Hello. I have an interesting question regarding SEO and chatbots. Many discussions and articles online focus on how integrating chatbots onto a site can impact its SEO. However, there is not much talk about how potential buyers use chatbots to create their consideration sets, and what brands can do to ensure they are included in chatbots' responses.One of my clients shared a story about a partner firm that gained a new client through a recommendation from ChatGPT. This partner firm was included in ChatGPT’s response and ended up with a new client.
When we tested ChatGPT and Gemini for recommendations in my client’s nichey B2B SaaS product domain, both bots provided valid recommendations but did not mention my client. When questioned, Gemini acknowledged the omission and expressed regret.
Is there anything we can do from an SEO perspective to increase the likelihood of our client being included in chatbot recommendations?
It’s likely that you can improve your client’s chances of being included in chatbot recommendations, but the approach is different than traditional SEO. Here’s why:
- Chatbot data sources and algorithms are still evolving: While chatbot developers are constantly improving the data sources and algorithms used by these AI tools, they are still relatively new and under development.
- Chatbots prioritize accuracy and relevance: Chatbots are designed to provide accurate and relevant information, so the primary focus should be on ensuring your client’s information is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to the queries they are likely to receive.
- Direct interaction with chatbot developers is limited: At this time, there’s no clear way to directly influence which websites chatbots like ChatGPT or Gemini choose to recommend.
Here are some potential strategies:
- Focus on building a strong online presence: Ensure your client has a robust website with comprehensive information about their products and services. Make sure this information is accurate, well-structured, and easily accessible.
- Optimize for search engines: While traditional SEO might not directly influence chatbot recommendations, it’s still crucial. Strong SEO can improve your client’s ranking in search results, which could indirectly increase their visibility to chatbots that rely on search engine data.
- Engage with industry communities: Participate in industry forums, online communities, and social media groups related to your client’s niche. This can help establish your client as a thought leader and increase their visibility.
- Monitor chatbot recommendations: Regularly test chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini to see what recommendations they generate for your client’s niche. Analyze the results and adjust your online presence and content to better align with the information these chatbots are providing.
Remember, chatbot technology is still evolving. As these tools mature, it’s likely new opportunities and strategies for influencing their recommendations will emerge. Staying informed and adaptable will be key.