I'm Getting Clients From ChatGPT Now: Here's How Your Business Can Too

Something wild is happening right now: people are finding Webodew in ChatGPT 😀 

• A French Riveria DJ reached for a new website and SEO strategy.
• A creative director within the education space asking for a website redesign.
• Consultants from industries I'd never worked with before asking for website help.

As awesome as this is, my marketing SEO brain was thinking, "What the heck?" These weren't my typical clients.

Then, during our discovery calls, it came about a few times, "You [Webodew] were recommended in ChatGPT and so I figure you know how to build websites that rank (Webflow SEO)."

Heck yeah!

For people like myself, this is like finding an old piece of candy in your pants pocket…a total treat! 😂

Google isn’t the organic channel as before. Today people were using ChatGPT to search, and Webodew is showing up in the recommendations.

And I'm not alone in this. 

As I talk with more business owners about their online visibility, it's becoming clear: people want to understand AI search, but they're unsure about what steps to take. 

The good news?

We're seeing our clients get real traffic from AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude. 

And if you act now, you’ll be ahead of the wave.

The Numbers Are Honestly Pretty Stunning

Let's talk stats, because this shift is bigger than you might think.

ChatGPT now has 800 million weekly active users as of 2025, up from just 300 million at the end of 2024. To put that in perspective, it's the sixth most visited website in the world. People spend an average of nearly 14 minutes per session with it, and 23% of US adults now use it regularly.

But here's where it gets really interesting for business owners: 8% of US users now consider ChatGPT their primary search engine. That number was only 1% in June 2024. Meanwhile, Google's share declined from 80% to 74% during the same period.

We're not talking about a distant future anymore. According to research from BrightEdge, ChatGPT could cross the 1% market share threshold by the end of 2025. And Semrush predicts that LLM traffic will overtake traditional Google search by the end of 2027.

Think about what this means for your business: in just a couple of years, more people might discover you through AI tools than through traditional search engines. That's not a "maybe someday" scenario. This is happening right now, and businesses that adapt early will have a massive advantage.

Why AI Search Changes Everything (And Why That's Actually Good News)

Traditional search gives you a list of blue links. You click, browse, compare, click back, try another result.

AI search? Totally different game.

Tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google's AI Overviews synthesize information from multiple sources and deliver a direct answer. Often, that answer includes specific recommendations, brand mentions, or curated information pulled from across the web.

Here's what I've noticed: the personal curation in AI results feels stronger than what you get from Google. The recommendations feel more tailored, more specific to what you actually asked.

Your goal isn't just to rank anymore. 

Your goal is to become the answer the AI chooses to recommend.

This shift is creating what experts are calling Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) or AI search optimization. Some call it Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). The name doesn't matter as much as understanding what it means: you need to optimize your content so AI tools can find it, understand it, and cite it when someone asks a relevant question.

Real Results From Real Businesses (Including Webodew)

Let me share a quick case study that shows this isn't just theory.

We recently added new content sections to Leripp's website, including detailed FAQs and location-specific information. These weren't fancy or complicated additions. We just made sure their content answered real questions people were asking, written in natural, conversational language.

The result? The owner started noticing their business showing up when people used AI tools to search. They're getting clear signals that their SEO work is paying off, and prospects are discovering them through these new channels without spending a dime on ads.

And like I mentioned at the start, I'm experiencing this firsthand with Webodew. Prospects who would never have found me through traditional Google searches are now reaching out because ChatGPT recommended me.

Why?

I believe the AI picks up on signals that make my business relevant to their specific situation, finding matches that go way deeper than keyword matching.

Here's a perfect example: A French DJ based in the south of France was looking for a web designer. He found me through ChatGPT, which seemed odd at first. I don't specialize in websites for DJs, and we're nowhere near each other geographically.

But as we talked, it all made sense. He works primarily with international audiences, needed a native English speaker, and values SEO and AI search optimization because he wants his business to get recommended by these tools. ChatGPT connected those dots and surfaced my name as a match.

That would never happen with traditional Google search. Google would have shown him local web designers or DJ-specific agencies. But ChatGPT understood the nuance of what he actually needed and made a recommendation based on fit, not just keywords.

How AI Tools Actually Find and Recommend Your Content

Understanding how AI search works helps you optimize for it.

When someone asks ChatGPT or another AI tool a question, the system doesn't just pull from its training data. Modern AI search tools use a process called Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). They search the web in real time, retrieve relevant information, and then synthesize an answer.

