The search function within ChatGPT, known as ChatGPT Search, is poised to bring significant change to how search engines are used. The latest ChatGPT Search Chrome extension now allows users to replace Chrome’s default search engine, Google, with ChatGPT. This technological leap has the potential to transform the lives of both entrepreneurs and consumers, so it’s worth taking a closer look at what this could mean for the future. Currently, this feature is available only to PRO subscribers (as of November 2024), but it will later be extended to free users as well.
The Arrival of ChatGPT Search
Traditional search engines, like Google, have dominated the market for years. However, the search experience offered by AI tools like ChatGPT takes it to a new level: instead of merely listing results, it provides answers in context, allowing you to discuss the results and even ask for advice, essentially acting as a personal assistant. This user experience could dramatically change how we search for information and make decisions. Google is also developing its search engine in this direction, so while ChatGPT may not replace Google entirely, it is likely that Google’s near-monopoly will be challenged. This shift is good for the market, as competition can help reduce advertising costs.
With the holidays approaching, I quickly tested it out and asked for specific gift ideas. My initial experience was very positive, but it’s essential to know how to prompt it effectively. Here’s an example:
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Customer reviews play a crucial role when buying gifts. ChatGPT can now provide quick overviews and summaries of customer feedback. For example, a question like “What reviews does this product have?” will instantly summarize key positive and negative comments, aiding in the decision-making process. I tried it out—check out the result:
What Impact Will This Have on the Market?
- Reshaping the Entrepreneurial Market
With AI search tools, entrepreneurs need to aim for a new type of online presence. It’s no longer enough just to optimize for Google SEO; now they must adapt to AI-powered search engines that focus especially on relevance and direct answers. Instead of traditional search results, searches dominated by the ChatGPT extension allow AI to provide more direct, tailored responses. For instance, if someone searches for “Christmas gift ideas,” the AI will suggest the most useful ideas without the user having to browse through a list of results. - New Search Habits and Content Demands
Users’ search habits are evolving: instead of typing keywords, they now pose specific questions, as if speaking to a personal assistant. Due to AI’s ability to interpret search context, entrepreneurs must adapt their content to this new approach. - Rethinking Marketing and Content Strategy
The rise of ChatGPT and similar AI-based search tools brings new challenges but also vast opportunities for marketing and content strategy. As more people turn to AI-driven search, content needs to provide not just information but context and relevant, quick answers that the AI can deliver directly. AI-powered search engines consider user intent, so content must better address specific questions. For example, if your business creates jewelry, you might prepare blog posts that not only showcase products but also answer the most common user questions (e.g., “How should I clean my ring?” or “What jewelry makes a good birthday gift?”).AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity can also process real-time information, so it’s worth focusing on seasonal campaigns and timely topics in your content strategy. For example, for an end-of-year promotional campaign, you could create content to help readers with holiday gift shopping.Besides text, AI-based search engines also consider images and videos, so pay attention to image descriptions and alt text as well.
How to Move Forward with Your Business?
You’ll need to keep these changes in mind if you don’t want to fall behind:
- Focus on AI- and Chatbot-Compatible Content: You need content that answers people’s questions and presents information in a clear, detailed way.
- Automate, But Stay Human-Centric: AI is an excellent tool for quick answers and handling frequently asked questions, but for complex inquiries, it’s essential to provide personalized, human-centered responses to maintain your brand’s credibility. While an AI chatbot is great for your online store, remember that many customers still value a human touch.
- Test Search Results with ChatGPT: As more people choose ChatGPT as their primary search engine, it’s worth periodically checking how the AI represents your business, what answers it provides, and try to optimize accordingly.
Switching from Google to ChatGPT marks the beginning of a new era in search, one that will likely transform businesses’ online presence. The spread of AI-based search engines shows that search habits and user expectations are undergoing significant changes. As an entrepreneur, now is the time to incorporate these changes into your content strategy and online presence to stay competitive and leverage these new developments.
