Guide for business owners · Updated October 2026

How to get your business recommended by ChatGPT and Google AI.

People ask AI apps where to go and get a short list back. Here's what those apps look at, and what you can do this week. Nobody can promise a spot.

1. Let the apps read your website

AI apps can only recommend what they can read. Google says its AI answers need no special tricks. OpenAI says any public site can appear in ChatGPT search unless it blocks OAI-SearchBot.

• Put key info in real text, not just photos or a PDF menu.
• Make sure your robots.txt file doesn't block search crawlers.
• Make every page fast on a phone.

Sources: Google Search Central, OpenAI

2. Fill out your Google Maps listing completely

Google says complete, accurate listings are more likely to show up. It weighs relevance, distance and how well known you are, which includes reviews.

• Pick the most specific category and add every service.
• Keep hours right, including holidays.
• Add real photos. Never stock photos.

Source: Google Business Profile Help

3. Use the same name, address and phone everywhere

When every listing matches, apps know they're all you. Old addresses make you look like two businesses.

4. Get reviews, and answer every one

Reviews are a main signal. Ask every customer, make it one tap, and reply to every review. Never buy reviews or ask only happy customers. It breaks Google's rules.

Source: Google Business Profile Help

5. Answer the questions your customers ask

Think "best cannoli near me open now" or "plumber that works weekends". Answer them on your site: services, prices, hours, area and an FAQ. An app can only say "open till 8" if your site does.

6. Check what the apps say about you now

Ask ChatGPT, Gemini and Google what your customers ask, and note who they name. Repeat monthly.