62% of People Now Use ChatGPT or Google Gemini To Find A Product or Service, Why This Will Change Marketing

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, the emergence of new technologies and platforms impacts how companies strategize their online presence and customer engagement.

This is about to happen again right now. 

Additional Reading On The Topic: A Perspective on Google Perspectives. How It Is Changing SEO

Traditional Search Engine Traffic Is On The Decline

A recent prediction by Gartner, as reported by Danny Goodwin on February 19, 2024, suggests a seismic change: by 2026, traditional search engine traffic could decline by 25%, with users increasingly turning to AI-driven conversational assistants for their search needs.

This forecast, along with recent research by Ignite Visibility, not only highlights the growing influence of generative AI and third-party sites in search but also underscores the need for businesses to adapt their SEO and PPC strategies.

In a recent poll conducted by Ignite Visibility, we saw a shift in consumer behavior regarding online searches. With 62% of the 170 respondents confirming their use of ChatGPT or Google Gemini for researching products or services, it’s clear that a new era of search engine utilization is upon us.

Now, this just means they used it once… Not everyday… But still!

This finding could represent the dawn of divergence in search methodologies, pulling away from traditional engines like Google and Bing towards chat-based interfaces and other platforms.

Now the question becomes, why, how and for what purpose… 

But it doesn’t end there. There is more to this evolution…

As consumers increasingly turn to TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and their other favorite online destinations to conduct searches, the implications for SEO and digital marketing strategies are profound.

Take a look at this graphic from Adobe to get an idea of the shift in social search.

The diversity in search behavior is influenced by several factors, including demographic characteristics, technological preferences, favorite social media sites, and the specific needs and desires of users.

Understanding these nuances has never been more critical, as they directly inform how companies should tailor their digital marketing efforts to meet their customers where they are.

There is also a noticeable underestimation of the potential reach and effectiveness of these emerging search ecosystems.

This oversight presents a golden opportunity for forward-thinking companies to pioneer and dominate new SEO frontiers.

Good news, starting today you can optimize for all the major channels, with an expanded strategy.

And let’s be honest, it’s business as usual today.

We are talking about planning for the future.

Optimizing for the Future: ChatGPT and Google Gemini SEO

If you were to ask me today, “How can I optimize for all these social media sites and AI, while also ranking well in Google?” This is what I would say…

1. Win Awards and Recognition: Achieving and showcasing awards can significantly enhance a brand’s credibility and visibility. These accolades serve as trust signals not only to potential customers but also to the algorithms that prioritize content in search results and AI Chat.
2. Maintain a Positive Presence Across Major Sites and Media: A strong, positive online presence across key platforms and in the media is crucial. This visibility helps in shaping the brand’s narrative and ensuring that positive mentions and reviews are readily available and visible to both users and AI-driven search tools, including online reviews, Reddit Threads, Quora, YouTube, etc. Online reputation management and community management will dictate what the platforms and AI serve.
3. Clear Messaging on Your Website: Articulate clearly why consumers should choose your product or service. This clarity helps in aligning with the content preferences of AI systems like ChatGPT, which rely on available online information to generate responses. AI note-taking will use the information you provide online to answer questions.
4. Reverse Engineer the AI’s Decision Process: Understanding how AI systems like ChatGPT parse and prioritize information can guide content creation and optimization strategies, ensuring your brand’s visibility in AI-generated responses. All responses come from somewhere, and it’s important to ask where the information came from, have an open discussion, and engage with the area the information came from.
5. Consistent Submission of Information to AI Systems: Regularly updating your company’s information and submitting it to AI databases can keep your brand top of mind. This includes submitting product information, company news, and any other relevant content that can help AI systems accurately represent and recommend your offerings.
6. Engage in Continuous Learning and Adaptation: The algorithms that drive AI chat responses and search engine results are continually evolving. Staying informed about the latest trends and adjusting your strategies accordingly is vital for maintaining and enhancing your visibility.

ChatGPT SEO: How Can Companies Get Recommendations from ChatGPT?

