There’s a growing belief that ChatGPT Search is a full replacement for major search engines like Google, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. At Simply Search, our SEO consultants break down the real differences between AI search and traditional search engines, explain how each fits into your broader SEO strategy, and clarify what this shift means for your online marketing efforts.
What is ChatGPT Search?
ChatGPT Search is an AI-powered tool that operates based on user prompts. These prompts are simply questions or requests that guide the AI in generating answers. It responds using real-time data sourced from search engines like Google and Bing, offering concise, conversational answers complete with citations from reputable websites.
Unlike traditional search engine results pages (SERPs), which return long lists of blue links, ChatGPT synthesises content into a single, user-friendly answer. While this format can be helpful, it still depends on the results provided by standard search engines and doesn’t offer a standalone alternative.
What are the benefits?
For many potential customers, ChatGPT provides a faster way to find answers. Rather than scrolling through multiple listings on Google, users receive a summary of relevant information, saving time. This efficiency makes it an increasingly important consideration for SEO consultants and digital marketers.
That said, traditional search remains crucial. If you’re trying to improve your search engine rankings, attract more organic traffic, or reach key metrics, you still need a robust SEO campaign. Tools like ChatGPT are complementary, not replacements. ChatGPT Search is more conversational, so that, for example, you can enter something like ‘help me find the best retirement plan’ and receive a detailed reply.
A professional SEO consultant will tell you that search engine optimisation requires more than just visibility on new AI platforms. It’s about creating quality content, applying on page optimisation, fixing technical SEO issues, conducting detailed competitor analysis, and using the latest SEO tools to monitor progress.
Are there any common myths surrounding ChatGPT Search?
Let’s address some misconceptions we often hear during SEO consultancy services:
1.) You Need Technical Expertise to Use Prompts
Some people think writing a clear, effective prompt is so technical it’s almost like coding, but that’s not the case. Anyone can learn how to interact with ChatGPT Search to get helpful answers.
2.) You need to write the perfect prompt
Not true. While clarity helps, AI is built to understand and respond to a wide variety of user input.
3.) ChatGPT is just for writing things
This is a myth. Beyond writing content, it can support keyword research, idea generation, and even SEO audit preparation.
4.) Isn’t it unethical?
AI tools are only as ethical as the way they’re used. When combined with citations and verified data, they can enhance, not replace responsible SEO efforts.
How should I respond in my digital marketing campaign?
As expert SEO consultants, our advice is simple: ensure your website answers user queries clearly and concisely. Focus on on page SEO, use relevant keywords, and improve your site structure so AI tools and search engines alike can find and use your content.
At the same time, invest in link building, off page SEO, and local SEO to build trust and improve your rankings across Google’s search engine and other platforms.
Don’t forget to measure performance through Google Analytics, track your keyword rankings, and conduct a detailed SEO audit regularly. Whether you’re pursuing a custom SEO package, affordable SEO services, or monthly support from a dedicated SEO consultant, your goal should be long-term online visibility.
ChatGPT Search and Traditional SEO: Better Together
While ChatGPT is advancing quickly, its search engine market share remains under 1%. It’s not replacing Google, but it is influencing how users discover content. That’s why now more than ever, businesses must work with experienced SEO consultants who understand both AI tools and traditional SEO services.
A strong SEO consulting process will always focus on your business goals, identifying relevant keywords, enhancing your website’s SEO performance, and using technical expertise to make sure your site gets noticed.
Why Choose Simply Search?
At Simply Search, we offer affordable SEO packages tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re a small business or an established brand, we deliver bespoke SEO strategy options designed to grow your organic traffic and boost your search engine rankings.
We provide:
- Free SEO audits to assess your current performance
- Guidance from trusted SEO consultants
- A full range of SEO services, including technical SEO, on page SEO, and SEO consulting
- Transparent reporting and strategy reviews tailored to your target audience
Whether you need a custom SEO package, or don’t know where to start our SEO consultancy team will help you succeed in an evolving SEO industry. If you’re comparing other SEO consultants, we invite you to explore our competitive pricing and proven results.
At Simply Search, we’re a team of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) experts from varied backgrounds offering a number of SEO packages tailored to different needs. We’ll gladly discuss how to balance AI-based and traditional search to best suit your own requirements. Get in touch today for a free SEO review and we’ll take it from there.