The launch of DeepSeek created a significant stir in the U.S. stock market. By mid day on January 27, 2025, the S&P 500 had dropped almost 2%, and the NASDAQ more than 3%. The new Chinese AI platform posed a serious challenge to US dominance in the AI market.
DeepSeek looks similar to ChatGPT in design and functionality, providing conversational answers and recommendations. It also has direct links to websites, making it a traffic source for businesses. Consumers can now visit websites after searching for or requesting recommendations about products and services, creating new opportunities for businesses to get traffic and attract customers.

Analyzing DeepSeek Algorithm
RetainTrust conducted an in-depth analysis to understand how DeepSeek’s algorithms work, specifically in collecting and analyzing data to recommend businesses and websites. This research offers businesses insights on how to optimize their online presence and websites for DeepSeek, just as they can for ChatGPT.
Our study began by searching for businesses and services on DeepSeek to find its ranking and recommendation processes. For example, a search for “lawyers in Boston” generated a list of the top five law firms in Massachusetts, each with brief descriptions and links to their sites. DeepSeek also gave a detailed breakdown by legal practice areas and top firms for each specialization. Then we asked DeepSeek where this information originated and sources. DeepSeek explained that it pulls most data from trusted legal directories such as Chambers and Partners, Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers and others. It also takes client reviews from platforms like Avvo, Google Reviews, and Yelp. The AI also scans business websites to look for services, fees, and contact details, along with a strong local presence especially when looking for local results.
Example of DeepSeek Results

More searches for tech companies, restaurants, car dealerships, and even bloggers and influencers revealed similar patterns. DeepSeek provided recommendations, complete with reviews, descriptions, and direct links to websites. It shows how online presence important in DeepSeek website optimization and rankings.
How DeepSeek Collects Data and Gives Recommendations
More research shows that DeepSeek is trained using various data sources, including books, websites, online reviews, local presence, social media, and more. This highlights the need for businesses to integrate online and traditional marketing, PR, and SEO strategies to align with DeepSeek’s learning and ranking algorithms.
Optimizing Your Website for DeepSeek – Understanding the Algorithm
Based on RatainTrust research, here is what determines rankings that businesses can use for DeepSeek website optimization.
- Improve Your Website Content. Don’t ignore “About Us” page that includes a detailed company history, mission statement, and descriptions of your products and services. Localization is critical, clearly specify the areas your business serves, as DeepSeek heavily prioritizes local relevance in the results.
- Focus on Web Visibility and SEO. DeepSeek scans external websites and social media for mentions of businesses. Getting quality backlinks, ensuring positive discussions about your brand, and promoting mentions on third-party sites are important. DeepSeek pays attention to the credibility of sources discussing your business.
- Get Positive Reviews and Ratings. Maintain positive reviews on platforms such as Yelp, Trustpilot, BBB and others. Depending on your industry, target niche platforms. Address negative reviews on time, DeepSeek often includes both positive and negative feedback in search results and recommendations.
- Leverage Press Releases. DeepSeek frequently references press releases. Publish them on your website and distribute through PR services like PRWeb and PRNewswire.
- Highlight Awards and Recognition. Present certifications, industry awards, and achievements. These enhance your credibility and improve your rankings in DeepSeek’s search results. Make sure to be included in reputable listicles like “Top Law Firms in Massachusetts” or “Best Sushi Restaurants in London” etc.
- Manage Online Reputation. Maintain a positive presence across all review sites and publications. Investing in public relations and reputation management keeps your brand well positioned.
- Feature Client Feedback. On your website, highlight endorsements and testimonials from well known clients, influencers, and industry professionals. It will improve your chances to get positive recommendations and traffic from DeepSeek.
- Emphasize Niche and Local Expertise. Clearly communicate on your website your specialized services, locations, and areas of expertise. For businesses with multiple locations, highlight each one to capture local AI searches.
- Utilize Directories and Certifications. Appearances in directories, chambers of commerce, and certification listings can establish credibility and improve DeepSeek website optimization.
- Showcase Experience and Expertise. Highlight your team’s years of experience, education, certifications, and licenses. This demonstrates authority and professionalism, improving your business’s visibility on DeepSeek.
By implementing these strategies, businesses can optimize their online presence for DeepSeek and other AI platforms like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Bing Copilot. Additionally, these efforts improve traditional SEO by generating more mentions, reviews, and quality content.
RetainTrust AI and DeepSeek Website Optimization
We help businesses get noticed on AI platforms like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and more. Our goal is simple, make your brand easy to find when people search for products, services, or answers.
With 20 years of experience in digital marketing, we know how to combine proven strategies with the latest AI trends to get real results.
Let’s talk! Contact us for a free consultation and see how we can help your business stand out on AI powered search platforms.