Welcome to another insightful week with The SEOs Diners Club newsletter. Leveraging over a decade of SEO expertise, I aim to distil the week's most critical developments into a concise read that will take less than seven minutes. Let's dive into the insights that matter.

Exploring OpenAI’s SearchGPT: A Real Competitor to Google?

OpenAI has introduced its AI-based search engine, SearchGPT. This search engine could rival Google and revolutionize SEO!

This week, I want to share the launch of OpenAI’s new search engine prototype, SearchGPT, with you. This development could be a significant step forward in AI-powered search technologies and have important implications for us SEO professionals.

What is SearchGPT?

OpenAI has introduced a new AI-powered search prototype called SearchGPT. Unlike traditional search algorithms, this search engine aims to provide more human-like and meaningful search results with natural language processing capabilities. It has the potential to provide specific and accurate answers by better understanding users' questions.

Here is an example of a search results page: “Music festivals in Boone, North Carolina in August.”

Why Is It Important for SEO?

SearchGPT could have several significant implications for the SEO world:

Changes in Search Algorithms: Beyond traditional algorithms, there may be an increasing demand for more natural and meaningful content. This new trend may require us to rethink our content optimization strategies.

User Experience: More personalized search results can improve the user experience, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates.

AI and SEO: AI's impact on SEO continues to grow. Technologies like SearchGPT could increase the demand for AI-based SEO tools and make integrating AI into our strategies imperative.

Important Information About SearchGPT

• Prototype Stage: SearchGPT is currently a prototype available to a limited number of users and publishers. They plan to integrate the best of these features into ChatGPT.

• Options for Publishers: OpenAI allows publishers to manage how they appear in SearchGPT. This means more control for publishers and how they can determine how their content appears in search results.

• Local Knowledge and Commerce: OpenAI plans to improve searches related to local knowledge and commerce, which could present new opportunities to optimize local SEO strategies.

You can join the SearchGPT waiting list here.

Could It Be an Alternative to Google?

SearchGPT’s potential as an alternative to Google is still uncertain but quite intriguing. Given Google’s massive database and user base, SearchGPT must make significant strides to compete. Its natural language processing capabilities suggest it could be a serious player in the search engine market.

OpenAI’s SearchGPT prototype could herald a new era in search engine technology. As SEO professionals, it will be critical to follow these developments closely and update our strategies. I will continue to follow this topic and keep you informed.

8 Ways to Humanize AI Content and Make It E-E-A-T Compliant!

There are eight effective ways to humanize AI-generated content and make it compliant with EEAT criteria, meeting Google's quality standards.

In today's fast-paced world, AI writing assistants are becoming increasingly popular for content creation. While these tools are super efficient, the content they produce can sometimes sound robotic and impersonal. That can be a turnoff for readers and won't meet Google's quality standards, especially Google's E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness).

The good news is there are ways to bridge the gap and make your AI content sound like human-written content, all while keeping E-E-A-T in mind. Here are eight ways to HUMANIZE your AI content and get E-E-A-T:

1. Give Good Input: Don't underestimate the power of a good prompt! The more specific and detailed your instructions the better the AI can tailor its output to your needs. Show off your expertise in the topic. Instead of asking the AI to "write about digital marketing" ask it "write about the top 5 digital marketing trends in 2024 including statistics and expert opinions".

2. Add Your Expertise: AI loves information but can't replace your unique perspective. Weave your own insights and experiences into the content to increase credibility and user engagement. This shows your expertise in the field. Share personal anecdotes or case studies that support your points. For example, if you're talking about content marketing, mention a specific campaign you ran and the results.

3. Use the "I" Word: Human connection is critical. Don't be afraid to use first-person pronouns (I, we, me) to make your content feel more personal and relatable. This makes readers feel like they're having a conversation with a real person. For example instead of writing "The following will help you improve your SEO" write "Here's what I've found to work best for SEO".

4.Ground it in Reality: Data is king. Back up your claims with statistics, case studies and real-life examples to make your content more robust and valuable. Cite credible sources to establish your authority. For example, "According to a 2023 report by HubSpot, 70% of marketers are actively investing in content marketing."

5. Edit and Refine: AI can produce overused phrases and passive voice. Actively edit the content to sound natural and engaging. Vary sentence and paragraph length for flow and replace complex jargon with simple language. For example, change "utilize" to "use" and "commence" to "start".

6. Fact Check Like a Pro: AI can make mistakes like humans. Always double-check the information generated and cite your sources to build trust with your readers. This shows you care about providing accurate information. Use reputable sources and make sure your facts are current. For example, if you're talking about social media statistics, reference the latest data from a well-known research firm like Pew Research.

7. Active Voice is Your BFF: Active voice makes your writing more energetic and clear. Instead of saying "AI generated the content" write "We used an AI tool to generate the content". Active voice makes your writing more direct.

8. First Draft Magic: View AI-generated content as a starting point, not a finished product. Treat it like a first draft, and use these tips to turn it into high-quality, engaging content that search engines and readers will love. Editing for tone, style, and substance can turn a good piece into a great one.

