Step 1: Run Branded Queries

Start by asking ChatGPT directly about your business. This tells you whether the model has any knowledge of your brand at all.

Copy-paste these queries (replace the brackets with your info):

• “Tell me about [Your Business Name].”
• “What does [Your Business Name] do?”
• “Is [Your Business Name] reputable?”

Examples by vertical:

• Recovery center: “Tell me about Sunrise Recovery Center.”
• Higher ed: “Tell me about Westbrook University’s MBA program.”
• Retail: “What is The Home Goods Collective?”
• E-commerce: “Tell me about Luma Skin Co.”

What good looks like:

• ChatGPT describes your business accurately – correct location, services, and tone.

What bad looks like:

• ChatGPT says it does not have information about your business, confuses you with a competitor, or invents details that are not true.

Record what you see.

Step 2: Run Category Queries

Now step out of your brand and into how a customer would search before they even know who you are. These queries simulate the moment a buyer is asking for recommendations in your category.

Copy-paste these queries:

• “What are the best [your service type] in [your city]?”
• “Who are the top [your service type] companies near [your city]?”
• “Which [your service type] would you recommend in [your region]?”

Examples:

• “What are the best addiction treatment centers in Nashville?”
• “Who are the top online MBA programs in the Southeast?”
• “Which kitchen and bath retailers are worth visiting in Austin?”
• “What are the best sustainable skincare brands for sensitive skin?”

What good looks like:

• Your business name appears in the list, ideally with a brief description that reflects your strengths.

What bad looks like:

• Your competitors are listed and you are not. Or ChatGPT generates a generic list with no specific names at all, which means your category is not well-represented in its training data yet.

Step 3: Run Comparison Queries

Buyers at the decision stage often ask AI to compare their shortlisted options. This step shows you whether ChatGPT includes you in that conversation.

Copy-paste these queries:

• “Compare [Your Business Name] vs. [Competitor Name].”
• “What’s the difference between [Your Business Name] and [Competitor Name]?”
• “Should I choose [Your Business Name] or [Competitor Name]?”

Examples:

• “Compare Sierra Behavioral Health vs. The Recovery Village.”
• “What’s the difference between Northeastern University online and Southern New Hampshire University?”
• “Should I buy from Wayfair or Article for a new sofa?”

What good looks like:

• ChatGPT includes you in the comparison with accurate, favorable details about your differentiators.

What bad looks like:

• ChatGPT only discusses your competitor and does not mention you, or it includes you but gets key facts wrong.

Step 4: Run Problem Queries

This is the most important query type for most businesses. Buyers often describe their problem before they know what product or service they need. These queries reveal whether ChatGPT connects your solution to the problems you solve.

Copy-paste these queries:

• “How do I find help for [problem your business solves]?”
• “What’s the best way to [goal your customers have]?”
• “I’m struggling with [pain point]. What should I do?”

Examples:

• “How do I find an addiction treatment program for my son?”
• “What’s the best way to get an accredited degree while working full-time?”
• “I’m struggling to find eco-friendly furniture for a small apartment. What should I do?”
• “How do I fix my acne without harsh chemicals?”

What good looks like:

• ChatGPT’s answer includes the type of business you are and, ideally, mentions your brand or cites sources where you appear.

What bad looks like:

• ChatGPT gives a generic answer that mentions no brands, or points to large national competitors while local or niche providers (like you) are left out entirely.