In less than 24 hours since its release, ChatGPT’s new search engine, SearchGPT, has captured the attention of users worldwide. With excitement and curiosity surging, many are wondering about its potential impact on the world of SEO. In this guide, we’ll dive into what SearchGPT is, how it works, and whether this truly signifies the “end” of SEO or opens up fresh opportunities. Let’s break it down step-by-step.
1. What is SearchGPT and Why Was It Launched?
OpenAI has launched SearchGPT to directly compete with search giants like Google. The aim is to provide an alternative search experience powered by advanced language models. Much like Google’s traditional search system, SearchGPT also scans the web, curating responses based on keyword relevance and authority. However, it is still in its early stages, showing some quirks and inconsistencies.
2. Testing SearchGPT: How to Use It
To use SearchGPT, you simply:
• Open ChatGPT and enable the search feature by ticking the globe icon at the bottom.
• Enter your search keywords. SearchGPT will return a list of results in a format similar to traditional search engines.
For example, searching “best SEO in the world” provided a comprehensive list of results, often referencing established web pages like WebFX’s list of top SEO services. SearchGPT has even introduced a Chrome extension that redirects Google searches directly to its own interface, making it easy to switch from Google’s familiar format.
3. How SearchGPT Differs from Google
While Google has fine-tuned its algorithm over the years, focusing on content relevance, backlinks, and authority, SearchGPT takes a slightly different approach:
• Limited Result Variety: Unlike Google’s extensive search result pages, SearchGPT may show only two or three results, which could be limiting for users looking for more options.
• Geo-Targeted and Local Search: Local search results, like “dental implant near me,” resemble Google Maps but only list a few providers. Although functional, it lacks the variety and user reviews that make Google’s results more comprehensive.
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Key Differences in Formatting and Display
• Fewer Ads: Unlike Google, which often shows ads prominently, SearchGPT emphasizes organic results.
• Less Refined Geo-Targeting: While Google’s geo-targeting is highly accurate, SearchGPT’s results are still evolving, meaning some searches may lack complete localization.
4. The Influence of Traditional SEO on SearchGPT Rankings
Although SearchGPT operates differently from Google, traditional SEO principles seem to apply. Much like Google’s ranking factors, mentions and links to a brand name or keywords across the web appear to influence SearchGPT rankings.
• Mention-Based Ranking: If a brand or keyword is mentioned frequently online, SearchGPT interprets these mentions as a sign of authority, akin to backlinks in Google’s algorithm.
• Content-Rich Websites: SearchGPT often favors content-heavy websites. For instance, a search for “Vape juice” brought up extensive health-related information and guidelines before showing e-commerce results.
5. Challenges and Early Limitations of SearchGPT
As a new product, SearchGPT has some inconsistencies:
• Randomized Results: SearchGPT’s results are often unpredictable, and users may see varying answers for similar searches due to ongoing testing and algorithm updates.
• Information Overload: Some searches return overly detailed informational articles, especially for e-commerce queries, instead of providing a straightforward list of products.
• Limited Listings for Local Searches: In contrast to Google’s extensive local listings, SearchGPT only shows a few local providers, which may limit users’ options.
6. SEO in the ChatGPT Era: Adapting Strategies for SearchGPT
To increase visibility on SearchGPT, marketers might consider adopting some familiar SEO tactics alongside new strategies:
• Focus on Unlinked Mentions: Unlinked brand mentions appear to carry weight on SearchGPT, so spreading a brand name across reputable sites, even without direct backlinks, could boost ranking.
• Emphasize High-Quality Content: Content-rich pages that provide detailed answers, much like affiliate blogs of the past, are valued in SearchGPT. This may benefit content-heavy websites or niche informational sites.
• Localized Mentions and Citations: For businesses targeting local audiences, spreading local citations and mentions across the web could improve visibility.
7. Will Google Adapt? The Competitive Implications
With SearchGPT’s entry, Google faces fresh competition. Recently, critics have argued that Google has prioritized revenue over search quality, with more ads taking over organic results. Some speculate that Google may respond by refining its focus on user experience to maintain its dominance in search.
The Potential for Healthy Competition
• Improving Search Quality: The rivalry between Google and SearchGPT could drive both companies to prioritize search quality over ad placements, potentially benefiting users.
• Avoiding Monopolistic Practices: SearchGPT’s rise may curb Google’s near-monopoly in the search market, which has recently faced legal scrutiny.
8. The Future of SEO: Adapt or Abandon?
While SearchGPT is still evolving, its current state shows promise as an alternative search tool rather than an SEO disruptor. As long as users seek answers online, search engines will continue to play a critical role in connecting users with relevant information. This means SEO is likely to evolve rather than disappear.
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• Optimizing for Both Platforms: Businesses may soon need strategies to rank on both Google and SearchGPT, balancing traditional SEO with new practices geared towards AI-powered search engines.
• Emphasis on Mentions and Context: With mentions playing a key role, contextual references (text surrounding links or mentions) could be pivotal in determining a brand’s authority in SearchGPT’s algorithm.
Conclusion: A New Era, Not the End
The introduction of SearchGPT has stirred excitement and debate in the SEO world, signaling the beginning of a potentially transformative period. While it may take time to refine its algorithms, SearchGPT represents a fresh approach to search that could encourage healthier competition, providing users with more options. In the meantime, the core principles of SEO remain relevant, as brands and marketers adjust their strategies to thrive in this changing landscape.
Whether you’re an SEO professional or a business owner, the arrival of SearchGPT isn’t an ending—it’s an opportunity to grow with the times and embrace the possibilities of AI-powered search.