The Inside Scoop: How ChatGPT Finds Stuff Online

ChatGPT isn’t surfing the web in real-time like we do. Instead, it’s like a super-smart student who’s learned a lot from reading and organizing information. Here’s the simple version of where it gets its knowledge:

• It uses Bing, just like a regular search engine: When you search on Bing, it finds websites. ChatGPT can tap into this same system. So, if your website is easy for Bing to find, it’s more likely ChatGPT can “see” it too.
• It has its own “brain” full of information: ChatGPT has been trained on tons of text from all over the internet. Think of it as a massive library it can pull from.
• It pays attention to trusted sources: Just like we trust certain news sites or experts, ChatGPT also gives weight to information from well-known websites and online discussions.

Simple Steps to Help Your Website Get Noticed by ChatGPT

You don’t need a PhD in AI to make your website more visible. Here are some straightforward things you can do, and these are the principles we follow at BlakSheep Creative.

Make Sure Bing Can Find You Easily

Think of Bing as the map that guides ChatGPT to your website.

• Tell Bing about your website: It’s like saying “Hey Bing, we’re here!” You can do this through a simple tool called Bing Webmaster Tools.
• Help Bing understand what your website is about: Use clear headings and descriptions on your pages. Imagine you’re labeling everything in your store so a new customer knows exactly what you sell. This helps Bing (and ChatGPT) understand your content.
• Focus on the basics: Make sure your website loads quickly, is easy to navigate, and has clear, helpful information. This is good for your customers and for search engines—something we always emphasize.

Create Great Content That Answers Questions

Think about what your customers are asking. Your website should be the go-to place for those answers. This is a cornerstone of our content marketing services in Louisiana.

• Answer specific questions: Instead of just talking about your products, create content that directly answers questions your customers might have. For example, if you sell coffee, you could have a blog post titled “What’s the best way to brew coffee at home?”
• Use plain language: Talk like you’re talking to a friend. Avoid complicated industry jargon that might confuse people (and AI). This is how we aim to communicate in all our content.
• Have an FAQ page: This is a goldmine for answering common questions directly. It’s easy for both customers and AI to understand.

Get People Talking About Your Business Online

Think of it like word-of-mouth, but online. This helps build the authority that AI looks for.

• Get featured on other websites: If other reputable websites in your industry mention your business, it’s like a vote of confidence.
• Join online conversations: Participate in relevant online groups or forums where your customers hang out. Share your expertise and get your business name out there.
• Encourage happy customers to leave reviews: Positive reviews on sites like Yelp or Google Business Profile build trust and show that people value what you offer.

Keep an Eye on What People Are Saying

It’s good to know what the online buzz is about your business. We often advise clients to monitor this regularly.

• There are simple tools you can use to see where your business is being mentioned online.
• If you see positive feedback, great! If there’s something negative, you have a chance to address it.

“For small businesses, getting seen online is all about being helpful and making it easy for search engines like Bing to understand what you do. By focusing on clear content and a solid online presence, you’re setting yourself up for success in reaching more customers, even through new technologies like ChatGPT,” explains Clint L. Sanchez, Small Business SEO Expert at BlakSheep Creative.

“We were a little unsure about how new AI tools would affect our online visibility, but focusing on making our website clear and helpful has really made a difference. We’re reaching more people, and it feels like we’re showing up in more places online,” says Kyle Adams, Owner of Performance Patios and Gutters.

Ready to make sure your small business is easily found online—even by the latest AI tools? Learn more about our SEO strategies for small businesses and how we help you appear where your customers are looking.

Need help creating content that speaks directly to your customers and performs well with AI-powered search? See how our content marketing services in Louisiana can get your message in front of the right audience.

Wrapping Up: Getting Your Small Business Seen in the Age of AI

The online world is always changing, and new tools like ChatGPT are becoming part of how people find information. But the core principles for small businesses remain the same: be clear, be helpful, and make it easy for people (and search engines) to understand what you offer. By focusing on these simple steps, you can position your business for success in today’s digital landscape and beyond. And we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Want to make sure your small business doesn’t get lost in the shuffle? Schedule your free website visibility consultation with our team today.

Still Wondering How to Stand Out in an AI-Driven Search World?

We get it—navigating SEO, ChatGPT, and search engine visibility can feel overwhelming. But you’re not alone. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from small business owners looking to boost their online presence in a world where AI is changing the game.

