Access
If OAI-SearchBot is blocked, your pages cannot appear in ChatGPT search results.
ChatGPT SEO
ChatGPT SEO is the work of making your business findable and accurately described when people use ChatGPT search. It starts with letting OpenAI's search crawler, OAI-SearchBot, reach your site, then making your business facts clear and consistent on your website and the third-party sites ChatGPT reads.
How ChatGPT finds local businesses
When ChatGPT searches the web, it gathers pages from its own crawler and from search partners, then writes an answer with links. For local questions it often leans on directories, review sites, maps data and articles that list providers, as well as business websites.
That means two jobs. Your own site must be crawlable and clear about who you are, what you do and where. And independent sources must say the same thing, because ChatGPT tends to recommend businesses that several sources agree on.
What's included
- robots.txt and firewall check for OAI-SearchBot and other AI crawlers
- Monthly ChatGPT answer snapshot for your main questions
- Consistency fixes across website, profiles and directories
- Clear service and location pages with answer-first sections
- List of third-party sources ChatGPT cites in your field
- Plan to earn genuine mentions on those sources
What influences ChatGPT answers about you
Clarity
Plain statements of your services, areas and contact details near the top of pages.
Agreement
The same facts on your site, Google Business Profile, Bing Places and directories.
Independent mentions
Lists, reviews and articles on other sites that name your business for your service.
How it works
Each step has a realistic timing. Larger sites and competitive markets take longer.
-
1
Access check
Crawler rules and security settings reviewed.
Week 1 -
2
Answer snapshot
Your main questions asked and answers recorded.
Week 1 -
3
Fix facts
Website and profile details aligned.
Weeks 2 to 4 -
4
Source plan
Third-party sources ranked by how often they are cited.
Week 3 -
5
Track
Answers re-recorded monthly.
Monthly
Signs you need this
- ChatGPT says it does not know your business
- ChatGPT gives an old address, phone or service list
- Your hosting firewall blocks unknown bots by default
- ChatGPT recommends the same two competitors every time
What affects the cost
ChatGPT SEO is usually included in AI SEO work. The scope depends on:
- Whether crawler access needs technical fixes
- Number of inconsistent listings
- How many third-party sources matter in your field
- Number of services and locations
You get a fixed quote after a short call. No surprise extras.
Not sure which service you need? Start with a free call and I'll tell you what I'd fix first.
ChatGPT search vs. Google Search for local businesses
| ChatGPT search | Google Search | |
|---|---|---|
| Result format | Written answer with links | Map pack, links and AI Overviews |
| Crawler | OAI-SearchBot plus search partners | Googlebot |
| Business profile | Draws on several sources | Google Business Profile |
| Tracking | Manual snapshots | Search Console and rank tracking |
Why work with me
I'm an independent consultant, so the standards below are mine, in writing, for every client.
- You talk to me directlyThe person planning your SEO is the person you message. No account managers.
- Month one in writingYou see exactly what happens first, and why, before ongoing work starts.
- Plain-language reportsWhat changed, what it means for leads and what's next, every month.
- Your accounts stay yoursGoogle Business Profile, Analytics, Search Console and content stay in your name.
- No ranking guaranteesNobody controls Google. I commit to the work and honest reporting.
Frequently asked questions
Make sure your robots.txt does not block OAI-SearchBot and that your firewall or security plugin does not block it either. OpenAI publishes the crawler's details. GPTBot, which collects training data, is a separate crawler you can allow or block independently.
It usually repeats what it finds in outdated or conflicting sources, such as an old directory listing. Correcting those sources and keeping your site clear fixes most errors over time. You can also use the feedback buttons on the answer to report it.
For most local businesses, Google remains the main source of calls, so Google comes first. The work that helps ChatGPT, consistent details and clear pages, also helps Google, so the extra effort is small and protects you as more customers use AI search.
ChatGPT often cites review platforms and lists when answering local questions, so reviews on widely used sites can influence which businesses it mentions. Focus on steady, genuine reviews on Google and the main review sites in your industry.
Related services
Generative engine optimization (GEO)
Help AI tools describe and cite your business accurately.
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Local citation building and NAP cleanup
Consistent business details on the directories that matter.
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Google AI Overviews SEO
Be a source Google can use in AI Overviews and AI Mode.
See full details