By Derek Neighbors, Published on June 8, 2023
Let’s say hello to the new kid on the block - ChatGPT. It’s like a super-smart friend who knows a lot of things and is always ready to help. You can ask it anything, and it will give you answers. But, what does that mean for the world of SEO and digital marketing? A whole lot! Let’s break it down.
What is SEO, and Why Is It Important?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It’s a way of making sure that your website or online content shows up in search engine results when someone types in certain words or phrases. These words are called “keywords.”
Imagine you own a pizza shop. You want your website to pop up when someone searches “best pizza near me” on Google. That’s where SEO comes in. It helps your website become the first one people see when they’re looking for pizza in your area.
SEO is crucial for businesses. It helps them get noticed on the internet. And the more they get noticed, the more customers they can attract. That’s why so many digital marketers focus on SEO.
How Do Digital Marketers Use SEO?
Digital marketers use SEO to make sure that their content or their clients’ content ranks high on search engine results. They use specific keywords in the content, create useful and informative content, and make sure the website is easy to navigate. This way, Google thinks the site is helpful and shows it to more people.
These marketers also use ads on Google to help their clients get more attention. When you search for something on Google, you might notice the first few results are often ads. Businesses pay Google to show these ads. It’s a big part of how they get customers.
The Rise of ChatGPT
Now, here’s where things get interesting. ChatGPT is like a new kind of search engine. But, instead of typing keywords into Google, you just ask ChatGPT like you’re talking to a friend. It’s like asking your buddy, “Who won the game last night?” instead of typing “last night’s game results” into Google.
What Does ChatGPT Mean for SEO?
If more people start using ChatGPT instead of Google to find answers, it could change SEO a lot. Instead of optimizing content for keywords, digital marketers might have to think about how to make their content more conversational. It might be less about the right keywords and more about having the right answers.
Also, if people stop using Google as much, the ads that businesses pay for might not get seen as often. That could be a big deal for businesses that rely heavily on Google ads to attract customers.
The Potential Dollar Impact on Google’s Revenue
Now, you might be wondering, what could this mean in terms of dollars? Well, let’s dive a bit into that.
As of the end of 2020, Google’s ad revenue was around $146.92 billion. If 10% of users shifted half of their searches to ChatGPT, that could potentially lead to a 5% drop in Google’s ad revenue. That’s about $7.35 billion.
And if 20% of users moved half of their searches to ChatGPT, that could mean a 10% drop in ad revenue. That’s a potential loss of about $14.69 billion.
Those are some big numbers! So, you can see why the rise of ChatGPT could be such a game-changer for the world of SEO and digital marketing. It’s not just about how we find information on the internet. It’s also about a lot of money that could be shifting from one place to another.
How Disruptive Could ChatGPT Be?
Think about a big wave at the beach. It can knock over anything in its path. That’s how disruptive ChatGPT could be to the world of SEO and digital marketing.
If everyone starts using ChatGPT instead of Google, digital marketers will have to change their game. They’ll have to think differently about how to get their content noticed. And businesses might have to rethink how they use ads to attract customers.
Five Takeaways for Digital Marketers in the Era of ChatGPT
ChatGPT might seem like a big wave coming for digital marketers. But with the right strategies, you can ride the wave instead of getting knocked over. Here are five key takeaways for digital marketers to navigate this new terrain.
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Embrace Conversational Marketing: As more people use ChatGPT, they’ll get used to asking questions conversationally, not just typing in keywords. Start thinking about how you can make your content more conversational and engaging. That could mean using more natural language in your content or setting up chatbots on your website.
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Optimize for Voice Search: ChatGPT is part of the broader trend towards voice search. Make sure your content is optimized for voice search, as people might be using digital assistants more often to find information.
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Diversify Your Marketing Channels: If you’ve been relying heavily on Google ads, now might be the time to explore other options. Social media, email marketing, and other forms of digital advertising can help you reach your audience in more ways.
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Focus on User Experience: The better the user experience on your website, the more likely users are to stick around. This goes beyond SEO and includes things like website design, site speed, and mobile optimization.
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Keep Learning and Adapting: The digital marketing world is always changing. Keep an eye on ChatGPT and other new technologies. Be ready to learn, adapt, and change your strategies as needed. Remember, change can be an opportunity for growth and innovation.
So, while the rise of ChatGPT might be a big change, it’s not something to fear. By taking these steps, you can stay ahead of the curve and make the most of the new opportunities this change brings. And who knows? This could be the start of an exciting new chapter in digital marketing!