ChatGPT Optimization Checklist for Small Businesses

ChatGPT Optimization Checklist for Small Businesses

Print this checklist and work through it systematically

This comprehensive checklist covers everything you need to optimize your small business for ChatGPT visibility. Work through each section in order, checking items as you complete them.

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Section 1: Foundation (Essential - Complete First)

Business Information Clarity

• [ ] Write a clear business description (what you do, where, for whom)
• [ ] List all services explicitly (no vague language)
• [ ] State your service area clearly (cities, neighborhoods, radius)
• [ ] Define your target customers (who you serve best)
• [ ] Identify your key differentiator (what makes you unique—factually)

Website Basics

• [ ] Homepage clearly states what you do within first paragraph
• [ ] Contact information visible on every page
• [ ] Services/products clearly listed with descriptions
• [ ] About page establishes credibility (experience, credentials, team)
• [ ] Mobile-friendly and fast-loading website

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Section 2: FAQ Content (High Impact)

FAQ Page Creation

• [ ] Create dedicated FAQ page (or prominent FAQ section)
• [ ] Include at least 15 questions (20-30 is better)
• [ ] Write questions in natural language (how customers actually ask)
• [ ] Provide complete answers (don't redirect, answer fully)
• [ ] Include specific details (numbers, timeframes, prices where possible)

Question Categories to Include

• [ ] Service questions: What services? How they work? What's included?
• [ ] Pricing questions: Cost ranges, what affects price, payment options
• [ ] Process questions: How to get started? What to expect? How long?
• [ ] Trust questions: Licensed? Insured? Experience? Credentials?
• [ ] Location questions: Areas served? On-site vs. in-office?
• [ ] Comparison questions: Different service options? What to choose when?

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Section 3: Schema Markup (High Impact)

Essential Schema

• [ ] LocalBusiness or Organization schema (basic business info)
• [ ] FAQ schema on your FAQ page
• [ ] Service schema for each main service

Schema Verification

• [ ] Test with Google Rich Results Test
• [ ] Fix any errors or warnings
• [ ] Verify schema on key pages

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Section 4: Consistency Audit (Essential)

Business Information Consistency

• [ ] Google Business Profile - info accurate and complete
• [ ] Yelp listing - matches website exactly
• [ ] Facebook business page - consistent information
• [ ] Industry directories - same NAP (name, address, phone)
• [ ] Social media profiles - consistent business name and info

Specific Items to Check

• [ ] Business name - exact same format everywhere
• [ ] Address - same format (St. vs Street, Suite formats)
• [ ] Phone number - same format (parentheses, dashes)
• [ ] Website URL - consistent (www vs. non-www)
• [ ] Service descriptions - aligned across platforms
• [ ] Business hours - accurate everywhere

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Section 5: Authority Building (Medium Impact)

Credentials Display

• [ ] List all licenses with numbers where applicable
• [ ] Display certifications with issuing organizations
• [ ] Show professional memberships and associations
• [ ] Include years in business prominently
• [ ] Feature any awards or recognition

Reviews Strategy

• [ ] Claim all review platform profiles
• [ ] Respond to all reviews (positive and negative)
• [ ] Encourage detailed reviews (not just stars)
• [ ] Address negative reviews professionally
• [ ] Display reviews on website (with schema)

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Section 6: Monitoring (Ongoing)

Weekly Tasks

• [ ] Test ChatGPT - ask about your service in your area
• [ ] Note if mentioned and how described
• [ ] Track competitors - who is being recommended?

Monthly Tasks

• [ ] Add new FAQ questions from customer inquiries
• [ ] Check for new reviews and respond
• [ ] Update any changed information

Quarterly Tasks

• [ ] Run comprehensive AI audit (use our free tool)
• [ ] Compare to previous quarter
• [ ] Identify new optimization opportunities

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Priority Order for Implementation

Week 1-2: Foundation

1. Business information clarity
2. Website basics check
3. Technical checks

Week 3-4: High Impact

1. FAQ content creation
2. Essential schema markup
3. Consistency audit and fixes

Month 2: Building Authority

1. Credentials display
2. Review strategy
3. Service pages

Ongoing: Maintenance

1. Weekly monitoring
2. Monthly updates
3. Quarterly audits

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Your ChatGPT visibility is a competitive advantage. The businesses that complete this checklist now will dominate AI recommendations for years. Get Started with a Free Audit →