More Tips and Examples:

• Readability: Breaking up text with headings, subheadings, and bullet points makes your content more understandable. For example, instead of a big block of text, organize your article with clear headings like "Benefits of Content Marketing" and "How to Implement an Effective Strategy".

• Visuals: Images, infographics, and videos can make your content more engaging and easier to understand. For example, an infographic summarising key points about digital marketing trends can grab the reader's attention and make the information more memorable.

• Speak Like a Human: Write like you're talking to your audience. Avoid jargon and complex language. For example, instead of "The use of AI in various industries is growing", write "AI is being used increasingly in different fields".

• Engage with Your Reader: Encourage interaction by asking questions and inviting comments. For example, end your article with "What are your thoughts on these AI content creation tips? Share your experiences in the comments below".

By following these steps, you can turn your AI-generated content from good to great so it delivers value to your audience, ranks well in search engines and adheres to Google's E-E-A-T principles. Remember, AI is a powerful tool, but the human touch is still required to create content that establishes your authority and trust.

Google Gemini Adds Related Content and Verification Links

Google Gemini increases the accuracy of answers by adding relevant content and verification links. Learn about new features and expansions.

Google has rolled out a significant update to its Gemini AI chatbot, which includes adding related content and verification links within responses.

Google said these features are intended to increase the accuracy of answers and make it easier for users to access more information. Links at the end of Gemini's answers will direct users to relevant websites for more information.

Gemini’s double-check feature validates answers using Google Search and highlights conflicting information, making it easier for users to verify information. Last year, Google added links to Gemini’s answers but eventually removed most of them. With the new update, Gemini has been upgraded to Flash version 1.5, making it available in over 40 languages ​​and 230 countries and regions. It has also been expanded for teens and mobile app experiences.

These new features from Gemini aim to improve user experience and reduce the spread of misinformation. With such updates, Google ensures its AI technology is more reliable and user-friendly.

Bing's New Generative Search Experience

Bing’s updated AI Search will be a welcome change for SEOs and site owners, as the new layout will continue to drive traffic to their websites.

Microsoft says the new experience “combines the power of LLMs and SLMs with Bing’s search results, creating a more delightful and efficient UX layout.”

Bing is currently testing a new generative search experience that uses AI to produce different types of search results, including AI-generated search results pages, by combining Bing search results and language models.

What is Bing Generative Search?

Microsoft explained that this search experience “combines the foundation of Bing’s search results with the power of major and minor language models (LLMs and SLMs).”

“It understands the search query, examines millions of sources of information, dynamically matches the content, and generates search results in a new AI-generated order to more effectively fulfil the intent of the user’s query,” Microsoft states.

How Does It Look?

Here’s a screenshot showing the various elements that Bing has created on the search results page using AI and Bing Search. It includes a document index, an answer summary, traditional search results on the right, source citations for AI answers, related sections, and more. To be honest, I really like the new look.

Microsoft says this feature aims to provide more clickable links in results, but it may not happen for all types of queries. Check your Bing Webmaster Tools account regularly to see how your click-through rate is affected. This new feature is being tested and is not fully live for all users.

Analysis Report: AI-Powered Searches Increase User Satisfaction

According to an analysis, Google and Bing's AI-powered search features increase user satisfaction. How could this trend affect SEO strategies?

A new American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) study revealed that AI-powered search engines and social media platforms increase user satisfaction.

Google had the highest satisfaction rating, scoring 81, while Bing and Yahoo! also saw significant improvements. Bing’s satisfaction score increased by 3% to 77, and Yahoo!’s to 76. These improvements are attributed to AI-powered innovations launched in 2023.

The research shows improvements in several factors that enhance user experience, including ease of navigation, cross-device usability, loading speed, variety of services and information, and freshness of content. Bing increased its market share from 6.35% in the first quarter of 2023 to 7.87% in the first quarter of 2024.

Satisfaction is also increasing on social media platforms. TikTok rose to the industry leader position with a 1% increase to 78 points. Facebook and Instagram also showed significant improvements in user satisfaction. Facebook’s satisfaction score rose to 69, and Instagram’s to 76.

Privacy and ad experiences remain areas for improvement. The study reveals user concerns about the reliability and personalization of ad content. Search engines have a privacy score of 79, while social media platforms are at 73.

For SEO professionals, this research shows how AI-powered search features resonate with users and can change search behaviour. The increasing interest in alternative search engines like Bing could create a more diverse search environment. It’s consistent with long-standing SEO best practices that elements like content freshness and site performance still play a significant role in user satisfaction.

As AI becomes more integrated into our online experiences, SEO strategies must adapt to user preferences. This trend should be seen as a significant opportunity to deliver a more satisfying user experience and improve SEO efforts.

We have entered a new era of SEO, and old-school SEO work no longer matters. Either you adapt to the requirements of this era, or you are out of the race.

Guide to Overcoming Google Ads Performance Drops

Is your Google Ads performance slowing? Discover possible causes and learn how to recover from these declines.

Performance drops in Google Ads campaigns can negatively impact your online presence and business results. Let’s focus on strategies to understand, detect, and prevent performance drops.

