How to Get Your Business Recommended by AI Tools Like ChatGPT

If your business is struggling or stuck in a rut, a ChatGPT recommendation can help it get moving and growing.

This isn’t a bold claim. When it comes to online search, consumers are gradually shifting from traditional search engines to AI tools, particularly ChatGPT.

According to McKinsey, 50% of consumers are using ChatGPT to conduct online searches. By 2028, the percentage of ChatGPT users worldwide is expected to rise to 75%.

McKinsey also projects that by 2028, $750 billion in revenue will be generated through AI search.

SEO still plays a crucial role in digital marketing, but to optimize your online presence, it’s not enough to be visible in search engines.

You must also be visible to Artificial Intelligence.

How Big Has ChatGPT Grown Since 2022?

In business, trust is everything. Consistency, reliability, convenience, and ease of use are some of the reasons why consumers trust ChatGPT and have fueled its growth since its launch on November 30, 2022.

Here’s a timeline of ChatGPT’s growth thus far.

Month/Year:	ChatGPT Number of Weekly Active Users:
January 2023	50 million
August 2023	100 million
August 2024	200 million
October 2024	250 million
December 2024	300 million
February 2025	400 million
April 2025	800 million

The leap from 400 million to 800 million weekly active users, an unprecedented 100% increase in a quarter, validates ChatGPT’s standing as the fastest-growing AI tool in the market.

As of December 2025, the estimated number of ChatGPT users in the United States is 67.7 million.

Now, let’s look at the numbers behind ChatGPT’s impact on consumer decision-making.

• 34% of users trust recommendations made by ChatGPT.
• 70% of users believe the AI tool’s advice was useful.
• 44% of consumers use AI search to research brands, products, and services.

ChatGPT will only get bigger.

Imagine if ChatGPT recommended your business?

The question is:

“How?”

First, let’s explore how generative technology, such as ChatGPT, generates its recommendations.

How Does ChatGPT Make Its Recommendations?

ChatGPT’s search feature doesn’t function like the algorithm of a traditional search engine.

Instead of keywords and ranking factors, ChatGPT utilizes three complex language model programs – Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Large Language Models (LLM) – to interpret search queries.

Then, ChatGPT’s transformer algorithm makes its recommendations after analyzing massive amounts of data collected from multiple sources across the Internet.

These sources include:

• Google
• Books
• Wikipedia
• Reddit
• Social media
• News
• Audio recordings
• Websites
• Academic research papers
• Code repositories

In 2024, OpenAI introduced a dedicated search feature for ChatGPT, improving its ability to process queries and deliver more detailed responses while preserving its conversational style.

The new search technology enabled ChatGPT to filter results based on the following criteria:

1. Relevance: Is the content aligned with the search query, and does it address the user’s intent?
2. Comprehensiveness: Does the content provide detailed information about the query, cover relevant sub-topics, and impart in-depth insights?
3. Accuracy: Is the information up-to-date, fact-checked, and supported by credible sources?
4. User Experience: Does the content enhance user experience with its readability, navigability, use of multimedia elements, and overall page design?

ChatGPT applies a series of complex equations and math to analyze each criterion and come up with a score.

Finally, ChatGPT provides a comprehensive summary in response to search queries, including links to cited web pages and a list of sources for users to verify information.

There you have it.

When it comes to AI search results, content isn’t only king.

Content is KEY.

SEO Vs. GEO: What’s the Difference? Search Engine Optimization (SEO) involves utilizing processes, techniques, and strategies for the purpose of ranking high in the search engine’s results page. Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) aims to align content with the AI search algorithm’s qualifying criteria, for the purpose of getting it cited and summarized in AI search responses or featured as a reference link. The challenge for users who rely on traditional search results is knowing which website offers the best answers to their query. Clicking the link in the first position is a safe choice, but you aren’t assured of receiving the best answers. AI search removes the guesswork. The response to the search query is provided to users in a detailed summary, complete with appropriate headers and links to references. Users view the suggested websites as having been analyzed and verified by AI, making them the best sources to address their search query. Plus, the summary is located at the top of the SERP. Users see the summary before traditional search results. ChatGPT and other AI tools make decision-making an easier and faster process than traditional search engines. 💡Pro Tip: It’s not SEO vs. GEO. It should be SEO + GEO. They’re different faces of the same coin. To improve your online presence, you must cover both bases: search engine and AI search results.

What Are The Benefits Of ChatGPT For Your Business?

If you’re unsure about incorporating GEO into your SEO strategies, here are three ChatGPT benefits that might encourage you to get off the fence.

1. Overcome the Decline in Website Traffic

Landing on the first page of the SERP no longer assures your website of high traffic volume. The rise of AI search has resulted in a 50% decline in website traffic.

The once-lofty first position that accounted for 39.8% of online traffic has seen its power diminished by 34% due to AI search.

Users not only trust AI, but AI-generated summaries are easier to find and provide a more convenient way to answer queries than traditional search results.

2. Improve Conversion Rate

AI may have reduced website traffic, but if your business gets recommended by ChatGPT, you could see conversion rates increase by 300%.

