I Chat GPT'd myself today
Do You Remember the First Time You Googled Your Name?
Do you remember that moment? The first time you googled your own name? It’s a mix of curiosity, excitement, and a bit of apprehension. Recently, after using ChatGPT for over a year to streamline my content creation, I decided to do something I hadn’t done yet—I typed my own name into it. The result? According to ChatGPT, I’m from Austin, Texas. (Spoiler: I’m actually from Adelaide, South Australia.) And apparently, I also have a thriving YouTube channel, which was news to me. So, I’ll be keeping an eye on the mailbox for that elusive AdSense cheque!
This little experiment got me thinking about how easy it is to chase after what the internet thinks is true about us, rather than focusing on what actually matters. The same applies to brands that obsess over Google rankings, often forgetting what really drives long-term success: authentic content that provides value.
The Trap of Chasing Google Rankings
It’s tempting to fall into the habit of creating content purely to rank high on Google. After all, seeing your name or brand at the top of search results feels like validation. But much like my experience with ChatGPT’s take on me, what Google thinks it knows about you isn’t always the full picture. When brands focus exclusively on search engine rankings, they often end up sacrificing the authenticity and depth that build lasting trust with their audience.
Value Over Rankings: Why Content Strategy Matters
Here’s the truth: a smart content strategy isn’t about gaming Google’s algorithm. It’s about delivering value to your audience. While optimizing for search engines is important, your primary goal should be to create content that educates, inspires, or solves a problem for your readers.
When you focus on what matters to your audience—whether it’s a step-by-step guide, an insightful blog post, or a genuine story—you stop being just another search result. You become a trusted resource. And over time, this builds a loyal following that sticks with you because they trust what you’re saying, not because you temporarily ranked higher than someone else.
Building Trust and Authority
Let’s be clear: rankings do matter. But they should be the byproduct of a content strategy that’s driven by real value. When you consistently put your audience first, creating content that answers their questions or solves their pain points, you naturally build authority. And that authority is what drives long-term success—not just an ever-shifting spot on Google’s results page.
The internet, much like AI, can sometimes miss the mark on the finer details. But by focusing on authentic, audience-centered content, you can control the narrative. You shape how your brand is perceived—not Google’s algorithm.
Conclusion: Focus on What Truly Matters
So, yes, ChatGPT got a few things wrong about me. But just like search engines, it doesn’t always capture the full story of who we are or what we offer. When you focus your content strategy on delivering consistent value, the rankings and results will naturally follow. More importantly, your audience will start seeking you out—not because Google told them to, but because they trust the real value you bring to the table.
And that’s the kind of reputation that truly matters.
