17 ChatGPT prompts you can use for starting a business in 2024

The more we use AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude, the more we’re discovering how they can help entrepreneurs get their businesses started. We’re collecting our favorite prompts here so you can jump-start your business and get moving faster with the help of AI.

That said, we do have some words of caution: We’ve found AI to be a fantastic tool for brainstorming, but that doesn’t mean you can just cut and paste the results into your business plan, marketing plan, or anything else. Make sure to review the output carefully and, especially if there are any numbers or “facts” in the output, double check the AI’s work. More often than not, we’ve found that AI tools still (as of February 2024) provide misleading or inaccurate data. 

The bottom line is that AI generated content needs human editors and review. It may create interesting ideas, but it’s your job as an entrepreneur to sort through the ideas and pick out the good ones, discarding the bad ones. Think of AI as a tool and collaborator, not as a complete solution.

That said, here are our favorite prompts:

Idea Generation & Validation

Come up with new business ideas:

Additional Prompt Elements

• Your skills: “Generate ideas that leverage my background in [list your skills and expertise].”
• Passion points: “Help me brainstorm business ideas that align with my passion for [list interests relevant to potential businesses].”
• Local needs: “Identify business ideas that address unmet needs or gaps in the market within my community [location].”
• Emerging trends: “Suggest business ideas that capitalize on upcoming trends in [industry] or that are likely to disrupt the marketplace.”

Example

Let’s say you’re interested in sustainability, and have experience in marketing:

Help me generate new business ideas that address current trends and solve problems within the sustainability sector. Ideally, these ideas should be suitable for a small business with a limited budget. I’d like to leverage my marketing skills and my passion for environmental responsibility.

Tips for evaluating business ideas:

• Brainstorm broadly and keep an open mind: Even impractical ideas might spark an idea for something feasible.
• Research is key: Having an idea is just the beginning. You’ll need to validate that there’s demand, and that you’ll be able to create a sustainable business.
• Think outside the box: Disruptive businesses emerge from unique, out-of-the-ordinary concepts.
• Learn more: How to come up with a good business idea

Validate a business idea:

Core Prompt

Help me design a comprehensive validation plan for my business idea: [describe your idea concisely]. My target market is [define your ideal customer].  My key goals for validation are to:

• [Goal 1]: Confirm that a genuine problem/need exists that my idea addresses.
• [Goal 2]: Gauge genuine interest and willingness to pay for my proposed solution.
• [Goal 3]: Identify potential obstacles or weaknesses in my concept.

Additional Considerations

• Budget and timeline: “Outline validation methods suitable for my [small/medium/large] budget and a [desired timeframe].”
• Competitor insights: “Suggest ways to gather insights on competitors offering similar solutions, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.”
• Metrics for success: “Define key metrics I should track to evaluate the success of my validation efforts.”

Example

Let’s say your idea is a subscription box service for curated craft cocktail ingredients:

Help me design a comprehensive validation plan for my business idea: ‘Cocktail Club,’ a monthly subscription box delivering unique cocktail recipes and hard-to-find ingredients. My target market is urban professionals who enjoy entertaining guests and trying new drinks. My key goals for validation are to:

• Confirm that home mixology enthusiasts struggle to find interesting ingredients and recipe inspiration.
• Gauge willingness to pay a premium for convenience and curated experiences.
• Identify any concerns about delivery logistics or perceived value.

Tips for validating business ideas:

• Combine methods: Employ diverse validation methods (surveys, interviews, landing pages, etc.)
• Iterate: Be prepared to adapt your plan and idea based on the feedback you receive.
• “Minimum Viable Product” mindset: Consider ways to test a bare-bones version of your offering to get early validation.
• Learn more: How to Validate Your Business Idea

Analyze Industry Trends:

Core Prompt

Analyze current and emerging trends within the [industry] that could significantly impact my business, [brief business description]. Focus on the following key areas:

• Technological advancements: Identify new technologies that are disrupting traditional practices or creating new market opportunities.
• Customer behavior: Examine shifts in consumer preferences, buying habits, and pain points in your industry.
• Economic factors: Analyze economic trends (inflation, market conditions, etc.) that could affect costs, pricing, or demand.
• Regulatory changes: Identify upcoming legislation or regulations that might impact operations or compliance.
• Competitive landscape: Assess changes in competitor strategies, new entrants, and potential industry consolidation.

Additional Considerations

• Timeframe: “Focus on trends likely to have the most significant impact within the next [1-3 years].”
• Sources: “Suggest reliable sources for industry trend reports, trade publications, and credible data.”
• SWOT framework: “Frame the analysis around a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to understand the potential implications for my business.”

