The ability to source detailed information based upon complex questions is an extremely powerful tool. The time saving possibilties from the travel research perspective are tremendous. While there is critique of the quality of feedback and recommendation at what is still a relatively early stage, this will continue to improve as information portals increase their suitability for access of their information to the various AI tools.

The first reponsibility of hoteliers is to improve their direct business and maintain and grow their customer database. This effort through any means available in the toolbox. Channel shifting is one of the foremost among these. If a hotel operator is not focused on this tactic, then they are selling themselves and their business performance short.

With the addition of an 'AI' engine to any travel site of note, the branding and marketing capability will still outplay any significance of what is fast becoming a new 'feature' of a website. In short, everyone will have one and the one they have will be exclusive to their own (and perhaps partners) content. At the end of the day noone is planning on pulling down the fences to their customer and content.

The great hope in my view remains the above industry tools for general search. AI based search will become just another form of search. Then, as it is today, the prioritization of content based upon the various rules of how data is sourced will continue to apply. This returns us to the fundamentals of how to get found, regardless of the method of seeking information. For example the question that you ask Bard, ChatGPT, Bing etc. and where it chooses to source the data returned.

In my experiments the opportunity to exclude sites from the return of information is a wonderful feature, honing in on the specific type, style or source of information. Although I suspect that as advanced search is beyond most users today, even after so many years of availability, most will revert to a simple form and receive generally the same source results from the same better optimized information providers.

The secret of being found may lie in the specificity of the information being sought. Is that any different to how we source information today?

If you are not sure, ask ChatGPT!

I did, and you will find that there is not much difference between best practise for Chat based AI and traditional search.

What is the best approach to have my website content found on ChatGPT vs my competition?

ChatGPT

To ensure your website content is found on search engines and stands out from your competition, especially when it comes to chatbots and AI like ChatGPT, you should focus on optimizing your content for search engines and user experience. Here are some steps to help you achieve that:

1. Keyword Research: Identify relevant keywords and phrases related to your services in the travel and hospitality industry. Tools like Google Keyword Planner can help you find keywords with high search volumes and low competition.
2. Content Quality: Create high-quality, informative, and engaging content that addresses the needs and questions of your target audience. This should include blog posts, articles, and landing pages.
3. Optimize for Voice Search: With the rise of voice assistants, optimizing your content for voice search can give you an edge. Use natural language and provide concise answers to common questions related to your industry.
4. Mobile Optimization: Ensure that your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly. Google considers mobile-friendliness as a ranking factor.
5. Meta Tags and Descriptions: Write compelling meta titles and descriptions for your pages. These snippets appear in search results and can entice users to click on your website.
6. Internal Linking: Link related pages within your website to improve navigation and keep users engaged.
7. Backlinks: Build a network of high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites. Guest posting, outreach, and creating shareable content can help you earn these backlinks.
8. Local SEO: If your services are location-specific, optimize for local search. Register your business on Google My Business and other local directories.
9. User Experience: Ensure that your website is easy to navigate, loads quickly, and provides a seamless experience. This can reduce bounce rates and improve rankings.
10. Content Updates: Regularly update and refresh your content to keep it relevant and up-to-date with industry trends.
11. Social Media Presence: Share your content on social media platforms to increase visibility and engagement.
12. User Engagement: Encourage user engagement through comments, reviews, and social sharing. Positive user signals can indirectly affect your search rankings.
13. Analytics and Monitoring: Use tools like Google Analytics to monitor the performance of your website and adjust your strategy accordingly.
14. Competitor Analysis: Keep an eye on what your competitors are doing. Identify gaps in their content and try to provide more valuable information.
15. Chatbots and AI Integration: Given your expertise, consider integrating chatbots and AI features into your website. These can improve user engagement and provide instant assistance to visitors.

Remember that SEO is an ongoing process, and it may take time to see significant results. Stay patient, monitor your progress, and adapt your strategy as needed. Additionally, as a technology consultant, you can leverage your expertise to stay updated on the latest advancements in AI and chatbot technology to stay ahead of the competition.

What is the best approach to have my website content found on Google vs my competition?  

ChatGPT

To have your website content found on Google ahead of your competition, you should focus on search engine optimization (SEO) strategies. 

1. Keyword Research: Identify relevant keywords and phrases that potential customers might use to search for your services. Utilize tools like Google Keyword Planner or third-party tools to find keywords with high search volumes and low competition.
2. High-Quality Content: Create valuable, informative, and engaging content that addresses the specific needs and questions of your target audience. Regularly publish blog posts, articles, and other content related to travel and hospitality technology.
3. On-Page SEO: Optimize each page of your website for search engines:
   • Use the target keyword naturally in the page title, headers, and throughout the content.
   • Write descriptive meta titles and meta descriptions for each page.
   • Optimize images with alt tags.
   • Ensure your website is mobile-responsive.
4. Page Speed: Google considers page loading speed as a ranking factor. Optimize your website's performance to load quickly on both desktop and mobile devices.
5. Quality Backlinks: Build a network of high-quality backlinks from reputable websites in your industry. Guest posting, influencer collaborations, and creating shareable content can help you earn backlinks.
6. Local SEO: If your services are location-specific, optimize for local search by creating a Google My Business listing and ensuring your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) information is consistent across directories.
7. Technical SEO: Ensure your website's technical aspects are sound:
   • Use HTTPS for a secure connection.
   • Create an XML sitemap for search engines to crawl your site effectively.
   • Fix any broken links.
   • Implement structured data markup (Schema.org) to enhance search results.
8. User Experience: Prioritize a user-friendly experience:
   • Optimize site navigation.
   • Make sure your website is easy to navigate on both desktop and mobile.
   • Implement breadcrumbs for easier navigation.
   • Enhance user engagement through interactive elements and multimedia.
9. Content Updates: Regularly update and refresh your content to keep it current and aligned with industry trends. This can also signal to search engines that your site is active and relevant.
10. Analytics and Monitoring: Use Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor your website's performance. Analyze user behavior and adjust your strategy accordingly.
11. Competitor Analysis: Keep an eye on what your competitors are doing. Identify gaps in their content and aim to provide more comprehensive and valuable information.
12. Voice Search Optimization: With the rise of voice assistants, optimize your content for voice search by using natural language and providing concise answers to common questions.

Remember that SEO is an ongoing process, and results may take time. Regularly review and adapt your strategy as search engine algorithms evolve and as you gain insights from your analytics.

Happy optimizing!