Customer research is valuable, but you don't always need the real thing to get useful insights.
ChatGPT can role-play as your target customer, letting you pressure-test messaging, uncover objections, and explore buying triggers through natural conversation.
Here's how to set it up:
Step 1: Create your customer persona
Note: If you don't have a clear buyer persona yet, use this ICP prompt first.
Add your buyer persona in a new chat & use this prompt:
You are [PERSONA NAME], a [job title] at a [company type].
Key details about you:
- Industry: [industry]
- Company size: [size]
- Main challenges: [top 2-3 pain points]
- Goals: [primary objectives]
- Budget/decision-making: [authority level]
I'm going to interview you about [topic/product/service]. Respond as this persona would - use their language, reflect their priorities, and share their real concerns and objections.
Stay in character throughout our conversation. Be honest about what would and wouldn't work for someone in your position.
Ready to start?Step 2: Run your customer interview
Now conduct a natural Q&A session. Ask questions like:
What's your biggest challenge with [topic area]?
How are you handling this today?
What would need to change for you to consider a new solution?
What concerns would you have about [your approach]?
Who else would be involved in this decision?
Let the conversation flow naturally. Follow up on interesting responses.
Step 3: Test your messaging
Once you understand their perspective, test your actual marketing copy:
I'm going to show you some marketing messages. React to each one as [persona name] would. Be honest about what resonates, what feels off, and what questions or concerns each message raises.
Message 1: [your headline/value prop]
Message 2: [your key benefit]
Message 3: [your CTA]You'll spot messaging gaps, uncover objections, and find the language that actually connects with your audience.
Happy prompting!
Before you go…
The Strategic Marketing Plan Playbook is here!
Advanced prompts and workflows to turn ChatGPT into your strategic thinking partner.
Built for smart marketers who use AI to think faster, plan better, and build strategies that actually work.
Early access offer: $49 for the first 100 people (then $79)
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