OpenAI Adds Business Profiles to ChatGPT: How to Claim Yours
OpenAI launched Business Hub inside ChatGPT on November 10, letting companies claim profiles and publish AI agents that answer customer questions.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / Coolcaesar
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 11 — OpenAI on Tuesday launched business profiles inside ChatGPT, giving companies a way to claim and manage how they appear to the chatbot's users and to answer customer questions through AI agents of their own. The feature, called Businesses, is in beta.
The launch arrives as ChatGPT reaches 1.2 billion people a week, according to OpenAI. Companies that claim a profile can verify their identity, update key details, and add product feeds with prices and availability. Business Hub is the control panel, while Business Agents let a business publish an AI agent for customers.
Key Takeaways
- OpenAI launched Businesses in beta on November 10, with Business Hub profiles and Business Agents.
- Companies can claim a profile, verify it, and add product feeds with prices and availability.
- Business Agents are available at launch only to eligible United States e-commerce and online service businesses.
- OpenAI says it does not share user conversations with businesses; sponsored placements will be labeled.
How to Claim Your Business Profile in ChatGPT
Owners and authorized representatives can apply to claim a profile through Business Hub, and they do not need a ChatGPT Enterprise agreement or an advertising account. OpenAI says businesses must verify their profiles, using different methods for different types of business.
Benji Shomair, OpenAI's vice president of monetization, told journalists on Monday that the company uses multiple verification methods. Enterprise customers can claim through their representative, while Shopify merchants can connect through Business Hub or the Shopify admin. Local stores and restaurants can claim only an existing United States listing.
What Are ChatGPT Business Agents and How Do They Work?
A Business Agent is an AI agent published from a claimed profile that answers customer questions about that business and its products. At launch it is available to eligible United States e-commerce and online service companies. OpenAI says businesses can claim a profile and publish an agent for free at launch.
Businesses can also sponsor their Business Agent as the destination for ChatGPT Ads, with sponsored placements labeled, OpenAI said. Sponsored Agents are in a limited test with selected advertisers. OpenAI says claiming a profile carries no guarantee of better placement or more sales.
How ChatGPT Business Profiles Compare With Google Business Profiles
The new feature closely resembles the business profiles Google already offers, which let companies manage the information shown across Search and Maps. The difference is the setting: a Google profile sits on a search page, while a ChatGPT profile sits inside a conversation. "As people turn to AI to discover products, compare options and make decisions, ChatGPT has become the platform for people and businesses to connect through AI," OpenAI said.
This is OpenAI's second attempt at a commerce business around ChatGPT. It previously tried to let users buy products directly, using a commission fee system with a checkout cart. That effort failed, and in March the company retired it. Rival labs are moving too: Anthropic's IPO is set to price on November 18, and Meta launched its cheapest AI model for agents this week.
| Feature | ChatGPT Business Hub | Google Business Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Where it appears | Inside ChatGPT | Search and Maps |
| Insights shown | Views, mentions, clicks | Views, searches, actions |
| Cost at launch | Free to claim | Free to claim |
| AI agent | Business Agents answer questions | None |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I claim my business profile on ChatGPT?
Apply through Business Hub as the owner or an authorized representative. OpenAI will ask you to verify the business. Enterprise customers can claim through their representative.
Is claiming a ChatGPT business profile free?
Yes, at launch. OpenAI says businesses can claim a profile and publish a Business Agent for free. Paid options exist only for businesses that sponsor their agent for ChatGPT Ads.
Can a ChatGPT Business Agent sell products directly?
No. A Business Agent answers customer questions about a business and its products, but the sale happens on the business's own site. Products from eligible Shopify stores can already appear in ChatGPT through the Shopify catalog.
Does OpenAI share my ChatGPT conversations with businesses?
No. OpenAI says it does not share users' conversations or Business Agent chats with businesses. Companies see only aggregated insights, such as profile views, mentions, and website clicks.
OpenAI has not yet said when Business Agents will expand beyond United States e-commerce and online service companies, or when the beta will open to more categories. The next step to watch is whether it reaches local stores and restaurants.