Example

Let’s imagine you own an independent bookstore:

Analyze current and emerging trends within the bookselling industry that could significantly impact my business, a local independent bookstore. Focus on the following key areas:

• Technological advancements: How are e-readers, audiobooks, and AI-powered writing tools altering the market?
• Customer behavior: Are reading habits changing, and what are consumers seeking in their bookstore experience?
• Economic factors: How might rising costs or supply chain disruptions affect my business?
• Regulatory changes: Are there any relevant shifts in policy regarding bookstores or small businesses?
• Competitive landscape: How are online retailers and big-box bookstores adapting their strategies?

Tips

• Prioritize: Focus on the trends most likely to disrupt your business niche.
• Look beyond the obvious: Dig into niche trends within your larger industry for opportunities.
• Actionable insights: Connect your findings to strategic planning for your business.
• Learn more: How to conduct an industry analysis

Getting Started:

Business names and slogans:

Core Prompt

Help me brainstorm potential business names and slogans for my [type of business or industry]. My business will focus on [key product, service, or value proposition]. Ideally, the name should be [list desired qualities – memorable, creative, relevant, etc.]. I’d like the slogans to be [short and catchy, informative, inspire action, etc].

Variations

• Keyword focused: “Include relevant keywords like [list keywords] within the name or slogan suggestions.”
• Emotional appeal: “Brainstorm names and slogans that evoke a specific feeling or emotion [e.g., trust, confidence, excitement].”
• Target customer: “Generate names and slogans that would resonate with my target audience: [describe your ideal customer].”
• Competitor check: “Research names of my competitors and suggest options that stand out and avoid potential trademark conflicts.”

Example

Let’s say you’re launching a new line of natural skincare products:

Help me brainstorm potential business names and slogans for my natural skincare line. My products use plant-based ingredients and are focused on sensitive skin. Ideally, the name should be easy to remember and evoke a sense of purity and well-being. I’d like the slogans to be short and highlight the soothing, gentle nature of my products.

Tips:

• Brainstorm freely: Generate lots of options, even seemingly far-fetched ones.
• Visual inspiration: Images and mood boards can fuel your brainstorming.
• Test with others: Get feedback on your shortlist of names and slogans to gauge memorability and impact.
• Domain/trademark check: Ensure your top choices are available before committing.
• Learn more: 10 Classic Business Naming Mistakes

Brand identity:

Core Prompt

Additional Considerations

• Competitor analysis: “Analyze the branding of my top competitors to understand how to stand out in the market.”
• Messaging: “Suggest brand messaging pillars or key phrases that encapsulate our value proposition.”
• Inspiration: “Provide links to a few existing brands whose style I admire as reference points.”

Example

Let’s say you’re launching a sustainable home goods store:

Help me develop a distinctive brand identity for my new business, ‘Haven.’ We offer eco-friendly home décor and cleaning products, targeting conscious consumers who value style and sustainability. Our brand personality should feel calm, natural, and approachable. Consider the following core elements:…

Tips

• Iterate: Start broad, and get more specific as you go. It may take a few rounds of inputs to hone your ideal identity.
• Consistency is key: A well-defined brand identity ensures a cohesive customer experience across all touchpoints.
• Brand guide: Once finalized, document your brand identity elements for future reference.
• Learn more: How to Brand Your Small Business

Logo design:

Core Prompt

Help me design a logo for my company, [company name]. My industry is [industry], and I offer [products or services]. My ideal customers are [describe target audience]. I’d like my logo to be [list adjectives like modern, playful, sophisticated], and convey [a sense of reliability, innovation, etc.].

Prompt Enhancements

• Include relevant keywords: “Incorporate subtle visual metaphors or imagery related to [list keywords for your business or industry].”
• Focus on a feeling: “Design a logo that evokes a specific emotion in the viewer, such as [excitement, trust, relaxation].”
• Provide color preferences: “Use a palette of [list colors]. Otherwise, suggest colors that would work well for my industry and brand personality.”
• Set limitations: “Help me design a logo that works well in black and white and that will still be effective when scaled down to a small size.”

Example

Imagine you run a travel company specializing in unique adventure tours:

Help me design a logo for my company, Boundless Adventures. My industry is travel, and I offer unique and active travel experiences. My ideal customers are adventurous people seeking thrills and authentic cultural connections. I’d like my logo to be bold and dynamic and to convey a sense of exploration and excitement.

