How Do You Get Your Business Recommended by ChatGPT?
More people are using AI tools such as ChatGPT to research businesses, compare services and find recommendations.
Instead of searching Google for something like “accountant Dublin”, someone might ask:
“Can you recommend an accountant in Dublin that works with small businesses?”
That creates a new challenge for businesses. It is no longer only about ranking highly on Google. You also want AI platforms to understand who your business is, what you do and why you could be relevant to a particular search.
So, how can you improve your chances of appearing?
Can you pay to be recommended by ChatGPT?
Not directly.
At the time of writing, ChatGPT Ads is in beta and still in the early stages of scaling. OpenAI has introduced self-service advertising, CPC bidding and campaign reporting, but the platform is still developing.
That means businesses can now pay to advertise within ChatGPT in supported markets. However, advertising does not mean your business will be recommended within ChatGPT’s answers. OpenAI states that ads are separate from responses and do not influence which businesses or products ChatGPT recommends.
It is also still too early to know how ChatGPT Ads will compare with more established advertising platforms in terms of value for money. As the platform is still in beta, there is not yet the same depth of long-term performance data, industry benchmarks or established best practices available for Google Ads or Meta Ads.
For businesses that want to appear naturally when people ask ChatGPT for information or recommendations, AI Search Optimisation remains a separate strategy.
This is often referred to as AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation), GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) or AI Search Optimisation.
Make it clear what your business actually does
Your website should make it very easy to understand:
What services you provide
Where you operate
Who you work with
What makes your business different
Your experience and expertise
If your website uses vague language and does not clearly explain your services, it can be harder for both traditional search engines and AI systems to understand your business.
Your service pages are particularly important.
A page simply called “Our Services” with a few sentences is unlikely to communicate as much as dedicated pages explaining each service properly.
Answer the questions your customers are asking
AI searches are often conversational.
People do not always enter short keywords. They ask full questions.
For example:
“What is the best type of digital marketing for a small business?”
“How much does SEO cost in Ireland?”
“Should I use an agency or hire someone in-house?”
Creating useful website content that directly answers questions like these can help search engines and AI platforms better understand your expertise.
This is where blogs, FAQs and detailed service pages can play an important role.
Build authority outside your own website
Your own website is only one part of your online presence.
Mentions of your business on reputable websites, news publications, industry directories, review platforms and other relevant sources can help establish a clearer picture of your company online.
PR, customer reviews, case studies and industry coverage can therefore support your wider SEO and AI Search strategy.
The goal is to build consistent signals about who your business is and what you are known for.
Keep your information consistent
Your company name, services, location and other important business information should be consistent across your website and other online profiles.
If one website describes you as a marketing agency, another describes you as a video production company and your own site barely explains either service, there is less clarity about what the business actually specialises in.
Consistency matters.
SEO and AI Search should work together
AI Search Optimisation does not mean forgetting about traditional SEO.
Many of the fundamentals overlap.
A well-structured website, useful content, strong authority and clear information can support your visibility across Google while also improving how easily AI platforms can understand your business.
The aim is to make your business easier to discover wherever your potential customers choose to search.
Is your business appearing in AI Search?
One of the first steps is understanding where you currently stand.
At Canopy Creative, our SEO & AI Search Audit looks at your existing search visibility, website performance and opportunities to improve how your business appears across traditional and AI-powered search.
Our audit normally costs €300, but is currently available for €150 for a limited time.
If you start a monthly SEO package with us within 30 days, the full €150 audit fee is deducted from your first invoice.