How does ChatGPT decide what websites to reference?

ChatGPT pulls information primarily from Bing search results and its internal training data. It favors clear, trustworthy, and well-structured websites that are easy for Bing to crawl. That means strong SEO, clean content, and high authority signals (like backlinks and reviews) make your site more “visible” to ChatGPT-style tools.

Is optimizing for Bing different from optimizing for Google?

They’re similar in many ways, but Bing places more emphasis on factors like exact-match keywords, social signals, and meta descriptions. Submitting your site to Bing Webmaster Tools is a must if you want to increase visibility through Bing-powered AI platforms like ChatGPT.

Can content really help me get noticed by AI tools?

Absolutely. Well-structured, question-based content written in plain, conversational language helps both your customers and AI understand your offerings. Think FAQs, how-to posts, and direct answers to customer queries. That’s the kind of content ChatGPT loves to reference.

Why is anchor text so important for SEO and AI visibility?

Anchor text tells both users and search engines what a linked page is about. Using clear, keyword-rich anchor text (instead of generic phrases like “click here”) improves your site’s SEO and helps AI models associate the link with a relevant topic or service—boosting your authority in that area.

Do I need technical skills to improve my site’s visibility to ChatGPT?

Nope! Most visibility improvements involve content creation, site structure, and reputation-building. While technical SEO helps, a small business owner can start making a big impact by focusing on helpful content, user experience, and claiming key listings like Google Business Profile and Bing Places.

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) isn’t just another SEO buzzword; it’s the strategic evolution of how we approach online visibility. Essentially, AEO shifts the focus from merely ranking for keywords to providing direct, authoritative answers to user queries. This means understanding and catering to the intent behind searches, ensuring that your content delivers immediate value.

The Seismic Shift in Search Behavior

Search engines have evolved beyond passive information repositories; they’ve transformed into intelligent answer engines. Algorithms now prioritize instant answers, driving the surge of zero-click searches, AI-powered conversational queries, and the rapid expansion of voice search.

While traditional SEO tactics, focusing primarily on keyword stuffing and basic backlinks, are becoming increasingly outdated, the fundamentals of strategic online visibility remain crucial. To thrive in this dynamic landscape, businesses must adapt, embracing Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) alongside a modern, comprehensive SEO approach. If you’re looking to elevate your SEO strategy and stay ahead of the curve, explore our tailored SEO services to ensure your business remains visible and competitive.

Learn more about how search engines are evolving and why traditional SEO is no longer enough. Read about the seismic shift in search behavior and the rise of AEO.

Key Components of a Successful AEO Strategy

To effectively implement Answer Engine Optimization, it’s essential to understand its core elements. Below, we’ve outlined the critical components that form the foundation of a robust AEO strategy, providing a clear roadmap for success:

The Zero-Click Phenomenon: Owning the Answer

Search engines are increasingly providing answers directly within the search results, leading to a surge in zero-click searches. Featured snippets and knowledge panels now dominate the SERP, meaning users often find the information they need without ever clicking through to a website. This shift necessitates a strategic focus on optimizing content for direct answers, positioning your brand as an authoritative source. In fact, “Over 64.82% of Google searches in 2020 ended without a click to a website,” according to SparkToro. (SparkToro – Zero-Click Searches)

The landscape of search is constantly evolving, and understanding the impact of zero-click searches is crucial for any digital marketer. Watch this insightful video to explore how Google’s search behaviors are changing, learn about Rand Fishkin’s eye-opening study, and discover strategies to adapt and thrive in this new era of digital visibility.

AI-Powered Queries: The Rise of Conversational Search

Artificial intelligence and natural language processing (NLP) are revolutionizing search. Users are now asking complex, conversational questions, and search engines can deliver sophisticated answers.

To stay ahead, content must adapt to these natural language patterns, moving beyond rigid keyword matching to embrace fluid, conversational dialogue. According to Grand View Research, the natural language processing (NLP) market size is expected to reach $439.85 billion by 2030, highlighting the market’s substantial growth and the rising role of AI in search. (Grand View Research—Natural Language Processing Market).

Want to know how tools like ChatGPT decide what content to show users? Check out our simple guide to getting your small business noticed by ChatGPT and Bing—no technical jargon, just actionable tips.

