Shhh… ODC and Lanson have uncovered a secret. Not the kind hidden in dusty files or locked safes, but one sitting quietly on OpenAI’s website. It’s a secret that could help small businesses put their products directly into ChatGPT. Think of it as the modern-day equivalent of landing your shop in the busiest high street in the world—only this time, it’s in AI conversations.
The Secret Revealed
OpenAI has quietly introduced a form where businesses can express interest in adding their product feeds to ChatGPT. This means, when users ask about something relevant—whether it’s a new pair of trainers, a coffee machine, or even local services—your products could be among those suggested.
As one industry writer noted, “By allowing businesses to share product data directly, OpenAI is opening a door to make ChatGPT an active marketplace as well as an information tool.”
For small businesses, this is big. Instead of competing with endless websites, you could have your products appear directly where people are asking questions.
A Nod to Google Merchant
If this sounds familiar, it’s because Google did something similar years ago with its Merchant Centre—helping products appear at the top of search results. For many businesses, that visibility was a game-changer. Now, AI could be the next stage of that journey.
The difference? Instead of scrolling through lists of results, people are increasingly asking AI assistants directly—and getting answers, with product suggestions built in. That’s where this new OpenAI form comes in.
What Kind of Products Are They Looking For?
At this early stage, OpenAI is particularly interested in product feeds for:
- Retail and e-commerce items
- Consumer goods like clothing, electronics, and homeware
- Potentially local services, though this is less clear for now
The goal is simple: help ChatGPT provide relevant, up-to-date recommendations when users ask questions about products.
Why This Matters for Small Businesses
For many small businesses, keeping up with giants in digital marketing can feel impossible. Competing against the likes of Amazon, big supermarkets, or global retailers in search results is a daunting task.
But AI might just level the playing field. With the right product feed, your business could stand shoulder to shoulder with the big names—because in an AI conversation, size doesn’t matter as much as relevance.
As one analyst put it: “AI is flattening the market by prioritising answers over advertising.”
Don’t Fear the Competition
And here’s the other part of the secret: you don’t need to fear appearing next to competitors. Just as Coke and Pepsi both sold more when their vending machines stood side by side, your product may actually benefit from being listed alongside others. The key is visibility—being part of the conversation.
Final Thoughts
ODC and Lanson might not be spies in trench coats, but they’ve uncovered something businesses should know. The chance to put your products directly into ChatGPT could be one of the most important marketing opportunities of the next decade.
Don’t think of AI as the enemy. Think of it as the new shop window—one where the world is already looking.
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