Microsoft to Integrate ChatGPT into its Bing Search Engine

ChatGPT is part of the newest generation of artificial intelligence systems that can converse, generate readable, English language text on demand, and even produce online writing and media based on what they’ve learned - for free. Essentially, ChatGPT works like a written dialogue between the AI system and the person asking it questions; the platform is very conversational.

ChatGPT was developed by San Francisco startup OpenAI, which is reported to have a very close relationship with Microsoft. More recently, it has been reported that Microsoft is planning to integrate ChatGPT into its search engine, Bing. Doing so would enable users to conduct conversational searches in the app instead of visiting various websites and advertisers. While this new form of searching is sparking concerns about the impact it could have on academic institutions, this shift can and will also have an impact on businesses. Instead of users clicking through to find answers or solutions through websites, they are now being spoon feed results by a singular robot. This new way of searching is sure to effect daily website traffic and advertising impressions.

According to Social Media Today, “The system could force a major change in thinking around search optimization, while also likely causing a widespread drop in website traffic overall, as the entire discovery process will often be confined to a ChatGPT chain (i.e. follow-up questions to the above could be around price, availability, all asked as follow-up questions, as opposed to visiting another website).”

Although integrating ChatGPT will inevitably put Microsoft’s Bing back into the game, the move will definitely have big implications for online business owners.

In other marketing news…

Chipotle recently rolled out ‘Freepotle’ rewards with TikTok, offering members up to 10 free food items throughout 2023. From Jan. 9 to Jan. 13, randomly selected consumers who comment “Freepotle” on Chipotle’s TikTok Live and Instagram Live feeds will have a chance to win free Chipotle for a year via a spin of the Freepotle Prize Wheel. According to Marketing Dive, the brand is positioning its latest rewards program perk as an alternative to competitors’ subscription programs, which will inevitably drive more social media engagement.