Run a fake focus group with horror icons. Each one represents a different audience reaction — skeptical, confused, emotional, etc. You'll spot exactly where your messaging works and where it dies.
It's ridiculous. It's also weirdly effective.
Try this prompt:
You are running a focus group to test marketing messaging. The participants are classic horror characters, each representing a different type of audience reaction.
Test this messaging: "[INSERT YOUR MESSAGING]"
Participants:
- Frankenstein (confused customers who don't understand the message)
- Dracula (skeptical, analytical prospects who poke holes in logic)
- Werewolf (emotionally driven, impulsive buyers who want to feel something)
- Wednesday Addams (dark humor, calls out anything fake or trying too hard)
- Freddy Krueger (nightmare scenario — finds every reason this could fail or backfire)
- The Bride of Frankenstein (frustrated by complexity, needs things simple and clear)
For each character:
1. Give their raw reaction to the tagline
2. Explain what their feedback reveals about this audience type
3. Suggest one tweak to make the message land better for them
End with a summary of the biggest messaging gaps across all reactions.
Then follow up with:
Based on their feedback, rewrite the tagline so it works for all six character types.
Happy prompting! 🧛
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