In the world of AI tools, there’s one name that comes up more than any other:
ChatGPT
It’s a tool that lets users tap in or voice a question, and then it answers that question by pulling from multiple sources across the web.
It can also summarise various bits of content, like blog posts, news reports, and even visual media like Youtube videos.
And there’s another sweet trick up its sleeve. ChatGPT can also make recommendations.
If someone wants to know if there are any good places to grab a coffee nearby, they could ask ChatGPT for the best place to go.
But why are we mentioning any of this now? What does it matter?
Good question! You’ve probably read through that and wondered what the functions of ChatGPT have to do with your business.
The answer: AI tools like this drive brand awareness, build trust, and even lead to new business.
And this isn’t about buying up some ad space somewhere new. It’s simply about being seen as a helpful expert online.
How ChatGPT finds information
Think of ChatGPT as a research assistant you can turn to whenever you want.
Ask it a question, get a breakdown of the information you’re looking for.
However, it doesn’t just open up Google and tap in a search term like we would. As a learning model, it’s been trained on scores of web data – many of which are popular websites we all use, like Wikipedia.
It then uses this data to answer questions and queries, based on the patterns it found in the training sources.
But this isn’t the only place ChatGPT finds information. It can also pull from any relevant, fresh, and structured content it can access.
OpenAI allows ChatGPT users to install browsing plugins, which let the AI connect to data outside of its training banks.
These plugins pull data from websites that are properly structured, indexed, and discoverable.
What you can do to get noticed
ChatGPT could pull from your website. It could use your content to advise users, or even recommend you as a business to work with.
Your name and your link will be right there for them to read and click on as well.
And with around 700 million weekly users across the globe, ChatGPT provides a lot of marketing potential.
But to be in with a chance of appearing in a ChatGPT generation, you’ll need to focus on your discoverability. Here’s what we recommend to get noticed.
Create clear, helpful content
If a customer asked you a question, what would you say to them? You’d answer their question, of course, with as much detail as you believe they need to know.
Write your content in exactly the same way: clear, direct, and helpful. And don’t forget the golden rule: answer real questions that your customers have.
Create ‘How to’ guides for step by step instructions, and end your content with FAQs to keep things quick and simple.
When formatting your content, use clear headings and short sections for an accessible structure.
Share unique knowledge
Think about that conversation with a customer that we mentioned above. You’d use your own experience to answer their question – not only because you’re an expert, but because they’ve come to you for that expertise.
Share this unique knowledge in your online content.
Your experience includes:
- Any research you’ve done over the years.
- Tips that work for you, and would be invaluable for someone else to hear about.
- Your actual real life experiences and hypothesis.
This is one of the most crucial factors for ChatGPT visibility. AI tools prefer content that adds something new, not just repeats what’s already out there.
Keep your content up to date
Fresh content is relevant content. Make sure you update your blogs regularly to include new information.
You should also highlight your updates. Use a ‘Last Updated’ note at the top of your posts, so AI tools can quickly identify how recent and trustworthy your content is.
Make it easy to read and use
You’re an expert. You know the industry jargon like the back of your hand.
Online users don’t – and neither do AI tools.
Use plain language as much as possible. Break down complex information into simple parts, and use real world examples to demonstrate them.
In terms of how you format and structure your content:
- Use bullet points wherever you can – everyone pays attention to a bullet point!
- Summarise your information at the end of the article, or even the end of every section.
Build trust across the web
Imagine you were looking to hire a plumber. You go to Google, and it presents two options – one with 10 reviews, the other with 50 reviews.
Which one are you more likely to choose?
The one with more reviews.
More people have used their services, so there’s a better guarantee of value and quality.
The same goes for your content. Build trust across the web by getting other websites to link it.
The more links you have, the more people have found your content useful and helpful. They’re even willing to directly connect it with their own viewers.
And that’s not all you can do to try and build credibility:
- Get featured on podcasts.
- Be interviewed for news articles.
- Write blogs for other industry websites.
Use structured content where you can
All this talk of clear and structured content, but what does it really mean?
It’s nowhere near as technical as a lot of websites make out. You don’t need to dig around in your source code or add new blocks to it – whatever that actually means!
You just need to format your content cleanly. Make it as easy as possible for someone to find what they’re looking for with content that answers their question, and then format it for quick and easy scanning.
Use subheadings, bullet points, and if possible, include an FAQ section at the end.
Get found on multiple platforms
Sharing content in more than one place is a good online marketing strategy full stop. More places, more eyes, more chances for customer conversion.
But when you’re trying to get mentioned by AI tools, it’s key to represent your content in as many forms as possible.
AI doesn’t just learn from websites. It also learns from content shared on YouTube, LinkedIn, and other trusted directories.
Repurpose your written content. For example, a blog post could be turned into a video script, which can then be turned into a simple, shareable infographic for social media.
What you should avoid
In creating content that’s more likely to get you mentioned by AI tools, there are a few traps you should be sure not to fall into.
To start with, remember that you’re writing for humans first and foremost. You’re not just writing for search engines or ChatGPT. Your primary focus should be creating for the real end user.
Within this, you should also avoid mistakes like these:
- Keyword stuffing
- Clickbait headlines that offer no value
- Publishing a post and then never coming back to update it
What success looks like
You can’t track any metrics on ChatGPT. You won’t get a notification whenever the AI mentions you either.
But you could start hearing customers say “I saw your name in ChatGPT” – in the same way many customers say they found you on Facebook or Instagram, or that you were the best reviewed business on Google.
Getting your business mentioned by ChatGPT only adds to this brand visibility. It’s a popular search tool many people turn to.
And over time, this is going to build brand trust. You’re mentioned by multiple sources, highlighted by social media, Google, and ChatGPT alike. When names crop up like this, it’s a surefire sign that a business can be trusted.
A quick recap
ChatGPT could mention your business to its users, but you need to be discoverable first.
Create helpful, valuable, and easy to read content that serves your customers. Update your content regularly, share it on multiple platforms, and get featured on other sites across the web.
Above all, don’t just write in the hope that an AI tool will pick it up. There’s no magic in the algorithm here. You need to be genuinely helpful and credible online.
Need help making your content AI‑friendly?
Talk to us at TJ Creative. We’ll help you build visibility that lasts.