how easily a visitor finds information, how long they stay on your site, and how smoothly they interact with it all contribute to your search visibility.

  • Behavioural Signals: Current systems include tracking metrics like dwell time, bounce rate, and pages per session as key ranking factors.
  • Mobile-First Indexing: AI prioritises the mobile version of your website, demanding a seamless experience on smartphones and tablets – crucial given Australia’s high mobile usage.
  • Personalised Results: AI now features the ability to tailor search results based on individual user behaviour and location, meaning optimising for broad keywords isn’t enough; you need to cater to specific user intent.
  • Voice Search Optimisation: With the continued growth of smart speakers, optimising for conversational queries is vital.

In 2026, Australian businesses must also consider the implications of the updated Online Safety Act regarding user data and privacy when implementing AI-driven personalisation. Failing to comply with these regulations can negatively impact both your search ranking and your brand reputation. A positive UX, built on trust and transparency, is therefore paramount.

Instead of navigating these complex technical requirements and compliance issues alone, let ROI.com.au handle the intricacies of AI-optimised UX for your business. We can take care of all this for you. Contact ROI Growth Agency today to discuss a tailored strategy.


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