2 min read

We ran $2,500 in ChatGPT Ads, Here's What We Have Found So Far

Picture of Josh Sherwood Josh Sherwood : Jun 10, 2026 5:01:24 PM

We ran $2,500 in ChatGPT Ads, Here's What We Have Found So Far

 TL;DR -  Click quality is strong and compare with non-brand Google and Bing Paid Search. The ads have higher CPMs and CPCs so far for tourism. Scale is somewhat limited so ChatGPT ads will be another staple of your marketing mix but not the be all end all. Finally, ads only show to free users, though free users make up about 90% of the user base. 

 

Case Study Cover (26)

ChatGPT Ads Now Available!

ChatGPT ads have now gone mainstream like Google search ads. Anyone can buy them but starting with a strong setup is key in our early findings. Many will create one ad and a bunch of keywords with little tracking and call it a day. We recommend 4 extra layers for better optimization levers that we include in our setups – keyword segmentation, multiple creatives, intricate tracking to the specific keyword segment/ad combo and finally GA4 setup that showcases the output. Contact us and we’ll handle the setup so you get the results.

ChatGPT Ads vs Other Traffic Sources

ChatGPT ads are initially performing great and are in the same class as Google paid search ads. The biggest difference is that ChatGPT, so far, is about 3-4x more expensive CPC. This should come down as CPC bidding has become available after only CPM bidding available to start.

Untitled design (32)

The Setup – A Big Factor For Success

To maximize performance, campaigns need a robust broken-out setup. Some may recommend a simple setup with a single ad/landing page combo and a set of keywords in the same ad group. The better setup would be to segment out keywords into ad groups with specific ads for each set of keywords. Then the tracking URLs should let the advertiser see the specific ad group and ad so the optimization system has easy levers to pull.

Recommendations & Takeaways

  • ChatGPT ads are more expensive than Google paid search but the same quality

  • Campaigns need to have a robust setup to maximize performance

  • We recommend running the ads as a staple of any DMOs marketing mix

FAQs about ChatGPT Ads

How do I get access to ChatGPT Ads?

There are multiple ways to access including ChatGPT’s own platform. Be cautious going it alone versus using a strategic marketing partner to build the best setup.

What are the early results?

Performance is solid for post-click engagement but CPCs are 3-4x higher than Google Paid Search.

What are the minimum spends?

Technically there are no minimum spends, however MediaOne recommends a $10,000 investment over 3 months. These ads will likely become a staple of your marketing mix like Google and Meta ads.

How does targeting work?

Targeting can now be done by geography. The other targeting lever is keyword phrases or prompts to tell ChatGPT and OpenAI when you want your ad to show.