Getting the Most Out of Generative AI

Looking to get more out of ChatGPT or your other AI tool of choice?

When it comes to getting the best from generative AI tools, your prompts are everything. Writing clear, specific instructions is the secret to extracting high-quality, relevant outputs that can save you time and fuel creative ideas. Here’s a practical guide to crafting prompts that work:

1. Be Specific and Clear

A great prompt starts with precision. Instead of broad instructions like, “Create a product description,” try something more detailed: “Write a product description for a luxury, eco-friendly water bottle designed for busy professionals, highlighting its double-insulated feature to keep drinks cold all day.” By dialing in your request, you’re setting the AI up for success—targeted details yield targeted outputs.

2. Provide Context

Adding background info can be a game-changer. Think about who you’re targeting, what tone you want, and any unique requirements. For instance, if your campaign is aimed at Gen Z eco-conscious consumers, mention it. AI tools are more responsive when they understand the “why” behind your request, tailoring responses that match your objectives more closely.

3. Use Open-Ended Questions

Avoid prompts that restrict answers to “yes” or “no.” Open-ended questions let the AI dive deeper. For instance, rather than asking, “Can you suggest some marketing ideas?” say, “What are some innovative ways to market luxury eco-friendly products to sustainability-focused professionals?” This invites more creative, nuanced responses.

4. Set a Persona

If you want a response from a certain perspective, ask for it! Whether you need advice from a “marketing strategist” or “enthusiastic customer,” setting a persona shapes the response to better match the intended tone and expertise. It’s like having an industry expert at your fingertips, so don’t be afraid to get specific.

5. Define the Desired Output Format

Not all tasks require a long response. By specifying the output format—be it a list, bullet points, or a paragraph—you can streamline the AI’s response to match your needs. Need a checklist? Just ask! Want a persuasive paragraph? Say so. The more you define, the better the AI can deliver.

6. Iterate and Refine

AI prompts often take some fine-tuning. If the first response isn’t quite right, adjust your prompt and try again. It’s a back-and-forth process, but each revision gets you closer to the mark. Experimenting with small changes can bring a huge payoff in quality.

7. Use Examples

Examples are gold for guiding AI output. Showing the type of response you want—whether it’s the style of language or the depth of detail—helps AI follow your lead. When you need something specific, an example can bridge the gap between your intent and the AI’s interpretation.

8. Specify the Audience and Channel

Think about where the content will live and who it’s for. Is it a quick-hit social media post for a young audience, or an in-depth email newsletter for loyal customers? Mentioning the audience and platform helps the AI tailor language, tone, and length to match the channel’s needs.

9. Be Concise

While details are important, too much information can lead to less-focused results. Keep it concise but informative; clear, streamlined prompts help the AI deliver more relevant answers without getting bogged down.

10. Avoid Ambiguity

Ambiguity can lead to off-track responses. Phrases like “interesting ideas” or “something cool” can be interpreted in countless ways. The more precise your wording, the more likely you’ll get outputs that align with your vision.

Applying these tips can turn your prompts into powerful tools, helping you get exactly what you need from generative AI. With the right approach, you can transform vague ideas into high-quality, actionable insights—and make the most out of today’s AI technology.