AI Use Case: Competition Researcher

Brandon Schneider from School Marketing Insider (a must read for anyone involved in school marketing) offers a jumping off prompt for competitive research:

"I'm analyzing competitor messaging for [your school type]. Please review these websites: [list 3-5 URLs]

For each school, identify: 1. Their main value proposition 2. The 3-5 key programs they emphasize 3. The emotional tone of their messaging 4. Any unique positioning

Then summarize: What patterns exist? What gaps or opportunities do you see?"

Two Quick Notes:

You still need to verify (AI makes mistakes). But it gives you a solid starting point instead of a blank page.

This same prompt structure works for analyzing your own website, comparing program descriptions, or reviewing admission materials.

P.S. Want it even better? Add: "Format your response in a table." You're welcome.

Made by CoPilot.

I would add a simple starting point to this prompt:

1. You are a parent interested in schools [your school type] within ten miles of [your location]. Generate a list of these schools and 1-2 key program details, estimated tuition (if applicable), and ratings from [applicable websites like Niche, et al.].

2. After generating this list and after I confirm, [insert Brandon's prompt].

You can then have a good marketing jumpoff point for comparisons or to have potential parents / stakeholders check out your competitors or review the information.