ChatGPT Just Revealed the Real SEO Secret — And It's Not What The Expertss Are Telling You

There’s been a lot of noise lately about “optimising for AI” and whether traditional SEO is dying. You’ve probably seen the posts claiming that AI is replacing Google, or that search is broken.

But here’s the truth no one’s shouting about:
AI tools like ChatGPT are still pulling from the exact same sources that Google uses to rank your business.

We tested this ourselves.

🔍 ChatGPT’s “Top Ranking Factors” for Local Businesses

When asked why a particular trades business was ranking #1 in Google, ChatGPT didn’t spout off about algorithm tricks or AI-exclusive hacks.

It gave these straightforward, real-world factors:

• ✅ Top 3 position in Google Maps

• ✅ 30+ positive reviews (4.7 stars or higher)

• ✅ Credibility signals like Trustpilot, and Directory accreditation and proper licensing

• ✅ Niche-specific expertise clearly shown

• ✅ Fast response times, backed by reviews or tools like chat widgets

In other words: the business earned its spot.

But here’s the kicker…

ChatGPT still recommended ranking on Google first — and everything else it suggested revolved around off-site authority:

• Optimised Yell/Yelp/Trustpilot/Bing/Apple profiles

• Google Business Profile listings

• Mentions on Reddit

• Community involvement and real-world reputation

AI is still using the same trust signals we’ve all been optimizing for years. Nothing new, just better organized.

🤔 So Is “SEO Dead”? Not Even Close.

Remember that viral post back in April 2025 — the one claiming Google Search was “broken” on Safari?

Turns out, Google’s total search volume is actually UP year over year.

Even if AI tools like ChatGPT or Perplexity are becoming popular, they’re still using Google, Maps, Yell, Reddit, and other trusted sources as their data backbone.

ChatGPT didn’t magically invent a top-ranking plumber — it pulled real-world data from the same places we’ve always optimized.

🚨 The Real Takeaway: Authority Is Everything

The businesses winning right now?

They’re not chasing algorithm loopholes.
They’re building real authority that’s:

• Consistent across platforms

• Backed by social proof (reviews, reputation)

• Supported by great user experience

• Discoverable where people actually look (Google, Maps, Facebook, LinkedIn, Yelp, Reddit)

And if you think AI always knows better than human SEOs, remember this:
AI doesn’t understand intent or context — it just reads signals.

If your signals are weak, it guesses. Sometimes badly.

✅ What You Should Focus On Right Now

Here’s what still works — and probably always will:

• Google Business Profile: Get into the top 3 map pack.

• Reviews: Aim for 30+ with a 4.7+ average.

• Citations: Keep your business info consistent across directories.

• Licensing & Trust: Display BBB, trade licenses, accreditations.

• Fast Response: Use live chat, and encourage reviews that mention speed.

• Niche Content: Show your expertise with relevant, helpful info — both on your site and on third-party platforms.

Final Word

AI tools like ChatGPT are pulling back the curtain on what really matters in SEO.

It turns out it’s the same stuff we’ve known all along:
Trust. Visibility. Relevance. Reputation.

The businesses that win across Google and AI results aren’t chasing trends — they’re building real-world authority that both customers and machines recognize.

Don’t overthink it. Just do it better than your competitors. Contact us today and enquire about our SEO services.