Voice Search: The Spoken Word Revolution

Voice search is experiencing exponential growth, driven by the convenience and accessibility of voice assistants. This shift demands content that’s optimized for spoken queries, not just typed keywords. Think about how people naturally speak when asking questions, and incorporate those language patterns into your content.

By 2022, “55% of all households were predicted to own a smart speaker,” as reported by NPR and Edison Research. (NPR and Edison Research – Smart Audio Report)
. Also, “Voice commerce sales are estimated to reach $40 billion by 2022,” according to Juniper Research. (Juniper Research – Voice Commerce.)

Schema Markup: Communicating with Search Engines

Schema markup provides search engines with the context they need to understand your content. By implementing schema for FAQs, how-to guides, and articles, you can enhance your website’s visibility and increase your chances of appearing in rich results, featured snippets, and knowledge panels.

Conversational Optimization: Speaking the User’s Language

Embrace natural language and long-tail keywords to align with how people actually search. Incorporate conversational phrases into your headings, subheadings, and body text, ensuring that your content resonates with the human element of search.

Concise Summaries: Delivering Instant Value

Front-load your content with concise summaries that directly answer the main query. These “voice search snippets” provide immediate value, increasing your chances of appearing in featured snippets and voice search results.

Content Refresh: Staying Ahead of the Curve

Information changes rapidly. Regularly audit and update your content to ensure accuracy and relevance. This demonstrates your commitment to providing up-to-date information and improves your website’s overall authority.

Measuring AEO Success: Data-Driven Insights

Leverage Google Search Console to track impressions, click-through rates, and keyword rankings. Use Ahrefs/SEMrush to monitor featured snippet appearances and “People Also Ask” results. Manually test your content with voice assistants to ensure optimal performance.

Want to know how zero-click searches affect your SEO data and how to track them? Explore the importance of zero-click searches and their impact on your metrics.

BlakSheep Creative’s AEO Expertise: Your Strategic Partner

At BlakSheep Creative, we understand the intricacies of AEO. We develop custom strategies that align with your unique business goals, leveraging our technical expertise to implement schema markup and create engaging question-driven content. Our data-driven approach ensures continuous optimization and long-term success. We work with our clients to create a unique process for them and their businesses.

Conclusion: Embracing AEO for Future Success

AEO is not just a trend; it’s the future of SEO. By embracing AEO, you can break free from the status quo and dominate the 2025 search landscape. Contact BlakSheep Creative today for a free consultation, and let us help you unlock the power of AEO for your brand.

Fill out the form below to get started, or visit our services page to learn more.

Demystifying AEO: Your Burning Questions Answered

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) may seem complex, but understanding its core principles can significantly enhance your online visibility. We’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions to provide clarity and empower you to leverage AEO effectively.

What exactly is Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and how does it differ from traditional SEO?

AEO focuses on providing direct, authoritative answers to user queries, prioritizing user intent and conversational search. Traditional SEO, on the other hand, primarily emphasizes keyword rankings and backlinks. AEO is a strategic evolution, aligning with the rise of zero-click searches, AI-powered queries, and voice searches.

Why is schema markup so crucial for AEO?

Schema markup provides search engines the context they need to understand your content. By implementing schema for FAQs, how-to guides, and articles, you enhance your website’s visibility and increase your chances of appearing in rich results, featured snippets, and knowledge panels.

How do I optimize my content for voice search?

Optimize for voice search by incorporating natural language and long-tail keywords into your content. Think about how people naturally speak when asking questions and use those language patterns. Front-load your content with concise summaries that directly answer the main query.

What are zero-click searches , and how do they impact my website’s traffic?

Zero-click searches occur when users find the information they need directly within the search results without clicking through to a website. They impact traffic by potentially reducing website visits. To mitigate this, focus on optimizing content for featured snippets and knowledge panels, positioning your brand as an authoritative source.

How often should I update my content for AEO?

Regularly audit and update your content to ensure accuracy and relevance. Information changes rapidly, and maintaining up-to-date content demonstrates your commitment to providing valuable information and improves your website’s overall authority. Establish a schedule for content reviews and updates.

Tired of Guessing? Get a Tailored AEO Plan.

Stop wondering if your SEO is working. Get a custom AEO plan designed to address your specific needs and challenges. Let BlakSheep Creative provide the clarity and strategy you need to succeed. Reach out for your free assessment!