Tips

• Use inspiration: Look at existing logos you love, and describe what you like about them to provide references.
• Keep it simple: The most iconic logos are memorable and avoid being overly complex.
• Get feedback: Once you have some concepts, ask others for their opinions on clarity and impact.
• Learn more: How to Create or Update Your Logo

Market Research:

Analyze potential target markets:

Core Prompt

Prompt Enhancements

• Ideal customer behaviors: “Identify where my ideal customers spend their time (online and offline) and how they make purchasing decisions.”
• Niche markets: “Help me discover underserved niche markets with specific needs aligned with my offering.”
• Market fit: “Prioritize segments based on the level of problem-solution fit my product/service provides.”
• Feasibility: “Consider the accessibility and potential costs involved in reaching each target market.”

Example

Let’s say you’ve developed a time-management app targeting busy professionals:

Help me identify and analyze potential target markets for my time-management app. It helps  professionals streamline tasks and improve productivity. Consider the following factors:…

Tips

• Start broad, then narrow: Begin with a wide range of possibilities, and then start giving the AI tool more specific direction as you narrow down your ideal target market.
• Data is your friend: Utilize surveys, market research, and online tools to validate assumptions about each segment.
• Embrace specificity: The more targeted and specific your market is, the easier it is to tailor your marketing and messaging.
• Learn More: How to Define Your Target Market

Competitive research:

Core Prompt:

Additional Considerations

• Emerging competitors: “Identify smaller or newer companies in the market that could become future threats.”
• Industry trends: “Assess how competitors are adapting to evolving trends, or if they are lagging behind.”
• SWOT analysis: “Summarize the analysis in a SWOT format (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) for each competitor.”

Example

Let’s say you’re a graphic designer competing with both agencies and freelance designers:

Analyze my top competitors in the graphic design market: [List design agencies] and [List freelance designer names]. Focus on the following key areas: …

Follow-up Prompt

“Highlight any areas where I can gain a competitive advantage.”

Tips

• “Secret shopper” mode: Once you’ve identified competitors using AI, go out in the real world and try interacting with those competitors as a potential customer to understand their sales process and client experience.
• Look beyond direct rivals: Consider businesses offering substitutes to gain a wider competitive landscape view.
• Regular Reviews: Conduct a competitor analysis periodically as markets and strategies evolve.
• Learn More: How to Write a Competitive Analysis for Your Business Plan

Market sizes: 

Unfortunately, AI just isn’t ready to help much in this area. We recently experimented with trying to get AI to help with classic market research, and were surprised at the confident, yet 100% made-up responses that we got from the three most popular AI tools. As of February 2024, you’re really just much better off doing your own research and potentially purchasing a market research report from a reputable source.

Mission and Vision:

Create a mission statement: 

Core Prompt

Prompt Variations

• Values-focused: “Help me write a mission statement that emphasizes our core values like [list 2-3 values].”
• Impact-driven “Focus on the broader impact we strive to make on the world or our community.”
• Aspirational: “Draft a mission statement that envisions the future we aim to create.”

Example

Let’s say you own a vegan bakery:

Help me create a concise and memorable mission statement for my company, Sweet Earth Bakery. Consider the following elements:

• Our purpose: To spread joy and promote conscious eating.
• Our customers: People seeking delicious, plant-based treats and those with dietary restrictions.
• Our offerings: Hand-crafted vegan baked goods made with wholesome ingredients.
• Our differentiators: Unique flavors, commitment to sustainability, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Tips

• Think long-term: Mission statements should reflect your company’s enduring aspirations.
• Keep it short and sweet: Aim for clarity and a statement you can easily recite.
• Iterate: Try several variations and get feedback from others before finalizing.
• Learn more: How to Write a Mission Statement + 10 Great Examples

Create a value proposition:

Core Prompt

Develop a clear and compelling value proposition for my business, [business name]. Consider the following aspects:

• Target customer: Describe your ideal customer in detail (their demographics, needs, and major pain points).
• Products and services: List the key features and benefits of your offering.
• Competitors: Name your top 2-3 direct competitors.
• Unique differentiators: Emphasize what sets your business apart and why customers should choose you.

Prompt Variations

• Problem-solution fit: “Focus my value proposition directly on how I provide a superior solution to my target customer’s most pressing issue.”
• Quantifiable benefits: “Help me incorporate specific metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the value I provide (e.g., time saved, costs reduced, etc.).”
• Customer’s voice: “Write my value proposition using the language my target customer would use to describe their needs and desired outcomes.”

