Deep Research Prompt Example
I originally shared this prompt template1 in a full article:
Purpose
At Gradient Works, we use this prompt to do pre-discovery research with OpenAI’s Deep Research capability. Google (Gemini), Anthropic (Claude) and others have their own versions of deep research.
When we go into a prospect call, we like to have a point of view. That starts with a “why anything hypothesis”—our best-informed guess about why the prospect might want to change their status quo.
For us, the best way to form this hypothesis is to learn as much as possible about how the prospect runs their GTM motion. Getting a real bead on this can take poring over lots of sources. It’s a perfect task for deep research and this prompt helps us do that.
Use the instructions below to try it for yourself and make it your own.
Instructions
Using this prompt with OpenAI deep research is pretty simple. Here’s what you need to know:
Get the prompt below, using either Google Docs or Markdown.
Paste it into ChatGPT, click the “Deep research” button and go. (Note there’s a limit on these at the different plan levels so don’t go nuts.)
Inevitably it’ll ask you several questions which you can answer as you see fit (you can also just say “Run the report as specified” and it’ll shut up).
It’ll think for while (10+ minutes) and print out updates as it goes. You can go off and do something else.
When it’s done, you’ll have a fully built report which you can read there or export to a pdf.
Here’s an example output for Fivetran. It’s pretty comprehensive but still relatively skim-able. There’s nothing magical about it, so feel free to grab it and make it your own.
Versions
Google Docs Version
You can access this prompt template in Google Docs. Here’s how to use it:
Open the template in Google Docs.
Replace every instance of
{Prospect}with the company name and{WEBSITE}with the company website.Go to Edit → Select All, then Edit → Copy as Markdown (if you don’t see that option, enable it first).
Copy and paste into ChatGPT.
Markdown Version
Highlight the text in gray below to copy and paste into ChatGPT. Make sure to find and replace all instances of {PROSPECT} with the prospect name and {WEBSITE} with the prospect’s website URL.
# Research Request: GTM Analysis of {PROSPECT}
## Objective
You are an analyst specializing in go-to-market (GTM) strategies. Your task is to produce a **data-driven, 3-5 page report in Markdown format** that prepares a busy executive for a strategic meeting with {PROSPECT} ({WEBSITE}). This report must provide **concise, insightful, and well-supported analysis** to inform GTM decision-making.
---
## 1. Business Overview
Provide a **factual and analytical summary** of {PROSPECT}, covering:
* **Key Facts:** Company size, age, industry, ownership structure (VC-backed, PE-backed, public, private), and geographic footprint.
* **Market Position:** Company value proposition, target customers, primary competitors, and market differentiation.
* **Financial Performance & Growth:** Most recent figures on revenue (ARR), profitability (EBITDA, FCF), retention (NRR), growth rates, and any notable financial trends over the past 2-5 years.
Prioritize hard data over general statements. Use tables for key metrics.
---
## 2. Recent News & Developments
Summarize **material company events** from the last 24 months, including:
* Layoffs, acquisitions, major executive hires/departures.
* Product launches, GTM shifts, key partnerships.
* Lawsuits, security breaches, or regulatory scrutiny.
Use citations and provide concise takeaways on how these events impact the GTM approach.
---
## 3. Strategy & Outlook
Assess the **strategic direction** of {PROSPECT} focusing on:
* **Key strategic priorities** and GTM-related initiatives.
* **Challenges and risks** (e.g., competitive threats, regulatory risks, internal execution risks).
* **Future outlook**, including any executive guidance, earnings forecasts, or stated company objectives.
Cite company statements, investor reports, or industry analyses. Where available, use quotes from leadership.
---
## 4. GTM Summary
### 4.1. GTM Leadership
Identify key GTM executives:
* **CMO, CRO, and other senior GTM leaders** (VPs of Sales, Growth, or Revenue).
* Include **LinkedIn links** where available.
### 4.2. GTM Execution & Market Focus
Provide a structured breakdown of the company’s go-to-market strategy:
| Aspect | Details |
| :---- | :---- |
| Products & Services | Summary of offerings |
| Geographies | Where they sell (e.g., North America, EMEA, APAC) |
| Market Segments | SMB, mid-market, enterprise |
| Industries | Finance, healthcare, retail, etc. |
| Target Personas | CTOs, product managers, developers, etc. |
| GTM Approach | Sales-led, product-led, hybrid |
| Pricing Strategy | Key pricing model (subscription, usage-based, freemium, enterprise deals) |
### 4.3. Sales Team & Hiring Trends
* Current sales team headcount and growth trends.
* Recent or upcoming expansion plans in sales/GTM roles.
* Open sales job postings by location and title.
Use first-party data (job listings, LinkedIn) and report key hiring patterns.
---
## 5. Research Scope & Source Prioritization
**Geographic Scope:** Worldwide.
**Time Frame:** Prioritize last **12 months** for recent trends, but provide historical context where relevant (last 2-5 years).
### Primary Research Sources:
* **Company Website** (product pages, investor relations, blogs)
* **Company Job Listings** (ATS and 3rd-party job boards)
* **LinkedIn** (company profile, employee growth trends)
* **Financial Reports** (SEC filings, earnings calls, investor presentations)
* **Analyst Reports** (Gartner, Forrester, IDC)
* **Industry & Business Media** (WSJ, Bloomberg, TechCrunch, industry publications)
* **Executive Interviews & Podcasts**
### Citation Requirements:
* Use **inline references and markdown links** for all sourced data.
* **Primary sources take precedence** over third-party commentary.
---
## 6. Output & Style Guide
**Format:** 3-5 pages, written in Markdown.
**Audience:** GTM executives who need quick, scannable insights.
### Writing Guidelines:
* Use **simple, direct language** (8th-grade reading level).
* Keep paragraphs short, with **clear topic sentences**.
* Use **bullet points, bolded takeaways, and tables** for clarity.
* Avoid fluff—focus on **data, trends, and implications**.
### Report Outline:
1. **Executive Summary** (1-page maximum) – Key takeaways for GTM executives.
2. **Overview** – Company facts, financials, market position.
3. **News** – Major recent developments.
4. **Strategy & Outlook** – Key challenges, GTM implications.
5. **GTM Summary** – GTM leadership, execution, and hiring trends.
**Final Deliverable:** A Markdown-formatted, data-driven report that enables GTM executives to engage in a high-level strategic discussion with {PROSPECT}.Yes, I’m aware this is a prompt that purports to be “beyond the prompt”.