Artificial intelligence is changing the way people search, shop and make decisions online.
For years, businesses have focused their digital advertising on platforms like Google Ads and Meta Ads. Now there’s a new player entering the market – ChatGPT Ads.
OpenAI has begun rolling out advertising within ChatGPT, giving businesses a new way to reach highly engaged users during real conversations. While still in the early stages, this represents one of the biggest shifts in digital advertising since Google Ads launched more than two decades ago.
At Viva Digital, we’re excited to announce that we now manage ChatGPT advertising campaigns, helping businesses get in early while competition is still relatively low.
What Are ChatGPT Ads?
Unlike traditional display advertising, ChatGPT Ads appear within the ChatGPT interface as clearly labelled sponsored placements. They’re shown separately from ChatGPT’s answers and do not influence the responses users receive.
Instead of interrupting someone scrolling social media or searching Google, ChatGPT ads can appear when users are actively researching products, services or solutions.
For example, someone might ask ChatGPT:
- “What’s the best CRM for a small business?”
- “Who installs solar batteries near me?”
- “What’s the best accounting software in Australia?”
- “Can you recommend a digital marketing agency?”
These are high-intent conversations where people are already looking for answers.
Why ChatGPT Ads Are Different
Traditional advertising relies heavily on keywords or audience targeting.
ChatGPT introduces something far more powerful:
Conversation intent.
Rather than simply matching a keyword, ChatGPT understands the broader context of what someone is trying to achieve.
That creates opportunities for advertisers to reach potential customers at the exact moment they’re researching a solution.
Which Businesses Could Benefit?
While the platform is still expanding, ChatGPT advertising is likely to be particularly valuable for businesses where customers spend time researching before making a purchase.
Examples include:
- Digital marketing agencies
- Solar installers
- Accountants
- Financial advisers
- Lawyers
- Medical and cosmetic clinics
- Home builders
- Software companies
- Education providers
- Automotive businesses
- Professional service firms
Products and services involving larger purchase decisions are especially well suited, as customers increasingly use AI to compare options before contacting a business.
ChatGPT Ads vs Google Ads
Google Ads remain one of the most effective digital marketing channels available.
However, user behaviour is evolving.
Google Ads
Best for:
- Immediate purchase intent
- High search volume
- Local service enquiries
- E-commerce
- Emergency services
Strengths:
- Massive audience
- Mature advertising platform
- Advanced conversion tracking
- Proven return on investment
ChatGPT Ads
Best for:
- Research-driven purchases
- Complex buying decisions
- Brand discovery
- Educational products and services
- Businesses wanting early-mover advantage
Strengths:
- Highly contextual conversations
- Less advertising competition
- Strong engagement
- Users actively seeking recommendations
Rather than replacing Google Ads, ChatGPT Ads should be viewed as an exciting new addition to a well-rounded digital marketing strategy.
ChatGPT Ads vs Meta Ads
Meta Ads (Facebook and Instagram) are excellent for generating awareness and creating demand.
People browsing social media usually aren’t actively looking to buy something.
Instead, advertisers interrupt their browsing with compelling offers.
ChatGPT users behave differently.
They’ve opened the platform with a specific goal in mind.
Meta Ads
Ideal for:
- Brand awareness
- Visual products
- Remarketing
- Promotions
- Lifestyle brands
ChatGPT Ads
Ideal for:
- Solution-based services
- Research-intensive purchases
- High-value enquiries
- Professional services
- Technical products
Both platforms serve different purposes and often work extremely well together.
Why Businesses Should Get In Early
History has shown that early adopters often gain a significant advantage.
Businesses that embraced:
- Google Ads in the early 2000s
- Facebook Ads in the early 2010s
- Instagram advertising
- TikTok advertising
were able to benefit before competition drove costs higher.
ChatGPT advertising is at a similar stage today.
The platform continues to evolve rapidly, with new targeting capabilities, advertiser tools and reporting features being added as OpenAI expands the rollout.
Is ChatGPT Advertising Right for Every Business?
Not necessarily.
As with every marketing platform, success depends on:
- Your industry
- Your target audience
- Your objectives
- Your overall marketing strategy
For some businesses, Google Ads will remain the primary source of leads.
For others, Meta Ads may generate the strongest return.
Increasingly, ChatGPT Ads are becoming another powerful channel that deserves consideration.
The best results often come from combining multiple platforms rather than relying on just one.
Viva Digital Now Manages ChatGPT Ads
As AI continues transforming how people discover businesses online, we’re helping our clients stay ahead of the curve.
Our team now manages:
- ChatGPT Ads
- Google Ads
- Meta Ads
- Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
- Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO)
- Complete digital marketing strategies
Whether you’re curious about testing ChatGPT Ads or want to integrate them into your existing campaigns, we can help determine whether they’re the right fit for your business.
Ready to Explore ChatGPT Advertising?
The digital marketing landscape is changing rapidly, and businesses that adapt early often gain a competitive advantage.
If you’d like to learn how ChatGPT Ads could complement your existing Google Ads or Meta Ads campaigns, get in touch with the team at Viva Digital.
