How to Write Better AI Prompts: A Beginner’s Guide
Writing good prompts is the difference between getting generic responses and getting exactly what you need from AI. Here’s how to do it right.
1 Be Specific
Bad “Write about marketing”
Good “Write a 300 word Instagram caption for a coffee shop opening this weekend in Manchester, targeting young professionals”
2 Provide Context
AI works better when it understands your situation. Instead of asking “How do I improve my website?”, try:
“I run a small plumbing business in Birmingham. My website gets 200 visitors per month but no one fills out the contact form. How can I improve conversions?”
3 Specify the Format
Tell AI exactly how you want the output:
- “List 5 bullet points”
- “Write in a friendly, conversational tone”
- “Keep it under 100 words”
- “Use simple language (Year 8 reading level)”
4 Give Examples
Show AI what you want by providing examples:
“Write 3 email subject lines like these:
Your order is on its way! 🚚
Back in stock: The jacket you wanted
Last chance: 20% off ends tonight”
5 Ask Follow-Up Questions
AI conversations work best when you refine. After the first response:
- “Can you make this shorter?”
- “Rewrite this in a more professional tone”
- “Add more examples”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too vague (“Help me with my business”)
- Asking multiple questions at once
- Not reviewing and editing the output
- Using AI for things it can’t do (real-time data, personal opinions)
Practice Makes Perfect
The more you use AI, the better you’ll get at prompting. Start with our Free Prompt Starter Pack to see examples of well-structured prompts.
Remember: AI is a tool, not magic. Good prompts get good results. Bad prompts waste your time.