Ask customers 3 questions that show what to fix

Three short, open questions catch problems while they're small and show you what people love. AI can help you word them so they're easy to answer.

What it is

It's a tiny survey: just three open questions, the kind people answer in their own words. AI helps you write them, and later helps you sort the answers.

Why it matters

Happy customers often stay quiet, and unhappy ones often just leave. Long surveys often get skipped, but three short questions are easy.

A made-up example: a print shop owner asked recent customers what almost stopped them. Several said the same thing: they couldn't find parking. A short note about parking fixed a problem he never would have guessed.

Try it with AI

Open a free AI tool, like ChatGPT, Gemini or Copilot. Leave out names, phone numbers and anything private. Copy this starter prompt, fill in the parts in brackets, and paste it in.

I run a small business: [what you do].
Write 3 short open questions for recent customers: why they chose me, what almost stopped them, and what I could do better.
Keep each question under 15 words.

What a good answer looks like: Three short, friendly questions that can't be answered with just yes or no. If one feels pushy, ask for a softer one.

Your 5-minute try

1. Run the starter prompt and pick your three questions.
2. Make them sound like you.
3. Send them to one recent customer today, or ask in person.

What to watch for

• Keep names off the AI. Pick who gets the questions on your own.
• Before you paste answers in later, take out names and anything private.

The fuller lesson in the Member library we're building adds a short note to send with the questions, and how to have AI sort the answers so you can see the one thing to fix first. See what Member will include

The takeaway: Ask three good questions, and your customers will show you what to fix.

Questions

Why only three questions?

Short surveys get answered. Three open questions are quick for customers and still tell you a lot.

Do I need a paid AI tool for this?

No. The free plan of ChatGPT works. Gemini, Copilot and Claude work too.

What's an open question?

One people answer in their own words, like "What almost stopped you?", instead of yes or no.

Related: Tell new customers what to expect · Write a short monthly update for customers · All guides.