Is ChatGPT Recommending Your Competitors? A 10-Minute Test, Plus a Checklist to Fix It
You have a website. But when a customer asks Google or ChatGPT for a business like yours, whose name comes up? Run this quick test, then use the checklist to fix it.
"We already have a website." We hear it all the time. But when a customer asks Google or ChatGPT for what you sell, does your name come up, or a competitor's?
Having a website and being found are two different things. Here's a quick test to see where you stand, and a short checklist to fix it. New to the idea? Start with What Is AEO?
This post in one minute
- Having a website is not the same as being found
- A 10-minute test shows where you stand
- A short checklist shows what to fix
Online, found, recommended
- Online: people who already know your name can find your website.
- Found: a stranger searches "caterer in Port Harcourt" and you show up on Google.
- Recommended: someone asks ChatGPT for a good caterer, and it names you.
Most small business websites stop at the first level. The customers you want are searching at the other two. No website yet? Read why every Nigerian business needs one.
The 10-minute test
Grab your phone and write down what you see.
1. Ask ChatGPT: "Who are the best [what you do] in [your city]?" Who does it name?
2. Search the same words on Google. Are you in the AI summary, the map or the top results?
3. Ask ChatGPT: "What does [your business name] do?" Is the answer right?
4. Google your business name. Does your business panel appear, with hours, phone and reviews?
5. Open your website on mobile data. Is it fast, and clear within five seconds?
What your results mean
- Competitors named, not you: you're online but not found. Common, and fixable.
- On Google but not in AI answers: your details are unclear, or you need more reviews.
- AI got your details wrong: fix this first. Wrong answers lose real customers.
- No business panel: set up your Google Business Profile. It's the quickest win.
- Slow or confusing on a phone: people leave even after they find you. See what a slow website costs you.
The checklist to fix it
- Say what you do and where, in the first lines of your homepage.
- Use the same name, phone and address everywhere online.
- Complete your Google Business Profile and link it to your website.
- Ask happy customers for Google reviews. Never buy or fake them.
- Answer common customer questions on your site, short and direct.
- Give each main service its own page.
- Add structured data, hidden code that tells search engines who you are. Not sure your developer can? Ask these 5 questions.
- Get listed on directories and mentioned on partner websites.
How long does it take?
A Google Business Profile can show up within days. Website changes take a few weeks for Google and AI to notice. Run the test again in a month and compare. We're doing the same on loukama.com, and we'll share our results.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my business not showing up on Google?
Usually your website doesn't clearly say what you do and where, your Google Business Profile is missing, or your details differ across the internet. New websites can also take a few weeks to appear.
How do I check if ChatGPT recommends my business?
Ask ChatGPT the question a new customer would ask, like "Who are the best caterers in Port Harcourt?" Then ask what your business does. If you're not named, or the answer is wrong, your online information needs work.
Is having a website enough to be found online?
No. A website helps people who already know your name. To reach new customers you also need clear content, a Google Business Profile, consistent details and reviews.
Can someone guarantee my business will appear in ChatGPT?
No. Nobody controls what AI tools say. You can make your business clear, consistent and trusted online, which makes a recommendation much more likely.
The bottom line
Having a website is the start, not the finish. Run the test, fix the first three items this week, and check again next month. Want it done for you? Every site in our website development for small businesses comes ready for Google and AI search.
Ran the test and didn't like what you saw? Send us your website address and we'll tell you honestly what's stopping Google and AI from recommending you, with no obligation.