Here's what these tools look for:

• Clear, contextual content that directly answers common questions
• Well-structured information that's easy to parse and understand
• Authority signals like mentions on credible sites, reviews, and backlinks
• Natural language that matches how people actually search and ask questions
• Semantic clarity through proper schema markup and metadata

According to research from academic studies, AI models cite content more frequently when it's organized, comprehensive, and clearly demonstrates expertise.

Five Practical Strategies to Show Up in AI Search Results (That You Can Start Today)

The good news? If you've been doing solid SEO work already, you're partway there. AI optimization builds on fundamentals you likely already know. But there are specific tactics that give you an edge in AI-driven discovery, and they're easier than you might think.

1. Add FAQ Sections That Actually Answer Real Questions (Not Generic Ones)

This is hands down the easiest win. We've seen it work repeatedly for our clients.

FAQ sections help AI tools understand exactly what problems you solve and how you solve them. But here's the key: don't write generic FAQs. Write the ones your actual customers ask you.

According to Google's own documentation, FAQ schema markup remains one of the actively supported structured data types in 2025. While Google has restricted FAQ rich results to authoritative government and health sites, the markup still provides major SEO benefits for all sites through improved content structure and AI platform optimization.

Recent experiments show that pages with properly implemented FAQ schema are more likely to appear in AI-generated responses and featured snippets. One study found that well-structured FAQ content increased visibility in AI Overviews significantly compared to similar content without schema.

Action steps to consider:

• List 5-7 questions your clients actually ask during sales calls or consultations
• Write clear, concise answers (30-50 words each)
• Add FAQ schema markup using JSON-LD format
• Make sure the content is visible on the page, not hidden behind expandable sections

2. Write Content in Natural, Conversational Language (Like You're Talking to a Friend)

AI tools are trained on human conversation. They understand natural language way better than keyword-stuffed content that sounds robotic.

Instead of writing "SEO services for small businesses," write like you're explaining it to a friend: "We help small business owners get found on Google without spending thousands on ads."

This doesn't mean abandoning keywords. It means weaving them naturally into content that sounds human.

According to data from OpenAI, 49% of ChatGPT usage falls into an "Asking" category where people value the AI as an advisor. They're asking questions in full sentences, not typing three-word search queries.

Action steps:

• Review your homepage and service pages
• Rewrite stiff, formal sections to sound more conversational
• Use "you" and "your" to speak directly to readers
• Include question-based headings that mirror how people actually search

3. Structure Your Content So AI Can Actually Parse It

AI models love clear structure. Think of it like giving them a roadmap to understand your content quickly and accurately.

Use proper heading hierarchy (H1, H2, H3) with descriptive titles. Break up long paragraphs. Include bullet points for key takeaways. Add a TL;DR summary at the beginning or end of long articles.

Recent research from BrightEdge found that pages with robust schema markup showed higher citation rates in Google's AI Overviews. While there's still debate in the SEO community about whether schema directly helps with visibility in tools like ChatGPT, the consensus is clear: structured data helps AI systems understand your content better.

A controlled experiment published in September 2025 by Search Engine Land demonstrated that the page with well-implemented schema outperformed pages with poor or no schema in AI Overview presence.

Action steps:

• Audit your key pages for proper heading structure
• Add schema markup for your Organization, LocalBusiness, and Services
• Include clear subheadings that break content into logical sections
• Consider adding a brief summary paragraph at the top of long pages

4. Build Topical Authority Around Your Expertise (Go Deep, Not Wide)

AI tools prefer citing authoritative sources. Build your authority by creating comprehensive, interconnected content around your core topics rather than trying to cover everything superficially.

For example, if you're a financial advisor, don't just have one generic "Investment Services" page. Create in-depth guides about retirement planning for different age groups, tax strategies for small business owners, and specific scenarios like estate planning for blended families. If you're a marketing consultant, go deep on topics like email automation for e-commerce, content strategy for B2B SaaS, or social media for local restaurants.

According to a recent survey of over 200 senior SEOs, 75% report that their SEO teams are now handling AI search optimization efforts. The top tactics they're prioritizing include schema markup, digital PR, and building citations on trusted sources like Reddit and Wikipedia.

When AI tools see that you've written extensively and authoritatively on a topic, they're more likely to cite you.

Action steps:

• Identify 3-5 core topics related to your business
• Create a hub page for each topic
• Write supporting articles that link back to the hub
• Aim for comprehensive coverage that demonstrates genuine expertise

5. Optimize for How People Actually Use AI Search (Hint: It's Way Different)

People use AI tools completely differently than Google. They ask longer, more detailed questions. They have actual conversations. They seek recommendations and advice, not just information dumps.

