Why Google and ChatGPT show different results... and what NZ Businesses need to do about it!

Have you ever Googled something, then asked ChatGPT the same question and got completely different answers? You’re not imagining it. New research shows Google and ChatGPT understand what we’re searching for in very different ways.

For small to medium businesses in New Zealand, this matters more than ever. If your website content isn’t speaking the right “language” to these AI platforms, you’re missing out on visibility and that means missed sales, bookings, and enquiries.

I’ll explain (in plain English) why Google’s AI Overviews and ChatGPT give different answers, and how you can make sure your business shows up in both.

1. Google is a Research Assistant — ChatGPT is a Coach

Think of Google as a helpful librarian. When someone searches “How to plan my business finances,” Google will link them to articles, blogs, and guides to read.

ChatGPT, on the other hand, acts more like a coach. If you ask the same question, it might recommend a budgeting tool or app you can start using right away.

For NZ businesses, this means your content needs to serve both styles of searchers:

• Google wants informative blog posts and FAQs.

• ChatGPT wants actionable resources, tools, and checklists.

  
  

2. Why This Matters for Your Website Optimisation

If you’ve been focusing only on traditional SEO strategies, you might be optimising your content for Google but missing how AI platforms like ChatGPT are serving answers.

For example:

• A plumber in Auckland should have a blog explaining “how to fix a leaking tap” (Google loves this).

• But to get noticed by ChatGPT, that same plumber should also provide a quick checklist or guide download that ChatGPT can recommend to users.

  
  

3. Key Tip: Align Your Content With Search Intent

Google tends to answer: “Tell me more about this topic.”

ChatGPT tends to answer: Give me something I can use now.”

So, your website optimisation needs to balance both:

• For Google (SEO content): Write helpful, educational articles that answer common questions.

• For ChatGPT (AEO content): Create tools, checklists, or even downloadable resources ChatGPT can surface.

  
  

4. What Does This Mean for NZ Businesses?

If you're a small business owner in NZ whether you run a local service, an e-commerce store, or a professional consultancy this is your chance to stand out.

Most businesses still only optimise for Google. But AI search platforms are growing fast, and the brands that adapt early will be the ones seen (and chosen) first.

The good news? You don’t need to reinvent your whole website. You just need to structure your content smartly, and offer actionable resources that AI can reference.

5. Next Steps — Simple Actions You Can Take Today

1. Write one “how-to” blog post this month targeting a common customer question.

2. Create a simple checklist or guide (even a PDF) that solves a problem quickly, this gives ChatGPT something to recommend.

3. Optimise your website’s schema markup so AI tools understand your services.

4. Run a free AI SEO Audit (I can help with this!) to see how AI-friendly your current content is.

   
   

If you’re not sure where to start, let’s chat. At AIOptimisation, I help NZ businesses create content that gets found in Google and AI platforms like ChatGPT. It’s not about working harder it’s about being smarter with how your business shows up online.

AI SEO Checklist.pdf

Download PDF • 59KB