Step-by-Step Guide
Create an OpenAI Ads Account
Access to ChatGPT advertising is through OpenAI's business advertising portal. You'll need:
- A business email address
- Company information and billing details
- Verification of your business (similar to other ad platforms)
Account approval typically takes 1-3 business days. US-based advertisers are currently prioritised as the platform rolls out.
Define Your Target Conversations
Unlike keyword-based platforms, ChatGPT ads target conversational contexts. Think about:
- What questions do your ideal customers ask?
- What problems are they trying to solve?
- What topics lead naturally to your product?
For example, a project management tool might target conversations about "organising team tasks", "tracking project deadlines", or "comparing productivity tools".
Create Your Ad Creative
ChatGPT ads are text-based and appear at the bottom of AI responses. Effective ads:
- Match the conversational, helpful tone of ChatGPT
- Clearly state what you offer and why it's relevant
- Include your brand name and URL
- Feel like a natural recommendation, not a hard sell
Keep copy concise. You have limited space, so focus on your core value proposition.
Set Budget and Bidding
Configure your spending limits and bidding strategy:
- Daily budget: How much you're willing to spend per day
- Monthly cap: Maximum total spend for the month
- Bidding: Choose between automatic bidding (recommended for beginners) or manual bidding
We recommend starting with at least $50-100/day to gather meaningful data. See our cost guide for detailed pricing information.
Launch and Monitor
Once your campaign is approved (usually within 24 hours):
- Monitor early performance closely
- Track impressions, clicks, and conversions
- Identify which conversation types perform best
- Iterate on ad creative based on results
Expect a learning period of 1-2 weeks before making major optimisation decisions.
Typical Timeline
Pre-Launch Checklist
Before You Launch
- Business verification completed
- Billing and payment method configured
- Target conversations defined and documented
- 2-3 ad creative variations written
- Daily and monthly budgets set
- Conversion tracking configured
- Landing page optimised for conversions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using Traditional Ad Copy
Aggressive, salesy copy that works on other platforms often fails on ChatGPT. The context is conversational and helpful. Match that tone.
2. Starting with Too Small a Budget
Budgets under $30/day rarely generate enough data to optimise effectively. Start with enough budget to learn, then adjust based on results.
3. Not Defining Target Conversations
Vague targeting leads to wasted spend. Be specific about which conversations you want your ads to appear in.
4. Expecting Immediate Results
Like any new channel, there's a learning curve. Give your campaigns at least 2 weeks before making major changes.
5. Ignoring Mobile Experience
Many ChatGPT users are on mobile. Ensure your landing page works well on mobile devices.
Want Help Getting Started?
We can handle the entire setup process and have your campaigns live in under two weeks.
Book a Strategy CallDIY vs Agency
Manage It Yourself If:
- You have experience with other ad platforms
- You have time to learn the new platform
- Your budget is modest ($1,000-3,000/month)
- You're comfortable with a learning curve
Work with an Agency If:
- You want to move fast and avoid mistakes
- ChatGPT ads are a strategic priority
- You're spending $3,000+/month
- You want ongoing optimisation and reporting
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to launch ChatGPT ads?
Most brands can go from zero to live campaigns in 1-2 weeks. Account approval takes 1-3 days, then you need time for strategy, creative development, and campaign setup. Working with an agency can accelerate the process.
Do I need special approval to advertise on ChatGPT?
You need to apply for access through OpenAI's advertising portal. Currently, US-based businesses are prioritised. You'll need to verify your business, similar to other ad platforms. Some industries may face additional review.
What's the minimum budget to start?
There's no official minimum, but we recommend at least $1,000-2,000/month to gather meaningful data. Daily budgets of $50-100+ typically generate enough impressions and clicks to optimise effectively.
Can I run ChatGPT ads alongside Google Ads?
Absolutely. In fact, we recommend it. ChatGPT ads and Google Ads reach users at different stages of the buying journey and complement each other well. See our comparison guide for details.