Google.com is the most searched website by you, me and probably everyone reading. The dominance it enjoys stems from the pool of information it puts together on one page. Over the years, when we thought Google had no competition, ChatGPT came in.
Now, instead of going through the first page of results, we wait a few seconds, and ChatGPT search gives us an answer. Let’s compare both methods and see what and how the new search system changed the entire mechanism.
Why did ChatGPT Search get Hype?
ChatGPT search got famous almost instantly because it personalised answers. Humans love personalisation as the brain is built to save energy, reduce uncertainty and focus on important things.
The human brain has a limited attention span, and therefore, it filters out most information. When you were Google searching for an answer you might not get a simple answer. On the contrary, the interactive agent feels more accurate, understandable and less mental burnout.
So now that you get an answer immediately, why would you scroll down to several pages and get the answer?
Difference Between Google Search and ChatGPT Answers.
Let’s compare both answers and evaluate the responses.
So the question is: How can I buy an iPhone 17 on a budget?
First lets Google search it.
I entered a query, received a list of web pages and needed to click through them for answers.
Now lets do a ChatGPT search.
The answer is personalised, customised, and it gives options and the final answer.
The winner is ChatGPT, because it solved my problem instantly, gave me a better action plan, and gave me other options. Further, if I ask it to create a savings plan for the product, it will.
Features
- ChatGPT updates information and works towards sharing credible news. This addresses the biggest drawback of their earlier AI chatbots.
- All answers are accompanied by citations (in footnote style) that link directly to the source itself. This establishes trust and helps users to fact-check information.
- The AI keeps the record of all your conversation threads.
- Your earlier queries and user customisation help to personalise the responses. If your Frequently Asked Questions are frequently about coding, it might come down to some code specifics. This searches feel like it is made for you.
Why is ChatGPT a problem for Google?
For more than 20 years, Google has built dominant positions in search worldwide, with a global market share above 90%. But behaviour is shifting. The likes of more modern users, particularly younger generations, tend to prefer:
- Within a few types, ChatGPT provides instant answers rather than scrolling through summarised explanations in plain language.
- Interactive, conversational interfaces.
Problem with Google Search
- Google is a search engine that shows mainly ads and shopping results, local, dependent on top before organic content.
- Google has introduced what they call “Featured Snippets” that attempt a direct answer but often scrape the content from websites, without proper attribution, and incorrect information is common.
- It is still a one-way query results system.
- Users are going to spend less time on Google results pages filled with ads if the chat window gives them better answers faster.
How to Write for ChatGPT Search?
ChatGPT Search prioritize:
- Original research and studies.
- Expert-written articles.
- High Domain Authority (DA) trusted websites.
- Your articles can be cited and get visibility even without a #1 Google ranking if the AI selects your articles to cite.
A citation from ChatGPT is the new “high-quality backlink.” It creates direct referral traffic and establishes authority. Position your content to be linked, which provides unique insights, data, or solutions.
ChatGPT Search vs Google Search
| Feature | Google Search | ChatGPT Search |
| Core Model | Shows web pages, and the user has to go through the information to search. | Answers are personalised as per the question. |
| Ads | High and paid ones are
placed above. |
None. chooses the best brand or company based on information |
| Answers | Extracts from snippets | Explain as per your requirements. |
Conclusion
When we compare Google Search and ChatGPT searches, we understand the immediate popularity of the AI system. Google is more about going towards the answer, while ChatGPT search brings you the answer in a format you want.