The conversion rate of AI clickthroughs is higher than that of traditional search results, social media, and direct referrals.

Users perceive the links on the summary as having been vetted or qualified by the AI. They feel more assured that the links are credible sources of relevant, useful, and updated information.

3. Maximize the Power of Local SEO

Local SEO isn’t adversely affected by AI search. In fact, local SEO is thriving in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

Users who run local searches are further down the funnel and have a stronger intent to carry out a transaction.

If you have a brick-and-mortar location, getting recommended by ChatGPT will generate more store visits and sales for your business.

Given their impact on website traffic, showing up in AI searches is no longer a choice.

It’s a must.

5 Tips To Get Your Business Recommended By ChatGPT And Other AI Tools

Like you, we want ChatGPT and other AI search tools to reference this article when a user searches:

“How do I get my business recommended by ChatGPT and other AI tools?”

So we added the two previous headers to build up your knowledge about ChatGPT before you get to the main section.

It took a while, but we’re here!

Here are our 5 tips on getting your business recommended by ChatGPT and other AI tools.

1. Focus on Creating High-Quality Content

More good news.

You don’t have to rework your content creation strategy much for GEO. In this section, you’ll discover that SEO and GEO share similar content writing principles.

The difference is in mindset.

With SEO, you’re thinking about search engines.

With GEO, you’re thinking about the user.

“How can my content provide users the best information they can find online?”

• Identify User Intent: ChatGPT views intent from three perspectives: informational, navigational, and transactional.

Informational intent refers to specific information the user is looking for. An example of information intent would be: “How to lose weight.”

Navigational intent seeks to find a specific web page or source. For example, “Walmart customer service.”

Transactional intent is about taking a specific action. For example, “price of running shoes for flat feet nearby.”

A study by Ahrefs revealed that informational queries produce more AI search results compared to navigational and transactional.

Type of Query/User Intent:	Percentage of AI Summaries:
Informational	97.70
Navigational	1.23
Transactional	2.85

In addition to how-to articles, list-types, guides, topic introductions, explainer, everything-you-need-to-know, and ultimate lists are good examples of informational content.

• Apply Google’s E-E-A-T Principle: Similar to search engines, AI favors content that highlights your Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness as a resource.

Leverage your experience and expertise by sharing real situations you’ve faced and the actions you took to address them. First-hand experiences backed by actual data will make your content distinct.

For example, share a case study that showed how your methods solved a client’s problem. Upload charts, spreadsheets, and graphics to validate your claims.

Client testimonials, reviews, and third-party mentions will enhance your authoritativeness and trustworthiness.

• Link to Credible and Reputable Sources: The New York Times, Reuters, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Washington Post, Wikipedia, and Reddit are sources that generative engines trust.

If you are citing statistics, government sources are highly valued by AI search. The Bureau of Labor Statistics and websites with a “.gov” suffix are excellent references.

More on Wikipedia later!

• Organize Your Content: Bullet points, headers, key takeaways, pro tips and other notations, and FAQs are effective ways of organizing your content and making it more readable.

• Converse, Don’t Confuse the Audience: Pretend to have a casual conversation with a friend. If you’re using technical jargon and complex language, your friend might leave you at the coffee shop.

As a by-product of Machine Learning technology, ChatGPT favors natural, human, and free-flowing language that’s easy to understand.

Use shorter paragraphs to optimize space. Two to three sentences at most is ideal. This makes it easier for mobile users to scroll through your content.

2. Use Keywords With Strategy and Purpose

Keywords still play a crucial role in creating AI-visible content.

Unlike search engines that use keywords to find and rank content, AI uses keywords to determine relevance.

There are two ways AI assesses the relevance of a keyword:

• Keyword Density: A keyword should not exceed 3% of the total word count, as this may be interpreted by the AI as spammy behavior.

• Semantic Relevance: AI’s NLP program will assess the keyword if its use in the content is aligned with the context of the search query.

You don’t have to overhaul your current SEO content creation strategy. Simply re-adjust your focus and realign its purpose toward users instead of search engines.

Follow the golden rule:

Use keywords naturally.

In the early days of SEO, content writers were given the following guidelines:

• Include the main keyword in the title, the first sentence of the first paragraph, the body, and the conclusion.
• Add two to three secondary keywords to support the main keyword.
• Use the secondary keywords once or twice, preferably in the body of the article.
• The keyword density must not exceed 2%.

Writers were focused on finding ways to fit the keywords into the content. GEO keywords were a problem.

For example, “best bar restaurant Australia near me.”

How would you fit that into the content?

It’s a good thing that Google’s 2025 changes in its algorithm prioritize user intent, context, and satisfaction over keyword rankings. The changes are clearly aligned with the shift toward AI search.

You no longer have to force keywords into content, and instead use them in a natural, semantically correct manner.

In our previous example, you can use the GEO keyword as follows:

“A better approach is to ask the hotel front desk for a recommendation instead of Googling ‘best bar restaurant Australia near me.’”

If you think the keyword has been repeated multiple times, use relevant synonyms.

💡Key Takeaway: Focusing on user intent instead of keywords benefits your GEO and SEO strategies.

