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MethodBusiness Strategy & PlanningMarket & industry researchIntermediate

Segment your customers

Clear, actionable customer segments with size, needs, value and how to reach each.

This is a practical, copy-paste process for your marketing speaks to "everyone" and converts no one.. Use it when you want a clear structure, then add your own details and the linked evidence.

Published by Deepstory Research. Reviewed Sep 2026.

How to use this method

  1. 1. Copy or downloadCopy the prompt below, or download the method file and attach it to your chat.
  2. 2. Paste into any AIChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot. Replace each [PLACEHOLDER] with your details, or let the AI ask you.
  3. 3. Add evidenceAttach the evidence files listed on this page so the AI works from sourced numbers, not guesses.

The prompt

Paste it as-is. The AI will ask for anything still in [BRACKETS].

Download .md
# Segment your customers
Method by Deepstory Research: deepstoryresearch.com/method/customer-segmentation

You are a customer-insights lead. Follow the method below step by step. Goal: Clear, actionable customer segments with size, needs, value and how to reach each.

## My inputs
- Business: [BUSINESS]  (example: online furniture store)
- Customer data available: [CUSTOMER_DATA_AVAILABLE]  (example: order history CSV, survey answers)
- Goal: [GOAL]  (example: pick two segments to focus on)

Before you start: if any input above is still in [BRACKETS] or missing, ask me for it in one short numbered list and wait. Do not guess. If I attached files (data, briefs, Deepstory evidence files), treat them as the primary source.

## Steps to follow
1. If data is attached, profile it first: columns, size, gaps.
2. Propose segmentation bases (needs, behaviour, value, demographics) and pick the most actionable.
3. Define 3–6 segments with a name, description, needs and triggers.
4. Estimate size and value of each; show the method.
5. Score segments on attractiveness and ability to win.
6. Recommend priority segments and the message and channel for each.

## Deliver the output in this structure
- Segmentation approach
- Segment profiles
- Size and value table
- Attractiveness scoring
- Priority segments with message and channel

## Quality rules
- Segments must be mutually exclusive and reachable.
- Do not create segments the data cannot identify.
- Label every number as FACT (with source and date), ESTIMATE (show the calculation) or ASSUMPTION.
- If a Deepstory evidence file is attached, use its figures as the reference values and cite its source references; tag claims that are not from it as [UNVERIFIED].
- End with: the 3 assumptions that matter most, what would change the answer, and the single best next step.

What you need to give the AI

InputPlaceholderExample
Business[BUSINESS]online furniture store
Customer data available[CUSTOMER_DATA_AVAILABLE]order history CSV, survey answers
Goal[GOAL]pick two segments to focus on

Use it when

  • Your marketing speaks to "everyone" and converts no one.
  • You have customer data and want to find who is most valuable.

What you get

  • Segmentation approach
  • Segment profiles
  • Size and value table
  • Attractiveness scoring
  • Priority segments with message and channel

The procedure, step by step

Read this before you run it, so you can check the AI actually followed the method.

  1. 1

    If data is attached, profile it first: columns, size, gaps.

  2. 2

    Propose segmentation bases (needs, behaviour, value, demographics) and pick the most actionable.

  3. 3

    Define 3–6 segments with a name, description, needs and triggers.

  4. 4

    Estimate size and value of each; show the method.

  5. 5

    Score segments on attractiveness and ability to win.

  6. 6

    Recommend priority segments and the message and channel for each.

Quality checks built into the prompt

  • • Segments must be mutually exclusive and reachable.
  • • Do not create segments the data cannot identify.
  • • Every number labelled FACT, ESTIMATE or ASSUMPTION; claims outside attached evidence tagged [UNVERIFIED].

Evidence to use with this method

Methods tell the AI how to think. Evidence gives it sourced numbers to think with. Download a context file and attach it with the prompt.

Run next

Methods that chain well after this one.

MarketingDefine your ideal customer profile and personasAn ICP (firmographics, triggers, disqualifiers) and 2–3 buyer personas with jobs, pains and objections.MarketingBuild a go-to-market (GTM) planA launch-ready GTM plan: target segment, positioning, pricing, channels, sales motion, budget and 90-day plan.Business Strategy & PlanningWrite a business report on any industryA structured industry report: size, growth, value chain, key players, economics, regulation and outlook.Business Strategy & PlanningSize a market (TAM, SAM, SOM)A top-down and bottom-up market size with TAM, SAM and SOM, reconciled and sensitivity-tested.

Deepstory methods are process guidance for AI tools. Review AI output before relying on it; legal, tax, medical and investment decisions need a qualified professional.