If you’re still running Google Ads the same way you did last year—watch out. Things have changed. Google is pushing out a wave of new AI features, and the biggest update is what they call “AI Mode” and their Gemini-powered search experience.

These aren’t just minor updates—they’re reshaping how search results appear, how ads are triggered, and how users interact with Google itself. So, if you rely on Google Ads to bring in leads or sales (especially in Malaysia or Singapore), here’s what you need to know.

1. What Is Google’s “AI Mode”?

Let’s break it down. AI Mode is part of Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE). Instead of just showing 10 blue links like the old Google, AI Mode gives users a full AI-generated summary at the top of the search page, using content from multiple sites.

Now imagine this:

You spend months doing SEO to rank on page 1, only for users to get the full answer from Google’s AI—without ever clicking your site.

Sound scary? It is—unless you adapt.

2. Meet Gemini: Google’s New AI Brain

Behind all this is Gemini, Google’s new AI engine (kind of like ChatGPT, but built into Google Search). It doesn’t just summarize—it understands queries better, personalizes results, and shows fewer traditional ads above the fold.

In simple terms:

• Ads are getting pushed below the AI box
• More users get answers without clicking anything
• You’ll need smarter, more value-driven ads to stay visible

3. How Will This Affect Google Ads in Malaysia?

Let’s say you’re running Google Ads for a property project in Bukit Jalil, or you’re promoting a facial spa in Penang.

With AI Mode:

• Your Search Ads may still show, but under the AI response
• Click-through rates (CTR) might drop
• Users will skim more, click less—unless your ad stands out

What’s Changing for Advertisers:

• Less space above the fold for traditional ads
• AI-generated answers pulling from competitor sites
• Paid ads must now match user intent even more accurately

💡 Localized Tip: Add “Malaysia”, “Kuala Lumpur”, or local place names into your ad copy and headlines—Google’s AI personalizes based on location.

4.  Sponsored Results Are Still In—But Different

Don’t panic: Google isn’t removing ads. In fact, it’s embedding them within AI summaries soon. You might see:

• “Sponsored by” blocks inside AI-generated answers
• Visual Shopping Ads showing up in AI Mode
• New formats like “product grids” or “carousel results”

What This Means:

• You’ll need to write better headlines that clearly offer value
• Your ad needs to solve the question the user is asking (not just sell)
• Google might show parts of your landing page in the AI summary

5. What Should Malaysian Marketers Do Now?

1. Shift from keyword-only to intent-driven strategy

Old strategy: “Buy air fryer Malaysia”
New strategy: “What’s the best air fryer for small families?” — Now you target the question, not just the product.

2. Invest in rich content and product reviews

Google Gemini pulls data from trusted, helpful sources. Your landing page should:

• Answer FAQs
• Include customer reviews
• Show use-case images or videos

3. Prepare for Performance Max integration

Performance Max campaigns will be prioritized in AI Mode. Google will auto-distribute across Search, Display, YouTube, and Gmail.

💡 Tip: Upload localized creatives—in Malay, Mandarin, or English—to match user preferences.

6. Watch This Metric: CTR Drop

One early signal from US-based campaigns:

• Search ads in AI Mode SERPs are seeing lower CTRs (10–30%)
• But conversion rates stay stable—because the clicks that do come are more ready to buy

So don’t panic over CTR drops. Focus on conversion optimization instead.

7. Final Thoughts

Google’s new AI Mode and Gemini updates are changing the game—but not ending it. If you’re a Malaysian entrepreneur, marketer, or small business owner, you can still win. But you need to stop playing by 2022 rules.

Here’s the truth:

•  ✅ Ads still work
•  ✅ Search traffic still converts
•  ❌ But lazy ads and generic landing pages won’t survive

Conclusion

We’re entering a new era where AI writes summaries, users skim faster, and competition gets tighter. If you want your business to stay ahead, you must learn to work with the algorithm—not against it.

Want to future-proof your Google Ads strategy for 2025?

Enroll in my Google Ads course today and get the latest tips, frameworks, and copy templates that are working right now.