Published by NewsPR Today | September 2025
AI is transforming how we shop online. For example, if a user asks “What is the best rain jacket for rain hiking?” of their virtual assistant. and RIGHT here is your product as the best match and with full product images, price, BUY LINK. A scenario like this is no longer so futuristic; it’s already here, and businesses that are accommodating it are leading the pack.
With apps like ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude becoming a part of consumers’ lives, AI has emerged as a prominent force among several other things, product discovery. But it turns out, most e-commerce businesses aren’t capitalizing on this trend. This post will guide you through the changes that you need to make in order not to get lost for AI powered platforms, from basic improvements to broader strategic considerations for businesses wanting to get ahead litti.textView.textContent = the amount of characters/words when I decide to press return simultaneously button was not working issue = false It will also tell you if your current container is sufficient or additional work (investment) will be although needed.
The Importance of AI-Driven Product Discovery
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How people search for products has been fundamentally transformed. Instead of relying on old-school search engines that require people to type in basic keyword queries like “best waterproof hiking boots” and trawl through results, people these days are posing complex, specific and often conversational questions to Alexa, Siri and Google. For example, a shopper might ask, “What are the best hiking boots for walking through wet grass in Scotland in November?” This transition is important for companies because:
- AI accounts for context and user intent: AI platforms parse the meaning behind questions instead of the words, making recommendations more personalized and precise.
- Personalized shopping experience: AI-powered shopping feels more like a conversation with an expert; the system can prompt users to find the right products.
- More purchasing decisions at speed: With built-in shopping functions, AI assistants also facilitate rapid purchasing decisions and decisions can be made with just one click.
- Less competition: Few businesses have yet fully optimized products to make them work with AI, but those that are doing so are reaping the benefits.
McKinsey’s research has shown that AI-powered personalization can deliver a 10-20% bump in sales and the company’s early users have reported enormous growth in product discovery and conversions.
Big AI Tech: ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude
In order to optimize effectively for AI-enabled platforms, it is crucially necessary to know the advantages and options for use in each one. Let’s explore what each platform offers, and how you can use it.
ChatGPT: The Leader in Conversational Shopping
ChatGPT, a dominant player in the AI assistant market, offers businesses the opportunity to engage users in natural, meaningful conversations while guiding them toward products.
Key features of ChatGPT:
- Advanced language processing: ChatGPT can interpret questions with subtlety, which means it can recommend products more accurately.
- Shopping plugins: The integration of e-commerce platforms like Shopify enables seamless product recommendations.
- Context retention: Unlike traditional search engines, ChatGPT remembers previous parts of a conversation, enhancing the recommendation process.
Example: If a user asks, “What are the best gifts for someone who enjoys photography and travel?” ChatGPT might recommend a compact, high-quality camera with all the necessary specifications, price, and an option to purchase.
Google Gemini: The E-Commerce Giant
Built on Google’s powerful infrastructure, Gemini excels at integrating product recommendations across Google’s vast ecosystem.
Strengths of Google Gemini:
- Integration with Google Shopping: Products automatically get visibility through Google’s Shopping feeds.
- AI-powered optimization: Google’s algorithms optimize product listings for better exposure.
- Massive reach: With billions of search queries every day, Google Gemini has unparalleled reach for product discovery.
Merchants using Google FeedGen, an AI-powered tool, have reported click-through rates that are 15-20% higher, thanks to optimized listings.
Perplexity: Catering to the Premium Shopper
Perplexity is a platform that caters to a more affluent and tech-savvy demographic. Although its user base is smaller, its audience tends to be more engaged and likely to make higher-ticket purchases.
What sets Perplexity apart:
- One-click buying: Users can make purchases instantly through their Pro account.
- Visual search: Users can shop by uploading product images through the “Snap to Shop” feature.
- Curated recommendations: Perplexity emphasizes high-quality product suggestions, often with expert opinions and reviews.
For example, a luxury jewelry brand could see higher conversion rates on Perplexity compared to traditional search results due to the platform’s focused and premium user base.
Claude: The Customizable Powerhouse
Claude, while more complex to set up, offers deep customization options for businesses that have the technical resources to integrate it.
Claude’s potential:
- Custom integrations: With Claude, businesses can tailor the shopping experience to their specific needs.
