ChatGPT can churn out ideas faster than most people can type, but that does not mean you should trust it with your market research. I would not use it to spit out market size numbers and call it a day. You need to verify every fact with original sources, or you risk building your business on shaky ground.
Use [ChatGPT](https://chatgpt.com/) to brainstorm customer segments and draft interview questions, but verify market size facts with original sources. Talk to at least ten potential buyers to validate your findings.
The mistake is trusting AI with numbers
Founders often make the error of accepting AI-generated market size figures without checking their accuracy. ChatGPT does not pull from a verified database — it predicts text based on patterns. So when it claims a market is worth billions, you should be skeptical. Use it for idea generation, not as a fact-checker.
Brainstorming with ChatGPT
I find ChatGPT useful for brainstorming customer segments. You can ask it to list potential audiences for a product, and it will give you a broad range of ideas. Just remember, these are starting points. You need to refine them by talking to real people.
- Draft interview questions
- Generate initial customer segments
Real-world validation is non-negotiable
You have to talk to actual buyers. I would recommend speaking with at least ten people who fit your target market. Real-world validation is what separates a viable business plan from a fantasy.
Don't skip the verification stage
ChatGPT can assist in drafting interview questions, which is great for getting started. But the tool does not replace the need for real conversations. Use it to prepare, but rely on human interaction to gather insights.
with market research, AI should be your assistant, not your manager. Validate every claim before you act.
