ChatGPT referrals to retailers' apps increased 28% year-over-year, says report | TechCrunch

ChatGPT's significant increase of 28% year-over-year in referrals to retailers' apps on Black Friday, as reported by TechCrunch, marks a substantial shift in how consumers interact with e-commerce platforms. This surge in referrals, with major retailers like Walmart and Amazon being the primary beneficiaries, underscores the growing influence of AI-powered chatbots in driving online shopping traffic. For website owners, this development means that integrating AI-driven chat services like ChatGPT into their e-commerce strategies could significantly enhance their online presence and drive more traffic to their apps or websites. Given the notable success of major retailers, smaller e-commerce sites may also benefit from leveraging similar technologies to improve user engagement and conversion rates. To capitalize on this trend, website owners should consider the following actionable tips: firstly, monitor AI bot traffic to their sites using tools that track llms.txt files, allowing for better understanding of how AI interactions impact their traffic. Secondly, optimize their websites for chatbot referrals by ensuring seamless integration with popular chat services like ChatGPT. Lastly, review and update their content policies to align with the evolving landscape of AI-driven e-commerce, potentially incorporating AI-generated content or product recommendations to enhance user experience.