How ChatGPT search works
OpenAI uses OAI-SearchBot to index pages for ChatGPT search; GPTBot is a separate crawler used for training, and blocking GPTBot does not remove you from search. Search results also draw on third-party search indexes. ChatGPT then cites the pages it used next to the answer.
Checklist
- Allow OAI-SearchBot (and, if your firewall filters bots, OpenAI's published IP ranges).
- Make sure content is in the HTML (pre-rendered), not only rendered with JavaScript.
- Submit your site to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools; use IndexNow.
- Write direct answers: who you are, what you do, where, for whom.
- Add FAQ sections with real questions customers ask.
- Add structured data: Organization/LocalBusiness, Service, FAQPage, Article.
- Publish an llms.txt summary at your domain root.
- Get listed in reputable directories and roundup articles in your niche.
- Collect genuine reviews.
- Test monthly: ask ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity and Copilot the questions your customers ask, and record who appears.
Measuring it
Bing Webmaster Tools now has an AI Performance report showing citations in Copilot and Bing AI answers, and Google is rolling out reporting on AI features in Search Console. For ChatGPT itself, track referral traffic from chatgpt.com in your analytics and run a monthly prompt test.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay to appear in ChatGPT answers?
There is no way to pay for organic citations in ChatGPT answers. Visibility comes from being crawlable, well indexed, clear and confirmed by other sources.
Does blocking GPTBot remove me from ChatGPT?
No. GPTBot is used for model training. ChatGPT search relies on OAI-SearchBot, so keep that one allowed.
How long does it take?
Usually a few weeks after pages are indexed for first appearances, and a few months for stable visibility, depending on competition.
Want to know if ChatGPT recommends you?
We'll run a free check of what ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity say about your niche.
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