The average ChatGPT prompt is 23 words long, according to recent usage data. Compare that to traditional Google searches, which average just 4.2 words.

This means your content should anticipate and answer these longer, more nuanced queries.

Action steps:

• Think about the detailed questions prospects ask during discovery calls
• Create content that addresses complex, multi-part questions
• Include comparison content (e.g., "Webflow vs WordPress for small businesses")
• Add location-specific and use-case-specific pages

The Webflow Advantage for AI Visibility (This Is Actually Pretty Cool)

If you're using Webflow (or considering it), you're already ahead of the game for AI search optimization, and here's why.

Webflow's clean, semantic HTML structure makes it easier for AI tools to parse your content. The platform's built-in SEO features let you easily add proper heading hierarchy, meta descriptions, and structured data.

Plus, Webflow's content management system makes it simple to create and maintain the kind of comprehensive, well-organized content that AI tools prefer.

We've written before about how small businesses can use AI as a competitive advantage and answer engine optimization strategies. These tactics become even more powerful when you're working with a platform like Webflow that's built for modern search.

How to Actually Implement This on Your Webflow Site

If you're using Webflow, you're already ahead of the game for ChatGPT optimization. Webflow's clean code structure and built-in SEO tools make it easier to implement the strategies we've covered. Here's your step-by-step guide to make your Webflow site show up when people ask ChatGPT for recommendations.

Step 1: Set Up Your llms.txt File in Webflow

Webflow recently added native support for llms.txt files, which help AI tools understand your site's content and purpose. Think of it as your site's resume for ChatGPT, Claude, and other AI search tools.

Here's how to set it up:

1. Go to your Webflow project settings
   • Click on your project name in the top left
   • Navigate to SEO Settings
   • Scroll down to the "llms.txt" section
2. Write your llms.txt contentYour llms.txt should include:
   • Clear description of what your business does
   • Who you serve and what problems you solve
   • Key services or offerings
   • What makes you unique or different
   • Links to your most important pages

Example llms.txt for a business consultant:

# [Your Business Name] - Business Strategy Consulting

## About
We help mid-sized companies (50-200 employees) break through growth plateaus and scale sustainably. Specialized in B2B service businesses that have hit the $5M-$10M revenue mark and are ready to double.

## Services
- Strategic planning and execution roadmaps
- Revenue operations optimization
- Leadership team development
- Market positioning and differentiation strategy

## Specialization
Unlike generalist consultants, we focus exclusively on B2B service companies at the $5M-$10M stage. We've helped 40+ companies successfully scale past their growth ceiling.

## Key Pages
- Our Approach: https://yoursite.com/approach
- Case Studies: https://yoursite.com/results
- Services: https://yoursite.com/services
- Book Consultation: https://yoursite.com/contact

3. Keep it updatedUpdate your llms.txt file whenever you:
   • Launch new services
   • Change your positioning
   • Add important new content
   • Shift your target audience

Pro tip: Be specific, not generic. Instead of "We provide excellent consulting services," write "We help SaaS companies with 10-50 employees optimize their customer onboarding process to reduce churn by 20-30%."

Step 2: Implement Schema Markup the Webflow Way

Schema markup helps AI tools understand your content structure. Webflow makes this easier than most platforms.

For Your Organization:

1. Add Organization Schema
   • In Webflow Designer, go to Pages panel
   • Click the gear icon next to your homepage
   • Scroll to Custom Code section
   • Add this to the <head> code:

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "ProfessionalService",
  "name": "Your Business Name",
  "description": "Clear description of what you do",
  "url": "https://yourdomain.com",
  "telephone": "+1-555-555-5555",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "streetAddress": "123 Your Street",
    "addressLocality": "Your City",
    "addressRegion": "Your State",
    "postalCode": "12345",
    "addressCountry": "US"
  },
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourcompany",
    "https://twitter.com/yourhandle"
  ]
}
</script>

For Service Pages:

Create schema for each service you offer:

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Service",
  "serviceType": "Business Strategy Consulting",
  "provider": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Your Business Name"
  },
  "areaServed": "United States",
  "description": "Strategic planning and revenue operations consulting for mid-sized B2B service companies ready to scale from $5M to $20M in annual revenue."
}
</script>

Add this to the page settings for each service page.

