How to Get ChatGPT to Recommend Your Brand: Tips for Generative Engine Optimization

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. How ChatGPT Differs from Google Search
3. How ChatGPT Finds Information (Example)
4. 3 Steps to Get ChatGPT to Recommend Your Brand
5. Case Study: How a Brand Became ChatGPT’s Top Recommendation
6. What You Should Do Next
7. FAQ

Introduction

ChatGPT’s active users jumped from 200 million to 300 million between August and December 2024. As AI-driven search grows, businesses must adapt their strategies to ensure ChatGPT recommends their brand, products, or services.

This guide explains how to optimize your brand for Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) so ChatGPT includes you in its responses.

How ChatGPT Differs from Google Search

Google Search:

• Matches keywords to indexed websites
• Ranks pages based on SEO factors

ChatGPT Search:

• Breaks questions into smaller searches
• Summarizes multiple sources into one answer
• Uses forums, blogs, publications, and its own AI knowledge

How ChatGPT Finds Information (Example)

User’s Question:

"I need a durable, colorful iPad case that isn’t too bulky."

Google Search:

• Shows product listings and reviews

ChatGPT Search:

• Breaks the query into smaller searches:
• Pulls data from Reddit, blogs, product pages, and expert reviews
• Summarize everything into a clear recommendation

3 Steps to Get ChatGPT to Recommend Your Brand

1. Rank in ChatGPT’s Underlying Web Search

ChatGPT primarily uses Bing Search and OpenAI’s internal sources. To increase visibility:

? Submit your site to Bing Webmaster Tools

? Optimize for Bing SEO and relevant keywords

? Create detailed, structured content that answers customer questions

2. Create Content ChatGPT Wants to Reference

ChatGPT favors reliable sources. To get cited:

?? Use Data & Statistics

• AI prefers facts over opinions
• Example: A real estate company publishing London property trends is more likely to be referenced

?? Provide Firsthand Experience

• AI lacks real-world experiences, so it values user insights
• Example: A blogger documenting a heat pump installation got their post referenced, promoting the manufacturer

?? Get Cited in Trusted Publications

• ChatGPT prioritizes sites like Wired, Business Insider, and Reddit
• Some publications have paid partnerships with OpenAI, increasing their visibility

3. Be Found Everywhere Online

? Get featured in blogs, media outlets, and industry sites

? Encourage discussions about your brand on Reddit and forums

? Collaborate with influencers & journalists to generate mentions

Case Study: How a Brand Became ChatGPT’s Top Recommendation

Zugu Case (iPad Case Brand)

??? What They Did Right:

? Ranked well in Bing Search

? Cited in major publications like Wired

? Mentioned across multiple online sources

Result:

When users asked, “What’s the best iPad case?” → ChatGPT’s top recommendation was Zugu Case.

What You Should Do Next

To ensure ChatGPT recommends your brand:

1?? Rank in Bing search (Submit to Bing Webmaster Tools)

2?? Create high-value content (Data, stats, firsthand experiences)

3?? Build online presence (Publications, blogs, forums, media mentions)

AI-driven search is growing fast—stay ahead of the competition!

FAQ

1. How does ChatGPT decide which brands to recommend?

ChatGPT considers:

• Bing search rankings
• Content quality (Stats, firsthand insights, expert opinions)
• Online presence (Mentions in blogs, forums, media)

2. Can I pay to be featured in ChatGPT’s answers?

No, you can’t pay OpenAI directly. However, some publications (e.g., Wired, Business Insider) have paid partnerships with OpenAI, increasing their visibility.

3. Does ChatGPT use Google for recommendations?

No, ChatGPT primarily pulls data from Bing, OpenAI’s sources, Reddit, and trusted publications.

4. How can I optimize my website for ChatGPT search?

• Submit your site to Bing Webmaster Tools
• Optimize for Bing SEO
• Use structured data and high-quality content
• Get featured on multiple websites, blogs, and forums

5. What types of content does ChatGPT prefer?

? Data & Research (Statistics-backed insights)

? Firsthand Experiences (Real-world case studies)

? Expert Opinions (Industry leaders, trusted sources)

6. How do I check if my brand appears in ChatGPT’s recommendations?

Try asking ChatGPT:

• “What are the best [your product]?”
• “Which brand is best for [your industry]?”
• “Best-reviewed [your service]?”

If your brand isn’t mentioned, you may need to improve your Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) strategy.

?? AI-driven search is evolving fast—don’t get left behind!