3. Highlight Social Proof and Brand Mentions

Here is a ranking of the industries that are most frequently searched using ChatGPT:

Industry:	Percentage of ChatGPT Search:
Financial Services	59%
Beauty, Skincare, and Personal Care	59%
Footwear, Apparel, and Accessories	57%
Health Tech, Wellness, and Nutrition	54%
Travel	53%
Food and Beverage	52%
Consumer Electronics and Appliances	45%

What do these industries have in common?

If you guessed that these industries require in-depth research and comparison, you’re correct.

Consumers prefer using ChatGPT over traditional search because AI search provides a comprehensive summary that includes information essential for decision-making, such as price, strengths, benefits, key features, reviews, ratings, and styles.

ChatGPT will analyze data from various sources, including review sites, affiliate blogs, third-party websites, brand websites, Google, and user-generated content.

What does this mean for your business?

To get noticed by ChatGPT, you have to create Internet noise:

• Ask satisfied customers to support your business by leaving favorable reviews on popular sites like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, Consumer Reports, Yelp, Amazon Reviews, and Facebook Reviews.
• Highlight success stories and customer testimonials on your blogs, social media pages, and website.
• Scour the Internet for social proof. Look for mentions in third-party blogs or websites, articles, guides with product comparisons, and industry roundups.
• Consider signing up influencers to promote your business. Influencers are individuals who have cultivated a large following based on their reputation as trusted sources of information and recommendations.
  A Tomoson study revealed that influencer marketing generates businesses a return of US$6.50 for every US$1 spent.
• Explore strategic partnerships with non-competing businesses. Similar to influencer marketing, collaborative arrangements create opportunities to introduce your business to a different market.
  For example, if you’re selling skincare products, consider collaborating with gyms or wellness centers.

4. Ensure Consistent Multi-Platform Business Information

Authenticity is a powerful trust signal. If your online information across multiple platforms is inconsistent, you might not be perceived as authentic.

After all, would you trust someone who gives you different information every time?

Ensure that your online information is consistent and regularly updated in all online platforms, but especially in Google My Business (GMB). ChatGPT and other AI tools regularly use GMB as a source of information.

Keep essential business information, such as commercial address, email address, mobile/landline numbers, operating hours, categories, website, and social media links updated to enhance your visibility to AI search.

💡Pro Tip: Upload the latest product or store interior high-resolution photos and encourage customers to leave positive reviews in your GMB profile.

5. Do You Have a Wikipedia Page? Build It… Or Go For It!

Wikipedia is a trusted source of information for ChatGPT because it complies with its qualifying criteria for content: Relevance, Comprehensiveness, Accuracy, and User Experience.

If your company has a Wikipedia page, the chances are high that ChatGPT and other AI tools will include your business in their respective summaries. Make sure the information is regularly updated.

However, not everyone can have a Wikipedia page.

To qualify for a Wikipedia page, you must pass its notability criteria:

• Your business has received notable coverage in trusted third-party sources, such as articles, books, and academic papers.
• Your business has been mentioned by public figures and organizations, and has participated in landmark industry events.
• Your business has received awards from reputable organizations.
• Your business and industry accomplishments have received in-depth coverage by the media.
• Information about your business from multiple sources must be dated at least two years apart.

If you’re not qualified for a Wikipedia page, focus on building your online presence by hiring a press agency, collaborating with influencers, engaging in strategic partnerships with larger brands, and publishing content on peer-reviewed online platforms.

Over time and with consistency, you’ll generate sufficient recognition to qualify for a Wikipedia page.

Conclusion

ChatGPT’s continued growth confirms that it has become the go-to referral tool of consumers because they trust its recommendations.

Unlike search engines that rank websites based on keyword usage and various technical factors—such as crawlability, download speed, and mobile responsiveness—artificial intelligence (AI) emphasizes content that offers users comprehensive, useful, relevant, and well-structured information.

AI search tools present the information in a summary format that’s organized, easy to understand, and conveniently located at the top of the SERP.

Getting recommended by ChatGPT can be viewed as a “stamp of approval” for your business.

The good news is that having your business visible to AI doesn’t require you to overhaul your current SEO strategy. Incorporating GEO principles involves switching your mindset from search engine first to user first.

If you’re unsure how to go about it, contact us now. Let’s book time to map out a strategy for your business to get discovered and recommended by ChatGPT and other AI tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does ChatGPT have a free option?

Yes. ChatGPT offers a free tier that provides you with limited access to reasoning, messages, uploads, image generation, deep research, projects, memory and context analysis.

2. Will Google penalize my website for publishing ChatGPT-generated content?

No. Google will penalize websites that publish low-quality content, which is characterized by being poorly written, having outdated and inaccurate data, and being embedded with irrelevant and spammy links for the purpose of gaming the algorithm.

3. What are code repositories, and why does ChatGPT use them as a source of data?

Code repositories, also known as code repos, are storage systems designed to manage and store software development assets, such as source code. Software developers use code repositories to establish and maintain project collaboration.

ChatGPT uses the stored information to help its learning programs understand programming and coding concepts.