What influences AI Search Engine rankings on ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Perplexity?
Remember when SEO was all about cramming keywords into your content and chasing backlinks? Those days are long gone. Welcome to the new era of AI SEO, where the game has changed, and ranking isn’t just about search engines anymore — it’s about AI Search Engines like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Perplexity.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your content ranks where it matters, this guide will show you how to rank on the top three AI search engines.
What is AI SEO?
AI SEO is the evolution of search engine optimization, integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve how content is found and ranked across AI Search Engines. It’s a broader concept that includes Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), which focuses on optimizing for generative AI models like Google Gemini, ChatGPT, Perplexity, and eventually SearchGPT.
But AI SEO encompasses much more, from understanding user intent to creating content that AI finds relevant and engaging.
Why AI SEO Matters
AI is changing the way people search for information. Instead of typing keywords into Google, users are now interacting with AI platforms like ChatGPT, asking complex questions and expecting accurate, conversational answers.
This shift means that businesses must rethink their SEO strategies to include these AI Search Engines, which are increasingly influencing consumer behavior and decision-making.
Here’s an example of what a traditional Google Search would look like.
How AI Search Engines Work
AI search engines operate differently from traditional search engines. Instead of indexing and ranking pages based on links and keywords, AI-driven platforms rely on natural language processing (NLP) to understand and respond to user queries.
This means the AI not only looks for relevant information but also interprets the context and intent behind the question.
But what influences how these AI search engines prioritize their results?
Dissecting Results from the Top 3 AI Search Engines
Let’s unpack how 3 different AI Search Engines generate results for the same search query. Then have those AI Search Engines tell us exactly what ranking factors went into their algorithm.
1. ChatGPT Prompt
“What is the best investing app for spare change investing?”
2. Perplexity Prompt
“What is the best investing app for spare change investing?”
3. Google Gemini Prompt
“What is the best investing app for spare change investing?”
While it’s clear that all of the AI search engines agreed that Acorns was the best investing app, there were other major differences within the results.
Let’s ask each of the AI platforms to tell us what went into the ranking factors for the results they provided.
So, what actually influences AI Engines like ChatGPT and Google Gemini?
1. ChatGPT
When I asked ChatGPT what are the factors that went into ranking these brands on the results, this is what it provided me.
“What were the key factors that influenced the results you provided? Create a pie chart and denote the % of influence next to each of the ranking factors.”
2. Google Gemini
When I asked Google Gemini what are the factors that went into ranking these brands on the results, this is what it provided me.
“What were the key factors that influenced the results you provided? Create a pie chart and denote the % of influence next to each of the ranking factors.”
3. Perplexity AI
When I asked Perplexity AI what are the factors that went into ranking these brands on the results, this is what it provided me.
“What were the key factors that influenced the results you provided? Create a pie chart and denote the % of influence next to each of the ranking factors.”
Comparing the Influential Factors
Now that each of the AI platforms have given us the weighted factors that influences their results and recommendations, let’s compare them against one another.
Influential Factor Takeaways:
- Content Quality and Relevance: All three platforms — ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Perplexity — place high importance on content quality and relevance, with Perplexity slightly leading in emphasis.
- NLP Optimization: ChatGPT and Google Gemini both prioritize NLP optimization significantly, while Perplexity does not focus on this factor, reflecting its different operational approach.
- Authority and Trustworthiness: Authority and trustworthiness are critical for both ChatGPT and Google Gemini, indicating that both platforms value credible and reliable sources highly.
- Backlink Strategy: This factor is relevant for ChatGPT and Perplexity, but it’s notably less emphasized in Google Gemini, which seems to rely more on on-page SEO and user engagement metrics.
- Unique Emphasis: Perplexity places unique emphasis on Direct Engagement with AI Trends, while Google Gemini prioritizes user engagement and on-page SEO more than the other platforms, highlighting their distinct approaches to content ranking.
- Engage with AI Trends: Create AI-specific content and optimize for voice search to align with the latest AI-driven search trends.
What Does This Mean For You?
As AI search engines like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Perplexity continue to shape the future of digital search, it’s crucial for your content strategy to evolve accordingly. Understanding the unique factors that influence rankings on each platform allows you to tailor your content for maximum visibility and engagement.
By focusing on content quality, authority, and user engagement, while also considering the specific priorities of each AI engine, you can position your brand to thrive in this new search landscape. The future of search is here, and those who adapt will lead the way.
Bonus: Quick Tips for AI SEO Success
- Use conversational keywords: Tailor your content to match the natural language people use when interacting with AI.
- Update content regularly: Keep your information fresh to maintain relevance.
- Leverage AI-driven tools: Use the latest AI tools to analyze and optimize your content for AI platforms.
With these strategies in hand, you’re ready to conquer the AI SEO landscape and ensure your website ranks where it matters most — on the platforms of the future. ✌️
