Did ChatGPT just replace Google? We tested it out.

Also: Why every company needs a newsletter.

Welcome back to Marketing Qualified! Here’s what we cooked up for you this week:

• Did ChatGPT just replace Google? We tested it out. A look at how well OpenAI’s new “search the web” feature performs.
• Why every company needs a newsletter. One word: distribution.

???Did ChatGPT just replace Google? We tested it out.

OpenAI just released a new feature, and some say it brings them closer than ever to beating Google in the “search engine wars.”

Since its release in 2022, users have been begging for the ability to connect their ChatGPT interface to the internet in real time. That feature is finally here.

So, we decided to test it out and see how helpful it is for ourselves.

Search the web.

Now, paid users can access a “search the web” feature. You can find it via a globe icon in the chat interface.

If you click it, ChatGPT suggests a list of trending topics.

(We tested this out on Election Day, so all the suggestions it gave us related to that.)

OpenAI has not released info on how these trends are populated yet.

If these options aren’t what you’re looking for, you can add a query as you normally would.

We asked it a question we’d typically search on Google—“movie times in NYC.”

ChatGPT gave us a good list of the films currently available. It also told us that it sourced its information from Fandango’s website.

However, this didn’t exactly answer our main question. We still didn’t know specific showtimes.

So we rephrased our prompt to be even more specific—“What movies are playing at each theater in New York City right now and at what times can I watch them?”

It did a little bit better here. It provided a map and listings with details on a few theaters.

Unfortunately, it still couldn’t answer our base question by giving us specific movie times. Instead, it told us to check theater websites or sites like Fandango to get the answer.

What “search the web” works better for.

After conducting more test searches, we found that the “search the web” feature is much better at explaining concepts.

It provides detailed explanations along with linked references to back up its answers.

So, if you’re going to start using this feature, we suggest using it to answer questions like these. This will yield the best results.

Given its limitations, it’s probably safe to say that SearchGPT won’t be stealing users from Google just yet. However, it is a significant upgrade that will probably succeed in keeping users on the ChatGPT platform for longer sessions.

Still, we’re excited to see the next iteration of SearchGPT and how it might impact the “search engine wars” currently being fought in the space.

??? In the news this week.

????20+ top social media sites.

????How work is changing (new data from LinkedIn).

??? How to protect your business's?social media accounts.

??? 160 of?the best email subject lines.

??? How to identify untapped opportunities in PPC .

??? Why every company needs a newsletter.

Let me guess, your company doesn't have a newsletter yet. You're not alone.

While your social media posts fight for 1% engagement, newsletters quietly deliver 30%+ open rates.

Here at Marketing Qualified, we firmly believe that every company should send out an email newsletter.

Why? Let us explain what makes newsletters so powerful…

1. Direct access to your audience. No algorithms. No middlemen. Just your message landing directly in front of people who asked to hear from you.
2. Build authentic relationships. Share stories, insights, and value that transform subscribers into advocates. Your newsletter is where casual followers become true fans.
3. Own your distribution. Social platforms come and go. Algorithms change overnight. But your email list? That's yours forever.
4. Speak in your true voice. Unlike formal marketing channels, newsletters let your personality shine. Have real conversations. Build genuine connections.

Need more proof? Exhibit A: you’re here reading this right now. ??

??? Marketing meme of the week.