OpenAI has announced the Businesses in ChatGPT service in beta, with the goal of transforming ChatGPT from a simple AI tool that answers questions into a new platform where businesses can connect with customers.
The new system will allow companies to manage their business profiles on ChatGPT, review aggregate data on user interactions, and, under appropriate conditions, communicate with potential customers through AI-powered agents. OpenAI aims to increase the visibility of businesses on ChatGPT, which reaches 1.2 billion users weekly.
BUSINESSES WILL MANAGE PROFILES VIA BUSINESS HUB
The Business Hub, which sits at the center of the platform, will function as a control panel for companies. Through this area, businesses will be able to claim their profiles, update their basic information following a verification process, and import their product catalogs into ChatGPT.
Companies will also be able to add information such as prices and stock levels to the system via product feeds. This is intended to ensure that users researching products or services on ChatGPT can access more up-to-date information. Eligible businesses operating in regions where ChatGPT is available will be able to claim their profiles via the Business Hub.
For OpenAI Enterprise customers and advertisers, this process can be handled directly through OpenAI representatives. Shopify stores, meanwhile, can simplify verification by connecting through the Business Hub or the Shopify management panel. Eligible products from Shopify merchants are already integrated into ChatGPT via the Shopify Catalog.
One of the standout features of the Business Hub will be the analytics panel. Businesses will be able to see how many times they are mentioned in ChatGPT responses and track clicks leading to their websites. Additionally, discovery topics will be provided, showing which subjects users are researching in relation to the business.
OpenAI states that the analytics system is designed to protect user privacy. Accordingly, businesses will not have access to users' ChatGPT conversations or chats conducted via Business Agents. The data to be shared will consist of aggregate statistics and will only be displayed when there is a sufficient volume of interactions.
BUSINESS AGENTS LAUNCHING IN THE US IN THE FIRST PHASE
Another notable headline from the announcement was Business Agents. Once businesses verify their profiles and meet the eligibility requirements, they will be able to create, test, and deploy their own AI agents.
When a business is featured in ChatGPT responses, users will be able to click on the company profile. If a Business Agent is active, users will be able to start a chat directly with the business; they can ask questions about products, compare options, and receive recommendations tailored to their needs.
OpenAI emphasizes that Business Agent conversations will be kept separate from the user's main ChatGPT chat and that this experience will be clearly labeled as a conversation with a business representative. This will allow users to distinguish between independent ChatGPT responses and responses provided through the business's agent.
The Business Agents feature is initially being opened to eligible e-commerce and online service businesses operating in the US. Companies will also be able to sponsor their Business Agents and direct ChatGPT ads directly to these agents. Sponsored placements will be marked as advertisements and shown separately from regular ChatGPT responses.
OpenAI plans to expand the Businesses in ChatGPT and Business Agents services to more countries and business categories over time. The company is also expected to develop additional management and interaction tools for organizations with more complex needs in the future.
News Source: 12punto
