How to Get Your Brand Cited by ChatGPT
Step-by-step guide to getting your content and brand mentioned when users ask ChatGPT for recommendations in your category.
When users ask ChatGPT for product recommendations or solutions, getting cited means capturing high-intent traffic. This guide shows you exactly how to position your brand for ChatGPT citations.
Step-by-Step Guide
Allow GPTBot in your robots.txt
ChatGPT uses GPTBot to crawl websites. If it's blocked, ChatGPT can't learn about your content. Add 'User-agent: GPTBot' with 'Allow: /' to your robots.txt file.
Tips:
- Check your current robots.txt at yoursite.com/robots.txt
- Also allow ChatGPT-User for browsing features
- Monitor server logs to confirm GPTBot is crawling
Create clear, quotable content
ChatGPT cites content that directly answers questions with clear, factual statements. Write content with specific statistics, definitions, and declarative sentences.
Tips:
- Start articles with a direct answer to the main question
- Include specific numbers and data points
- Write clear definitions for key terms
Build topical authority
ChatGPT favors sources that demonstrate comprehensive expertise. Create multiple pieces of content covering your topic from different angles.
Tips:
- Build content clusters around core topics
- Interlink related content to show depth
- Cover subtopics competitors ignore
Implement structured data
JSON-LD schema helps ChatGPT understand your content's context and meaning. Implement Organization, Article, FAQ, and Product schemas where relevant.
Tips:
- Use JSON-LD format (preferred by AI systems)
- Ensure schema matches visible page content
- Validate with Google's Rich Results Test
Optimize for question-based queries
Create content that answers specific questions users might ask ChatGPT. Use FAQ formats and question-based headings.
Tips:
- Research questions people ask about your topic
- Create dedicated FAQ pages
- Use question formats in H2 headings
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Blocking GPTBot in robots.txt
Writing vague content without specific claims
Assuming brand awareness translates to AI awareness
Ignoring structured data implementation
Not updating content to stay fresh
Expected Results
Brand mentioned when users ask ChatGPT about your category
Increased referral traffic from AI-assisted searches
Higher conversion rates from AI-referred visitors
Competitive advantage over non-optimized competitors