ChatGPT isn’t magic — it
reflects your input.
A great prompt tells ChatGPT exactly:- What you’re trying to do
- Who it’s for
- How you want it delivered
The better you communicate upfront, the less time you’ll spend fixing or re-asking.
Good prompts help you:- Save time
- Get actionable answers faster
- Reduce confusion or generic replies
1. An OpenAI account Free users can use GPT-3.5; GPT-4 offers deeper insight and reasoning.
2. A goalKnow what you’re trying to get — content, insights, summaries, decisions, etc.
3. Optional constraints
Word count, format, tone, or examples can make your prompt even better.
Vague: “Write a blog.”
Better: “Write a 300-word blog post on why small businesses should use email marketing.”
Let ChatGPT know who you are, or who the output is for.
Example:
“I’m a marketing manager at a startup. I need a script for a 30-second product demo video.”
Assign a role or perspective to guide the tone and format.
Example:
“You are a UX writer. Rewrite this error message in a friendly and helpful tone.”
Be clear about how the answer should be structured.
Example:
“List 5 bullet points explaining the benefits of using AI in customer service.”
Or:
“Give me a short paragraph with a call-to-action at the end.”
Ask for a specific voice if needed.
Examples:- “Use a professional tone.”
- “Make it sound casual and friendly.”
- “Write it like a tweet.”
Give limits to keep things focused.
Example:
“Write 2 product taglines. Each under 10 words.”
ChatGPT learns faster from samples.
Example:
“I want something like this: ‘Work smarter, not harder.’ Now write 3 similar taglines for a note-taking app.”
To get options, ask up front.
Example:
“Give me 3 variations: one formal, one witty, and one bold.”
If the first draft isn’t right,
give feedback:
- “Make it shorter.”
- “Add more urgency.”
- “Remove technical jargon.”
When something works, save it. Build a mini prompt library for reuse.
1. Use TemplatesCreate repeatable prompts you can tweak slightly for different tasks.
Example:
“You are a [role]. Create a [format] for [audience] about [topic] in a [tone] voice.”
2. Chain Prompts Together
For complex tasks, break them into steps:
First: “Summarize these reviews.”
Then: “Turn that into a tagline.”
3. Add Input Files or Text
Paste content directly or upload files (in tools that support it), then build prompts around that context.
Well-crafted prompts can help with:
- Marketing: Generate copy, taglines, and product descriptions
- Research: Summarize long articles or compare viewpoints
- Content: Write emails, blogs, scripts, or video outlines
- Productivity: Draft checklists, plans, or outlines
- Learning: Explain concepts in simple terms or quiz yourself
Goal:
A founder wanted a one-liner to describe their AI scheduling tool.
Original Prompt:
“Write a sentence about my tool.”
Result:
Generic output with no clear hook.Improved
Prompt:
“You are a startup copywriter. Write a one-liner for a new AI tool that automatically schedules meetings based on availability. Keep it under 15 words. Make it punchy, like a tagline.”
Final Result:
“Your calendar just got smarter — AI-powered scheduling with zero back-and-forth.”
Impact:
Used on their landing page and LinkedIn pitch deck. Engagement improved, and the message stuck.
It’s about being intentional.
The more clearly you define the task, context, tone, and format, the more useful the answers become.
Start with one improvement at a time, and soon you’ll spend less time fixing and more time executing.
