How Ranking For ChatGPT Works
The Complete LLMO Guide for 2025
ChatGPT doesn't rank websites—it mentions brands. When users ask for recommendations, ChatGPT synthesizes information and directly names brands it considers authoritative. You can't guarantee rankings, but you can increase your "mention probability" through strategic optimization.
Training Data Mode
Relies solely on data it was trained on. No live web access. Answers based on publicly available content from its knowledge cutoff.
Live Web Search via Bing
Can search the web in real-time using Bing. If your site doesn't appear in Bing, ChatGPT's live search won't find it.
The 5 Key Factors ChatGPT Uses to Select Brands
Reverse Engineer Prompts Your ICP Is Using
Ask: "What would my ideal customer ask ChatGPT?" Prioritise prompts with purchase intent.
Focus on: "best," "compare," "should I use," "alternatives to," "vs"
Build Structured, Citation-Worthy Content
Create content that LLMs can easily extract and cite. ChatGPT favours fact-checked, trustworthy pages.
LLM-cited pages have 8+ list sections, clear H2/H3 hierarchy, and FAQ schema throughout.
Get Mentioned on Training Data Sources
The most effective way to appear in ChatGPT is to be mentioned on sites it was trained on.
Engage authentically—not promotionally. Community presence drives AI visibility.
Optimize for Bing (Critical for Live Search)
ChatGPT uses Bing for real-time searches. Bing's algorithm differs from Google's.
Ranking well in Google doesn't guarantee Bing visibility—check both.
Build Entity Recognition
Strengthen how AI systems recognize and connect your brand to relevant topics.
Entity optimization is more important than page optimization for LLMs.
The CITE Framework™ for ChatGPT Ranking
Apply our methodology to maximize your ChatGPT mention probability:
16-Point LLMO Implementation Checklist
5 KPIs to Measure ChatGPT Visibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ChatGPT actually have "rankings" like Google?
No—ChatGPT doesn't rank pages or maintain a search index. It generates responses by determining the most likely word sequences based on its training data and real-time web searches. Content that appears frequently in authoritative training sources has higher "mention probability." Think of it as citation likelihood rather than traditional rankings. You cannot guarantee placement, but you can optimize for visibility.
Why is Bing so important for ChatGPT optimization?
When ChatGPT's browsing mode is enabled (default in GPT-4o), it searches the web using Bing—not Google. If your content doesn't appear in Bing's index, ChatGPT's live search won't find it. Bing's ranking algorithm differs from Google's: exact-match anchor text carries more weight, and indexing behaviours differ. Submit your sitemap to Bing Webmaster Tools and verify your pages are fully indexed.
How do I know if ChatGPT is mentioning my brand?
Test manually in incognito mode: ask ChatGPT questions your customers would ask. Use tools like Semrush AI Toolkit, Peec AI, or Profound for automated tracking. Monitor indirect signals: increases in branded search volume often indicate AI-driven awareness. Survey customers about how they discovered you—many will report "I saw you recommended somewhere" without realizing it was AI.
Why do LLM visitors convert 4.4x better than organic?
When ChatGPT recommends a brand, it comes with implicit endorsement—users trust the recommendation. They arrive with higher intent because they asked a specific question and received your brand as the answer. They've also likely learned about your value proposition from the AI's response before clicking. This pre-qualified traffic explains the dramatically higher conversion rates.
Can I pay to appear in ChatGPT responses?
Currently, no—there's no paid placement in ChatGPT responses like Google Ads. The only way to appear is organically through authoritative content, brand mentions, and entity recognition. This makes authentic authority-building even more important. However, OpenAI has hinted at potential advertising models, so the landscape may evolve.
What role does Reddit play in ChatGPT visibility?
Reddit is heavily weighted in LLM training data. Authentic, helpful participation in relevant subreddits can significantly boost your brand's mention probability. The key is genuine engagement—not promotional posts. Answer questions, share expertise, and let your brand be mentioned naturally when relevant. Reddit mentions also influence Perplexity (46.7% of citations) and other AI systems.
How does ChatGPT's "Deep Research" mode affect visibility?
Deep Research mode performs extended web searches across multiple sources, synthesizing information from dozens of pages. This increases the importance of comprehensive, authoritative content. Pages that rank well for related queries across multiple topics are more likely to be included in Deep Research responses. Focus on building topical authority across your entire content ecosystem, not just individual pages.