Writing better prompts: How to get more out of AI tools

AI tools like ChatGPT are incredibly smart, but they are only as good as the input you provide. A well-crafted prompt makes all the difference between a mediocre response and a result that truly helps you move forward. In this article, you'll learn how to write better prompts, with practical formulas, plenty of concrete examples, and clear do's and don'ts for marketing, sales, and e-commerce.

Are you also using AI in your marketing? Be sure to read our article on AI tools for marketing for practical applications.

Want to take it a step further? Discover how to combine SEO and AI for better search results.

Why a good prompt is essential

An AI doesn't understand context the way a human does. The clearer and more specific your question, the better the answer. A good prompt:

• Saves you time

• Delivers better output

• Reduces frustration

In short: better input equals better output.

The basic formula for a strong prompt

A simple yet powerful formula for effective prompts is:

Role + Goal + Context + Details

Example:

You're a digital marketer. Write a LinkedIn post to promote a free webinar about e-commerce optimization. Keep the tone light and professional, and end with a clear call to action.

Interested in where AI is heading? Then read AI copywriting in 2025: human or machine.

Practical tips for better prompts

1. Be clear about the role

Instruct the AI on the perspective or area of expertise from which it should respond.

Error:

Write an article about marketing.

Good:

You are a content marketer specializing in B2B. Write an 800-word article on the latest trends in digital marketing, aimed at SMEs.

Optimize your articles for search engines right away, as explained in our article Combining SEO and AI.

2. Set specific goals

Define what you want to achieve: "inform", "persuade", "create a list", "develop a plan", and so on.

Error:

Create something about lead generation.

Good:

You are a sales coach. Create a checklist with 10 practical tips for SMEs to improve their lead generation.

Want to work more strategically? Be sure to check out our AI marketing strategies for 2025.

3. Provide sufficient context

Specify the brand, target audience, or product it's intended for. Context makes all the difference.

Error:

Write an advertisement for shoes.

Good:

You are a copywriter. Write a Facebook ad for a summer sale promotion from a Belgian online shoe store that focuses on women aged 25-40. Make it enthusiastic and use a maximum of 3 sentences.

Learn more about refining your prompts in our Masterclass ChatGPT 2025 guide.

4. Request specific formats

Do you need a list, a step-by-step plan, a blog post, ad copy, or something else? Please specify.

Error:

Provide tips for e-commerce.

Good:

Create a list of 5 tips for Shopify stores to increase their conversion rates during the summer months.

Also, check out our tips for conversion optimization in e-commerce.

5. Test and refine

The first prompt is rarely perfect. Don't be afraid to make adjustments and try again.

Become a true prompt expert with our advanced guide to prompt engineering.

Common mistakes in prompt writing

• Being too vague: Don't just say 'write a text'; be specific about length, tone, target audience, and so on.

• No role assigned: AI doesn't automatically know if you want a text for a CEO, a student, or a marketer.

• Forgot to specify the output format: Text, table, list, checklist? Ask for it explicitly.

• Asking too much at once: Keep prompts clear and focused on a single task.

Discover how SEO will evolve into GEO and why that's important for your prompts in SEO is becoming GEO.

Real-world examples for marketing and e-commerce

SEO blog post:

Error:

Write something about Shopify apps.

Good:

You are an SEO specialist. Write a 1000-word blog post about 'the best Shopify apps for conversion optimization', targeting SMEs in the Benelux region. Use clear subheadings and a bulleted list with pros and cons for each app.

Email Campaign:

Error:

Create an email about lead generation.

Good:

You are an email marketer. Create a sequence of 3 follow-up emails for leads who have downloaded a whitepaper on lead generation. Maintain a personal tone, address a specific problem in each email, and offer a free consultation in email 3.

Social media ad:

Error:

Write an advertisement for shoes.

Good:

You are a copywriter. Write an Instagram ad for a summer sale at a Belgian online shoe store targeting women aged 25-40. Use a cheerful tone, keep sentences to a maximum of 10 words, and end with an urgent call to action.

Curious how to use the RACE model for better prompts? Be sure to check out RACE model prompts with ChatGPT.

Working better with AI starts with better communication. Smart prompting saves you time, delivers stronger output, and makes AI truly work for you. Start practicing today — you'll notice the difference immediately.

Frequently asked questions about writing better prompts

• What is a prompt in AI?

  A prompt is the input you give to an AI tool, such as a question, instruction, or command. The quality of the output depends heavily on the clarity and precision of your prompt.

• Why are good prompts important?

  Well-crafted prompts lead to better, more relevant, and more efficient results. The better you formulate your question, the faster the AI will deliver exactly what you're looking for.

• How to write an effective prompt for ChatGPT?

  Use the formula "Role + Goal + Context + Details". Provide clear instructions, state the desired outcome, and provide sufficient background information.

• What is the best structure for an AI prompt?

  Begin by defining the role the AI should assume, provide a specific goal, add context, and specify the desired format or type of output.

• What mistakes should you avoid when writing prompts?

  Vague instructions, lack of context, too many questions in one prompt, and no clear specification of the desired result.

• Can I use standard templates for prompts?

  Yes, working with templates speeds up the process and increases the consistency of your results. Coming soon: the free ClickForest Prompt Template.

• How do I improve my prompts step by step?

  Start with an initial version, analyze the output, refine your prompt based on the results, and continue iterating until you achieve the desired output.

• Which prompts are useful for marketing?

  Prompts for blog posts, emails, social media posts, ad copy, SEO optimization, and customer personas are very useful in marketing.

• Which prompts work well for e-commerce?

  Prompts for product descriptions, discount campaigns, upselling suggestions, FAQs, and customer service responses save a lot of time and improve quality.

• Can AI learn from my prompts?

  AI doesn't personally remember your prompts, but you'll learn to write better prompts over time, leading to consistently better results.

🚀 Get better results from AI, online marketing and e-commerce

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📄 Looking for inspiration? Download our free whitepaper 'AI for SMEs in 2025' for practical tips & insights.

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