With the arrival of ChatGPT Search, many people are wondering how this new search engine compares to Google. Can ChatGPT deliver the same quality as the search giant we have relied on for years? In this article, we compare the performance of both platforms based on 62 search queries. The results stem from research conducted by Search Engine Land. The findings are surprising and provide insight into which search engine best meets your needs.
How was this investigated?
For this research, Search Engine Land tested various types of questions, such as:
Informative questions, for example: "What is diabetes?"
Local questions, such as: "Where can I find a pizzeria nearby?"
Commercial questions, for example: "What are the best laptops under €1,000?"
Questions for content improvement, such as a content gap analysis that examines how texts can be enhanced.
Each search query was evaluated based on how complete, accurate, and useful the answers were. We also examined whether the search engine provided helpful next steps, allowing users to continue searching for what they needed.
Where is Google stronger?
Google clearly demonstrates why it has been the search engine of choice for most people for years.
Local search queries: When you search for a restaurant, store, or service near you, Google is unmatched. Thanks to Google Maps and a vast database, you receive detailed results. ChatGPT lacks this extensive local information.
Products and services: Are you looking for a specific product or want to compare prices? Google provides extensive results, including reviews, stores, and purchasing options. ChatGPT cannot do this as well (yet).
Broadly accessible answers: For general questions like "What is the universe?" Google provides not only a definition but also related topics that can help you further.
What does ChatGPT do better?
Although Google often performs better, ChatGPT also has its unique advantages:
Creative support: ChatGPT is useful for those in need of ideas, for instance, for improving texts or finding new topics. It can be a valuable resource for content creators.
Clear explanations for complex questions: For ambiguous terms like "What is a jaguar?" (the animal or the car), ChatGPT sometimes provides better options by presenting multiple meanings side by side.
Personal approach: In some cases, it feels as if ChatGPT is more 'thinking along with you' and trying to provide an answer that aligns with what you really want to know.
What does this mean for you?
The choice between Google and ChatGPT depends on what you are looking for. If you often use local searches or want to compare products, then Google is your best option. If you are engaged in creative work or looking for inspiration for texts, then give ChatGPT a try.
For businesses, ChatGPT can be a useful tool for generating new ideas or improving texts. However, for local visibility and product promotion, Google remains the frontrunner for now.
What is the best?
Google is still the most versatile search engine, but ChatGPT demonstrates that it performs surprisingly well in specific situations. It's not a matter of choosing between the two, but rather determining which tool best fits your needs. By using both platforms wisely, you can get the most out of your searches.
What can you expect?
The technology behind ChatGPT and Google continues to evolve. Therefore, it is wise to keep using both platforms and explore which one helps you best with your questions. This way, you always stay one step ahead!