Public log, updated weekly

Can we get Continuum recommended by ChatGPT?

We sell this work to business owners, and we have no client results to show you yet. So we are doing it on ourselves, in public. Every week we ask ChatGPT, Perplexity and Gemini the same questions our buyers ask, and post what they said: the question, the answer, and who got named.

Week 1: 1 of 17 questions named us.

Week 1

Week of 5 Oct 2026 · Perplexity, ChatGPT, Gemini · 3 runs each
1/17

questions where at least one AI named Continuum in most of its runs.

named usour page citedholdout: 0 of 5 named

Our own pages were used as a source in answers to 8 of the 17 questions, and AI named us on 1. Being read is not the same as being recommended.

What we did this week

Getting named by AI: 0 of 9 named us

01“how do I get my business recommended by ChatGPT”Not named · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
Here’s how you can increase the chances that ChatGPT recommends your business, drawn from up-to-date, expert sources: --- 1. Understand How ChatGPT Chooses Recommendations No submission process, no payments You cannot pay or submit your business to be featured. ChatGPT bases its recommendations on publicly available...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
None of the companies we track
Sites it cited most
openai.com, entrepreneur.com, markets.businessinsider.com, impactplus.com
02“how do I get my business mentioned in ChatGPT answers”Not named · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
Here’s how you can increase the chances that your business will be mentioned, recommended, or cited in ChatGPT answers. No direct submission, paid placement, or guaranteed formula exists, but there are proven, practical steps you can take: --- 1. Understand How ChatGPT Mentions Businesses ChatGPT can reference your...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
None of the companies we track
Sites it cited most
semrush.com, help.openai.com, blog.hubspot.com, clickforest.com
03“is my business showing up in ChatGPT”Not named · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
If you're asking whether your business appears or is visible when users query ChatGPT, for example, “Can you recommend a plumber in Chicago?”, here’s how things currently work: There’s no formal business listing system inside ChatGPT like Google My Business or Yelp. OpenAI doesn't provide a self-serve business profile...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
None of the companies we track
Sites it cited most
openai.com, linkedin.com, help.openai.com, blog.hubspot.com
04“AI visibility audit for small business”Not named · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
Here’s a refined guide to conducting an AI Visibility Audit for a Small Business, beautifully structured, well-sourced, and fully actionable. --- What Is an AI Visibility Audit? An AI visibility audit evaluates whether and how your business appears in AI-generated answers (like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, and...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
None of the companies we track
Sites it cited most
semrush.com, linkedin.com, searchenginejournal.com, einpresswire.com
05“AEO agency for small businesses”Not named · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
If you’re referring to an AEO agency for small businesses, the term "AEO" can actually denote two distinct things: Answer Engine Optimization, a marketing service that optimizes your content for AI-powered platforms (like ChatGPT, Google AI, Perplexity). Authorized Economic Operator, a customs certification that...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
None of the companies we track
Sites it cited most
einpresswire.com, usatoday.com, menafn.com, posirank.com
06“how to rank in ChatGPT for local business”Not named · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
Here’s a polished, well-structured guide on how to “rank” your local business in ChatGPT’s results, often described as Answer Engine Optimization (AEO): --- Understanding What “Ranking” Means in ChatGPT ChatGPT doesn’t provide a ranked list of businesses like Google does. Instead, it synthesizes answers and names one...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
None of the companies we track
Sites it cited most
seo.com, searchengineland.com, blog.hubspot.com, birdeye.com
07“does ChatGPT recommend HVAC companies”Not named · our page used as a source · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
You asked: "Does ChatGPT recommend HVAC companies?" Here’s what’s happening: 1. ChatGPT can recommend HVAC companies, but it’s not an advertisement or paid placement When users ask for local HVAC help, ChatGPT may name (or “recommend”) two to five businesses within its answer. However, this result is generated on the...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
None of the companies we track
Sites it cited most
cheers.tech, pleiadesconsultancy.com, hvacfound.com, theanswerengine.ai
Our page cited
uxcontinuum.com/answers/does-chatgpt-recommend-hvac-companiesuxcontinuum.com/who-ai-recommends/hvac-companies-dallas
08“how do realtors get recommended by ChatGPT”Not named · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
Here’s how real estate agents (realtors) can get recommended by ChatGPT: --- What Makes ChatGPT Recommend a Realtor? 1. Consistent Entity Presence ChatGPT needs a clear and unambiguous identity to confidently recommend you. That means your name, contact details, and specialty must match exactly across all platforms...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
None of the companies we track
Sites it cited most
inman.com, housingwire.com, linkedin.com, coffeecontracts.com
09“how do plumbers show up in ChatGPT answers”Not named · our page used as a source · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
When you ask ChatGPT about plumbers, the responses typically fall into several common patterns depending on what you're requesting. Here's how plumbers tend to "show up" in ChatGPT answers: Recommendations for Local Plumbers or Service Providers If you ask something like "Who's the best plumber in [City]?", ChatGPT...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
None of the companies we track
Sites it cited most
openai.com, linkedin.com, justdial.com, see-geo.com
Our page cited
uxcontinuum.com/answers/how-do-plumbers-show-up-in-chatgpt-answers

