ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI: Which AI Search Platform Matters for Your Munich Business?

ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI are often mentioned in the same breath. But they work fundamentally differently, draw from different data sources, and what works for one doesn't automatically transfer to the others.

---

ChatGPT (OpenAI)

Most widely used AI tool globally. For local queries, draws on Bing. Most direct lever: claim and complete Bing Places. A business without a complete Bing listing effectively doesn't exist for ChatGPT local queries — regardless of Google profile strength.

---

Perplexity

Rapidly growing AI search with a strong focus on source-cited answers. Crawls the web independently, cites websites transparently. Favours websites with clear, structured information it can quote directly. Also reads llms.txt actively. Most direct lever: structured data + clear content.

---

Google AI Overviews

Integrated directly into Google Search above normal results. Draws from Google's own index — Google Business Profile, structured data, reviews, and organic ranking all feed in. FAQPage schema, specific service pages, and structured content carry more weight here than in classic SEO. Most direct lever: FAQPage schema + Google Business Profile.

---

Summary

Platform	Primary data source	Most direct lever
ChatGPT	Bing	Claim and complete Bing Places
Perplexity	Web crawling	Structured data + clear content
Google AI Overviews	Google index	FAQPage schema + Google Business Profile

---

What all three have in common

Structured data (Schema Markup), NAP consistency, and FAQ content in FAQPage schema format are useful across all three platforms. Start with structured data — it pays into all three. Then add Bing Places (for ChatGPT), optimise Google Business Profile (for Google AI Overviews), and set up llms.txt (for Perplexity).

---

Timo Birck runs TB Webdesign, a web design and AEO agency based in Munich.

[Request a free audit →]