Most marketers treat ChatGPT like a topic generator.
They ask for "blog post ideas about email marketing" and get a list of generic headlines everyone's already covered.
The problem isn't the ideas — it's that ideas without insights are forgettable.
Instead of asking for topics, ask ChatGPT to surface the deeper patterns, tensions, and truths that make a topic interesting.
Try this prompt:
You are a strategic content analyst. I need you to help me find non-obvious insights about [TOPIC/INDUSTRY].
Don't give me content ideas. Give me insights.
Specifically, surface:
- Patterns most people in this space miss or ignore
- Common misconceptions that need correcting
- Emerging tensions or shifts happening right now
- Counterintuitive truths that challenge conventional thinking
- Gaps between what people say and what they actually do
Topic/Industry: [INSERT YOUR TOPIC]
Audience context: [who you're writing for]
What I already know: [any obvious angles to skip]
Format your response as:
INSIGHT: [the core truth or pattern]
WHY IT MATTERS: [one sentence on impact]
ANGLE: [how this could become content]
Now you've got the raw material that makes content sharp, not just another listicle.
Happy prompting!
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