Example

Let’s imagine you offer dog walking services with GPS tracking for pet owners:

Develop a clear and compelling value proposition for my business, Pawsitive Trails Dog Walking.  Consider the following aspects:

• Target customer: Busy urban professionals who love their dogs but struggle with providing sufficient exercise.
• Products and services: Reliable daily dog walks, GPS tracking, personalized updates for owners.
• Competitors: Other local dog walkers and pet-sitting apps.
• Unique differentiators: Flexibility, focus on individual dog needs, insured and background-checked walkers.

Tips

• Clarity is king: Use simple language; avoid jargon or overly complex claims.
• Test and iterate: Try different drafts and see which resonates best with potential customers.
• Placement matters: Ensure the value proposition is front and center on your website and marketing materials.
• Learn more: How to Create a Unique Value Proposition + Examples

Marketing:

Brainstorm positioning ideas

Core Prompt:

Analyze my business, [brief business description], and its position within the [industry] market.  Help me brainstorm compelling positioning strategies to stand out from competitors and resonate with our ideal customer: [detailed customer description]. Consider areas like pricing, messaging, and unique value propositions.

Additional Elements to Include

• Competitor landscape: List your top 3-5 competitors and how they currently position themselves.
• Strengths and weaknesses: Clearly articulate your business’s core strengths and areas for potential improvement.
• Target market segments: Are there specific niches or customer segments within your broader market that could be uniquely targeted?
• Desired perception: How do you want your ideal customer to perceive your brand (e.g., the premium option, the most innovative, the most accessible, etc.)?

Example Prompt

Analyze my business, a subscription-based meal kit delivery service with a focus on healthy, whole-food ingredients. Help me brainstorm compelling positioning strategies within the meal kit market to stand out from competitors and resonate with health-conscious working professionals. Consider areas like pricing, messaging, and unique value propositions.

Tips

• Be specific: Details bring focused results. Avoid generic descriptions.
• Embrace differentiation: Emphasize what makes your offering truly unique.
• Focus on your ideal customer: Understanding their needs is key to finding where you fit in the market
• Learn More: How to Develop a Positioning Statement for Your Business

Brainstorm marketing ideas

Main Prompt:

Help me brainstorm effective marketing ideas for my business, [business name]. My target audience is [describe your ideal customer in detail]. I operate in the [industry] sector, and my primary goals are to [list goals – e.g., build brand awareness, increase website traffic, generate leads]. I have a [small/medium/large] marketing budget.

Prompt Variations

• Channel focused: “Suggest marketing tactics best suited to reach my target audience on [specific social media platform, email, etc.].”
• Content-driven: “Develop content marketing ideas (blog topics, video themes, etc.) to attract my target audience and position my business as an expert in [industry].”
• Competitive analysis: “Analyze my top competitor’s marketing strategies. What are they doing well, and where can I find opportunities to differentiate my approach?”
• Goal-specific: “Brainstorm promotional campaigns aligned with [specific goal – e.g., new product launch, holiday sales, email list growth].”

Example

Let’s say you have a pet grooming business:

Help me brainstorm effective marketing ideas for my business, Paws & Pamper Pet Grooming. My target audience is local pet owners who value quality care and convenience. I operate in the pet care industry, and my primary goals are to build brand awareness and attract new clients. I have a small marketing budget.

Tips:

• Experiment with different goals: Test prompts aimed at lead generation, customer acquisition, and even customer retention.
• Budget constraints: Be specific about your budget, as this will significantly influence the feasibility of suggested ideas.
• Iterate: Build on the AI’s suggestions to refine your marketing brainstorming further.
• Learn more: How to Market Your Small Business

Write product descriptions

Core Prompt

Write several product descriptions for [product name]. This product is [brief description of its purpose]. My target customers are [describe ideal customer]  It’s important to highlight the following features/benefits: [list 2-3 key selling points]. Ideally, the tone should be [conversational, persuasive, informative, etc.]

Prompt Enhancements

• Pain points: “Write product descriptions… emphasizing how it solves these customer pain points: [list pain points].”
• Differentiators: “Write product descriptions… showcasing what makes this product unique from competitors: [mention differentiators].”
• Sensory language: “Write product descriptions… using vivid, sensory language to make the product tangible and appealing.”
• Call-to-action: “Write product descriptions… concluding with a strong call-to-action that encourages purchase.”

Example

Let’s say you’re selling a handcrafted leather journal:

Write several product descriptions for ‘The Wanderer’s Journal.’ This product is a high-quality, handcrafted leather journal designed for travelers and writers. My target customers are creative individuals who value unique and personalized stationery. It’s important to highlight the durability of the leather, the refillable pages, and the journal’s compact size. Ideally, the tone should be evocative and inspiring.

