Using ChatGPT for Your Business Isn’t “Cheating” If You Use It Correctly
Many business owners hesitate to use AI because they worry it will make their work feel inauthentic. And yes, if you use it the wrong way, it can. But when used strategically, ChatGPT can help founders automate, streamline, and buy back time, especially for solopreneurs running every part of their business themselves.
The key is to treat ChatGPT as a brainstorming partner rather than a content factory.
ChatGPT works best when you provide clear prompts that outline your goals, tone, audience, and desired output. Specificity matters, and so does defining its role in your workflow.
A High Quality Prompt Example
Instead of saying:
“Make social media posts for my yoga studio.”
Try something like:
“Act as a social media marketing expert for a yoga studio. Our studio has 100 members, primarily women ages 20 to 50. Our goal is to expand our reach and offer a New Year sale at 20% off with a three month purchase. Provide three emails to current members encouraging them to invite friends and family, three social media posts targeting new members, and one idea for an Instagram or Facebook reel.”
This prompt works because it:
Defines ChatGPT’s role
Shares audience and background
Sets clear goals
Outlines the deliverables
Always remember: AI is a tool, not a replacement for expertise. Cross check facts, and rely on qualified professionals in areas that require training. You would not ask ChatGPT how to land a plane if you have never flown before.
How to Tell if Something Is AI Written and How to Avoid That
AI written content often feels overly generic, overly polished, or lacking personal experience. It may repeat ideas, use vague statements, or rely on language that does not sound like your natural voice. To stay authentic, add your own stories, opinions, and specific examples. Review anything AI creates and adjust the tone so it matches how you speak. Replace broad statements with details from your business and your lived experience. This keeps your content personal while still using AI as a supportive tool.
Where ChatGPT Can Truly Support Your Business
1. Market Research and Industry Trends
Most small businesses do not have a dedicated analyst, but ChatGPT can quickly scan publicly available articles, trend reports, and competitor insights.
Useful prompts:
“Summarize major trends in the wellness coaching industry for 2025.”
“Compare customer expectations for small retail boutiques versus big box stores.”
2. Identify Market Gaps
Provide ChatGPT with information about your current offers and your competitors, and it can help surface opportunities or unmet needs.
Prompt:
“Here are five competitor offerings. What gaps in the market could I fill?”
3. Turn Customer Data Into Insights
If you have customer information you can group by the following to better understand your audience.
Demographics
Behaviors
Purchase frequency
Interests and pain points
4. Generate Realistic Customer Personas
With even a small sample of customer notes, ChatGPT can create:
Buyer personas
Ideal customer profiles
Customer journey maps
Prompt:
“Based on these customer reviews, create three buyer personas including motivations, frustrations, and behavior cues.”
5. Conduct Competitor Research
ChatGPT can help you:
Compare competitors
Analyze positioning
Review website messaging
Distill pricing differences
Identify strengths and weaknesses
Prompt:
“Compare these three competitors. What are their value propositions, and how could I differentiate?”
Think of it as having an on demand strategist.
Helpful Done For You Prompt Examples
Onboarding Email (Business Consultant)
“Write a warm, professional onboarding email for my new business consulting clients. Include a welcome message, three to four steps to get started, what they can expect in the first month, and how to contact me. Tone: confident, friendly, and supportive.”
Customer FAQ Page (CrossFit Gym)
“Create a Customer FAQ page for a CrossFit gym with at least ten questions and answers covering membership, class structure, equipment, safety, beginner concerns, cancellations, and scheduling. Tone: clear, supportive, and welcoming.”
Three Email Onboarding Sequence (Wellness Coach)
“Create a three email onboarding sequence for new wellness coaching clients. Email number one introduces what to expect, email number two shares first week resources, and email number three provides an encouraging check in with reflection questions. Tone: warm, supportive, nurturing, and inspiring.”
As you experiment with ChatGPT, remember that your voice is the real asset. When you pair smart tools with clear systems, you create content that feels consistent, sustainable, and genuinely you.
If you are ready to turn this into action, join me on December 19th for a live virtual masterclass, Content Systems for Small Business Success. In this session, I will walk you through the basics of Canva, simple social media strategies, beginner friendly ChatGPT prompts, and straightforward processes that small businesses can start using right away.
The masterclass is designed for busy business owners who want to show up online with more confidence and less stress. To save your spot, email me at bethann@harthealthconsultingco.com and I will send you the registration details.
Lead with Heart,
Beth Ann
