SearchGPT: a game changer in the world of search engines.

The arrival of SearchGPT could completely change how we find, share, and consume information. This search functionality within ChatGPT uses AI to provide lightning-fast answers to your questions, significantly impacting how you get discovered. After all, why scroll endlessly through search results when an AI assistant can deliver answers in no time?

Here’s what we’ll show you:

What SearchGPT is and how it works
Why the arrival of this AI search engine is so important
The impact this will have on your marketing strategies
What you can do to still get found

What is SearchGPT?

ChatGPT has introduced an important search feature that goes out to the internet and rapidly scans websites to answer the questions you ask. This means no more outdated information (“Sorry, my knowledge stops at July 2023”) but current output. How do you take advantage of this? Simply go to chatgpt.com or use the ChatGPT app and click on the globe icon to access information on the internet. You now get:

Current updates on weather, sports scores, stock prices, and news;
A complete answer by combining multiple external sources;
Live updates and comparisons for local businesses, restaurants, or events;
A separate tab where you can see all the sources used.

The biggest advantage: you no longer have to endlessly search for the result that answers your question, but instead get an instant answer in a split second.

Why is this so important?

This search feature isn’t entirely new; the AI tool Perplexity has branded itself as the AI answer machine since its inception. However, with the massive user base of ChatGPT, this could turn the searching world upside down. Not only that, it’s a direct challenge to Google’s search empire.

Users want to receive a complete answer quickly, and SearchGPT fits this need perfectly. While with Google you must navigate through a thicket of ads, SEO-optimized blog articles, and sometimes even forums to get to your answer, ChatGPT gives you a direct response. And that’s without advertising. If you set your custom instructions, ChatGPT will even answer in a way that best matches your preferences.

Are there downsides?

SearchGPT is impressive, but it’s not perfect. It combines information smartly, but sometimes the sources are outdated or not 100% reliable. However, with the large number of users on the ChatGPT platform, and thus the questions and answers generated, the tool can quickly learn and improve itself. The question isn't if, but when AI search engines like this will become the norm.

“The playing field is changing rapidly, and those who don’t adapt miss their chance.”

Does this mean the end of Google?

No, Google isn’t going anywhere just yet. Although SearchGPT, with its direct answers and smart technology, is a strong competitor, it still faces challenges like hallucinations and unreliable sources. Additionally, Google is actively developing its own AI search technologies. Yet, SearchGPT may mark the beginning of a significant shift in how we find and consume information. This could also impact how you optimize your content because why would anyone click through to a website when the answer is provided directly? The playing field is changing, and those who don’t adapt may miss their chance.

How do you optimize for SearchGPT?

SearchGPT is a harbinger of what’s to come. Search engines are becoming smarter, and user search behavior continues to evolve. As a marketer, you need to remain visible wherever your audience is searching – including platforms like SearchGPT. SEO is evolving to ‘Search Everywhere Optimization’, and you need to optimize your content for all the places your target audience is active.

And that’s exactly what the following tips will help you with:

Understand how to optimize for large language models (LLMs)

To do that, you need to know how these models interpret language. LLMs use Natural Language Processing (NLP) to understand meaning and context. Optimize your content using the following strategies:

Context and semantics: Use synonyms and related topics to provide well-structured, complete answers that fully cover a topic.
Conversational tone and question structure: Write in a natural tone and use questions as headings, such as “How does NLP work?”. Answer questions directly and then elaborate. Also, consider follow-up questions and logically integrate them into your text.
FAQs and quick answers: Start paragraphs with a short summary that directly answers the question, then elaborate. Or add an FAQ section.
Use bullet points and tables: These formats make your content easier to scan for both AI and your readers.
Schema markup: Add structured data to help AI better understand your content. Think of FAQ schemas and product schemas.
In-depth content: Write comprehensive content that tackles multiple aspects of a question. This boosts your reliability and relevance for AI models.

Create content that truly helps

Simply cramming keywords into your text isn’t enough. You need to show you’re an expert in your field. Focus on niche questions, stay updated on trends, and ensure your content is always current. Relevance and timeliness increase the chances that SearchGPT will select your content as a trusted source. And that brings us to our next point:

Work on your credibility

Consistency and credibility are essential. Publish valuable content and build relationships with reputable publications to boost your visibility and authority. Customer reviews and endorsements from relevant influencers can also enhance your trustworthiness.

Structure your content smartly

A good structure helps both AI and your users quickly find relevant information. Use the following techniques:

Start with summaries and conclude with clear conclusions.
Use H2 and H3 headings to keep your content organized.
Use lists, paragraphs, and white space to improve readability.
Add multimedia, such as images, infographics, and videos, to make your content more engaging and easier to understand.

Optimize your technical SEO

SEO is divided into three pillars: content, authority, and technique. While we often discuss content and authority, the technical side is equally important. Pay attention to the following points:

Indexability: Ensure that all your important pages are indexed correctly.
Speed: Speed is crucial. Make sure your website loads quickly, especially on mobile devices.
Structured data: Use schema markup to clarify the context and structure of your content technically.

As you can see, this isn’t really different from how you previously had to optimize content to rank on Google. High-quality content, clear structure, and relevant keywords remain essential. What’s new is how AI models like SearchGPT interpret and present your content. It’s all about delivering immediate answers, user-friendliness, and current information.

In short, if you’ve already optimized your content well for Google, you’re already one step closer to success with SearchGPT.

And what about advertising?

Google thrives on ads. Organic search results are cleverly intertwined with paid results, generating a significant portion of Google’s revenue. OpenAI takes a completely different approach. Instead of ads, it relies on a subscription model, allowing for a clean, ad-free interface. This offers users a calm and focused experience but prompts companies to rethink how they stay visible without traditional ads. While SearchGPT is currently ad-free, the question remains whether subtle sponsored answers – seamlessly integrated into search results – will play a role in the future. One thing is certain: this shift compels businesses to invest in high-quality content and direct customer relationships to remain relevant in an AI-driven search world.

And now?

The era of optimizing solely for Google is over. Want to know how to prepare your content strategy for SearchGPT and other AI search engines? Contact us. Together, we’ll ensure that you not only stay visible but also stay ahead of the competition.