Questions / Question 2 of 6

Why does ChatGPT recommend my competitors and not me?

The short answerUsually because their websites say more clearly what they do and where, or because other websites mention them more. It's rarely about who is better at the work.

1See it

One website, three readers

Picture: the same made-up homepage three ways. A person sees everything. Google misses the words printed on the photo. ChatGPT sees only the name and the menu.

2Why it happens

Three reasons

  1. Their site answers the question in plain words. AI tools quote pages that name a service and a town in one clear sentence. Slogans give them nothing to repeat.
  2. Other websites vouch for them. Directory listings, reviews and local articles that name a business tell AI tools it's real and relevant. Missing or conflicting listings make you look less certain.
  3. Their site is easier to read. If your pages build themselves in the browser, or your key words sit inside photos, AI tools may not see them at all.

3What to do

Check it in two minutes

Ask ChatGPT "Who are the best [what you do] in [your town]?" a few different ways, and see who comes up.

Then see whether AI tools can read your homepage:

TechPerspectives | QuestionsAnswer 2