Welcome to our ultimate guide for content creation using AI language models such as ChatGPT and Gemini.
Most people misuse AI resulting in poor-quality writing, boring emails, and generic unengaging content. By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to use these tools as collaborative partners in crafting persuasive content that achieves your goals.
Whether you want to drive more sales and conversions, educate your readers, or get better engagement from your audience, this guide lays out strategies that’ll enhance your writing with the precision and creativity of AI, while keeping it authentically yours.
But before we begin, it is imperative to set one golden rule.
Always view AI language models as assistants rather than replacements for human creativity and expertise.
Collaborate with the AI tool, leveraging its capabilities to enhance and streamline your content creation process. The best content comes when you blend your human knowledge, intuition, and experience, with the AI’s data-driven insights. By guiding the AI with clear instructions and specific goals, and carefully editing the responses provided, you maintain control over your content’s tone, style, and substance, thus ensuring it aligns with your unique brand voice and audience expectations.
Understand How AI Language Models Function
Before we begin discussing prompts, it is vitally important that you understand exactly how AI tools are able to provide such impressive responses.
AI language models, such as ChatGPT, operate on a principle of machine learning known as natural language processing (NLP).
At their core, AI language models generate text based on statistical probabilities. They determine the most likely next word in a sequence by analysing vast amounts of text data. The method is rooted in a process called training. The model is exposed to a diverse array of text—from books and articles to websites and more—enabling it to learn language patterns, syntax, and word associations. Human trainers provide feedback to the model so it detects further patters on which responses are good and which responses are bad.
During training, these models not only learn what typically follows a given word or phrase but they also recognise patterns that indicate the broader context in which terms are used. This context-awareness allows them to predict with surprising accuracy what comes next in a sentence.
For instance, if the model encounters the word “spaghetti,” it is statistically probable that “bolognese” might follow, reflecting common pairings found in the training data. However, the model’s response can vary based on additional context provided in the prompt; the word “spaghetti” might be followed by “diagram” if the preceding text suggests a different context.
This ability to factor in both the immediate and broader context of the prompt makes AI models particularly powerful tools for generating coherent and contextually appropriate content. By understanding the nuances of language as shown in their training data, these models can produce responses that are not only probable but also tailored to the specific scenario at hand.
However, their fundamental reliance on probability and common patterns can be a double-edged sword. Because these models prioritise what is most likely based on past data, they might default to producing answers that are typical and expected. After all, the expected answers are more likely to be correct. This can be a challenge when your goal is to create unique and engaging content that stands out from common or repetitive information.
Overcoming the challenge of generic content requires strategic input. As a content creator, you can direct the AI to generate more distinctive and nuanced content by framing your prompts effectively. Instead of asking broad, generic questions, you can guide the model with specific, detailed inquiries. For example, instead of asking about the general impacts of Aristotle’s works on rhetoric, you might request insights on how Aristotle’s rhetoric influenced Cicero’s speeches in Rome. This approach prompts the AI to discuss less commonly explored aspects and produce more unique and detailed content.
However, by venturing off the beaten path, there is an increased probability that the responses provided by the AI will contain errors considering that there is less statistical data available to base the answers on. This is where you need to be diligent in fact checking and editing any responses provided.
By understanding these mechanics, you can use AI not just as a tool for generating text, but as a sophisticated assistant that enhances your content creation process, bringing together the best of data-driven insights and human creativity.
Article Guide
While we always recommend reading this article in its entirety, you can skip to the sections you feel are more relevant. If we had to recommend one part, it would be section 1, step 2, especially the prompts for inventing rhetorical devices to spice up your writing!
Section 1 – Our Repeatable Approach To Persuasive Email & Content Writing
This section provides a repeatable process for using AI to help you write engaging and persuasive content. The steps in this section are:
Step 1 – Setting the scene
Step 2 – Brainstorming interesting ideas and unique angles
Step 3 – Bullet point outlines by section
Step 4 – Drafting sections and individual paragraphs (optional)
Section 2 – Our Top 10 Prompts For General Email & Content Writing
We’ve hand-selected ten general prompts to help you write more persuasive emails and content!
Section 3 – 40 More Powerful Email and Content Marketing Prompts
While these didn’t make our top ten list, they still have the potential to become invaluable parts of your AI prompt arsenal!
A more general section, less geared towards persuasion but containing AI prompts and strategies that are great for general content writing and everything else!
