ChatGPT has just launched a major update to its app. If you type “best restaurant in (city)”, you will no longer see just a long text.
ChatGPT now displays:
- A list of businesses
- An interactive map
- Business profiles with photos and practical information
In short, an experience very close to Google Maps… but with a selection of businesses made by AI.
Optimization for AI
Optimizing your visibility for these new search engines is becoming necessary. We call this GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) or AI SEO.
Imagine a future customer asking the AI: “I’m looking for a reliable electrician in my neighborhood for an emergency”“Where can I find the best pistachio pastries near me?”
The question is: will ChatGPT (or other AIs like Gemini) cite your business?
Good news: the best practices for local SEO remain the same.
đź“Š The 3 Criteria That Reassure Robots
To recommend you to a user, the AI needs trust. It cross-references web data to verify three essential points:
- Consistency of Information: Are your name, address, and phone number identical everywhere (Google, Yellow Pages, Facebook)? A phone number error on a directory can sow doubt in the robot's "mind".
- Reputation and Citations: The AI looks at your rating and reads customer reviews. It also looks at who talks about you on the web. Citations (links or mentions of your business on other websites) are crucial. If local blogs, newspapers, or associations mention your site, it’s a badge of quality.
- Content Precision: The more detailed information available about you, the better the AI understands what you actually do.
đź’ˇ How to Influence ChatGPT's Responses?
Here are concrete actions to put the odds in your favor:
- Polish your Google Business Profile: It remains the #1 source of information, even for ChatGPT. To improve your Google Maps ranking and be visible on AI, ensure everything is filled out (hours, description, photos) and updated regularly.
- Detail your services: Don’t just say “Hairdressing”. Specify “Vegetal colorimetry specialist” or “Visagist barber”. The more details you provide on your site, the more material the AI has to answer a customer's specific question.
- Speak the AI's language: Robots look for clear answers to specific questions. Publish articles on your site structured like guides: "The 5 steps to...", "The complete guide to...", or "Our tips for visiting (City)".
- Develop your local notoriety: When other local sites talk about you, it’s a very strong trust signal. An article in the local press or a mention on the town hall website helps the AI validate your legitimacy.
đź‘€ Check Your Visibility Easily
The arrival of AI search offers an additional opportunity to reach customers who are looking for exactly what you offer.
Where does your visibility stand today?
Let Begonia.pro analyze your online presence. We have designed a simple tool, without technical jargon, for entrepreneurs.
- We check the health of your Google Business Profile.
- We see if your competitors are more visible than you.
- We identify who is talking about them (citations) to help you do the same.
In a few seconds, discover how to improve your ranking on Google… and now on AIs.
