OpenAI has introduced a new Business Hub within ChatGPT, allowing companies to claim and manage their business profiles, track how users discover and engage with them, and interact with potential customers through artificial intelligence (AI)-powered agents, as the company expands the chatbot's role in product discovery and online commerce.

The new offering, called Businesses in ChatGPT, is being rolled out in beta. It will allow verified businesses to update their information, provide product details, including pricing and availability, and access aggregated insights into how they appear in ChatGPT responses.

The move brings ChatGPT closer to established business discovery and analytics platforms such as Google's Business Profile and Google Analytics.

While Google Business Profile allows companies to manage how they appear on Google Search and Maps and understand how customers find and interact with their listings, Google Analytics provides insights into website traffic and user behaviour. OpenAI's Business Hub will offer similar visibility into how businesses are discovered through ChatGPT, including mentions, website clicks and common topics across conversations in which their websites are cited.

The launch also introduces Business Agents, which will allow users to interact directly with participating companies through separate, business-specific conversations. The feature is initially available to eligible ecommerce and online service businesses in the United States (US).

OpenAI said the new tools are intended to help businesses maintain accurate information on the platform and give them additional ways to connect with people researching products and services through ChatGPT.

The announcement comes as AI-powered chatbots increasingly become an avenue for consumers to research products, compare offerings and identify businesses, potentially changing how companies approach online discovery and customer acquisition.

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