I asked ChatGPT, “How can companies get products and services recommended by ChatGPT?”

Here is what the system said…

1. Optimize for SEO: Ensure your website and content are optimized for search engines. Use keywords and phrases that ChatGPT might associate with your products or services. This includes optimizing product descriptions, blog posts, and metadata with relevant keywords.
2. Content Creation: Publish high-quality, informative content related to your products or services. Articles, blogs, and guides that provide value and answer common questions in your industry can increase the chances of ChatGPT pulling information from your website when generating responses.
3. Structured Data: Use structured data (schema markup) on your website to help search engines understand the content of your pages. This can improve the visibility of your products and services in search results and make it easier for AI models to recognize and recommend your offerings.
4. Social Media and Online Presence: Maintain an active social media presence and engage with your audience. Share updates, educational content, and insights about your products or services. A strong online presence can increase your brand’s visibility to AI technologies.
5. Collaborations and Mentions: Collaborate with influencers, bloggers, and other businesses to get your products or services mentioned online. Positive reviews, mentions, and backlinks from reputable sources can enhance your credibility and visibility.
6. Leverage User Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews online. High-quality, positive reviews examples on popular platforms can influence AI recommendations.
7. Stay Updated with AI Developments: As AI technologies evolve, keep abreast of new features or changes in how they process and recommend information. Adjust your strategies accordingly.
8. Ethical Considerations and Authenticity: Ensure all your marketing practices are ethical and transparent. Misleading AI systems with inaccurate or manipulative content could backfire and damage your brand’s reputation.
9. Direct Engagement: Engage directly with platforms that use AI for recommendations. This might include advertising opportunities or partnerships that ensure your products or services are considered for recommendation.
10. Feedback Loops: Monitor the performance and feedback from strategies you implement. Use data analytics to understand what works and refine your approach continuously.

Google Gemini SEO: How Can Companies Get Recommendations from Google Gemini?

I asked Gemini, How can companies get products and services recommended by ChatGPT?

Here is what it said…

Unfortunately, at the current stage of development, companies cannot directly get their products or services recommended by Gemini. As mentioned before, Gemini is not currently designed for product or service recommendations.

However, there are several indirect ways companies can increase their chances of being discovered and considered by users who might be interested in what they offer:

Strategy 1: Optimize Your Online Presence

• Focus on providing high-quality content and information about your products and services. This includes creating accurate and informative product descriptions, engaging blog posts, and helpful customer reviews.
• Ensure your website is search engine optimized (SEO) and easily navigable. This will help users find you organically when they search for relevant products or services.
• Actively engage with potential customers on social media and other online platforms. Respond to questions and comments promptly and provide valuable information.

Strategy 2: Leverage the Power of Other Tools and Platforms

• Explore platforms and services that offer product and service recommendations based on AI analysis. Many tools can analyze user data and online content to suggest relevant products or services.
• Consider using online advertising platforms to target your ideal customers. This can be a great way to reach new people who might be interested in what you offer.
• Collaborate with other businesses or influencers in your industry. This can help you reach a wider audience and gain exposure to new potential customers.

Strategy 3: Focus on Building a Strong Brand and Reputation

• Develop a clear brand identity and messaging that resonates with your target audience. This will help you stand out from the competition and make a lasting impression.
• Offer excellent customer service and build strong relationships with your customers. Positive word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied customers are one of the most powerful marketing tools available.
• Be transparent and ethical in your business practices. This will help you build trust with potential customers and make them more likely to consider your products or services.

Remember: While it’s not possible to directly influence Gemini recommendations today, by focusing on these strategies, you can increase your visibility and attract potential customers who might be a good fit for what you offer.

It’s important to be patient as the field of AI and product discovery evolves. As large language models (LLMs) like Gemini become more sophisticated, their potential to influence product and service discovery could change. Stay informed about the latest developments and be prepared to adapt your strategies as needed.

So What Now?

At the end of the day SEO is changing and you want to stay ahead of it.

You want your business to be recommended by AI, search engines and social collectively.

If you want to get an audit of your program contact Ignite Visibility today.