- Advanced language processing: Claude is capable of understanding nuanced, complex queries.
- Web search: It can also conduct product research from the web, expanding the possibilities for more detailed product discovery.
Steps You Can Take Today to Improve Visibility on AI Platforms
You don’t need to be a technical expert to get started. Here are a few quick steps you can take to ensure your products are ready for AI recommendations.
1. Make Sure Your Robots.txt File is Updated (5 minutes)
AI platforms need permission to crawl and index your website. Add these lines to your robots.txt file to ensure AI crawlers can access your site:
User-agent: OAI-SearchBot Allow: / User-agent: PerplexityBot Allow: / User-agent: Claude-Web Allow: /
This simple action ensures that AI bots can index your product pages and makes them eligible for inclusion in recommendations.
Write Conversational Product Descriptions (30 minutes per item)
Use natural language when writing product descriptions and answer the types of questions customers might have.
Old Description: “male hiking shoes, waterproof, Gore-Tex lining, 1.2 lbs.”
AI-optimized description: “These waterproof hiking boots are ideal for wet, rocky trails. The Gore-Tex lining protects feet from wet weather, and the lightweight design is comfortable for long treks. At only 1.2 lbs, they’re the perfect choice for outdoor activities in damp environments.”
The second description is more colloquial and invites a discussion of some of the reasons customers would feel that way, which should make it easier for AI platforms to connect it to related queries.
3. Register for Relevant Merchant Programs (15 minutes each)
Sign up for merchant programs that help integrate your products into AI-powered platforms:
- OpenAI Merchant Feed: Join the waitlist to get your products featured on ChatGPT.
- Perplexity Merchant Program: Apply to list your products, even if you’re a smaller business.
- Google Merchant Center: Register to start listing your products for free on Google’s shopping ecosystem.
4. Provide Detailed Product Information (1 hour)
Make sure each product page includes:
- A clear, concise product title
- Multiple high-quality images
- Detailed specifications and features
- Customer reviews and ratings
- Price and availability
This basic information helps AI platforms accurately recommend your products.
Advanced Techniques for Maximizing AI Visibility
For those who are ready to dive deeper into AI optimization, here are some advanced techniques to consider.
Structured Data: Make Your Products Understandable by AI
Structured data, also known as schema markup, tells AI platforms exactly what your products are, making it easier for them to recommend them to shoppers. Below is an example of JSON-LD markup for a product:
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Product",
"name": "Explorer Waterproof Jacket",
"description": "Perfect for long treks in rainy conditions, this jacket is equipped with Gore-Tex fabric for ultimate waterproofing.",
"image": [
"https://yoursite.com/jacket-main.jpg",
"https://yoursite.com/jacket-back.jpg"
],
"brand": {
"@type": "Brand",
"name": "Explorer"
},
"sku": "EXP-001",
"gtin": "1234567890123",
"offers": {
"@type": "Offer",
"url": "https://yoursite.com/explorer-jacket",
"priceCurrency": "USD",
"price": "199.99",
"availability": "https://schema.org/InStock",
"seller": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "Your Outdoor Shop"
}
}
}
Adding this structured data to your product pages helps AI understand your offerings better, improving your chances of appearing in relevant recommendations.
Platform-Specific Optimizations
- For ChatGPT: Ensure your site is mobile-friendly, and prioritize fast page load times.
- For Google Gemini: Complete your Google Merchant Center setup with accurate inventory data, high-quality images, and relevant product attributes.
- For Perplexity: Focus on collecting expert reviews, offering product comparisons, and creating detailed specifications for premium items.
Conclusion: Begin Now to Benefit from the AI Opportunity
I am a person who shops, and AI is changing how I find and buy things. Optimizing early for AI-driven platforms can also offer a competitive advantage for your business in today’s ever-transforming digital world. Begin with easy adjustments like using updated robots. txt file, and improving your product descriptions. As you continue to integrate AI into your business, keeping your data structured and your content optimized for every platform will provide you the best continuing results.
The companies that will be successful are those that act now. The earlier you begin, the sooner your goods will be found by the increasing trend of AI shopping. And if you don’t, your future customers are asking AI assistants about products similar to yours. Make sure they find you.
