ChatGPT advertising is paid placement inside ChatGPT, OpenAI's AI assistant. OpenAI began showing ads in ChatGPT in early 2026 and has since opened its ads platform so businesses can buy them directly.
How ChatGPT ads work
Ads appear as clearly labeled sponsored placements, separate from ChatGPT's answer, and are matched to the context of the conversation. OpenAI states that ads do not influence what ChatGPT says and that advertisers receive performance data, not people's conversations. Ads have been shown to adult users on ChatGPT's free and lower-cost plans, while higher paid plans remain ad-free. These details change quickly, so I check current platform rules before every campaign.
How ChatGPT ads differ from Google Ads
Google Ads responds to a search. ChatGPT ads appear during a conversation, often while someone is still comparing options. That can mean reaching a customer earlier, which means the ad has to be genuinely useful in that moment.
Is it right for a Greenville business?
It may be worth testing if your customers research before buying, or if you already advertise on Google and want to reach people earlier. It is less likely to fit a business that depends on urgent, ready-to-buy searches, where Google Ads usually remains the priority. Start with a modest test budget, clear goals, and proper tracking.
How I help
I build and manage ChatGPT advertising campaigns for clients, on their own or alongside Google Ads, and I am always clear about what is proven and what is still being tested.