Writing better prompts: here's how to get more out of AI tools

AI tools like ChatGPT are rage-smart, but they're only as good as the input you give them. A smart prompt makes the difference between a mediocre answer and a result you can really get away with. In this article, you'll learn how to write better prompts, with practical formulas, lots of concrete examples and clear do's and don'ts for marketing, sales and e-commerce.

Are you also working on AI in your marketing? Then be sure to read our article on AI tools for marketing for practical applications.

Want to go even further? Find out how to combine SEO and AI for better search results.

Why a good prompt is essential

An AI does not 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 in = better out.

The basic formula for a strong prompt

A simple but powerful formula for good prompts is:

Role + Purpose + Context + Details

Example:

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

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

Practical tips for better prompts

1. Be clear about the role

Let the AI know from which perspective or area of expertise it should answer.

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.

Immediately optimize your articles for search engines, as explained in our article Combining SEO and AI.

2. Set specific goals

Formulate what you want to accomplish: "inform," "persuade," "make a list," "create a schedule," and so on.

Error:

Create something about lead generation.

Good:

You're a sales coach. Create a checklist of 10 practical tips for SMEs to improve their lead generation.

Want to get started more strategically? Then be sure to check out our AI marketing strategies for 2025.

3. Provide sufficient context

Put after it what brand, audience or product it is intended for. Context makes all the difference.

Error:

Write an ad for shoes.

Good:

You're a copywriter. Write a Facebook ad for a summer sales promotion of a Belgian online shoe store that focuses on ladies 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. Ask for specific formats

Want a list, roadmap, blog, ad copy, or something else? Say so explicitly.

Error:

Provide tips for e-commerce.

Good:

List 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

A first prompt is rarely perfect. Dare to make adjustments and try again.

Become a true prompt expert with ouradvanced prompt engineering guide .

Common mistakes in prompt writing

• Be too vague: Don't just "write a text," but be specific about length, tone, target audience, and so on.

• No role assignment: AI does not automatically know whether you want a text for a CEO, a student or a marketer.

• Forgot to name output form: Text, table, bulleted list, checklist? Ask for it explicitly.

• Ask for too much at once: Keep prompts clear and focused on one task.

Also discover how SEO will evolve into GEO and why that matters for your prompts in SEO becomes GEO.

Concrete examples for marketing and e-commerce

SEO blog post:

Error:

Write something about Shopify apps.

Good:

You're an SEO specialist. Write a 1000-word blog post about "the best Shopify apps for conversion optimization," aimed at SMEs in the Benelux. Use clear headings and a list of pros and cons for each app.

Email campaign:

Error:

Create an email about lead generation.

Good:

You're an email marketer. Create a series of 3 follow-up emails for leads who have downloaded a white paper on lead generation. Keep the tone personal, naming a specific problem each time and offering a free call in mail 3.

Social media ad:

Error:

Write an ad for shoes.

Good:

You're a copywriter. Write an Instagram ad for a summer sales promotion by a Belgian online shoe store for women between 25-40. Use an upbeat tone, a maximum of 10 words per sentence and close with an urgent call-to-action.

Wondering how to use the RACE model for better prompts? Then be sure to check out RACE model prompts with ChatGPT.

Working better with AI starts with communicating better with AI. By prompting smartly, you'll save time, get stronger output and really make AI work for you. Start practicing today - you'll notice the difference right away.

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 greatly on the clarity and precision of your prompt.

• Why are good prompts important?

  Good prompts make for better, more relevant and efficient results. The better you phrase your query, the faster the AI will give you exactly what you are looking for.

• How do you write an effective prompt for ChatGPT?

  Use the "Role + Purpose + Context + Details" formula. Give clear instructions, name the desired outcome and provide sufficient background information.

• What is the best structure for an AI prompt?

  Start with the role the AI should assume, give a specific purpose, add context, and specify the desired format or type of output.

• What mistakes should you avoid when writing prompts?

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

• Can you 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.

• Hoe verbeter ik mijn prompts stap voor stap?

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

• What prompts are useful for marketing?

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

• What prompts work well for e-commerce?

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

• Can AI learn from my prompts?

  AI does not remember your prompts personally, but you learn to write better and better prompts and get consistently better results as a result.

🤖 Need help with AI, online marketing or e-commerce?

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