ChatGPT is currently one of the most popular AI tools, helping businesses:
Draft emails
Answer customer FAQs
Brainstorm marketing ideas
Research competitors or market trends
Simplifying tasks and save time
This guide explains what ChatGPT is, who operates it, the different models and tiers, and how your business can use it safely and effectively.
1. What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is a conversational AI assistant developed by OpenAI, capable of understanding natural language and generating useful responses.
Think of it like a digital team member you can ask questions, request content, or get guidance from...instantly.
For UK service-based businesses, examples include:
You might be a plumber using it to template quote emails, a solicitor summarising legal topics into plain English for clients, or a physiotherapy clinic creating patient-friendly guides or FAQs.
It’s a great tool to save time, improve communication, and support business growth, not a replacement for professional expertise.
2. Who Operates ChatGPT
ChatGPT is operated by OpenAI, a US-based AI research and technology company.
OpenAI’s goal is to make powerful AI accessible to as many people as possible, while ensuring:
Trust and privacy.
Safe and responsible AI use.
Options for free, low-cost, or premium access.
In the UK, this means small businesses can access ChatGPT tools without expensive subscriptions, while protecting their data.
3. ChatGPT Models (The “brains”)
ChatGPT runs on GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) models developed by OpenAI. Different models vary in capability, speed, and cost.
Main GPT model families
GPT-4.x series | GPT-4o / GPT-4o mini | GPT-3.5 |
|---|---|---|
Most capable and reliable – optimised for speed and cost-efficiency | “o” = optimised | Older and lighter |
Advanced reasoning, better content creation | Faster and more cost-efficient | Faster, but less accurate and less nuanced. Good for basic tasks |
Used in ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Enterprise tiers | Good balance of quality and speed | Used in free tiers or lightweight applications |
Often used for real-time or high-volume tasks |
ChatGPT automatically selects or lets you choose a model depending on your plan and task.
4. ChatGPT Platforms (where you can use it)
ChatGPT Web App
Accessed via browser
Most common interface
Supports:
File uploads
Image understanding
Custom GPTs
Advanced tools (depending on plan)
ChatGPT Mobile Apps (iOS & Android)
Same core features as the web app
Voice input/output available
Syncs conversations across devices
ChatGPT API (for developers)
Used to integrate GPT models into:
Websites
Apps
Internal tools
Pay-as-you-go pricing
Supports text, images, function calling, and automation
Enterprise & Team Platforms
ChatGPT Enterprise / Team
Designed for organisations
Features:
Higher data privacy
Admin controls
Larger context windows
Faster performance
3. ChatGPT Tiers (UK Pricing Approx.)
Tier | Cost | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Free | £0 | Limited access, basic ChatGPT | Trial use, basic tasks |
ChatGPT Go | £8/month | Expanded messaging, memory, file uploads | Small UK businesses looking for more power |
Plus | £20/month | Access to GPT-4o, faster responses | Regular users needing more advanced features |
Pro | £200 / month | High usage, premium models | Heavy users, larger service businesses |
Business/Enterprise | Custom | Team collaboration, admin controls | Multi-location or larger UK organisations |
ChatGPT Go is particularly suited to small, owner-led UK service businesses, affordable yet powerful.
6. ChatGPT Ads: The Opportunity for UK Businesses
OpenAI is currently testing ads in ChatGPT in the U.S., with potential UK expansion in the future.
Key points for UK service businesses:
Ads are separate from ChatGPT answers - AI responses are never influenced by advertisers
Data and conversations remain private - never sold to advertisers
Paid tiers remain ad-free
Ads will appear only when relevant, offering new ways for customers to discover services
Why it matters: AI-powered discovery can help UK businesses be found earlier in the customer journey, when people are actively researching services.
7. How Make Me Local Can Help
At Make Me Local, we help UK service businesses leverage AI responsibly:
Show you how to use ChatGPT effectively
Ensure your website and messaging are discoverable by AI tools
Clear results, transparent reporting, sustainable marketing
Our goal is to help you save time, reach more customers, and grow responsibly using AI.
8. Next Steps
Start experimenting safely with Free or ChatGPT Go to see how it can help your business
Keep an eye on ads testing, be ready for early opportunities when they arrive in the UK
Contact Make me Local if you want personalised guidance on using AI for marketing, lead generation, and local discovery.