Software and technical help: 1 of 8 named us

10“how much does it cost to build an MVP”Not named · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
Here’s an updated and well-structured overview of how much it typically costs to build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in 2026, and what influences that cost: --- Typical Cost Ranges by Complexity and Type Multiple reputable sources converge on a similar spectrum, though the exact numbers can vary by feature complexity...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
None of the companies we track
Sites it cited most
startupfortune.com, linkedin.com, sthenostechnologies.com, appinventiv.com
11“how much equity should a technical cofounder get”Not named · our page used as a source · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
Here’s a detailed and up-to-date overview of how much equity a technical co-founder typically receives. The range depends on factors like timing, risk, contribution, and whether any salary is involved. I’ve also emphasized the importance of vesting and proper agreements. --- Common Equity Ranges Early, Equal...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
None of the companies we track
Sites it cited most
reddit.com, learn.icanpitch.com, cleveroad.com, taroschenker.com
Our page cited
uxcontinuum.com/blog/startup-cto/technical-cofounder-equityuxcontinuum.com/blog/startup-cto/technical-cofounder-equity-agreement
12“who can fix my AI-built app before launch”Not named · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
If you're looking for help fixing your AI-built app before its launch, you have several viable paths, ranging from one-off audits to full-scale fixes, provided by specialized service providers and platforms. Here's a breakdown of your best options based on current offerings: --- Audit-First, Then Fix 1. Upwork...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
Upwork (4 of 9 answers), Toptal (1 of 9 answers)
Sites it cited most
linkedin.com, appstuck.com, upwork.com, simpalm.com
13“how much does a fractional CTO cost”Not named · our page used as a source · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
Here’s a comprehensive overview (as of October 5, 2026) of fractional CTO (Chief Technology Officer) costs in the U.S., across different billing models and company stages, complete with citations: --- Hourly Rates: Most fractional CTOs charge between $150 to $400 per hour, with specialists in regulated domains or M&A...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
None of the companies we track
Sites it cited most
fractionus.com, empat.tech, gofractional.com, hypernestlabs.com
Our page cited
uxcontinuum.com/fractional-cto-pricing
14“should I bring on a cofounder CTO or hire someone”Not named · our page used as a source · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
Deciding whether to bring on a technical co-founder (CTO partner) or to hire a CTO for your startup depends heavily on your company’s current stage, resources, and needs. Here’s a thoroughly researched breakdown to help you evaluate the best path forward: --- 1. Define Your Startup’s Stage and Needs Foundational Stage...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
None of the companies we track
Sites it cited most
wtt-solutions.com, spectraforce.com, medium.com, datadrivendaily.com
Our page cited
uxcontinuum.com/blog/startup-cto/startup-cto-equity-what-is-fair-2026uxcontinuum.com/blog/startup-cto/technical-cofounder-equityuxcontinuum.com/blog/startup-cto/technical-cofounder-vs-hiring
15“should I hire an agency or a freelancer to build my business app”Not named · our page used as a source · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
When deciding whether to hire an agency or a freelancer to build your business app, the right choice depends on your project's complexity, your ability to manage, your budget, and your appetite for risk. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide what’s right for your situation: --- Freelancer: Best for Small, Clearly...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
None of the companies we track
Sites it cited most
linkedin.com, clutch.co, bolderapps.com, reddit.com
Our page cited
uxcontinuum.com/answers/agency-vs-freelancer-vs-developer
16“should I refresh or rewrite my old PHP web app”Named us: ChatGPT · our page used as a source · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 2/3Gemini 0/3
...The application continues to run your business and contains essential, undocumented logic. You can safely upgrade the PHP runtime and apply fixes incrementally. You want visible improvements (UI, performance) without full rewrite risk. Continuum recommends staged enhancement, such as updating the UI, fixing slow parts, and upgrading PHP, letting your app...
ChatGPT, run 2 of 3, excerpt
Also named
None of the companies we track
Sites it cited most
zend.com, linkedin.com, dev.to, sensiolabs.com
Our page cited
uxcontinuum.com/answers/refresh-or-rewrite-old-php-app
17“off-the-shelf vs custom software for a small business”Not named · our page used as a source · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
Here’s a structured comparison of off‑the‑shelf (OTS) versus custom software for a small business, including a practical hybrid (buy‑and‑build) approach, drawing on up-to-date expert insights to help you make an informed decision. --- When to Use Off-the-Shelf Software Fast deployment and low upfront cost OTS solutions...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
None of the companies we track
Sites it cited most
clutch.co, fingent.com, classicinformatics.com, diceus.com
Our page cited
uxcontinuum.com/answers/off-the-shelf-vs-custom-software

