ChatGPT Might Be Ignoring Your Business. Here’s Why.

If your listings aren’t consistent across the web, AI tools may be skipping over you entirely.

Author

Ben Wright
June 12, 2025

Welcome to The Growth Report

It’s Ben Wright here, founder of Risely.

Last time, we shared how AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s new AI Overviews are changing how customers discover local businesses.

These tools don’t just search, they pull from the top-ranking, most trusted business information online.

In this follow-up, we’re spotlighting a powerful but often overlooked factor that directly impacts your chances of being recommended by AI: Citations.

What are Citations?

Citations are online mentions of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP), typically found on business directories, map apps, social platforms, and review sites.

They're a fundamental part of local SEO and now play a growing role in how AI engines validate and select which businesses to surface in search responses.

Even if you have a great website and active Google Business Profile, inconsistent or missing citations across the web can signal red flags to AI tools, and may keep you from being included in top results.

Why Citations Matter for AI Visibility:

When a user types into ChatGPT: “Who’s the best roofing company in Denver?”
Or into Google’s AI Overviews: “Best pest control near me with great reviews”

The AI doesn’t just crawl your website. It cross-references trusted sources to validate your presence and reputation. These include:

If your business is consistently listed across these sources, with matching contact details, it boosts your credibility and increases your chances of being pulled into the AI’s response.

If not? You might be filtered out entirely.

How to Build a Strong Citation Profile:

Building a strong citation profile isn't just about being listed — it's about being listed correctly and consistently across the right platforms. Here’s how to do it right.

Ensure NAP Consistency Across the Web
Even minor differences (like "123 Main Street" vs. "123 Main St.") can confuse search engines and AI models. Your name, address, and phone number should match exactly on every listing, social media account, and directory.

Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are identical across Google Maps, Apple Maps, and every other platform. Even small differences can hurt your rankings.

Be Listed on High-Authority Sites
Start with the major players like Google, Yelp, BBB, Angi, Facebook, and Apple Maps. These are the sites AI tools crawl most often when forming recommendations.

Use Industry-Specific Directories
Depending on your niche, get listed on directories tailored to your field. For example:

  • Home Services: Houzz, Porch, HomeAdvisor

  • Auto Repair: RepairPal, AutoMD

  • Contractors: BuildZoom, Thumbtack

Claim and Update Existing Listings
Many directories already have a listing for your business — even if you didn’t create it. Take time to claim those listings and correct any outdated info.

Avoid Low-Quality or Fake Listings
More isn’t always better. Submitting to irrelevant or spammy directories can do more harm than good. Focus on quality and relevance over quantity.

Use Tools to Manage Citations at Scale
Platforms like BrightLocal, Whitespark, or Yext (or an agency like Risely) can help identify missing citations, monitor inconsistencies, and push out correct info across dozens of platforms.

Real Talk: What AI Sees

Imagine two businesses offering the same service in the same city:

  • Business A has a clean website and a Google Business Profile — but no presence on Yelp, BBB, or other directories.

  • Business B has accurate, matching citations across 40+ trusted platforms.

Which one do you think AI will trust more when someone asks for a recommendation?

The answer is clear: AI favors businesses that appear everywhere—and appear consistently.

Ready to Boost Your Marketing?

Imagine what a customized marketing plan could do for your business. Book a 20-minute audit call with me, and together we’ll uncover opportunities to elevate your strategy—no strings attached.

Whether we partner up or not, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to drive growth. Let’s explore your potential!

Top Digital Marketing Articles This Month:

P.S.