Develop highly specialized AI software that addresses niche problems not adequately served by large, general-purpose AI platforms (like OpenAI's Custom GPTs). The strategy involves making 'design concessions' for specific user groups, focusing on 'bit out there' features, and using counter-positioning to create a moat against larger incumbents who build for the 'average' user.
Rapid evolution of AI and platforms (Custom GPTs) constantly 'Sherlocking' features, pushing the need for deeper specialization. Large incumbents' focus on the average user creates opportunities for niche solutions with specific design concessions. Increased individual leverage to build such tools.
Large AI platforms are designed for the average user, leaving 'pockets' of underserved niche needs where specialized tools can offer superior functionality, design, or user experience. Incumbents face high costs or strategic trade-offs to copy niche features ('counter-positioning').
| Keyword | Volume | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Niche AI Software | no data | no data |
| Sherlocking | 210/mo | +27% YoY |
| Custom GPTs | 4,400/mo | -46% YoY |
| Counter-positioning | 260/mo | 0% YoY |
US English Google Ads volume from DataForSEO; growth uses returned monthly search history.
I compare it to Shopify which for a long time didn't have abandoned cart recovery functionality but they had Shopify apps that did have this so Shopify rolls this out what does that mean for the plugins that means the plugins are more free to make design concessions to Pro sellers or beginner sellers