The evolution of search engines: Google, ChatGPT and the rise of ChatGPT Search

On Oct. 31, 2024, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Search, an AI search engine that differentiates itself by providing personalized and contextual answers. Unlike Google, which works with a list of links based on keywords, ChatGPT Search attempts to give users instant answers tailored to their searches and preferences.

The goal is not only to answer questions, but also to predict what users may want to know in the future and anticipate their needs. Thus, the platform provides just that extra step and often delivers the information the user is looking for even before they have thought of it themselves.

ChatGPT Search includes a number of unique features that take the user experience to the next level. Below we list the most important features:

• Real-time data retrieval: In addition to text, ChatGPT Search now combines real-time information, such as weather updates, stock market listings and sports results, directly within the chat interface.
• Scannable answers: Instead of a long list of links, ChatGPT Search provides concise answers that users can quickly scan, even for complex questions.
• Integrated source references: Each answer includes clickable links to source pages, allowing users to verify information or dive deeper into specific articles.
• Multimedia integration: ChatGPT Search goes beyond text and combines real-time data with multimedia such as videos and images. This makes the search experience richer and more dynamic.
• Ad-free experience: currently, ChatGPT Search is completely ad-free, providing a clean, user-friendly interface.

Helpful Tip! Did you know that there is a ChatGPT Search extension is available for Google Chrome? With this handy extension, you can open ChatGPT Search directly in your browser without starting up the ChatGPT environment each time. You can find this extension in the Chrome Web Store - a perfect shortcut for anyone who regularly works in Google Chrome and wants to perform quick searches.

How does ChatGPT Search compare to other popular search engines and AI tools? We list the differences between ChatGPT Search and three major players in the field:

• ChatGPT Search vs. Google: Although Google still leads the way for very recent and detailed search results, ChatGPT Search excels at delivering personalized answers with contextual depth.
• ChatGPT Search vs. traditional ChatGPT: Where ChatGPT is ideal for creative writing and text generation, ChatGPT Search is designed for finding factual information, with a focus on quick and concise answers.
• ChatGPT Search vs. Perplexity AI: Perplexity AI provides simple and quick answers, but ChatGPT Search goes further in depth and provides contextual answers for more complex questions.

Despite ChatGPT Search's many promises, there are still challenges. For example, in the area of accuracy, especially when answering topical queries. As with many AI models, ChatGPT Search can sometimes generate answers with high certainty that are not completely accurate, a well-known phenomenon called "hallucination." Moreover, it currently lacks location-based precision, making it less suitable for hyperlocal search queries.

The rise of AI search engines such as ChatGPT Search requires a fresh approach to SEO. It is increasingly important that marketers not only align their content with Google, but also optimize for AI-driven search models such as ChatGPT Search. This means content must be even more in-depth and provide complete, relevant answers to users' queries. We are moving from Search Engine Optimization to Search Everywhere Optimization: optimizing for not only search engines, but also AI tools, social media and other digital platforms.

Although Google is still the dominant player, ChatGPT Search is already giving us a taste of what the future of search behavior may look like. The technology is still evolving, but the platform has the potential to dramatically change the search landscape. As the number of users grows, it is likely that ads will be integrated, which could create a solid revenue model for ChatGPT Search.

One thing is certain: it will be wildly interesting to see how ChatGPT Search develops and competes with existing players. The search for answers takes on a new face, and we'll keep an eye on it for you!