How to write for Google and SearchGPT.
The gloves are off.
How many hats do you own? Metaphorically speaking, as a business owner, I imagine your collection rivals that of The Princess of Wales. You’re often dealing with everything from product development to customer service. It's easy to feel stretched, especially with limited resources. And now, when you’re marketing your business online, you’ve got to consider another search engine – SearchGPT. What!! I hear you cry.
Here's the good news. Creating content that works for both Google and SearchGPT doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You need to understand the differences between writing for and appealing to both. Get it right and you can kill two search engines with one piece of content.
Let me break down the differences between writing for Google and SearchGPT, how to tailor your content for each and provide practical tips on striking a balance.
Note: Fed up of writing for the internet? I’ve been writing content for search engines for over five years now. Blogs, websites, social media posts, anything with words you present online, I can take it off your to-do list. Get in touch or check out my portfolio.
Understanding the difference between Google and SearchGPT
Before we get started on the writing process, let’s look at how Google Search and SearchGPT find, interpret, and deliver information to you.
Google search – a resource library
Google has become a verb. When you need to find something online, you say ‘I’ll just Google it’. It’s engrained in how we look for things like websites or products so it’s important we keep on appealing to its algorithms. It ranks content based on relevance, authority, and user engagement.
Here’s how it works:
It’s drops and runs: Google gives you a list of links to websites it thinks are useful, leaving you to decide if they are.
Inspector Google. It pops on its specs and analyses content then rewards well-researched, user-friendly, and authoritative online material.
It uses search intent to rank results: Whether you’re after a certain product, a local business, or a quick fact, Google prioritises content that aligns with that intent.
For example:
You search for “how to create a social media strategy” on Google and you’ll find blog posts, guides, videos, and downloadable templates for you to peruse yourself.
SearchGPT - a problem solver
SearchGPT, is part of the artificial intelligence family. OpenAI (the mother robot and the one that birthed ChatGPT and SearchGPT) says, “getting useful answers on the web can take a lot of effort. It often requires multiple searches and digging through links to find quality sources and the right information for you.”
Here’s how it works:
It’s answer focused: SearchGPT will scour Bing’s live feed on your behalf, then rather than asking you to explore links, it will give you an exact answer and actionable advice. You can have a conversation with it, too. For example, if I say, “What are the best Christmas jokes”, it will respond. Then if some of them are a bit fruity, I could say “make them suitable for children”. It will also, and this is key, give credit and link to its source. Great for you!
It focuses on clarity and relevance: SearchGPT thinks about your query, then takes enormous amounts of data and turns it into an easy-to-understand reply.
The key differences between Google and SearchGPT
Get to grips with these differences because it will help you to understand how to write. For Google, your content needs to appeal to its ranking systems while meeting search intent. For SearchGPT, it must be structured and clear enough for it to extract and repackage the value in your content.
How to write for SearchGPT
Let’s get into it. Writing for SearchGPT involves precision, clarity, and a conversational tone. Here’s how to nail it:
Use natural and conversational language
Write like you’re talking to a friend or customer. Avoid industry jargon unless you explain it.Example: Instead of saying, “Optimize core web vitals to enhance user experience,” try, “Make sure your website loads quickly and is easy to navigate to appeal to your visitors.”
Structure content with AI in mind
Break content into clear sections with headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs. This makes it easy for AI to extract and digest your insights.Anticipate questions and provide clear answers
Think about the questions your audience is likely to ask and address them.Example: If your audience often asks, “What is SEO?” write a short, clear explanation: “Search engine optimisation (SEO), is the process of improving your website’s visibility on search engines like Google. It involves using relevant keywords, creating high-quality content, and optimising your website’s design.”
How to write for Google search
Writing for Google involves incorporating SEO principles and creating content that’s authoritative and user-friendly.
Research and use keywords strategically
Find the terms your audience is searching for. You can use tools like Google Keyword Planner. Pop them naturally in your headings, subheadings, and the body of your content.Example: For a blog about improving SEO, target keywords could look like “SEO tips for beginners” or “how to optimise website content.”
Create comprehensive, authoritative content
Google lives for content that answers user questions in-depth. So, provide advice, back up claims with data, and reference reliable sources. And, if writing for your website, make sure you include internal links.Go all out for user experience
Make sure your content is easy to read, looks good, and is mobile-friendly. Use images, charts, or videos where you can.
How to write content that appeals to Google and SearchGPT
The thing is, you don’t want to be creating two separate pieces of content so let me reveal the secret to writing for both platforms…balance! Here’s how to create content that satisfies them both.
Focus on clarity and value
Google and SearchGPT prioritise content that solves problems and answers questions. Write with your audience’s needs in mind, and make sure your content is engaging and helpful.
Structure for readability
Use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and numbered lists. This makes it easy for Google to index your content and for SearchGPT to take relevant sections.
Incorporate keywords naturally
Blend relevant keywords seamlessly into conversational language. This helps Google rank your content while keeping it natural for AI.
Summarise key points
Add summaries or key takeaways at the end of sections. This makes it easier for SearchGPT to provide responses based on your content.
Blend depth with simplicity
Provide enough detail to establish authority (for Google) but present it in a way that’s easy to digest (for SearchGPT).
I hope this blog has been helpful. And, I’ll let you in on another little secret. Two in one blog post. Lucky you. I’ve written this piece to appeal to both Google and SearchGPT so hopefully it gives you an example to refer to when creating your own content.
Here’s why this blog appeals to Google and SearchGPT
For Google
I’ve used keywords like “writing for Google,” “writing for SearchGPT,” and “SEO for small businesses” in the right places.
The content goes into detail but I’ve structured it and with headings and bullet points.
It’s useful for my readers because I’ve used short paragraphs and it’s easily scannable.
For SearchGPT
The language is conversational and approachable.
I’ve split sections up, making it easy for AI to extract information.
And I’ve added FAQs and examples to answer common questions.
There you have it. My take on how to write for Google and SearchGPT. Times are changing and if you want to keep up, you have to adapt. Contact me if you need help creating content to appeal to Google and the robots.