“Recommend a good breakfast place near me”, “which accounting software suits a small business?” A growing share of these questions is no longer typed into Google but asked to AI assistants like ChatGPT. Instead of browsing ten links, the customer reads a single answer. If your name isn’t in that answer, you’re not in the search at all.
Can you advertise on ChatGPT?
OpenAI has started testing ads in ChatGPT. Ads appear in separate areas clearly marked as “sponsored” rather than being mixed into the answer. Access currently varies by country, plan and period, though; an open, established ad platform like Google Ads or Meta doesn’t yet exist in every market. So for now, the real opportunity is less about paid ads and more about getting AI to recommend you on its own.
Which brands does AI recommend?
AI assistants draw on information from the web when generating answers: websites, business profiles, reviews, directories and news content. The more consistent, up-to-date and clear information there is about you, the more likely you are to be recommended. This is often called AI visibility (GEO), and its foundations are largely the same as good SEO.
1. Fill your website with content that answers questions
Answer your customers’ questions on your site in clear sentences: what do you do, where do you serve, what’s your price range, who are you right for? An FAQ page and guide articles are the best source for AI to describe you correctly.
2. Keep your business details identical everywhere
Your address, phone number, opening hours and list of services should match exactly on your website, Google Business Profile, social media and directory sites. Conflicting information makes AI avoid recommending you or give wrong information.
3. Collect reviews
Genuine customer reviews are a strong signal both on Google and in AI answers. Make a habit of asking happy customers for reviews and reply to the ones you get.
4. Use structured data
Business, product and FAQ schemas (structured data) added to your site make it easier for search engines and AI systems to read your information without errors. Visitors don’t see it, but for machines it’s your site’s ID card.
5. Don’t drop paid ads
While AI search grows, Google and Meta ads are still the fastest and most measurable source of customers. Being among the first to try ChatGPT’s ad options when they become widely available will be an advantage; until then, the healthiest approach is to keep your budget in proven channels and strengthen your organic visibility.
Test yourself
Ask ChatGPT a question the way your customer would: “Who would you recommend for [your service] in [your city]?” If you’re not in the answer, or the information about you is wrong, you’ve found where to start.