We all know that people use Google to find products, shops, and services. But that's slowly changing. More people are turning to ChatGPT when they need suggestions or want to compare options.
Say you’re looking to buy a laptop. Instead of going through a lot of websites, you can ask ChatGPT, “Which laptop is best for students?” and start comparing its suggestions.
Businesses are seeing this shift, too. Many people want to know if their brand is mentioned by ChatGPT when a search is made for related products or services. Some companies are even experimenting with Generative engine optimization services to boost their visibility in AI-generated answers.
Now, OpenAI has introduced something worth talking about: Businesses in ChatGPT.
When I came across this update, I thought it was worth sharing. Whether you own a business or just a regular ChatGPT user, here's what you should know.
What Is Businesses in ChatGPT?
Think about how Google shows a business. Most of the time, you’ll spot the shop’s name, address, website, and opening hours right away. Businesses in ChatGPT works in a similar way, though it’s still taking shape.
Eligible businesses can claim their profiles in ChatGPT and verify that they are authorized to manage them. Availability depends on the business's location and category. Business Agents, meanwhile, are currently limited to eligible e-commerce and online service businesses in the United States.
Here’s a simple case. Someone asks, “Where can I order a birthday cake near me?” If a local bakery fits that question, ChatGPT may suggest it.
Keep in mind that this is a beta, so OpenAI is still testing it and making changes. Things may look different a few months from now.
Why Does This Matter?
OpenAI says ChatGPT has around 1.2 billion weekly users, which is a huge crowd. And a lot of them aren’t just asking for help with emails or homework. People are asking for product ideas, comparing services, and looking for businesses to try.
Say someone types in, “Which furniture store is reliable?” or “Where can I find affordable running shoes?” The answer they get could easily shape what they end up buying. That’s a big deal for businesses.
So, if you run a business, it’s worth knowing how your brand shows up in ChatGPT. You can’t control every answer, but you can at least see the picture and make sure it’s accurate.
What Can Businesses Do with This Feature?
OpenAI has introduced several options for businesses and Here's how they work.
1. Claim the business profile
Business owners can claim their profiles, then prove they have the right to manage them. Once OpenAI verifies the business, owners can update key information such as their website and business details.
A blue verification check can also be given to a claimed profile.
It’s a good option, especially for changing business information. Old website address or incorrect contact details can easily confuse potential customers.
2. See how people find them
Owners get summary numbers about their visibility in ChatGPT. That can include how often they’re mentioned, how many visitors arrive from ChatGPT, and what topics come up around their name.
Picture a furniture store that learns people often find it while asking about affordable home furniture. That’s useful information for deciding what to highlight.
Privacy is part of the picture too. Businesses can’t read your private ChatGPT chats. They only can see summaries, not individual conversations.
3. Create an AI helper for customers
Some businesses can set up a Business Agent, an AI assistant that responds to questions about their products and services and policies.
Imagine you’re shopping for running shoes. Instead of clicking through product pages, you ask the store’s agent whether it has beginner-friendly options in your price range. It answers using the information the business has provided.
There are limits, though. Business Agents can’t complete purchases, make bookings, or check your order status yet. They also speak for one specific business, so they’re not the same as your general ChatGPT assistant.
4. Promote the Business Agent
Businesses can also pay to promote their agent. You might see a sponsored option while exploring a product, and it opens a chat with that business’s AI assistant.
OpenAI says these ads are clearly labeled and kept separate from regular ChatGPT answers. So, you should be able to tell the difference between a paid promotion and an organic suggestion.
A sponsored result is a paid promotion, not an independent recommendation.
That is worth remembering when you are comparing products or services.
How to Add Your Business to ChatGPT
If you own a business, getting started is fairly straightforward.
- Visit OpenAI's official Businesses in ChatGPT page.
- Select Claim your business.
- Complete the verification process.
- Update your business information once approved.
- Explore additional features if you're eligible.
Will Claiming Your Business Bring More Customers?
No, not automatically.
Claiming a profile does not mean ChatGPT will recommend your business, or send more people to your website.
Recommendations are still based on what people ask and what options are relevant to the options considered by the AI.
I view this feature as a means to keep business information accurate and to understand how people find a brand.
It’s helpful, but it’s not a sales shortcut.
What Should Regular ChatGPT Users Know?
As this feature develops, you may come across business profiles, Business Agents, and sponsored results.
They're not all the same.
A business profile provides company information. A Business Agent answers questions on a business’s behalf. Sponsored results are ads that the business has paid to show.
Before you buy anything, it’s still worth comparing prices, reading reviews, checking stock, and looking up the return policy.
AI can help you narrow down your options, but the final call is still yours.
My Final Thoughts
Businesses in ChatGPT is worth watching because it shows a change that we are already seeing.
Increasingly, more people are using AI tools like ChatBot to find products, compare options and discover businesses, rather than relying on traditional search engines like Google.
Business owners have one more reason to ensure their information is correct and how their brand is presented online.
It is equally important for everyday users to know the difference between business information and paid promotions.
The feature is new, so we will see how it goes