SEO for SearchGPT: Key Ranking Factors from 13 SEO Experts
Some of them were a little...uncertain. Josh Gallant, B2B SEO Consultant at Backstage SEO, explains this as being in a “tin-foil-hat-territory” with how early in the game we are, although he does have some early observations.
As Garret Sussman, Director of Marketing at iPullRank, puts it, "Nobody knows definitively" what SearchGPT's secret sauce is. But hey, that's just part of the fun, right?
What Are the Essential Factors for Appearing in ChatGPT Search Results?
Despite the uncertainties, our panel of SEO experts did manage to uncover a few key factors that can improve your chances of ranking on SearchGPT.
We've decided to take a look at the percentage of the most critical factors for ranking in SearchGPT based on the most popular answers. Suprisingly, Bing index was not at the top of the list.
So buckle up, marketers and SEOs, because it's time to...well, optimize, and learn how to rank in SearchGPT.
Authority and Credibility: Mentions and Links
With SearchGPT, it's all about reputation. The more you’re mentioned, and the better your backlinks, the more likely AI is to pick you up.
Josh Gallant shares some of his early observations for the B2B category and says that appearing in multiple articles is “a big one”:
Basically, show up often and show up strong. GPT likes to quote what’s popular, so if everyone’s talking about you, GPT probably will too.
Relevance and User-Centric Language
AI wants content that speaks directly to user questions, in clear, friendly language. It’s like having a conversation — only with, you know, a robot.
Long-tail keywords, conversational tone, and matching user intent are key here. AI is more “tell me a story” than “give me a keyword dump.”
Comprehensive Content and Structured Answers
When it comes to ranking, structured content is your friend. Give clear answers, use headings and bullet points, and cover your topic like a pro.
If you’re looking to score points with SearchGPT, it’s all about delivering detailed, well-organized answers.
Traditional SEO (It’s Not Dead Yet)
Yes, AI is new and exciting, but classic SEO is far from obsolete. Bing’s index still plays a major role, so don’t toss out those traditional tactics just yet.
Although AI search mechanisms like SearchGPT are evolving, the consensus is that traditional SEO principles — like high-quality content, authoritative links, and semantic SEO — remain relevant. So, keep building those links, crafting high-quality content, and optimizing like there’s no tomorrow.
How Will ChatGPT Search Impact Businesses' Advertising and SEO Over the Next 12 Months?
If SearchGPT search becomes a big deal, it could mean fresh opportunities (and a few headaches) for digital marketers.
If we take a look at the critical factors of ranking in ChatGPT itself (hopefully, we're not too late to the party), you'll see a lot of correlation between those and the ones we believe will affect SearchGPT.
Key factors of ranking in ChatGPT itself based on a case study by NP Digital.
Expect an AI-friendly approach to become the norm, with content tailored to the preferences of the ChatGPT bot itself. Companies that get ahead here might just be the ones to beat.
How Do You Expect the Role and Importance of Links to Change with ChatGPT Search Compared to Traditional SEO?
Even in the brave new world of AI search, links still matter. But according to Dan Taylor, it’s not about the sheer number anymore. Quality, authority, and trust are where it’s at.
Think of links like good friends — better to have a few loyal ones than a lot of distant acquaintances.
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Wrap Up
In the end, ranking on SearchGPT may feel like shooting at a moving target, but don't let that intimidate you. The essential ingredients remain the same: building authority, creating relevance, and delivering clear, user-centric content.
Think of it as old-school SEO with a modern twist — where mentions, conversational language, and well-structured information have taken center stage. The experts' insights may be mixed, but the overall message is clear: embrace the blend of traditional SEO principles and AI-friendly tactics to improve your chances on this new frontier.
