How Small Businesses Can Use PR to Show Up in ChatGPT and AI Shopping Search
Ash interviews a small business PR coach Gloria Chao about how AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity are changing discovery and purchasing, with AI search taking traffic from traditional platforms and enabling in-app checkout via integrations with Shopify, Etsy, PayPal, Amazon, and Walmart.
Gloria argues that AI recommends brands based on third-party trust signals especially earned media such as gift guides, magazines, podcasts, and product reviews rather than popularity or ad spend, making PR crucial for being "chosen," not just seen.
She explains that Perplexity can quickly scrape real-time trends, generate timely pitch angles, and even suggest outlets to contact, helping founders DIY PR without agencies. Examples include founders gaining many features, a Today Show mention boosting AI visibility, and podcast appearances driving Gloria's own rankings.
She offers a free AI masterclass and an Instagram DM freebie.
www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr
https://www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass
00:00 AI Search Wake Up Call
02:24 Meet Gloria Chao
04:23 Why AI Changes Buying
06:56 PR Trust Signals Win
09:34 PR Over Social Proof
12:05 Seasonal Pitch Angles
17:27 Perplexity PR Workflow
20:21 Finding Journalists DIY
23:52 GEO And The Future
27:06 Wrap Up And Resources