ChatGPT-5 Is Here: What Small Businesses Need to Know (and How to Get the Most Out of It)
How to use ChatGPT 5
If you’ve logged into ChatGPT today, you might have noticed something big — ChatGPT-5 is now live. By default, everyone gets access, but here’s the fine print:
Free users get 30 prompts with ChatGPT-5 before it reverts to 5 Mini.
Paid users get ChatGPT-5 all the time.
So, what’s new — and more importantly, how can you use it to work smarter in your business?
1. Smarter Reasoning (and Faster Too)
One of the most noticeable upgrades is ChatGPT-5’s ability to pick the best mode for your request automatically. Instead of switching between “Agent Mode,” “Deep Research,” or “Image Creation,” it figures it out for you.
Small biz win: Less menu-jumping, more answers.
2. Personalisation Upgrades
You can now tweak ChatGPT’s personality. Under Settings → Customise, you can choose from:
Supportive
Sarcastic
Robotic
Nerdy (my personal pick)
Or keep it on default.
You’ll also find advanced settings here — switch them all on to get the full experience.
3. More Integrations
The integrations menu now includes:
Google Drive (live now)
Gmail and Google Calendar (coming soon)
Plus, a new Study & Learn mode.
Example: I typed in “Gardening with Australian natives” and it offered to guide me from newbie basics through to detailed project ideas.
Small biz win: Use it to upskill fast — from SEO basics to bookkeeping best practices.
4. Enhanced Voice Mode
Voice conversations are smoother and more natural. You can bounce ideas, brainstorm, or even do role-play training sessions in real-time — perfect for learning or sales practice.
5. Browser First
If you’ve been using the desktop app, switch to the browser version for faster updates. The desktop can lag behind on new features.
6. Built-In Smarts for Projects
I tested it by asking ChatGPT-5 to create a Small Business Prompt Shop quiz to assess AI-readiness.
It:
Created a multi-section quiz with scoring
Suggested converting it into a Typeform
Offered to make it a lead magnet funnel
This “next step” thinking wasn’t as strong in earlier versions — it’s like having a mini-strategist in the room.
💡 SBPS Tip:
If you’re on the free plan, use your 30 prompts strategically — batch your questions or work in project sprints. Paid plan? Dive into study mode, voice interactions, and integrations to get ahead of competitors who are still using the basics.
Bottom line:
ChatGPT-5 isn’t just faster — it’s smarter, more personalised, and better at connecting with the tools you already use. Spend 10 minutes in the settings today to tailor it to your business needs, and you’ll feel the difference immediately.
