SearchGPT: How SearchGPT Will Affect SEO?

In the ever-evolving landscape of search engine optimisation (SEO), new tools and technologies continually reshape how businesses and marketers approach online visibility through owned & earned resources. One of the latest innovations making waves is SearchGPT, a “temporary prototype” developed by OpenAI. Limited to just 10,000 users and publishers at launch, SearchGPT promises to integrate the best parts of its new search features directly within ChatGPT in the future. This blog will explore what SearchGPT is, why it impacts SEO, what becomes more important in SEO, and the critical need for strong SEO strategies moving forward.

What is SearchGPT?

SearchGPT is a new search feature prototype that responds to queries using OpenAI's advanced AI models and information pulled from the web. It provides fast answers with clear and relevant sources, linking directly to these sources within its text responses. The user interface includes a search box where users input their queries, and SearchGPT returns answers with links to sources and additional results displayed in a sidebar. This approach aims to offer a "faster and easier" search experience, akin to the "browse mode" introduced with GPT-4.

Why SearchGPT Impacts SEO

The introduction of SearchGPT has significant implications for SEO. Traditionally, SEO has focused on optimising content to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). However, with SearchGPT's ability to pull and display information directly within its responses, the focus shifts slightly. Here's how:

1. Direct Answers: SearchGPT provides direct answers to queries, reducing the need for users to click through multiple links to find the information they need. This means that the visibility and relevance of your content in these direct answers become crucial.

2. Source Linking: By including links to relevant sources within its responses, SearchGPT emphasises the importance of being a trusted and authoritative source on the web. If your content is frequently cited by SearchGPT, it can drive significant traffic and credibility to your site.

What Becomes More Important in SEO

With the advent of SearchGPT, several aspects of SEO gain new importance:

1. Creating High-Value Content: As SearchGPT shows links to what it finds on the web, producing high-quality, informative, and engaging content becomes paramount. Content that thoroughly addresses user queries and provides real value is more likely to be picked up by SearchGPT.

2. Being Present on Other Sites: Beyond your own website, having a presence on other authoritative sites is crucial. This includes being featured in reviews, comparisons, and other forms of third-party content. These mentions can enhance your visibility and authority in the eyes of SearchGPT and exposure to any mid funnel questions users may ask, such as ‘compare [X brand] with [Y brand]’ or Pros and Cons of [X product]’.

3. Human-Centric Approach: Ever Googled something and not found the exact information you need? SearchGPT aims to eliminate that by delivering precise answers. Understanding and catering to what users actually want is more important than ever. SearchGPT’s responses are user-based, meaning it aims to provide the most relevant answers to user queries. By focusing on user intent and creating content that addresses specific needs and questions, you increase the chances of being featured by SearchGPT.

SEARCHGPT Places More Importance on Strong SEO, Not Less

While it might seem that SearchGPT reduces the need for traditional SEO, the opposite is true. Strong SEO practices remain critical but must adapt to this new tool. Here’s why:

1. Enhanced Content Relevance: Ensuring your content is highly relevant and optimised for user intent can make it more likely to be featured by SearchGPT. This requires continuous refinement of keyword strategies and content quality.

2. Technical SEO: Maintaining a technically sound website is crucial. Fast load times, mobile optimisation, and structured data all contribute to your site's ability to be indexed and referenced by tools like SearchGPT

3. Authority Building: Building domain authority through backlinks and high-quality content remains a cornerstone of SEO. The more authoritative your site is, the higher the likelihood that SearchGPT will pull and reference your content.

4. Brand growth: Whilst SEO is not a direct result of brand demand and activity, the importance of having a strong brand is more important than ever, considering trust has a huge influence on user decisions in the digital space now. 81% of consumers need to trust a brand to consider buying - source: Exploding Topics

SearchGPT is poised to bring exciting changes to the world of SEO. By providing direct answers with linked sources, it emphasises the need for high-value content, a strong presence on authoritative sites, and a user-centric approach. Far from diminishing the importance of SEO, SearchGPT underscores the need for robust and adaptive SEO strategies to ensure your content remains visible and relevant in this new search paradigm.

If you need support on your owned & earned growth SEO strategy, Meaningful Agency can help.