Semrush has added ChatGPT as a search engine option inside its Position Tracking tool, giving SEO professionals a direct way to monitor their domain visibility within one of the world’s leading AI platforms.
Launched on April 3, 2025, the feature is now available in beta for Semrush Guru and Business users, with plans for wider access soon.
Rather than guessing or using third-party hacks, marketers can now measure their ChatGPT visibility within the same platform they already trust for Google and Bing tracking.
Why Tracking ChatGPT Rankings Matters
As more users turn to conversational AI for answers, appearing in AI search results is becoming just as critical as ranking on traditional search engines.
Businesses that show up in ChatGPT responses can reach new audiences, boost brand trust, and drive higher-quality traffic.
Unlike traditional SEO, where visibility often depends on ranking high on a list of links, AI visibility is about being part of a natural conversation.
When ChatGPT recommends a brand or product, it carries more weight. Users often see it as a trusted suggestion and not just another search result.
For companies seeking to establish authority, demonstrate innovation, and remain competitive, being recognized in AI responses has become essential.
What the New ChatGPT Tracking Feature Offers
The new SearchGPT feature inside Position Tracking gives users a streamlined set of tools to monitor their ChatGPT search performance:
- Keyword Rankings: Track domain position for selected keywords inside ChatGPT searches.
- Average Position Metrics: See how your keywords are performing over time.
- Visibility Score: Get an overall measure of how often and prominently your site appears.
- Local Pack Tracking: Monitor mentions of your business name for local searches.
However, there are a few current limits during the beta phase:
- Users can track up to 50 keywords across all campaigns.
- Tracking is limited to the US market for now.
- Only desktop searches are included (mobile not yet supported).
- Estimated Traffic and Search Volume metrics are not available for ChatGPT results.
Semrush has kept the initial rollout simple and focused, avoiding feature overload while allowing users to quickly act on real AI search data.
A Necessary Shift for the Future of SEO
The addition of ChatGPT to Semrush’s Position Tracking reflects a fundamental change happening in SEO. As AI search evolves, traditional ranking strategies will no longer suffice.
Brands must start thinking about how AI platforms interpret, select, and present their content. Optimizing for AI-driven discovery is about more than just keywords; it’s about relevance, trustworthiness, and how well a site answers complex, conversational queries.
How Businesses Can Make the Most of It
For marketers looking to adapt quickly, here are practical steps to leverage Semrush’s new SearchGPT tracking:
Audit Current Presence: Start by tracking your key branded terms and top services/products.
Target Conversational Queries: Focus on long-tail keywords and natural language that match how users interact with AI.
Strengthen Authority: Build high-quality, answer-focused content that AI systems are likely to trust and recommend.
Monitor and Adjust: Utilize the visibility scores and rankings to identify gaps, refine strategies, and create more targeted content.
Stay Ahead: Even if it’s just US and desktop for now, anticipate that broader global and mobile tracking is on the way. So, prepare your strategies early.
Key Takeaways
- ChatGPT and similar platforms are changing how people search.
- Appearing in AI answers boosts credibility with users.
- No need for third-party tools — it’s built into Position Tracking.
- Current tracking has limits but delivers actionable insights.
- Brands that adapt now will lead the next wave of SEO.
Dileep Thekkethil
AuthorDileep Thekkethil is the Director of Marketing at Stan Ventures, where he applies over 15 years of SEO and digital marketing expertise to drive growth and authority. A former journalist with six years of experience, he combines strategic storytelling with technical know-how to help brands navigate the shift toward AI-driven search and generative engines. Dileep is a strong advocate for Google’s EEAT standards, regularly sharing real-world use cases and scenarios to demystify complex marketing trends. He is an avid gardener of tropical fruits, a motor enthusiast, and a dedicated caretaker of his pair of cockatiels.