Open ChatGPT Right Now and Ask for the Best [Your Category] in [Your City]. Is Your Business on That List? Brand mentions are becoming the new backlinks. They build trust, and trust drives sales. OpenAI’s Instant Checkout now lets people buy Etsy (and soon Shopify) items without leaving ChatGPT. Walmart just launched in-chat shopping, too. This isn’t a demo anymore, it’s a new entry point for online commerce. If AI agents are the ones researching, reading reviews, and recommending products, visibility will move from just keywords to credibility. Mentions, proof, and consistency will shape who gets surfaced. Here are some common-sense things to do now. • Match your business details everywhere: on the website, Google, LinkedIn, and directories. • Keep your “About” and press info clear and current. • Earn mentions through helpful content, media quotes, and verified reviews. • Cite data and sources; models trust facts, not claims. When someone asks, “Best accounting firm in Austin,” AI may name three companies and explain why. Getting into that shortlist is the funnel. Mentions build the map. Consistency pins the spot. Proof earns the click. https://lnkd.in/eacvHA8Q