Research a topic
The split
- Search tool (Google, Perplexity) = fresh facts. Copy the useful paragraphs.
- Claude = synthesize, compare, pressure-test.
Step 1 — Dump (5 min)
Open 3-6 tabs on the topic. Copy the useful paragraphs into one scratch doc. Don't edit.
Step 2 — Hand it to Claude (2 min)
I'm researching [topic] for [purpose — a pitch, a post,
a decision on whether to enter this market].
Below are raw notes from 6 sources. They contradict in places.
Do this:
1. Pull out the 5 most important facts or claims.
2. Note contradictions and what's likely true.
3. Give me the 3 insights that actually matter for [purpose].
4. Flag anything you're unsure about.
[paste everything]
Step 3 — Pressure test (3 min)
Now argue against your own conclusions.
What's the strongest counter-take?
What am I missing?
Competitor / market research
Same split. Paste competitor homepage copy, pricing, 2-3 social posts. Then:
Compare positioning across these competitors.
Who goes after what? Where's the whitespace?
Where am I strongest? Where should I not compete?
Two non-negotiables
- Every research prompt ends with: "Flag anything you're unsure about."
- Every research prompt says: "Only cite sources I gave you. Don't invent new ones."
Rule
Claude is a terrible search engine. It's a great synthesizer. Bring the raw material. Let it do the lift.