This post is a much more tactical piece than what I usually sit down to write, but my hope is it helps you see the connection between a modern AI tool like ChatGPT, and how you create your work and art.
Quick background–launched in November, 2022, ChatGPT is an AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, designed for natural language understanding and generation. It builds on the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) family of Large Language Models, and is capable of generating human-like text, useful for writing, brainstorming, and problem-solving. (source: The Rundown)
Most people treat ChatGPT like a Google search bar: vague requests, minimal context, and frustration when the results don’t match expectations. But the real magic happens when you understand how to ask for what you need.
The difference between good and bad AI results? Better prompts.
If you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or freelancer looking to write faster, brainstorm better, and get more strategic insights from AI, here’s how to refine your ChatGPT game.
The 6-Step Formula for Effective Prompts
A vague prompt leads to vague results. A well-structured prompt guides the AI toward useful, relevant, and high-quality responses.
Here’s the 6-step formula that improves any ChatGPT prompt:
- Define the Task – Be specific about what you want AI to do.
- Provide Context – Give background info relevant to your request.
- Include Examples – Show ChatGPT the style, structure, or format you want.
- Set a Persona – Ask AI to embody a role (e.g., “You are a world-class marketer…”).
- Specify the Format – Bullet points, paragraphs, tables—tell AI how to structure the response.
- Adjust the Tone – Casual, formal, witty—match the voice to your audience.
When these elements work together, you’ll unlock way more value from ChatGPT. Let’s break it down with examples.
1. Define the Task Clearly
A weak prompt:
❌ “Tell me about social media marketing.”
A strong prompt:
✅ “Create a 7-day social media content plan for an independent musician launching a new album. Focus on engagement strategies for Instagram and TikTok.”
Why it works: It’s actionable, specific, and frames ChatGPT’s response with a clear objective.
2. Provide Context
Context makes ChatGPT’s response relevant to your situation.
❌ “Give me fitness tips.”
✅ “I’m a 40-year-old beginner looking to lose 15 pounds. I can work out 3x a week and prefer bodyweight exercises at home. Suggest a workout plan that fits these constraints.”
Without context, ChatGPT gives generic answers. With it, you get useful ones.
3. Include Examples
If you have a specific tone, structure, or format in mind, show ChatGPT what you want.
❌ “Write a product description for my new eco-friendly backpack.”
✅ “Write a product description for my eco-friendly backpack in the style of Patagonia’s website: clear, sustainability-focused, and inspiring.”
AI learns by example—so give it one.
4. Set a Persona
Want expert-level insights? Ask ChatGPT to embody an expert.
❌ “Help me write a sales pitch.”
✅ “You are a top-tier SaaS sales executive. Help me craft a compelling pitch for my productivity app, aimed at remote teams struggling with workflow efficiency.”
When AI understands who it’s supposed to be, the response becomes more insightful.
5. Specify the Format
Structure matters. If you don’t specify a format, ChatGPT guesses.
❌ “Summarize this report.”
✅ “Summarize this report in a 3-paragraph executive summary, followed by a bullet-point list of key takeaways.”
Want an outline? A table? Bullet points? Tell it what you need.
6. Adjust the Tone
Tone sets the mood and engagement level of your output.
❌ “Explain SEO to me.”
✅ “Explain SEO in a fun, conversational tone—as if you’re a marketing coach breaking it down for a beginner.”
A small tweak in instruction makes AI sound tailored to your audience.
Bonus: Stack These Techniques for Maximum Impact
The real magic happens when you combine these elements into a single prompt.
Example: “You are an experienced digital marketing consultant. Create a 14-day content calendar for a freelance graphic designer looking to attract new clients on Instagram. Use a friendly, engaging tone and format the response as a table with columns for date, post idea, and caption concept.”
This prompt: ✔ Defines the task ✔ Provides context ✔ Sets an expert persona ✔ Specifies the format ✔ Adjusts the tone
And that’s how you get ChatGPT to generate high-quality, tailored results.
Why This Matters for Creators & Entrepreneurs
If you’re a creative, freelancer, or entrepreneur, AI isn’t just a novelty—it’s a strategic tool.
- Writers can use it to generate outlines, refine ideas, and overcome creative blocks.
- Podcasters can use it to draft episode scripts, brainstorm interview questions, and repurpose transcripts into social content.
- Entrepreneurs can use it for business planning, marketing copy, and audience research.
The key isn’t to let AI replace creativity—it’s to let it accelerate your process, sharpen your thinking, and expand what’s possible.
ChatGPT isn’t the shortcut. It’s the multiplier.
Start Using AI More Effectively Today
Next time you use ChatGPT, don’t just type a question and hope for the best.
- Define the task clearly.
- Provide relevant context.
- Use examples to guide style.
- Set a persona for expertise.
- Specify the format.
- Adjust the tone to fit your audience.
Refining how you prompt AI isn’t just about getting better responses—it’s about leveling up how you think, create, and work.
Because the future of creativity isn’t AI vs. humans. It’s the AI Class–humans who know how to use AI vs. those who don’t.
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