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Topic Best Practices

Creating an effective research topic is crucial for getting high-quality results from CustomGPT.ai Researcher. This guide will help you craft topics that generate comprehensive, focused research reports.

Topic Structure Formula​

Basic Structure​

[Main Topic]: [Specific Aspect] + [Context/Time Period/Industry]

Advanced Structure​

[Main Topic]: [Specific Aspect] + [Context] + [Target Audience/Use Case] + [Time Period]

Elements of an Effective Topic​

1. Clear Main Focus​

  • Identify the primary subject area
  • Use specific, unambiguous terms
  • Avoid general or vague concepts

2. Specific Scope​

  • Define the exact aspect you want to explore
  • Limit the scope to manageable parameters
  • Include relevant constraints or boundaries

3. Context​

  • Industry or sector
  • Geographic region (if relevant)
  • Market segment or application area

4. Time Frame​

  • Current period or specific year
  • Future projections timeframe
  • Historical analysis period

5. Target Audience​

  • Specify intended readers
  • Include professional context
  • Define expertise level

Example Topics by Category​

Business & Marketing​

✓ "E-commerce Personalization Strategies: ROI Analysis for Mid-Size Fashion Retailers in 2024" ✓ "B2B Content Marketing: Lead Generation Metrics and Optimization for SaaS Companies"

Technology​

✓ "Cloud Migration Strategies: Cost-Benefit Analysis for Healthcare Providers" ✓ "Edge Computing Implementation: Security Protocols for IoT Manufacturing"

Academic Research​

✓ "Machine Learning in Genomics: Current Applications and Future Implications in Personalized Medicine" ✓ "Climate Change Impact: Adaptation Strategies for Urban Agriculture in Coastal Cities"

Industry Analysis​

✓ "Renewable Energy Adoption: Market Barriers and Solutions for Commercial Real Estate" ✓ "Supply Chain Automation: Implementation Framework for Retail Distribution Centers"

Topic Enhancement Examples​

Basic to Better​

  1. Original: "Social Media Marketing" Enhanced: "Social Media Marketing ROI: Strategy Guide for D2C Beauty Brands in 2024"

  2. Original: "AI Applications" Enhanced: "AI in Quality Control: Implementation Guide for Automotive Manufacturing"

  3. Original: "Employee Training" Enhanced: "Remote Employee Onboarding: Best Practices for Tech Startups in 2024"

Common Mistakes to Avoid​

1. Too Broad​

❌ "Digital Transformation" ✓ "Digital Transformation in Banking: Mobile App Innovation for Regional Banks"

2. Lack of Context​

❌ "Marketing Strategies" ✓ "Video Marketing Strategies: Engagement Metrics for Educational Content Creators"

3. Missing Time Frame​

❌ "Renewable Energy Trends" ✓ "Renewable Energy Trends: Market Analysis and Predictions for 2024-2025"

4. Undefined Audience​

❌ "Project Management Tips" ✓ "Agile Project Management: Implementation Guide for Remote Software Teams"

Topic Checklist​

Before submitting your topic, ensure it includes:

  • Clear main subject
  • Specific aspect or angle
  • Relevant context or industry
  • Time period (if applicable)
  • Target audience or use case
  • Actionable focus

Pro Tips​

  1. Research Purpose

    • Consider the end use of your research
    • Align topic with intended outcomes
    • Think about reader takeaways

  2. Scope Management

    • Balance breadth and depth
    • Focus on actionable insights
    • Consider available research time

  3. Industry Relevance

    • Use industry-specific terminology
    • Include relevant benchmarks
    • Reference industry standards

Testing Your Topic​

Ask yourself:

  1. Could this topic generate multiple distinct insights?
  2. Is the scope manageable for a single research report?
  3. Would the target audience find it valuable?
  4. Are there enough reliable sources available?