Test 1: What ChatGPT named for startup buying queries
On 16 October 2026, we ran 9 buying-style queries, 3 SaaS, 3 fintech and 3 D2C, in logged-out ChatGPT with search enabled, one run each, plus a repeat of query 1. Answers vary between runs, so one run is not a measurement. Perplexity and Gemini have not yet been tested.
| Category | Buying query | Products named, in order | Repeat run |
|---|---|---|---|
| SaaS | best customer support software for a B2B SaaS startup | Intercom, Plain, Zendesk. Shortlist also named Help Scout, Freshdesk, Front. | Plain, Intercom, Help Scout, Freshdesk, Zendesk |
| SaaS | best product analytics tool for an early-stage SaaS startup | PostHog, Mixpanel, Amplitude | Not repeated |
| SaaS | best CRM for a small B2B SaaS team | HubSpot CRM, Attio, Pipedrive, Close, Zoho CRM | Not repeated |
| Fintech | best business bank account for a fintech startup | Mercury, Silicon Valley Bank, Brex, Relay, Chase for Business | Not repeated |
| Fintech | best expense management software for startups | Ramp, Brex, Expensify, Zoho Expense, BILL Spend & Expense | Not repeated |
| Fintech | best payment gateway for a startup selling to international customers | Stripe, PayPal, Paddle, Adyen | Not repeated |
| D2C | best ecommerce platform for a new D2C brand | Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Wix | Not repeated |
| D2C | best email marketing tool for a D2C ecommerce brand | Klaviyo, Omnisend, Shopify Messaging, Brevo | Not repeated |
| D2C | best customer reviews app for a Shopify store | Judge.me, Loox, Okendo, Yotpo, Junip | Not repeated |
What we saw
- The main product lists named between 3 and 5 products; the first response also included three shortlist options.
- The first-named product changed between two runs of the same query: Intercom and Plain.
- Several answers ended by asking the buyer follow-up questions, such as stage or platform.
- The lists mixed category leaders with newer or niche tools, for example Plain, Attio and PostHog.
Limits
These were single runs, logged out, on one date, and results will change. Perplexity and Gemini have not yet been tested. We do not claim to know why any product was named.
What this means for founders
Our working view, not a proven conclusion, is that being named is not a single ranking. Clear category pages, consistent facts about a product across the web, and honest comparison content are worth testing. We plan to rerun this monthly and publish changes.
Hacks we do not recommend
We do not recommend hidden text, fake reviews, mass spammy mentions or cloaking. These practices are risky and against search engine guidelines.