ChatGPT Search Could Destroy Online Businesses – How to Stay Ahead

In this article, I’ll tell you how ChatGPT’s new search feature threatens online businesses that rely on SEO and search advertising.

I’ll even give you three strategies you can use today before you become a CD player salesman at a streaming conference.

But before we go any deeper, we must understand ChatGPT search and why OpenAI intends to make me unemployed.

Also: This Absurdly Simple Trick Disables AI in Google Search Results

A few weeks ago, ChatGPT introduced a new search feature giving Plus users access to real-time information straight from the web.

Additionally, users can get the latest news, sports news, stock prices and more without leaving the chat.

ChatGPT Search offers effortless creativity and efficiency.

Imagine that you are working on a project that requires you to be creative, but also requires precise research.

ChatGPT Search allows you to do both in one place.

It’s a powerful feature for market research, competitive analysis and trend identification, helping you stay informed.

Also: ChatGPT has officially replaced Google Search for me – here’s why

ChatGPT Search can cut the time you spend on important tasks in half by streamlining your workflow, allowing you to focus more on analytics and strategy rather than sifting through endless search results.

For a guy who spends a lot of time on the Internet, this update is very cool.

However, as someone who makes a living as an online marketer using search advertising and SEO,

It sounds stronger than a Kenny G concert.

And here’s why…

This dramatically reduces brand awareness.

Online companies rely on useful content to promote their product or service.

Think of content as a highway and the product or service as a billboard on the highway.

In this scenario, search engines like Google and Bing act as a GPS, guiding users to their destination.

SEO and search advertising are how online businesses attract attention to their billboards.

Now think of ChatGPT as a teleportation device that eliminates the need to travel along said highway.

Also: I Changed 5 ChatGPT Settings and Instantly Became More Productive – Here’s How

Users will never see the billboard or have the opportunity to discover a new product or service.

This is a fundamental change in user behavior, so it’s easy to see how it could harm small businesses that rely on SEO and search advertising to get noticed and make a living.

Is this the end of search engines?

It is also easy to see that this poses a serious threat to search engines.

I imagine when the news will drop. Search engine executives said a bad word at the same time .

I’d tell you which one, but ZDNET’s editor-in-chief doesn’t like it when I swear.

Also: Best AI search engines of 2024: Google, Perplexity and others.

All jokes aside, what was once a solid business model may be on the verge of becoming obsolete.

If you have an online business and rely on SEO or search advertising, you’re probably thinking it sucks, but what should I do…

Don’t panic, I got you.

How to capitalize on the new landscape

Here are three strategies to help you get ahead of the curve and build a sustainable business.

1. Own your audience

With so many apps competing for your customers’ attention, you need to make this connection yours and yours alone.

Going forward, no one should stand between you and those who support your brand.

Having a direct connection with your audience is not necessary; this will be necessary, otherwise reaching your audience will cost you a lot of time.

Also: Google’s New AI Tool Could Be Your New Favorite Study Tool—And It’s Free

One of the best ways to make this connection is through email.

Research shows that email marketing provides an average ROI of $42 for every dollar spent, and companies that invest in direct channels experience up to 20% higher engagement rates than those that rely on advertising alone.

The goal is to eliminate the middleman between you and your customers.

No one should have the right to disrupt your connection.

PRO TIP: When sending emails, remember that there is a real person on the other end of the line.

They have good days and bad days just like you, so talk to them like you would a friend.

Whatever you do, skip the fancy words; that’s how young people know you’re old.

2. Double the content

Focusing on maintenance first and foremost is necessary for the business to have a chance in the next 5-10 years.

My friend, the writing is on the wall. Acquisition costs are insane, technology is constantly changing, and we live in a full-blown attention economy where content is the currency.

Companies that prioritize content see 5x more engagement and 3x higher conversion rates than those that rely solely on traditional advertising.

Also: Research predicts women will surpass men in the use of artificial intelligence by 2025

Ideally, you should post on as many channels as possible, but for now, pick one and commit to it.

The idea is that you start with one channel and focus on building and perfecting your voice. Once your income grows, you can expand your team into other channels.

PRO TIP: When creating content, be yourself. Create a genuine connection with your audience. Make it clear; make the reader feel like you are talking directly to them.

3. Use social networks

This will sound crazy, but your social media page is now at the top of your sales funnel, and I would say that your social profile has replaced your website as the first point of contact.

Also: How to Use Bluesky Social: Everything You Need to Know About the Popular Alternative X

With this in mind, you should go all out and use your social media pages.

75% of people use social media to research brands, and nearly 40% of Gen Z prefer to find products on social media rather than traditional search engines.

So, add useful content to your page and customize your profile to include important information like who you are, who you serve, and the right contact information.

PRO TIP: Use platform-specific features like Instagram product tags and shopping options, and create call buttons right on your profile to make it easy for customers to connect instantly. These options turn your social media into a one-stop shop, allowing followers to browse, learn, and even contact you directly.

When one door closes, another opens

In many ways, this shift is a good thing.

I encourage you to keep an eye out for any promotional products that OpenAI may introduce. If they do, you should be one of the first to jump on it.

You should be on the lookout for this opportunity, like a financial brother at the Patagonia sale.

If you implement these strategies as soon as possible, they can change the game and put you ahead.

Also: The Best Free AI Courses in 2024 (And Are AI Certifications Worth It)

Think of it as a proactive step to weather the coming storm. Fast forward a few years and this has become mandatory.

I’m not trying to be Chicken Little here and sensationalize what’s coming, but you should be upfront about it.

The world is changing, and we must change with it.

Hope this helps; I’m rooting for you.

PS Want more data-driven marketing insights? Subscribe to my free newsletter, No chatter, just facts. I share what’s working in the digital marketing world, the latest trends and encouragement from time to time to inspire you. If this sounds like your jam and you want to be best friends forever, click here to register. It’s completely FREE!