SearchGPT is getting ready to launch, and if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed about what that means for SEO, don’t worry—you’re not alone. AI-powered search engines like SearchGPT and Perplexity are changing the way people search, but here’s the good news: the SEO tactics you’re already using can still give you a leg up in this brave new world.
Neil Patel, the SEO legend himself, recently shared some juicy insights on how to prep for AI search tools. The best part? You don’t have to overhaul your entire SEO strategy—just tweak and tighten it up. Let’s break it down in plain English, so you can stay ahead of the curve.
What Exactly Are SearchGPT and Perplexity?
In case you haven’t been keeping up, SearchGPT is a next-gen AI search tool that does more than just throw a bunch of links at you. It understands context, speaks natural language, and even gives you summarized answers from multiple sources. Think of it like having a super smart assistant who gets straight to the point—no clicking around required.
Then there’s Perplexity, another AI-powered search engine that’s gaining momentum with 50 million monthly visitors. It operates similarly, making it clear that AI search tools are not just a passing trend—they’re here, and they’re growing fast.
So, How Do You Optimize for These AI Search Engines?
1. Go Deep with Your Content
Neil’s first point? Depth matters. AI-powered tools like SearchGPT and Perplexity are all about delivering comprehensive, context-rich answers, so your content needs to go beyond the basics. Shallow articles stuffed with keywords won’t cut it anymore. You need to create content that dives deep into topics, offering a full 360-degree view.
Instead of a simple “Top 10 SEO Tips,” aim for an ultimate guide to SEO that covers not just the tips but also the why and how behind them. Think in-depth, long-form content that leaves no stone unturned.
2. Focus on EEAT (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
We’ve all seen how AI can confidently spout incorrect information, and that’s a big problem. To make sure your content gets picked up by AI bots, you need to focus on EEAT—basically, show that you know your stuff. Neil emphasized how AI search engines will prioritize content from credible sources. So, make sure your content is accurate, well-researched, and trusted.
Cite reputable sources, share your expertise, and make your content trustworthy. AI doesn’t just look for information—it looks for reliable information. Your content should leave no doubt that you’re an authority in your field.
3. Keywords Still Matter—But Be Natural
AI tools like SearchGPT and Perplexity don’t rely on keywords alone, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore them altogether. Instead of stuffing your articles with repetitive keywords, focus on natural language and contextual relevance. The bots are smart enough to understand semantic relationships between words, so write like you’re speaking to a real person—because, in a way, you are.
Think conversational and make sure the keywords flow naturally. The AI will pick up on it.
4. Get User-Generated Content & Collect Reviews
Neil made a great point about how brand mentions and user reviews are the new gold. Think of them like the AI version of backlinks. Encourage your customers to leave reviews and share their experiences. The more positive digital PR you have out there, the more likely AI bots will pull your name when someone’s searching for your products or services.
It’s all about building your brand reputation. The more buzz around your name, the better your chances of showing up in AI-driven searches.
5. Don’t Forget About Technical SEO
Yes, AI is fancy, but good old-fashioned technical SEO still matters. Neil suggested keeping your site technically sound—so make sure your page speed is solid, your content is properly structured, and you’re using schema markup to help AI understand what your site is about. AI bots are smart, but they’re not magicians—they need data points to work with, and that’s where technical SEO comes in.
Schema markup, in particular, will help AI search engines understand your content and its relevance to specific queries. It’s like giving the bots a map to follow so they can surface the right info at the right time.
The Big Silver Lining: You’re Already on the Right Track
Here’s the really good news: the same SEO strategies you’re already using for Google will help you rank on SearchGPT and Perplexity. That’s right—if you’ve been focusing on creating high-quality content, building authority, and following technical SEO best practices, you’re already halfway there.
These AI bots look for the same signals Google does—quality content, authority, relevance, and trustworthiness. So, if you’ve been playing by those rules, you’re well-positioned to get noticed by AI-powered search engines, too.
Final Thoughts: Keep Calm and Optimize On
Neil Patel’s advice boils down to this: don’t panic. Sure, AI search engines like SearchGPT and Perplexity are changing the game, but the fundamentals of SEO still apply. Focus on creating comprehensive, high-quality content, make sure your site’s technically sound, and build a strong brand reputation.
As AI continues to evolve, so will search, but the core principles will always remain: people need information, and you need to make sure they can find yours—whether it’s on Google, SearchGPT, or any other platform that pops up.
So, take a deep breath and keep optimizing.
