The Rise of ChatGPT
ChatGPT has quickly become one of the most talked-about platforms on the internet. Despite being relatively new compared to the age of the internet, ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, has seen a meteoric rise in popularity. Founded in December 2015, OpenAI has been making significant strides in artificial intelligence, culminating in the creation of ChatGPT.
The Popularity Surge
According to SimilarWeb, ChatGPT is now the 24th most popular site globally. But what does the data really say about its usage compared to traditional search engines like Google?
ChatGPT vs. Google: A Data Comparison
Traffic Numbers
- ChatGPT: In January, ChatGPT had 1.639 billion visitors, up 7% from the previous month.
- Google: During the same period, Google had 86.57 billion visitors, up 2.8% from the previous month.
- Bing: Bing had 1.359 billion visitors, up 3.9% from the previous month.
In February, despite being a shorter month, ChatGPT saw a 1.9% traffic growth. In contrast, Google and Bing experienced slight traffic declines, but these could be attributed to the fewer days in February.
Growth Rate
While ChatGPT's growth rate is impressive, it has been slowing down. At its current growth rate, it would take ChatGPT approximately 6.8 years to reach Google’s traffic levels. This calculation only considers Google.com, not its international sites.
The Role of ChatGPT in Search
Many users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have mentioned that they are starting to use ChatGPT more frequently, sometimes even replacing Google. As marketers, it’s crucial to understand this shift and adapt accordingly.
Key Findings from ChatGPT’s Recommendations
I conducted an experiment, asking ChatGPT over 100 different questions to understand its recommendation patterns. Here are the six key factors that influence its recommendations:
1. Brand Mentions
The more a brand or product is mentioned across the web, the more likely ChatGPT is to recommend it. This underscores the importance of having a strong online presence.
2. Reviews
Both the quantity and quality of reviews are important. Positive reviews on platforms like TrustPilot, Amazon, and BBB enhance the chances of being recommended.
3. Relevancy
There is a significant correlation between the keywords in the question and the recommended products or companies. Ensuring relevant keywords are present on your web pages is essential.
4. Age
Older products or companies are recommended more often, likely due to their established reputation and accumulated data over time.
5. Recommendations
ChatGPT often pulls recommendations from other reputable sites. Getting your products listed on these sites can influence ChatGPT’s suggestions.
6. Authority
The social following, domain authority, and type of sites mentioning the product also matter. Higher authority leads to more recommendations.
The Future of Search: ChatGPT and Google
While ChatGPT is growing in popularity, it doesn't mean Google is on the decline. Google continues to innovate, and its vast data and user base ensure it remains a dominant player in search. However, as AI platforms like ChatGPT evolve, there will be multiple platforms catering to different use cases.
Adapting to the New Search Landscape
The proliferation of platforms like ChatGPT provides new opportunities for marketers. Here’s how you can adapt:
- Optimize for AI Platforms: Ensure your company, products, and services are well-represented on AI platforms.
- Leverage Multiple Channels: Diversify your marketing efforts across different platforms for maximum reach.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on emerging trends and adapt your strategies accordingly.
Conclusion
ChatGPT will not make Google disappear. Both platforms will continue to evolve and coexist, each serving different user needs. As a marketer, focus on leveraging the strengths of each platform to maximize your reach and impact.
Have you started using ChatGPT more frequently than Google?