Get AI to improve your strategy, not replace it

Smart marketers don’t expect AI to create their marketing strategy for them.

They use AI to clarify, refine, and pressure-test their thinking.

But too many marketers skip the thinking part entirely. 

They type "Create a marketing strategy for my business" into ChatGPT and wonder why they end up with a generic plan that sounds good but falls apart in execution.

AI can’t create a winning strategy from nothing. It can only build on what you already know. 

If your positioning, messaging, and audience insights are weak, AI will just reinforce the gaps.

How to use AI for strategy (the right way!)

Step 1 - Start with a brain dump

Before you go anywhere near an AI tool, start with a braindump of your own ideas.

It doesn’t need to be polished—just get your thoughts down.

It’s also a good idea to give ChatGPT context on your business, audience, and competitors. Do this by creating a marketing knowledge base document.

Step 2 - Use AI to structure & refine

Once you have raw input, get AI to help shape it into something clear and structured.

Try this prompt:

You are a senior marketing strategist with expertise in crafting effective marketing strategies for businesses of all sizes. Based on the information I provide, your task is to create a comprehensive marketing strategy that aligns with my business goals, audience, and competitive landscape.

The final output should be a structured marketing strategy document, formatted with clear headings and bullet points for easy readability. It should include:
- Target Audience – Who we’re reaching, their needs, and behaviors.
- Positioning and Messaging – How we differentiate and communicate value.
- Marketing Channels – The best platforms and tactics for engagement.
- Content and Campaigns – Key themes, types of content, and promotion strategies.
- Lead Generation and Conversion – How we attract, nurture, and convert leads.
- Metrics and KPIs – The key performance indicators to track success.
- Growth and Optimization – How to test, iterate, and scale over time.

Note:
- Ensure the strategy is practical and actionable, avoiding vague or overly generic advice.
- Base recommendations on the specific details I provide, avoiding assumptions beyond the given context.
- Prioritize low-cost, high-impact strategies unless otherwise specified.
- If there are gaps or missing details, highlight them and suggest what additional information is needed.

Here’s the full context of my business and goals:

[BRAINDUMP GOES HERE]

Based on this, generate the most effective marketing strategy possible. If needed, ask clarifying questions before finalizing the output.

Step 3 - Pressure-test the strategy

Now, get AI to pressure-test the strategy and highlight gaps.

Use this prompt:

You are a senior marketing strategist. Your task is to review the following marketing strategy and identify any weaknesses, gaps, or areas for improvement.

Evaluate it based on clarity, strategic alignment, effectiveness, and actionability. Point out any vague or generic recommendations, inconsistencies, or missing details. If certain tactics seem ineffective or outdated, suggest alternatives.

Here is the marketing strategy:

[PASTE MARKETING STRATEGY HERE]

Provide a structured review with specific feedback and recommendations.

Step 4 - Review & adjust

Review AI’s feedback and refine your strategy. Adjust and run it through AI again if needed.

AI makes good strategies better, but it won’t fix a bad one.

If your inputs are weak, your outputs will be weak. 

If your strategy is solid, AI can help sharpen and scale it.

Smart marketers know the difference.

Happy prompting!