OpenAI launched a beta feature on November 10, 2026, called Businesses in ChatGPT. It lets you claim your business, keep your details current, and see how often people come across you there. Think of it as a cousin to your Google Business Profile, for people who ask ChatGPT when they need a plumber, a bakery, or an accountant.
I'm Tina DiVita, and I build brands and websites for small businesses in Rochester and the towns around it. When something like this opens, I like to walk through the official steps in plain words.
The feature is in beta, so the screens may change. Claiming is free. You don't need a paid ChatGPT plan or ads, and it does not guarantee that ChatGPT will recommend you more often.
Start in Business Hub
Sign in to ChatGPT, then open Business Hub from the sidebar. Search for your business by name. Select the listing that matches, and confirm the ChatGPT account you'll use to manage it. You should be the owner, or someone authorized to represent the business.
If you can't find your business, OpenAI says an eligible online business may see an option to add it. Local stores and restaurants can currently claim only an existing U.S. listing. If you see a prompt to contact support, the listing is locked, and you'll need to ask OpenAI for help.
Prove the business is yours
Business Hub will show the verification methods available for your business. Those can include your business phone, your business email, your website domain, or a Shopify store. Choose one of the options shown and follow the prompts. You don't have to complete every method.
If you verify with your website, ChatGPT will give you a TXT record to add to your domain's DNS settings. A DNS TXT record is a short line of text you add where your domain is managed. It doesn't change how your website looks. It just proves you control that domain. You'll usually add it where you bought the domain, or on a platform like Cloudflare if that's where your DNS is handled. Copy the type, the name or host, and the value exactly as ChatGPT shows them. Two easy slips: many domain providers, GoDaddy included, add your domain to the Name for you, so type only the first part, like openai-business-profile. And the Value includes everything ChatGPT shows, including the part before the equals sign. If someone else manages your domain, ask them to add the record. OpenAI says DNS changes may take time to appear. Then go back to ChatGPT and select Verify domain.
If I built your website and you need a hand with that DNS step, ask me. I'm not offering a paid ChatGPT setup service, but I can help my clients add the record.
You can also verify with a code sent to your business phone, by text or an automated call, or to your business email. If you use Shopify, you can connect the store for the business you're claiming. After you submit a claim, wait for OpenAI to review it. They'll email you a decision or a request for more information.
Then comes an identity check
This is the step that gives some owners pause, and that's fair.
After your claim is approved, OpenAI asks you to complete identity verification with a company called Persona before you can publish changes, view insights, or create a business agent. They may ask for a government-issued ID, business registration information, and proof that you're authorized to represent the business.
I can't tell you exactly what Persona keeps, or for how long. If you go ahead, read OpenAI's privacy policy and Persona's terms first, and only submit what you're comfortable with. You can finish this later if you want. The editing, insights, and agent tools stay locked until it's approved. Claiming alone does not add a verified badge. The blue check appears after Persona verification is approved.
Add your details, and keep them consistent
Once both checks are approved, you can update your website, description, category, logo, hours, and other details. If you sell products, Shopify stores can connect a feed so prices and availability come through automatically. Everyone else can upload a spreadsheet that follows OpenAI's rules.
This is the same advice I give for Google and every other directory. Use the same business name, address or service area, phone number, and hours that you use on your website and your Google Business Profile. People in marketing call this your NAP, short for name, address, and phone number. When those details match everywhere, customers and search tools aren't left guessing.
I wrote a full guide on how small businesses get listed on Google Business Profile and a wider piece on Rochester NY small business visibility. Your ChatGPT profile should agree with both.
OpenAI reviews the changes you submit, and updates can take time to appear. After verification, Business Hub can also show mentions and website clicks from the past 28 days. OpenAI does not share individual conversations with you. A blank number doesn't necessarily mean nobody saw you. It can mean activity hasn't reached their reporting threshold yet.
Agent builder is still rolling out
Business Hub also has an Agent builder, a chat that answers customer questions about your business. OpenAI is rolling it out gradually by type of business, so many owners will see "not available yet." That's normal, and you don't need it to claim your listing.
What not to expect
You don't need to advertise, buy a ChatGPT Business plan, or publish an agent in order to claim your listing. Those are separate. ChatGPT Business is OpenAI's paid plan for teams, and it is not the same thing as Businesses in ChatGPT. If you see an offer for ads or a paid plan, you can skip it.
Claiming also doesn't replace your Google Business Profile. People in Monroe County still search on Google and look at the map. If you'd rather have help with the Google listing, I offer Google Business Profile setup as a one-time service. You stay the owner.
A calm next step
If you'd like an honest look at how your business shows up right now, start with the free Brand + Business Snapshot. It takes about ten minutes, and the report is yours to keep. No cost, and no sales call. You can also see how I work with local businesses on my Rochester brand and website design page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a paid ChatGPT plan to claim my business?
No. OpenAI says you don't need an ads account or a ChatGPT Enterprise agreement to claim an eligible business. Claiming, publishing an agent, and advertising are separate.
Can a Rochester shop with a storefront claim a listing?
Maybe. Local stores and restaurants can currently claim only an existing U.S. listing. Open Business Hub, search for your business by name, and if it isn't there, you may need to wait.
Will claiming my business make ChatGPT recommend me more often?
No. OpenAI says claiming lets you manage the information you provide. It does not guarantee more visibility.
What is a DNS TXT record, and do I have to add one?
It's a short line of text you add where your domain is managed, to prove you control your website. It doesn't change how the site looks. It's one of several verification methods, along with your business phone, business email, or Shopify. Use one of the methods shown for your business.