How Do I Get My Business Recommended by ChatGPT?

What the study looked at

The study asked 32 home-services questions in 100 US and Canadian metros between August 31 and September 20, 2026, and looked at which sources the AI answers cited (Cheers). It's one study from a company that sells AI visibility work, so use it as a direction, not a promise.

What that means for you

ChatGPT and Google's AI work from different piles. ChatGPT leaned on directories and lists. Google's AI Mode leaned on business websites (Cheers). So you need both.

1. Your listings. Claim the directories and review sites in your trade and city. Same name, address, phone and services on every one.
2. Your reviews. Ask every customer for a review, every time. In the same study, the first business Google's AI Mode named had a median of 342 reviews, against 195 for the third (Cheers).
3. Your website. One clear page per service, with the areas you serve. For example, a page for "furnace repair in Etobicoke" answers the exact question someone asks.
4. Your answers. Write plain answers to the questions customers ask you on the phone. AI tools pick up pages that answer a question directly.

What we don't know yet

Nobody outside these companies knows exactly how AI tools pick businesses, and it changes. Anyone who promises you'll be the top AI pick is guessing.

Questions you should also be asking

• Does ChatGPT use Google reviews to pick businesses?
• Is Google's AI summary hurting calls for local service businesses?
• Why does ChatGPT recommend other dentists instead of my practice?
• How do I know if local SEO is worth it for my business?

FAQ

How do I get my business recommended by ChatGPT?

Get onto the directories, review sites and best of lists in your trade and city, keep your details the same everywhere, ask every customer for a review, and answer common questions on your website.

Where does ChatGPT get local business recommendations?

In one study of home-services questions across 100 US and Canadian metros, 84% of ChatGPT answers cited at least one directory, review platform or best of list.

Does my website matter for AI search?

Yes. In the same study, Google's AI Mode cited businesses' own websites in 92.5% of its answers.

Can anyone guarantee my business gets recommended by AI?

No. Nobody outside these companies knows exactly how AI tools pick businesses, and it changes.

Want to see where your business shows up in AI answers today? Book a call and we'll look at it together.