I mean, did anyone really believe that AI wasn’t going to start delivering ads? The Wall Street Journal article that came out a couple weeks ago with the announcement did report that Sam Altman has long expressed concerns that introducing ads into the chatbot’s answers could erode trust with users. And of course, I can’t disagree. How many of you have believed (rightly or wrongly, who knows) that Google gives your site preferential treatment in organic results when you also utilize Google ads? Does the law of reciprocity apply in these scenarios? Afterall, AI is becoming more and more human like all the time.
So, just know that it’s coming, and we’ll be staying on top of what this means for small businesses.
This just in as I was writing this blog: ChatGPT ads are going to cost $60 for 1000 impressions! This is WAY higher than other digital platforms and more in line with premium TV spots. We’ll continue to follow updates, but right now it doesn’t appear that they are considering small businesses as a target for their ad program.
When it comes to AI, we’ll continue to focus on generative engine optimization (GEO). With 37% of searches now starting on AI vs. Google it’s imperative that businesses get cited when people ask for recommendations. The top sources for where AI cites from changes constantly. Instead of chasing Reddit recommendations or LinkedIn mentions (last I heard it was YouTube)…we recommend that you continue to build credibility and clarity across the web and in the real world.
Most of all, keep marketing to humans, using human language. This isn’t something that should be changing anytime soon.
