OpenAI rolls out new business profiles, making ChatGPT just a little bit more like Google

OpenAI has introduced several new features aimed at enhancing ChatGPT's capabilities as a consumer discovery tool, making it more akin to Google. The company unveiled a Business Hub that enables businesses to create profiles, allowing them to verify and update information about their products and services, much like search engines such as Google.

This feature is currently in beta testing. Eligible companies will also be able to develop specialized business agents, enabling ChatGPT users to ask questions related to the business and its offerings. OpenAI noted that as users increasingly rely on AI to discover products, compare options, and make decisions, ChatGPT has evolved into a platform for businesses and people to connect through AI.

The Business Hub will provide users with limited business insights, such as profile views, business mentions, website clicks, and other metrics. Businesses must undergo a verification process to create their profiles, though the specific details of this process were not disclosed. Benji Shomair, VP of Monetization, stated that OpenAI employs multiple verification methods for different types of businesses across various markets.

Previously, OpenAI attempted to position ChatGPT as an e-commerce hub where users could purchase products directly through a commission fee system. However, this initiative ultimately failed, and the company discontinued it in March, including a "checkout cart" feature. With the introduction of business profiles and intelligence, ChatGPT appears to be striving to become more similar to Google, which has been the go-to destination for users seeking information about companies they wish to patronize.

It remains uncertain whether this new strategy will prove more successful than the earlier attempt to transform ChatGPT into a direct e-commerce platform.