The Importance of Tracking Google Ads Performance

Regularly monitoring your Google Ads campaigns is critical for early problem detection, data-driven decision-making, competitive advantage, budget efficiency, and alignment with your business goals.

Identifying the Causes of Google Ads Performance Drops

The main reasons for performance degradation are:

• Changes in Competition: Entry of new competitors into the market or changes in strategy by existing competitors.

• Seasonal Fluctuations: Seasonal changes in demand.

• Ad Fatigue: The diminishing effectiveness of ads that remain unchanged for long periods.

• Budget Constraints: Early completion of budget limit.

• Algorithm Updates: Google's algorithm updates.

• Website Issues: Issues like slow loading times or poor mobile optimization.

• Account Changes: Adding incorrectly configured campaigns or broad negative keywords.

• Market Changes: Changes in market trends, consumer behaviour or economic conditions.

• Technical Issues: Changes to tracking settings or platform updates.

Identifying Performance Issues

To quickly identify PPC performance drops, you need to analyze key metrics. This process requires a systematic analysis methodology, from broad performance indicators to specific metrics.

A metric tree is a structured method of analysis that helps you more efficiently identify the source of the problem.

Level 1: General Performance Metrics

• Total conversions

• Cost per acquisition (CPA)

• Return on advertising spend (ROAS)

Level 2: Traffic and Conversion Metrics

• Click-through rate (CTR)

• Conversion rate

• Clicks

• Impressions

• Average cost per click (CPC)

Level 3: Detailed Performance Metrics

• Impression share

• Quality score

• Advertising interest

• Landing page experience

• Budget-related impression loss

• Rank-related impression loss

Level 4: Specific Element Performance

• Keyword performance

• Ad copy performance

• Device performance

• Geographic performance

• Audience segment performance

Using the Metric Tree

To use this approach effectively:

• Start at the top: Start with Level 1 metrics. Determine which top-level metrics are falling behind.

• Branch tracking: Switch to relevant Level 2 metrics.

• Move down: Work your way down the tree, following the metrics that indicate problems.

• Isolate the problem: Once you reach level 4, clearly identify the source of the problem.

Actionable Insights

Once you identify the problem, you can take targeted actions:

• High-level issues: These may require major strategy adjustments.

• Traffic issues (CTR, impression share): Focus on ad copy, keywords or bidding strategies.

• Conversion issues: Look at landing pages and offer relevance or user experience.

• Cost issues: Examine bidding strategies, keyword choices, or target audience.

Preventive Measures

It’s essential to set up automated alerts to prevent performance degradation. These alerts will help you quickly identify and resolve issues. Standard metrics include CTR, conversion rate, CPC, impression share, budget exhaustion, ROAS, and CPA.

Customer Communication

Effective customer communication is as crucial as technical fixes when performance dips occur. Explaining the situation is critical to maintaining customer trust.

This guide can help you understand, quickly detect and prevent performance drops in your Google Ads campaigns. By monitoring your performance and using the metric tree method, you can increase the efficiency of your campaigns.

Recommended Tools & Services

• WhitePress: WhitePress is a content marketing platform that enables accessible article publishing across 90,571 websites in 30 languages, offering native copywriting and automated global publication services.

• Cannibalization Explorer Looker Studio Report is a tool for identifying keyword cannibalization and providing insights into how keywords perform across different pages.

• SurferSEO is a tool that helps you create and optimize content for SEO. It analyzes the top-ranking pages for your target keywords and gives you suggestions on how to improve your content. Surfer AI also has a feature that can generate ready-to-rank articles in minutes.

• Copilot Pro: Copilot Pro is available for $20/month for cloud-based GenAI models and $27/month with Microsoft 365. It is integrated with Microsoft 365 applications and provides access to GPT-4 Turbo and advanced AI rendering tools.

• AlsoAsked is a helpful tool that can boost your visibility in the “People Also Ask” section of Google's search engine results page.”

• Semrush Map Rank Tracker is a Google-changing tool for local businesses looking to dominate their niche and attract more customers. I've been using the free version for a while now, and I'm impressed with its ease and effectiveness.

• ContentShake AI is an intelligent writing tool that combines AI with real-life competitor insights. It guides you from ideation to publishing directly to the blog, generates SEO-friendly articles, and helps you optimize them for organic traffic and engagement.

• Microsoft Clarity has recently introduced a feature called Copilot, which incorporates Generative AI through Large Language Models (LLMs) into the analytics tool. This integration aims to make data more accessible and understandable for users by leveraging the same technology created by OpenAI, which powers the new Bing or ChatGPT.

• InLinks is an SEO tool that uses a knowledge graph to optimize content for search engines. It automates internal linking and schema markup, simplifying SEO processes and content strategies.

Subscribe to my newsletter to stay informed about the latest in SEO and digital marketing. Next week, I'll continue to share the newest insights, tactics, and strategies for navigating the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape.

Support My Newsletter:

If you find my content valuable, consider buying me a coffee to support my work. Your contribution will help me continue sharing the latest SEO developments. Let's achieve more together!

Best,

Mert Erkal