May 2026: Google brings Preferred Sources to AI Mode

Covers May 2026. Part of our search timeline: a month-by-month look at the changes that shaped SEO, AI search, paid ads and social media, written in November 2026 for local businesses with the benefit of hindsight.

This search timeline entry, written in November 2026, looks back at May 2026. For local firms, it was a sign that being known and trusted in your area could start to count inside Google’s AI answers, not only in the map pack.

What Google announced in May

Before this, Preferred Sources already let people favour certain sites in Google’s Top Stories. Bringing it to AI features handed users more control over which sources show up in AI answers.

Why trust and loyalty became a visibility boost

For UK businesses, being a source that people actively trust turned into an advantage in search. Building recognition through helpful content, email newsletters and social media now fed into AI search as well.

A gardener who sends regular seasonal tips to past customers, or an electrician known locally for straight answers, is building exactly that kind of loyalty.

Ways to build a loyal audience

• Publish genuinely useful content often enough that people have a reason to come back.
• Where you can, ask loyal customers and regular readers to follow your business on Google.
• Grow recognition of your name through email, social media and local PR as well as SEO.

Frequently asked questions

What is Preferred Sources on Google?

It’s a feature that lets people choose websites they’d like to see more often in some Google results.

Is this only for big brands?

No. A loyal local or specialist following can count just as much as being big.

Sources and further reading

• 9to5Google: a guide to Google AI Mode

Want help with this? Our AI search and GEO service helps local businesses build the trust that AI search rewards. Get in touch.