ChatGPT as Your AI Search Buddy (A Beginner’s Guide)

New to ChatGPT and AI? By the end of this post, you’ll know how to use ChatGPT as a supercharged search assistant, understand the different models (like GPT-3.5, GPT-4, GPT-4 Turbo, GPT-4o, o3-mini, and more), and even how to get ChatGPT to draw pictures for you. Let’s dive in.

Using ChatGPT vs. Google for Answers

Most of us instinctively “Google it” when we’ve got a question. But ChatGPT? It’s like having a personal assistant who doesn’t just send you links — it reads everything and gives you the answer in plain English. Here's how it helps:

• Instant Summaries: Ask something like “What’s the history of daylight savings?” and you’ll get a clean summary — no ads, no clicking through 10 tabs.

• Follow-Up Questions: ChatGPT remembers what you just asked. You can say, “Cool, now explain that for a kid,” and it adjusts. No need to retype your whole query.

• Plain English Explanations: Legal, medical, or tech jargon giving you a headache? Paste it in and say, “Explain this like I’m 5,” and it’ll translate it into human.

• Comprehensive Overviews & Deep Dives: For big topics like “Compare the most common cloud computing providers,” ChatGPT gives you a structured answer with pros, cons, examples, and takeaways — basically a whole cheat sheet without the info overload.

Wait… What’s a “GPT”?

“GPT” stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer — tech speak for “really smart AI that learned a ton of stuff and can now talk like a human.”

But inside ChatGPT, “GPTs” (plural) are something different: custom AI assistants built for specific things like planning trips, coding help, resume reviews, or language tutoring. You can browse them in the “Explore GPTs” tab.

Do I have to build one?
Nope. You can use GPTs others have built — many are free. If you’re on ChatGPT Plus, you can even make your own (no coding required).

What model do GPTs use?
Most run on GPT-4 Turbo — fast and powerful. Not sure? You can just ask a GPT, “What model are you using?” and it’ll usually tell you.

Read our blog on How Small Businesses Can Use Custom GPTs to Supercharge Their Marketing.

Think of ChatGPT models like different types of assistants:

• 🏃‍♂️ GPT-3.5 = Fast, friendly intern

• 🎓 GPT-4 = Deep-thinking researcher

• 🚀 GPT-4 Turbo = Speedy researcher with a long memory

• 🎨 GPT-4o = Creative multitasker (text, images, and vision)

• ⚡ 4o Mini / o3-mini = Smart, efficient sidekicks

• 🧠 o3-mini-high / o1 Pro Mode = Logic experts for tough coding or math

💡 Not sure where to start? Try GPT-4o or GPT-4o Mini — they’re great all-rounders for creativity, reasoning, and speed.

Free vs. Paid: What’s the Difference?

Let’s talk tiers — and keep it real:

✅ Free Plan

• Uses GPT-3.5 (sometimes o3-mini in “Reasoning” mode)

• Great for casual use, brainstorming, and summaries

• Now includes image generation (with limits)

💸 ChatGPT Plus – $20/month

• Access to GPT-4, GPT-4 Turbo, GPT-4o, o3-mini-high

• Way better at reasoning, writing, math, and coding

• Handles longer conversations and more complex tasks

• Early access to new features (like voice, image input, and file uploads)

🧠 ChatGPT Pro – $200/month

• Unlocks o1 Pro Mode (the most advanced reasoning model)

• Designed for developers, researchers, and power users

• Unlimited, high-priority access with more compute power per task

💬 Verdict: Start free. If you want longer memory, deeper answers, or better coding help, upgrade to Plus. Pro is great — but only if you really need it.

Image Generation: Yep, ChatGPT Can Draw

One of the newest (and coolest) features: ChatGPT can now generate images from text. Think: “Draw me a watercolor-style poster of sea turtles.” 🐢🎨

How it works:

• Just ask for an image — e.g., “Create a cartoon of a cat flying a plane.”

• Works with GPT-4o (even on the free plan)

• Takes 30–60 seconds to generate

• You’ll see the image right in your chat

What you can create:

• Art in specific styles (“Make it look like a 1950s comic”)

• Infographics and diagrams

• Characters, concept art, moodboards

⚠️ Guardrails are in place — no nudity, violence, or real celebrity likenesses.

Pro Tip:

• You can ask for edits! “Now make the sky pink” or “Add sunglasses.”

• The more specific your prompt, the better the result.

Final Thoughts: Start Simple, Explore Freely

You don’t need to know code or AI jargon to use ChatGPT well. Just treat it like a smart, helpful buddy:

• Ask it questions like you’d ask a person

• Don’t be afraid to say, “Can you simplify that?”

• Try different models if you're on Plus — each one has its own vibe

• Play around with image generation — it’s fun and useful

• Browse GPTs made by others for quick wins and fresh ideas

The best way to learn? Just use it.
You’ll find what works for you — and wonder how you ever lived without it.

Subscribe to our Blog