Positioning gaps don't show up by staring at your own brand. They show up when you map the category.
Use this 4-step workflow to map your category, analyze competitors, and find the white space no one is owning.
Step 1: Map the category
You are a brand strategist. Analyze the positioning landscape for [INDUSTRY/CATEGORY].
Identify:
- Common messaging themes across the category
- Repeated claims and promises (e.g., speed, simplicity, price, innovation)
- The dominant angles brands use to differentiate
- Any positioning patterns that feel overused or generic
Target audience: [YOUR ICP]
Geography (if relevant): [REGION/MARKET]
Be specific. I want to understand how this category talks about itself.
Step 2: Analyze your competitors
You are a competitive positioning analyst. Break down the positioning of these competitors: [LIST 3–5 COMPETITORS].
For each one, extract:
- Their core positioning statement or tagline
- Their primary target audience
- Their main promise and differentiation angle
- Where their messaging overlaps with other competitors
Flag any positioning territory more than one brand is occupying.
Step 3: Surface the white space
Based on the category norms and competitor positioning above, identify the gaps.
Specifically:
- What audiences are underserved or ignored?
- What pain points aren't being addressed?
- What claims are so overused they've lost meaning?
- Suggest 3–5 positioning gaps with real potential
For each gap, briefly assess: Is this credible? Is it ownable? Is there real demand?
Step 4: Pressure-test your positioning
Here is my current positioning: [PASTE YOUR POSITIONING, TAGLINE, OR VALUE PROP]
Compare it against the competitor landscape and category norms above. Then:
- Flag any clichés or phrases that sound generic
- Identify where my language overlaps with competitors
- Suggest 3 sharper, more differentiated alternatives
Keep suggestions grounded in what's actually true about my business.
Run all four steps and you'll walk away with a clear view of where you're blending in — and exactly where you can stand out.
Happy prompting!
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