Dofollow Digest #28: AI Mode bug shows Google's rollout

Hey, it's Eric 👋

Google continues rolling out AI Mode, and we're starting to see how it fits into the broader search landscape. The changes are real, but they're not replacing everything we know about organic search.

Our SaaS clients who stay focused on proven strategies are seeing solid results while competitors chase every new AI feature. Sometimes the best move is sticking to what works.

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🔍 DEEP DIVE: AI Mode Attribution Bug Shows Google's Measured Rollout

Last week, Google fixed a bug that was mislabeling AI Mode traffic as "direct" instead of "organic" in Google Analytics. The issue was simple: Google was adding rel="noopener noreferrer" tags to AI Mode links, which blocked proper attribution.

Google fixed this within days. That's unusually fast for Analytics issues, which tells us they're taking AI Mode adoption seriously without rushing the rollout.

The Reality for SaaS Companies

The quick fix shows Google wants accurate data on AI Mode performance. They're being methodical about this transition, which is good news for businesses that don't want to completely overhaul their marketing strategies.

AI Mode does change some user behavior. People ask longer, more specific questions and perform more follow-up queries. But traditional search isn't disappearing. Most searches still happen in the classic format, and that's where the bulk of traffic and conversions come from.

What We're Actually Seeing

A lot of our SaaS clients who are staying focused on proven strategies are gaining ground on competitors who are pivoting too aggressively toward AI optimization. Traditional search still drives the majority of qualified traffic, and strong backlinks remain the foundation of organic visibility.

The clients crushing it right now are the ones doubling down on content quality and authoritative links while keeping an eye on AI developments. They're not panicking about every new Google feature – they're building sustainable authority that works across all search formats.

AI Mode and Link Building

AI Mode citations aren't backlinks, but there's a connection. The same factors that make content rank well in traditional search – expertise, authority, quality backlinks – also make it more likely to be cited by AI systems.

We're still learning exactly how this works, but early data suggests that sites with strong link profiles and comprehensive content have better AI Mode visibility. The fundamentals haven't changed, even if the presentation is evolving.

The Measured Approach

Google's handling of this attribution bug reflects their broader AI rollout strategy. They're moving deliberately, not recklessly. For SaaS companies, this means you have time to adapt without abandoning what's working.

AI Mode will create new opportunities for visibility, and quality backlinks will likely play a role in capturing those opportunities. But traditional search remains the primary driver of organic traffic and revenue for most businesses.

🔗 LINK ROUNDUP

• Is SEO Still Relevant In The AI Era? New Research Says Yes

• How To Boost SEO With Already-Published Content: 15 Repurposing Tips

• SEO in the United States – Strategies and Trends for the Global Market

• Future of SEO: 5 Key SEO Trends (2025 & 2026)

• Google's Official Advice On Optimizing For AI Overviews & AI Mode

Til next time,

Eric