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SearchGPT: Exploring a New Era in Search Engines

4 min read

08 2024

We received an unexpected email late at night with news that could change the way search engines may work in the future. We were notified that we had got off the wailtlist for SearchGPT and had been accepted to try out SearchGPT.

As power users of ChatGPT, we're constantly on the lookout for new tools, updates, and technologies that could benefit our clients. We've had great success with custom GPTs and various other AI tools, but when it comes to search, we’re still exploring every avenue. From Google to Perplexity, organic search traffic is more complicated than ever.

In this blog post, we’ll share our initial thoughts and experiences with SearchGPT. We’re excited about the possibilities, even though we’re not quite sure what to expect. This new tool promises to be interesting, and we’re eager to dive in and see how it performs.

SearchGPT Prototype

Getting Started with SearchGPT

Our first encounter with SearchGPT was intriguing. The interface was clean and straightforward, making it easy to navigate. However, as users accustomed to the capabilities of traditional search engines and other AI tools, we were curious about how this would measure up.

User Interface and Ease of Use: The user interface is intuitive, with a design that focuses on functionality without overwhelming the user with too many options. It's easy to get started, which is a big plus for those who might not be as tech-savvy. The clean, minimalistic design makes the tool approachable and less intimidating, particularly for users who might be new to advanced AI search tools. We would so love to see it on the app.

Setting Up SearchGPT

The setup process was straightforward and simple.

Account Creation and Setup Process: Setting up was as easy as clicking through the email, logging into our ChatGPT account, and selecting SearchGPT from the navigation bar. There was no need for additional downloads or complex configurations, which made the initial steps hassle-free. It seems likely this will be the format in the future, but we're no magicians or fortune tellers. It does seem like there may be space for further widgets or icons in the future beyond just search, links, and images.

Initial Challenges and Surprises: There were a few moments of hesitation as we navigated through the different settings and customization options. As mentioned, there isn't much to choose from. You have a search tab, a link tab, and an images tab. Some features required a bit of trial and error to get used to, but overall, the setup was relatively smooth. The process highlighted the importance of user-friendly design in making new technology accessible.

First SearchGPT Experiences

We decided to test Search GPT with a simple query: "Best Notepads." The results were interesting (if unsurprising), providing a variety of options. The initial search returned several well-known options, showcasing Search GPT’s ability to aggregate useful information quickly.

Following this, we had the opportunity to search for a follow-up question: "What are users saying is the best?" In some ways, the follow-up search provided similar results. The top suggestions were Remarkable 2, Boox, and Rocketbook. These are all cool products, but the answers weren't more insightful than the previous search. This highlighted a potential area for improvement in the tool’s ability to provide deeper insights based on user reviews and feedback. In comparison to Perplexity or Google, these seemed to be a major drawback.

Analysis of OpenAI SERPs with SearchGPT

One thing we immediately noticed was how uncluttered the search results were compared to other search engines. This minimalism was refreshing but also highlighted a significant drawback: it felt like something was missing. It was strange to scroll and run out of links quickly, and many of the images didn't seem particularly engaging.

It easy to be accustomed to the inundating amount of results in SERPs. From ads and reviews, to snippets and AI results - it's a lot. But with SearchGPT we were hoping for more breadth based on previous experiences with search and ChatGPT itself. Yet, this is a double-edged sord as mentioned below.

Minimalism and Usability: The clean and clutter-free interface of Search GPT makes it easy to focus on the content of the results without being distracted by ads and unrelated links. However, this minimalism also means that there are fewer links to explore, which can be a downside for users who are used to having a plethora of options at their fingertips.

Quality of Images: Many of the images associated with the search results were not particularly engaging. We longed for some high-quality, relevant images to enhance the search experience by providing visual context and making the content more appealing. There wasn't much in the way of infographics or other eye catching looks. Improving the quality and relevance of images could significantly enhance the overall user experience.

Potential and Areas for Improvement

Despite these limitations, the clean interface provides a promising foundation. It feels like a prototype in its current state, but we're excited about the future of search with SearchGPT. We're optimistic that with continued development, it will offer even more robust and insightful results.

Advanced Customization: One of the most promising aspects of SearchGPT is its potential for advanced customization. As power users of AI tools, we value the ability to tailor our search experience to meet specific needs. Future updates could include more granular control over search parameters, allowing users to fine-tune the tool’s behavior.

Integration with Other Tools: Another area with significant potential is the integration of SearchGPT with other tools and platforms. Seamless integration with productivity tools, project management software, and other AI applications could create a more cohesive and powerful workflow for users.

The Future of Search Results

Our initial experiences with SearchGPT have been both promising and enlightening. The tool's clean interface and ease of use are major strengths, but there is room for improvement in terms of search depth and image quality. As Search GPT continues to develop, we’re excited to see how it evolves and what new features will be introduced.

We’re optimistic about the potential of SearchGPT to transform the way we approach search tasks, both in professional and personal contexts. By addressing its current limitations and leveraging its strengths, SearchGPT has the potential to become a powerful tool in the AI search landscape.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore SearchGPT and uncover its potential. More detailed insights and experiences will follow in upcoming posts. For now, we’re intrigued by this new tool and eager to see how it develops in the coming months.

Want help with your search strategy? Get in touch and book a consult.