Why Is Google Making So Many Changes?

Google has always been known for making it easy to find what you need online. But recently, it has made a lot of updates, especially to how it ranks websites and shows information. Why? Because AI technologies, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and SearchGPT, are shaking things up.

People today want faster and more direct answers. Instead of clicking through a bunch of links, users want immediate responses to their questions. To keep up with these changing expectations, Google has been adding new AI features like quick overviews and live updates to provide information faster than ever.

What Is SearchGPT?

SearchGPT is a new AI-powered search engine developed by OpenAI, the same company behind ChatGPT. Unlike Google, which usually shows you a list of links to explore, SearchGPT aims to give you a detailed answer right away.

SearchGPT pulls data from up-to-date sources, including research papers, government reports, and reliable websites, to provide the best answer possible. And it doesn’t just give you answers—it also shows where the information came from by including citations, which makes it especially helpful for research or in-depth questions (Search Engine Journal).

How Google AI and SearchGPT Compare

Though both SearchGPT and Google use AI to improve search, they focus on different areas:

• Depth vs. Speed: SearchGPT is great for providing in-depth answers backed by sources, making it perfect for detailed research. Google, on the other hand, shines when it comes to delivering fast, concise information on current events or trends.
• Up-to-Date Information: Google is better at providing real-time updates, like breaking news or trending topics. SearchGPT focuses more on giving comprehensive, well-researched responses.
• User Trust: SearchGPT makes a point of including citations for its answers, which helps build trust in the accuracy of the information. Google, while quick, often provides shorter, summary-like answers without always explaining where the information comes from.

How SearchGPT Compares to Perplexity

SearchGPT isn’t the only AI search tool challenging Google—Perplexity is another strong competitor. Here’s how the two compare:

• Answer Style: Perplexity is designed to give short, direct answers. This makes it useful for quick questions where users want a fast, clear response. SearchGPT, on the other hand, offers more detailed and comprehensive answers, which are better suited for research or complex queries.
• Information Sources: SearchGPT focuses on providing answers based on high-quality, reliable sources. Perplexity is more focused on giving relevant answers but doesn’t always prioritize depth. This makes Perplexity faster but less thorough than SearchGPT.

User Intent: Perplexity is ideal for users who just need a quick answer to a straightforward question, while SearchGPT is better for those looking to dive deep into a subject and get a more nuanced, well-researched response.

How to Prepare Your E-commerce Site for SearchGPT

If you run an online store, the rise of SearchGPT could mean big changes for how people find your products. Since SearchGPT relies on Bing’s search engine for its results, making sure your website is properly indexed by Bing is crucial. This involves submitting your website URLs and ensuring Bing can easily crawl your site.

In addition to being indexed by Bing, it’s important to have detailed and well-organized content. SearchGPT likes content that is structured and informative, such as product descriptions, comparisons, and FAQs. Using structured data (like product and FAQ schemas) can help your site appear in SearchGPT results.

Local and E-commerce Optimization

Though SearchGPT’s shopping features are still developing, it’s a good idea to optimize your website for local searches and e-commerce now. Ensure your business listings on Google My Business and Bing Places are up-to-date. If you have a physical store, creating content specific to your location can help you rank better. Additionally, make sure your product pages include detailed information like price, availability, and shipping options to appeal to SearchGPT users (BrightEdge)

Is This the End of Google Search?

Even though SearchGPT offers a new way of searching, Google is far from being replaced. Google has a huge advantage in its infrastructure and user base. It continues to add new AI features and is still the best at providing fast, real-time information on trending topics.

While SearchGPT is great for in-depth research, Google is still the go-to for quick answers and immediate information. Plus, switching to a new search engine will take time, and Google is already adapting to the changes by integrating more AI into its system.

The Future of Search: Will Google and SearchGPT Coexist?

The arrival of SearchGPT is exciting and could change how we search online, but Google’s dominance isn’t going away anytime soon. In fact, it’s more likely that Google and SearchGPT will coexist, each serving different purposes.

SearchGPT will likely become popular with people looking for deep research or answers backed by reliable sources. Meanwhile, Google will remain the top choice for those who want fast, real-time answers, especially on trending topics or simple queries.

In short, SearchGPT is changing the way we think about search, but Google is evolving too. Both platforms will likely continue to shape how we find information online, each catering to different needs.

Written by:  Evelin-Valéria Székely 

About me: With years of experience in the dynamic field of marketing, I specialise in leveraging Google Ads to seamlessly fuse creativity with data-driven insights, ultimately propelling brands to new heights. As a devoted Google Ads specialist, ensuring precise tracking is a non-negotiable priority for me. Staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of successful advertising demands continuous learning and adaptation to cutting-edge innovations, like the game-changing feature detailed in this blog. My commitment to staying informed about emerging technologies and features underscores my dedication to delivering optimal results for our clients.