OpenAI has introduced a new feature that allows businesses to create and manage their profiles directly on ChatGPT, bringing the AI chatbot closer to Google’s business discovery model. The feature, called Businesses in ChatGPT, is currently being rolled out in beta through a dedicated platform called Business Hub.
The move gives companies greater control over how their information appears when users search for businesses, products and services through ChatGPT.
Businesses Can Claim and Manage Their ChatGPT Profiles
Through Business Hub, eligible companies can claim their existing business profiles and update important details after completing a verification process. These details include business descriptions, website links, operating hours and location information.
Businesses selling products online can also add product feeds containing pricing and availability information. Shopify merchants can connect their stores through Business Hub or the Shopify administration panel.
The feature is designed to help ChatGPT provide more accurate and up-to-date information when users explore businesses or compare products and services.
Businesses can access Business Hub by signing in to ChatGPT and searching for their organisation. However, not every business will necessarily have an existing listing available to claim.
ChatGPT Introduces Business Analytics
Another important addition is the ability to track how users discover and interact with businesses through ChatGPT.
The Business Hub dashboard will provide aggregated insights, including the number of business mentions and website clicks generated through the platform. Companies will also be able to explore discovery topics, which highlight common themes in conversations where their websites are cited.
These insights could help businesses understand which products, services or topics are attracting attention through AI-powered searches.
OpenAI has clarified that businesses will not receive access to individual users’ conversations. The analytics will be aggregated and displayed only when interaction volumes meet certain privacy thresholds.
Business Agents Will Let Customers Chat Directly With Companies
OpenAI has also introduced Business Agents, allowing eligible companies to create specialised AI assistants that can answer customer questions about their products and services.
When a business appears in a ChatGPT response, users can open its profile and start a separate conversation with its Business Agent, if one is available.
For example, customers comparing two products could ask the agent about their features, differences and suitability. The agent can use information provided by the business to respond to these questions.
However, Business Agents have a more limited rollout than business profiles. They are initially available to eligible e-commerce and online service businesses in the United States.
ChatGPT Moves Closer to Google’s Business Discovery Model
The introduction of business profiles represents another step in OpenAI’s effort to make ChatGPT a destination for discovering products and services.
Google Business Profiles have long allowed companies to manage their online information and help customers find details such as addresses, operating hours, photographs and reviews.
ChatGPT is now introducing a similar business information layer, with an additional focus on AI-driven discovery and conversational interactions.
OpenAI says 1.2 billion people use ChatGPT every week. As more consumers turn to AI platforms to research products and compare services, the new tools could create another channel for businesses to reach potential customers.
The company plans to expand Businesses in ChatGPT and Business Agents to additional markets and business categories over time. However, it has not announced a specific timeline for bringing Business Agents to India.
Summary
OpenAI has launched Businesses in ChatGPT, allowing eligible companies to claim profiles, update business information and monitor customer engagement through Business Hub. The platform also introduces Business Agents for customer conversations, initially targeting eligible US e-commerce and online service businesses. The move strengthens ChatGPT’s position as a business discovery platform.
