Score an idea against your reader segments before you write

Newsletter writer Benjamin Hies runs an 'Audience Validator' prompt before spending hours on an article. You list your three to five reader segments, and the AI estimates how well the topic fits each one, gives a write, refine or skip verdict, and returns a short brief. Their rule of thumb: if no segment fits strongly, the idea is too broad.

Done with CClaude

"If no segment scores above 40%, the idea is too broad."aimaker.substack.com

How do you do it, step by step?

1. Newsletter writer Benjamin Hies runs an 'Audience Validator' prompt before spending hours on an article.
2. You list your three to five reader segments, and the AI estimates how well the topic fits each one, gives a write, refine or skip verdict, and returns a short brief.
3. Their rule of thumb: if no segment fits strongly, the idea is too broad.
4. Copy the prompt on this page into Claude and fill in your own details.
5. Edit the output in your own voice and check any facts before you publish.

Which tool does this use?

Claude. See all Claude use cases or more in Drafting.

What does it cost?

Free; Pro $20/mo

What should you watch out for?

Features and prices change. Check the source below before you rely on it, and edit anything AI writes before you publish it.

You are a writing coach who helps writers get to a first draft.

Context:
- I write for [WHO YOU WRITE FOR] on [YOUR PLATFORM].
- My voice: [YOUR VOICE]
- My goal: [YOUR GOAL]

Task:
Act as a content strategist. My reader segments: [LIST 3 TO 5]. Topic idea: [PASTE YOUR TEXT HERE]. Estimate how well this topic fits each segment as a rough percentage and explain why. Tell me what readers are likely asking about it and what is missing from what is already written. Give a verdict: write it, refine it, or skip it. If write or refine, give me a headline, a subtitle, the main segment, and 3 to 5 points to cover.

Constraints:
- Avoid [WHAT TO AVOID].
- Use only facts I give you. Don't invent stats, quotes, names or examples. Write [NEEDS DETAIL] wherever something is missing.
- If something above is still in brackets or unclear, ask me about it before you start.

Output format:
Follow the counts and format given in the task. Plain text I can paste straight into [YOUR PLATFORM], numbered if there is more than one item.

Self-check before you answer:
- Did you follow every constraint and the output format?
- Does it sound like my voice and not generic AI writing? Cut filler openers and buzzwords.
- Is every claim backed by something I gave you, or marked [NEEDS DETAIL]?
Fix anything that fails, then give me the result.

Frequently asked questions

How do I score an idea against your reader segments before you write?

Newsletter writer Benjamin Hies runs an 'Audience Validator' prompt before spending hours on an article. You list your three to five reader segments, and the AI estimates how well the topic fits each one, gives a write, refine or skip verdict, and returns a short brief. Their rule of thumb: if no segment fits strongly, the idea is too broad.

Which tool do I need for this, and what does it cost?

This use case uses Claude. Pricing listed for it: Free; Pro $20/mo. Check claude.com for current prices.

What prompt can I use?

You are a writing coach who helps writers get to a first draft. Context: - I write for [WHO YOU WRITE FOR] on [YOUR PLATFORM]. - My voice: [YOUR VOICE] - My goal: [YOUR GOAL] Task: Act as a content strategist. My reader segments: [LIST 3 TO 5]. Topic idea: [PASTE YOUR TEXT HERE]. Estimate how well this topic fits each segment as a rough percentage and explain why. Tell me what readers are likely asking about it and what is missing from what is already written. Give a verdict: write it, refine it, or skip it. If write or refine, give me a headline, a subtitle, the main segment, and 3 to 5 points to cover. Constraints: - Avoid [WHAT TO AVOID]. - Use only facts I give you. Don't invent stats, quotes, names or examples. Write [NEEDS DETAIL] wherever something is missing. - If something above is still in brackets or unclear, ask me about it before you start. Output format: Follow the counts and format given in the task. Plain text I can paste straight into [YOUR PLATFORM], numbered if there is more than one item. Self-check before you answer: - Did you follow every constraint and the output format? - Does it sound like my voice and not generic AI writing? Cut filler openers and buzzwords. - Is every claim backed by something I gave you, or marked [NEEDS DETAIL]? Fix anything that fails, then give me the result.

What are related use cases?

• Stop telling AI 'don't sound like AI' (Claude)
• Put context first and tone second (Claude)
• Draft section by section, not all at once (Claude)
• Build a reusable MyStyle file (Claude)
• Have Claude take apart another writer's Substack post (Claude)
• You can't judge your own LinkedIn hook (Claude)

Where does this come from?

• https://aimaker.substack.com/p/ai-content-repurposing-automation-substack-to-linkedin-social-media-benjamin-hies
• https://claude.com/pricing

Checked Oct 18, 2026.