When building an AI app, a .com domain is still the gold standard for trust and authority, analogous to prime real estate. While a .ai domain is trendy and relevant ('Williamsburg'), the .com carries more weight for SEO and brand credibility, even for an app that lives within another platform like ChatGPT.
The credit repair industry is notoriously scammy and difficult for consumers to navigate. An AI-powered ChatGPT app could provide a transparent, automated alternative by connecting to credit bureaus, offering dispute templates, and simulating score improvements. This model can be applied to other opaque consumer service industries.
Unlike the failed GPT Store which required users to actively search for apps, the new model contextually surfaces relevant apps based on user prompts. This passive discovery mechanism is a massive opportunity for developers, as users don't need to leave their natural workflow to find and use new tools.
Inspired by standalone sites like bankstatementconverter.com, a major opportunity in the ChatGPT store is building apps that solve highly specific, painful business problems. An app that automatically finds all K1 tax forms in a user's Gmail is a prime example of a simple tool with massive value for a specific audience.
The barrier to entry for building on the ChatGPT platform is remarkably low. Using modern AI-assisted coding tools, a solo developer or small team can realistically build and ship a working Minimum Viable Product for a ChatGPT app in under 30 days. This speed allows for rapid experimentation and iteration on new business ideas.
The ChatGPT App Store launch is being compared to the original Apple App Store. Developers who are early and build useful applications for its 800 million weekly active users have the opportunity to create significant businesses, mirroring the success of early mobile app pioneers who capitalized on first-mover advantage.