Tips

• Specificity is key: The more detailed your information about the product and target audience, the more tailored results will be.
• Test variations: Try different tones and focus on various features/benefits to see what resonates most.
• Keep it brief: Remember that product descriptions should be concise and easy to scan.

Draft blog posts

Core Prompt

Write a blog post about [topic] targeted towards [describe your ideal reader]. The post should be informative and engaging, aiming to [describe your goal – educate, entertain, build thought leadership, etc.]. Maintain a [conversational, expert, etc.] tone throughout.

Additional Considerations

• Word count: “Write a blog post… approximately [word count] words long.”
• Keywords: “Incorporate the following keywords naturally throughout the blog post: [list your keywords].”
• Structure: “Start with a compelling introduction, include [number] body paragraphs focusing on key subtopics, and finish with a clear call-to-action.”
• Sources: “Where relevant, use reliable sources to back up claims. List these sources at the end of the article.”

Example

Let’s say you have a small farm supply business targeting backyard chicken owners:

Write a blog post about “5 Tips for Raising Healthy Chickens in Winter” targeted towards beginner chicken keepers. The post should be informative and easy-to-follow, aiming to establish our expertise in chicken care. Maintain a friendly and encouraging tone throughout.

Tips

• Brainstorm blog topics: Use AI to help you brainstorm topics for blog posts and then filter the list based on your business and your knowledge of your customer.
• Calls to action: Think about what you want the reader to do next (visit a product page, subscribe to a newsletter, leave a comment, etc.). Make sure you have a link or button on the page that helps the reader take the next step.
• Proofreading: Remember, even AI-generated drafts need thorough editing for polish!

Create social media ads

Core Prompt:

Create several social media ad concepts for my business, [business name], promoting [product/service]. My target audience is [define your ideal customer]. The ads should run on [specific social media platform] and emphasize [key benefit or selling point]. Ideally, the ads should be attention-grabbing and include a strong call to action.

Prompt Variations:

• Visual focus: “Design ads using eye-catching imagery [describe ideal visuals – photos, illustrations, short videos, etc.]”
• Ad targeting: “Suggest audience targeting options on [platform] to get my ads in front of the right people.”
• Budget guidance: “Develop ad concepts suitable for a small/medium/large budget.”
• Copywriting style: “Write ad copy that is [funny, informative, persuasive, etc.]”

Example

Let’s say you’re running a graphic design service:

Create several social media ad concepts for my business, Bold Designs, promoting my custom logo design packages. My target audience is small business owners and entrepreneurs. The ads should run on Instagram and emphasize the quality and affordability of my services. Ideally, the ads should be visually striking and include a clear call to action like “Elevate Your Brand – Get a Quote Today!”

Tips:

• Platform matters: Tailor your prompt based on the ad format and style typical of the desired platform.
• Experiment: Test variations on copy length, ad visuals, and calls to action to see what performs best.
• Ad guidelines: Make sure you understand the specific ad requirements (character limits, image ratios, etc.) of the social media platform before finalizing your ads.

Create taglines and slogans

Core Prompt

Craft several original taglines and slogans for my business, [business name]. Our industry is [industry], and we focus on [key offering or benefit]. Ideally, the slogans should be memorable, reflect our brand personality ([list 2-3 adjectives like ‘innovative,’ ‘friendly,’ etc.]) and highlight what makes us unique: [differentiator].

Prompt Variations for a Specific Style

• Rhyming slogans: “Generate a few taglines for [business name] that rhyme. Keep them simple and catchy.”
• Question-based slogans: “Write slogans for [business name] that pose a question to the customer, highlighting the problem we solve.”
• Play on words: “Can you develop some clever taglines for [business name] that use a play on words related to our industry?”

Example

Let’s say you have a sustainable cleaning products company called “Clean Earth.” Here’s how the prompts could look:

Main prompt:

Craft several original taglines and slogans for my business, Clean Earth. Our industry is eco-friendly cleaning products, and we focus on powerful plant-based formulas. Ideally, the slogans should be memorable, reflect our brand personality (natural, trustworthy, effective), and highlight what makes us unique: commitment to non-toxic ingredients.

Rhyming variation

Generate a few taglines for Clean Earth that rhyme. Keep them simple and catchy.

Question variation

Write slogans for Clean Earth that pose a question to the customer, highlighting the problem of harmful household chemicals.

Tips

• Experiment! Try different adjectives and differentiators for various options.
• Keep it short and sweet: The most impactful slogans are brief and easy to remember.
• Get external opinions: Ask others (not just AI!) for feedback on which slogans resonate the most.

Noah Parsons

Noah is currently the COO at Palo Alto Software, makers of the online business plan app LivePlan.

Posted in Business Plan Writing