Step 3: Optimize Your Webflow CMS for AI-Friendly Content

If you're using Webflow's CMS for blog posts or service pages, here's how to structure it for better AI visibility:

Create These CMS Fields:

1. Rich Text Field for Main Content
   • Use proper heading hierarchy (H2, H3, H4)
   • Break up long paragraphs
   • Include bullet points and lists
2. Plain Text Field for Meta Description
   • Write it conversationally (how someone would ask about your topic)
   • Keep it 150-160 characters
   • Include your target keyword naturally
3. Reference Field for Related Content
   • Link related blog posts or service pages
   • Creates clear topical clusters AI tools can follow

Content Structure Template:

For each blog post or service page, use this structure:

H1: [Question-Based Headline]

[TL;DR Summary - 2-3 sentences]

H2: Why This Matters
[Brief context]

H2: The Main Solution/Answer
[Detailed explanation]

H3: Step 1
[Clear instructions]

H3: Step 2
[Clear instructions]

H2: Common Questions
[FAQ section with schema]

H2: What to Do Next
[Clear CTA]

This structure helps AI tools parse your content and pull relevant sections for answers.

Step 4: Add FAQ Schema to Your Webflow Pages

FAQ sections with proper schema markup are one of the easiest wins for ChatGPT visibility.

Here's how to add them in Webflow:

1. Create your FAQ section on the page
   • Use H2 or H3 for each question
   • Write answers in clear, complete sentences
   • Make sure the content is visible (not hidden in tabs)
2. Add FAQ Schema codeIn your page settings, add this to the <head> code:

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "FAQPage",
  "mainEntity": [{
    "@type": "Question",
    "name": "How long does business consulting typically take?",
    "acceptedAnswer": {
      "@type": "Answer",
      "text": "Most strategic consulting engagements run 3-6 months for initial strategy development and implementation support. Quick assessments can be completed in 4-6 weeks, while ongoing advisory relationships typically last 12+ months."
    }
  }, {
    "@type": "Question",
    "name": "What size companies do you work with?",
    "acceptedAnswer": {
      "@type": "Answer",
      "text": "We specialize in B2B service companies with annual revenue between $5M and $20M, typically with 50-200 employees. Companies in this stage face specific scaling challenges that we're uniquely positioned to address."
    }
  }]
}
</script>

Best practices for FAQ content:

• Answer questions your actual clients ask
• Be specific, not generic
• Include numbers and timeframes when relevant
• Write answers that stand alone (don't assume context)

Step 5: Create Topical Authority with Webflow CMS

Building topical authority is key to getting cited by ChatGPT. Webflow's CMS makes this easier than you think.

The Hub and Spoke Model:

1. Create a main hub page for each core topic
   • This is a comprehensive guide page
   • Example: "Complete Guide to Revenue Operations"
2. Create supporting spoke pages using CMS
   • Each addresses a specific sub-topic
   • Example CMS collection: "Strategy Guides"
   • Individual posts: "Sales Pipeline Optimization," "Customer Success Metrics," etc.
3. Link them strategically
   • Each spoke page links back to the hub
   • Hub page links to all relevant spokes
   • Create a custom CMS field called "Related Topic Hub"

In Webflow Designer:

1. Create a Collection called "Strategy Guides" or "Resource Library"
2. Add these fields:
   • Title (text)
   • Slug (auto-generated)
   • Main Content (rich text)
   • Meta Description (text)
   • Topic Hub (reference field to another collection item)
   • Related Guides (multi-reference field)
3. On your Collection Template page, add a Related Articles section that automatically displays linked content

This creates the comprehensive, interconnected content structure that AI tools love to cite.

Step 6: Optimize Your Webflow Site Speed

ChatGPT and other AI tools factor in site quality when making recommendations. A fast Webflow site signals professionalism and user care.

Quick Webflow speed wins:

1. Optimize images
   • Use Webflow's responsive images feature
   • Convert to WebP format when uploading
   • Set appropriate max-width on image elements
2. Minimize custom code
   • Only add necessary scripts
   • Load non-critical scripts asynchronously
   • Use Webflow's built-in interactions instead of jQuery when possible
3. Clean up unused classes and elements
   • Remove old styles you're not using
   • Delete unused Collection items
   • Keep your Designer clean and organized
4. Use Webflow's built-in CDN
   • Already enabled by default
   • Makes sure your site loads fast globally

Step 7: Monitor Your ChatGPT Visibility

Unlike traditional SEO where you check rankings, monitoring ChatGPT visibility requires a different approach.

