How does ChatGPT find information about businesses?
ChatGPT can search the web and include links to the sources it uses. This article focuses on those answers. OpenAI’s explanation
An answer may name your business but link to a directory or another website. The reverse is also possible: ChatGPT cites your website without recommending the business itself. Both the mention and the sources behind the answer matter.
1. A clear description of your offer
A service page should explain what the price includes, where the service is available and how long it takes. An online shop needs information about availability, delivery and returns alongside its product descriptions.
For example, someone ordering kitchen furniture needs to know whether measuring and installation are included, how long production takes and whether installation is available outside Riga. Publishing these details helps customers decide whether the offer meets their needs.
2. Answers to customer questions
Questions customers ask in conversations and emails can provide the basis for your content. Short answers fit on a service or product page. A fuller explanation may deserve its own article.
Describe your experience and show completed work. An example explaining how you met a particular customer’s need gives readers a clearer idea of what you do. Google also recommends publishing useful information grounded in firsthand experience. Google’s guidance
3. A website that search can access
A website opening for visitors does not necessarily mean ChatGPT search can access it. Site settings may restrict access. Your website maintainer can check them. OpenAI states that search access must be allowed for a site’s content to be used in ChatGPT search answers. OpenAI’s documentation
Publish essential information as text too. If your price list is only an image, add the prices to the page text. Google also recommends making content available as text in its search guidance. Google’s search guidance
4. Accurate information on other websites
Review your listings in directories and industry websites. Do they show your current address, the correct phone number and opening hours? Correct outdated information.
Start with websites ChatGPT cites in answers about your sector. Check whether your business appears there and whether its offer is described accurately.
How can you check whether ChatGPT names your business?
Use a question a potential customer might ask, such as “Where can I order kitchen furniture with installation in Jelgava?” Leave your business name out. This checks whether ChatGPT names the business when the user has not mentioned it.
Look at whether the business is named, whether the description is accurate and which sources are used. One answer is not enough to judge how often ChatGPT recommends the business or what needs improving.
DARA’s free AI visibility audit shows AI tools’ answers to questions about your sector. Our full visibility audit examines what may prevent people from finding your business and which improvements should come first.