Holdout, no work done: 0 of 5 named us

18“who can get my business mentioned in AI answers”Not named · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
Here’s how you can increase the chances that your business is mentioned, cited, or even recommended in AI-generated answers, like those from ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, or Google’s AI Overviews. --- 1. Ensure AI Crawlers Can Access Your Site Confirm that AI-specific crawlers (e.g., GPTBot for ChatGPT, PerplexityBot...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
None of the companies we track
Sites it cited most
entrepreneur.com, semrush.com, blog.hubspot.com, seranking.com
19“best company to improve AI search visibility”Not named · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
Here’s an up-to-date overview of the best companies to improve AI search visibility, that is, to help your brand appear, be cited, or recommended in AI-powered search environments like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, Gemini, Perplexity, and more. The landscape of agencies specializing in AI Search Optimization, often...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
None of the companies we track
Sites it cited most
semrush.com, thriveagency.com, blog.hubspot.com, webfx.com
20“does ChatGPT recommend roofers”Not named · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
Yes, under certain conditions, ChatGPT can recommend roofers, but there are important nuances and limitations to understand: --- 1. ChatGPT Can Name Roofing Companies, but Only When It Has Enough Trustworthy Data When a user asks something like “Who’s a good roofer in [city]?” ChatGPT may list 1, 3 roofing companies...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
None of the companies we track
Sites it cited most
linkedin.com, cheers.tech, reddit.com, citehawk.com
21“hire someone to finish my app”Not named · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
It sounds like you'd like to hire someone to complete your app, great move for bringing it across the finish line. To give you the most helpful guidance, could you share a few more details? Specifically: • What kind of app is it (web, mobile, backend, cross‑platform, etc.)? • Which stage is the app currently in, e.g...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
Upwork (8 of 9 answers), Toptal (5 of 9 answers)
Sites it cited most
upwork.com, freelancer.com, arc.dev, twine.net
22“part-time CTO for a non-technical founder”Not named · our page used as a source · see the answer · hide
Perplexity 0/3ChatGPT 0/3Gemini 0/3
Here’s a refined guide for non‑technical founders considering hiring a part-time, fractional, or interim CTO. This breakdown includes what the role involves, when it makes sense, how to hire wisely, and how to get the most from the engagement. --- What Is a Part‑Time / Fractional CTO? A part-time CTO offers...
ChatGPT, run 1 of 3, excerpt
Also named
Upwork (1 of 9 answers)
Sites it cited most
amazingcto.com, groovyweb.co, 124tech.com, eightbitstudios.com
Our page cited
uxcontinuum.com/blog/startup-cto/hire-fractional-cto-2026
How we measure

The same questions, the same way, every week.

Questions
17 fixed questions, written down before week 1 (1 Oct 2026) and not changed since, so a better number cannot come from easier questions. They are the questions our own buyers ask: how to get a business named by AI, and the software questions owners ask us.
Engines
Perplexity, ChatGPT, Gemini, through their official APIs with web search on, logged out, no history.
Runs
Each question is asked 3 times on each engine, because the answers change from one run to the next. A question counts as "named us" when at least one engine named Continuum in most of its runs.
Holdout
5 more questions get no work at all, and they are not in the count. If those move too, the change was luck or the season, not the work.
Cadence
Measured every week. The log is written by the same engine behind the AI Answer Check, straight from its data, including what it did that week. Nothing on this page is typed in by hand.
What counts
Being named is the result. Being used as a source is not: an answer can cite our page and still recommend someone else, and week 1 shows exactly that.

The raw log is public as JSON: /ai-visibility-log.json

Why the work happens off our site

AI recommends the businesses other sites talk about, not the ones with the best blog.

Your website is not what ChatGPT reads first. It reads what everyone else says about you: directories, review sites, “best X in Y” lists, people talking. So that is where the work goes, earned, not paid for. What the research says, with the source for each:

Being talked about matters more than links.

Across 75,000 brands, how often other sites mention a brand lined up with how often AI names it (correlation 0.66 to 0.71). Backlink count lined up at about 0.19.

Ahrefs, 75,000 brands ↗

Google’s AI answers mostly cite pages outside the top 10.

In March 2026, 37.9% of the pages cited in AI Overviews ranked in the top 10 for the search, down from 76% in July 2025. Ranking first on Google is not the same as being in the AI answer.

Ahrefs, 863,000 searches ↗

FAQ markup is not a lever.

Google no longer shows FAQ rich results at all. Visible answers on the page still help; the markup does not.

Google, FAQPage documentation ↗

Neither is llms.txt.

There is no credible evidence it changes what AI cites. Google’s guide to its AI features lists only the normal indexing controls. We keep ours, and spend no time on it.

Zyppy, 54-source review; Google AI features guide ↗

Want the same log for your business?

The AI Answer Check asks your customers’ questions and shows who gets named today. Get Users is the monthly work of getting you into the places AI reads, with this kind of log every week.

See the AI Answer Check →Or the monthly work, Get Users →