How to rank on ChatGPT and AI search
"Ranking" on ChatGPT isn't about keywords — it's about being one of the brands the model names when a buyer asks for a recommendation. Here's what actually moves the needle.
1. Answer the real buyer questions
AI engines pull from content that directly answers decision queries — "best X for Y", "X vs Z", "alternatives to W". Map the questions your buyers ask an AI, then publish focused pages that answer each one clearly.
2. Be citation-worthy
AI cites sources with structured, factual, specific content — concrete numbers, clear comparisons, schema markup, and an llms.txt that tells crawlers what you offer. Vague marketing copy doesn't get cited.
3. Earn mentions where AI already looks
AI samples reviews, forums (Reddit, Quora), editorial round-ups and marketplaces. Getting named on the sources AI already trusts for your category is often faster than ranking your own site.
4. Measure and iterate
Track which engines name you, for which prompts, and how it changes over time. Without measurement you're guessing — a visibility scan turns it into a number you can move.
Frequently asked
How long until AI picks up changes?
Typically 2–4 weeks, since engines re-crawl on their own schedule. Make changes, then re-check weekly to see the trend.
Do I need a custom domain?
It helps a lot — AI cites your canonical URL, and a real domain is far more likely to be cited than a generic subdomain.