What to track:

1. Ask ChatGPT directly about your expertise areaTry queries like:
   • "Best [your profession] in [your location]"
   • "Who should I hire for [your service]"
   • "Recommend [your type of business] that specializes in [your niche]"
   Take screenshots and track when/if you appear
2. Monitor new inquiry sourcesAdd a field to your Webflow contact form:
   • "How did you hear about us?"
   • Include "ChatGPT" or "AI Search Tool" as an option
   Track this in your form submissions
3. Watch for mention patternsWhen prospects reach out, ask: "What made you decide to contact us?"Listen for phrases like:
   • "I asked ChatGPT and you came up"
   • "An AI tool recommended you"
   • "I was researching and saw your approach mentioned"
4. Track engagement qualityNote if ChatGPT-referred leads:
   • Ask better questions
   • Already understand your approach
   • Convert faster than other sources

Common Webflow + ChatGPT Optimization Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Hiding content in Webflow interactions

AI tools can't easily parse content hidden behind click interactions or tabs. Keep your most important content visible on page load.

Mistake 2: Over-relying on Webflow's auto-generated slugs

Clean, descriptive URLs help AI understand your content. Manually set your slugs to be keyword-rich and clear.

Bad: /post/consulting-tips-1Good: /post/revenue-operations-scaling-strategy

Mistake 3: Not updating your sitemap

Make sure Webflow's auto-generated sitemap includes all your important pages. Go to Site Settings > SEO to verify.

Mistake 4: Using generic CMS field names

Instead of "Body" for your main content field, use "Article Content" or "Guide Details." This helps with organization and makes your intent clearer if AI tools ever parse your CMS structure.

Mistake 5: Forgetting mobile optimization

AI tools likely consider mobile experience when making recommendations. Test your Webflow site thoroughly on mobile devices.

Real Example: How a Consulting Firm Optimized Their Webflow Site

Let me share what one of our clients actually did:

1. Added comprehensive llms.txt file

• Detailed their specific consulting niche (revenue operations for SaaS companies)
• Listed the exact revenue stages they specialize in ($5M-$20M companies)
• Linked to case studies showing specific results

2. Implemented schema markup across all pages

• Organization schema on homepage
• Service schema on each consulting service page
• FAQ schema on their main service landing pages

3. Created strategy content hubs in Webflow CMS

• Main hub: "Revenue Operations Strategy"
• Spokes: Individual guides on sales pipeline, customer success metrics, pricing optimization
• All interconnected through CMS reference fields

4. Optimized existing content for conversational queries

• Rewrote service descriptions to answer "Why choose this approach?"
• Added FAQ sections answering real prospect questions
• Included specific examples with percentage improvements

The result? Within three months, they started getting inquiries from people who specifically mentioned finding them through ChatGPT. Prospects would say things like "ChatGPT recommended you for revenue operations consulting" or "I asked Claude about scaling challenges and your firm came up."

Your Webflow ChatGPT Optimization Checklist

Ready to implement this? Here's your action plan:

Week 1: Foundation

• Set up llms.txt file in Webflow
• Add Organization schema to homepage
• Audit existing content for AI-friendly structure

Week 2: Technical Setup

• Add FAQ schema to key pages
• Implement Service schema on service pages
• Optimize site speed (images, scripts, etc.)

Week 3: Content Optimization

• Create/update FAQ sections with real client questions
• Rewrite service pages in conversational language
• Add specific examples and case studies

Week 4: Topical Authority

• Plan content hubs in Webflow CMS
• Create hub pages for core topics
• Start building supporting spoke content

Ongoing:

• Monitor ChatGPT mentions weekly
• Track inquiry sources in form submissions
• Update llms.txt quarterly
• Add new FAQ content based on real questions

What This Means for Your Business Right Now (Spoiler: It's Opportunity Time)

Here's the bottom line: AI search is already influencing how people discover businesses. Not next year. Not eventually. Right now, today.

The businesses that start now will have a significant advantage. They'll build the authority signals and content structure that AI tools prefer. They'll be the names that come up when prospects ask for recommendations. They'll capture traffic from an entirely new channel while their competitors are still scratching their heads wondering why their leads dried up.

And here's what makes this exciting: most of this isn't difficult or expensive. It's about creating better content, organizing it more clearly, and making it easier for both humans and AI to understand what you do and who you help. If you can have a conversation about your business, you can optimize for AI search.

Ready to Get Discovered in AI Search? Let's Make It Happen

If you're reading this and thinking "I need to get my website optimized for AI search before my competitors do," you're in exactly the right place.

At Webodew, we've been implementing these strategies for our clients and seeing real results. Our Webflow SEO Kickstart Package includes many of the elements that help boost AI visibility: FAQ implementation, schema markup, content structure optimization, and strategic keyword integration.

Or if you want to talk strategy first and figure out the best approach for your specific business, book a call and let's dig into what will move the needle for you.

The future of search is happening now. Make sure your business is part of it.