A recent study analyzes over 8,500 prompts to understand how ChatGPT uses search queries, revealing that it performs searches 31% of the time, often generating longer queries averaging around 5.48 words. The findings highlight trends across various industries, indicating that local and commerce-related prompts trigger more searches, while also identifying key terms that SEOs should focus on to optimize content for ChatGPT interactions.

Fewer than 7% of websites are optimized for ChatGPT results, presenting a significant opportunity for businesses to enhance their visibility. To leverage this, implementing Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is essential, focusing on creating content that AI tools can confidently reference. By adapting website content and structure based on AEO principles, businesses can outpace competitors and become more discoverable in AI-driven searches.