December 18, 2025

 

ChatGPT and Google Maps often show different results for local business and service searches because they rely on different data sources and ranking factors.

ChatGPT does not have a live map or “business profile” to pull data from like Google Maps. Google Maps pulls data from the Google Business Profile that the business creates and manages, and has a live map with real-time customer data. ChatGPT uses data from a mix of training sources including public websites, articles, blogs, events, directories, reviews, and forum discussions. A new business may not show up in ChatGPT searches unless web browsing is enabled, since it is using older data.

When live browsing is enabled, ChatGPT can check official websites, look at articles, event pages, announcements, and cross-reference several sources. Even with live browsing enabled, ChatGPT still will not rank businesses by proximity or see Google Maps data. ChatGPT also does not weigh star ratings the same way Google does. ChatGPT does not look for the #1 rated business; it looks for the business that best fits the search request, based on how often a business is associated with a term, how clear that association is, and how well that description matches the search. ChatGPT is more likely to mention business websites that clearly describe what they do.

Google Maps uses the Google Business Profile for much of the data it pulls. The business category, services offered, description, photos, reviews, updates (posts), and engagement from the business profile all influence what Google Maps displays and in what order. Google Maps also takes into account how well a business is rated on Google, location at the time of search, how recent the reviews are, customer engagement, and many other ranking factors that ChatGPT does not use.

What helps a business come up in more ChatGPT answers is having a clearly stated business type that is consistent across the website, posts, and articles. Someone should be able to understand exactly what your business does in one clear sentence, no marketing or extra information, just a clear statement of what your business offers potential customers. For example:
“Functional Fitness VA gym in Falls Church specializing in small group training and HYROX-style conditioning.” works better than “Elite training for everyday athletes.”

A consistent, clear business type and concise description of services offered on your website will help both ChatGPT and Google find your business. Having text as part of a photo is useless for both ChatGPT and Google; it may as well not exist, do not use text in image format. The business name and business type must be in plain written text, ideally as a header, so both Google and ChatGPT can easily read them. A clearly stated business type also helps customers quickly identify what your business offers, which can increase conversions.  

The takeaway is simple, make your business type and offerings crystal clear across all your online content. Doing so not only helps ChatGPT and Google understand your business, but also helps potential customers find you quickly and take action.

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ChatGPT information according to ChatGPT 5.2 (OpenAI, 2025, personal communication)

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By Pablo Buendía, Owner of Good Day Local Marketing