How to Improve Your Rankings on ChatGPT and SGE

ChatGPT and Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) are disrupting the way everyone is searching online. Will your construction company rank well in those AI-powered systems?

[Photo Credit: Timon – stock.adobe.com]

In the changing world of digital marketing, staying ahead means using the latest tools and search technologies. If you’re aiming to improve your brand’s visibility, understanding how to rank well on platforms like ChatGPT and Google’s new Search Generative Experience (SGE) is becoming more important. These technologies are changing how users find and interact with information. Adapting your strategy will help your business keep up.

At Studio Barn Creative, we know firsthand how important it is to stay on top of these changes. When we asked ChatGPT for the best digital marketing agencies in South Carolina for construction, we ranked at the top. If you own a construction business, you want to partner with an agency that understands what you do. Here’s how we use the latest search technologies to our client’s benefit.

best digital marketing agency in South Carolina for construction company

What Is Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE)?

First, SGE is disrupting the way we search for and find information online. Google’s Search Generative Experience is an AI-powered tool designed to provide more contextual and interactive search results. Instead of giving a list of links to other websites, SGE shares information as an answer. This is Google’s next step toward integrating AI to enhance search, creating more intelligent and user-friendly results.

Example of Google’s SGE Result

Similarly, users of ChatGPT, an AI language model, find answers to queries presented in a conversational way. Not just about keywords anymore—relevance, context, and content quality are critical to success on these platforms.

ChatGPT for Construction Companies
Example of ChatGPT conversation, showing sampled websites used to determine the answer

Why Do ChatGPT and SGE Matter for SEO?

Both ChatGPT and SGE emphasize the user experience by delivering information quickly and concisely. While traditional SEO tactics like keyword optimization are still important, AI-driven platforms prioritize relevant, high-quality content that answers specific user questions.

As more people turn to conversational AI for information, businesses that optimize for these tools will see improved visibility and more direct engagement from potential customers. The challenge now is understanding how to make your content stand out in these newer search formats.

1. Focus on Conversational Content

Both ChatGPT and SGE are designed to mimic human conversation. This means your content should do the same. Instead of keyword stuffing, think about how users phrase questions and craft your content to provide clear, concise answers. Focus on long-tail keywords—phrases people naturally use in conversation when they search.

For example, instead of optimizing for “construction marketing,” think of questions users might ask, such as “How can I market my construction business effectively?” Structuring your content to answer such questions will increase its likelihood of being pulled into AI-driven responses.

Ranking Your Construction Business: How We Do It at Studio Barn Creative

When we create content for our construction clients, we prioritize conversational flow. We think about the questions site visitors might have and craft our articles to answer those questions clearly. For example, “How can I make my construction business stand out in a competitive market?” is a question we answer in a way that matches the intent behind users’ queries.

2. Ensure Your Content is Authoritative and Relevant

AI models prioritize accuracy and relevance. Content that ranks highly on ChatGPT or SGE is backed by trustworthy sources and clearly demonstrates expertise. This is especially important in niche industries like construction marketing, where credibility matters.

To improve your rankings, focus on the E-E-A-T principles (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Ensure your content is:

  • Well-researched: Cite credible sources and data.
  • Up-to-date: Regularly refresh your content to reflect the latest industry trends and information.
  • In-depth: Provide comprehensive answers rather than surface-level responses.

According to HubSpot, 85% of marketers believe generative AI will have a transformative impact on content creation in 2024. Find the full State of Marketing Report for 2024 here.

A Case Study in Action

At Studio Barn Creative, we apply these principles when developing content for our clients. One of the reasons we were ranked #1 as a digital marketing agency for construction in South Carolina is because we prioritize experience and expertise. Our articles aren’t just filled with fluff—they’re packed with actionable insights and real-world examples, which is exactly what ChatGPT and Google SGE look for.

3. Optimize for User Intent

User intent is at the core of AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT and SGE. You need to understand the reason behind a user’s search. Are they looking for an answer to a specific question, researching a product, or trying to solve a problem?

To rank better, try tailoring your content to match the user’s intent. Break it down into three primary types:

  • Informational: Users are looking for general information or answers to specific questions.
  • Navigational: Users want to find a specific website or resource.
  • Transactional: Users are ready to make a purchase or conversion.

If your content addresses multiple types of intent—while remaining conversational and engaging—you’ll be more likely to rank on these new platforms.

What This Looks Like in Practice

For example, if a construction business owner searches for “how to market a construction business,” they are seeking information. Our blog posts provide step-by-step guides or in-depth explanations that satisfy this need. But if the user is closer to making a decision, our content transitions to more actionable insights, offering next steps or calls to action, which match transactional intent.

4. Leverage Structured Data and Snippets

Structured data (also known as schema markup) helps both ChatGPT and SGE understand the context of your content.

When you add structured data to your site, you’re essentially providing search engines with a “cheat sheet” that makes it easier for them to know what your content is about. This can increase the chances of your content being featured in a rich snippet or an AI-generated answer. A professional web developer or digital marketing agency can help you with that task. The image below for a Google search of Apple pie shows a 5-star rating in the result, which is a rich snippet feature.

Rich Snippet Example

Quick Tips for Using Structured Data:

  • Add schema markup for your FAQs, articles, or reviews.
  • Make sure your site is mobile-friendly and fast-loading, as user experience factors are increasingly important.

5. Consistency and Long-Term Effort Matter

One-off blog posts don’t offer enough value to secure long-term rankings. Consistency in producing high-quality, relevant content is key. While it may feel like an insurmountable task, building a content calendar can help. Keeping an eye on the articles that do well (and those that don’t) inform your decisions about your next topic.

At Studio Barn Creative, we prioritize long-term content strategies for our clients, ensuring that we consistently rank across search platforms. Being ranked #1 for digital marketing agencies in South Carolina specializing in construction is a testament to the dedication and consistency we bring to every client.

If You’re Curious

If you’re curious, the other top digital marketing agencies in South Carolina on ChatGPT’s list were The Brandon Agency and Push Digital.

Final Thoughts

Improving your rankings on ChatGPT and Google’s SGE isn’t just about technical SEO anymore—it’s about crafting content that’s relevant, authoritative, and user-focused. By prioritizing conversational flow, optimizing for user intent, and ensuring your content reflects expertise, you can stay ahead in an increasingly AI-driven world.

If you’re ready to take your digital marketing to the next level, Studio Barn Creative is here to help. Whether it’s through expert content creation or full-scale SEO strategies, we can help your construction business stand out and get noticed.

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