Section 1 – Our Repeatable Approach To Persuasive Email & Content Writing
As mentioned earlier, AI models rely on statistical probability and the context of what you tell them. In order to generate unique answers, you need to provide additional information that pushes the AI in a new direction.
As our goal is to write persuasive content, consider the following before writing any new message:
- The belief you wish your audience to adopt.
Each piece of content should have one primary persuasion goal. The entire piece of content doesn’t need to be dedicated to talking about that belief but you should include rhetorical techniques that support it. - The persuasion strategies you intend to use.
This covers the tactics you’ll use to convince your audience to adopt the belief selected. For example, the type of language, relatable examples, metaphors, stories, emotional appeals, logical arguments etc.
In step 2 of this section, we’ll discuss how AI can assist you in brainstorming ideas for your persuasion strategies. For example, generating metaphors, figures of speech, lists of logical arguments, and even rewriting content in a more emotional tone. Therefore, it’s not vital to have every last strategy planned out but you should decide what sort of message you’re sending e.g. one that is more geared towards logic or emotion etc.
Now let’s discuss the four-step approach.
Step 1 – Setting the scene
Before you ask for help, clearly explain the following to provide additional context to the AI model.
- The type of content you are writing, e.g. an email, blog article, social media post etc.
- A detailed explanation of the primary audience of this piece of content.
- Your goals with this content e.g. driving sales, educating your audience, building brand awareness, etc.
- The beliefs you hope to persuade your audience to adopt.
- Optional – the persuasion techniques you intend to use in the content.
Providing this detail and clarity helps the AI model understand the context leading to more targeted and relevant content suggestions.
Here’s an example of what a scene-setting prompt might look like:
“I’d like your help writing an email to introduce our new line of travel posters, specifically designed for young adults passionate about global exploration. We want to appeal to our existing customer base with the allure and informative nature of these new designs.
The email should convince our readers that these posters are not just decorative items, they’re keepsakes that encapsulate cherished travel memories.
To achieve this, I’d like to employ three persuasive techniques:
1) Metaphors to draw parallels between travel memories and the posters.
2) A relatable writing style to our young, adventure-seeking audience.
3) Emotional language that resonates deeply with their wanderlust and travel aspirations.
Please let me know if you need any more information, if not, confirm and I’ll explain how I want you to help in the next prompt.”
Step 2 – Request help brainstorming interesting ideas and unique angles
Outsourcing the entire writing process to AI in an unstructured way is a recipe for disaster. At best, it will result in generic garbage that does more harm than good. Therefore, the best strategy is to deconstruct the writing process into manageable chunks and clearly guide the tool to provide responses on specific parts.
Begin by collaborating with the AI to generate creative ideas and unique concepts for your content. Try some of the following brainstorming approaches.
General Brainstorming
General brainstorming involves asking for topics, themes, angles, or even specific points to cover. The goal is to leverage the AI’s ability to quickly provide a diverse range of ideas, which you can then refine and select from.
For example, you might write:
“I need ideas for a blog post on sustainable living. Can you suggest some unique angles, like cost-saving tips or easy lifestyle changes?”
Or an even better prompt might be:
“I am writing an email series aimed at small business owners about effective digital marketing strategies in a post-COVID world. I need some fresh ideas and unique perspectives to include.
Please suggest some innovative angles, such as leveraging local SEO, adapting to changing consumer behaviours, or utilising social media for community building. I need ideas that will inform and inspire business owners to rethink their digital marketing approaches.
Once I have several ideas, I’ll choose one or two that are most relevant for my email series.”
Once the AI has provided you with a topic or angle that you like, ask for more detailed information to uncover more depth to include in your content.
Invention Of Rhetoric Based Arguments
Another great prompt is to ask for reasoned arguments to include in your content piece.
Note that the invention of arguments was one of the fundamental steps of persuasion and rhetoric outlined by Aristotle. But unlike in ancient Greece, we can bounce ideas off AI models educated with more knowledge than all the vast libraries of ancient civilisation combined!
Make sure to specify if you want the argument to appeal to emotions (pathos in rhetoric) or logic (logos in rhetoric).
For example:
“Can you suggest a few emotional arguments on why my audience should focus on leveraging local SEO”
“Can you suggest a few logical arguments on why my audience should utilise social media to sell their products”
Once the AI has returned an argument you like, ask it to explain the reasoning behind it.
For example:
“I like the logical argument you suggested about advertising on social media being more cost-effective. Please expand on how you came to this conclusion, what should compel someone to adopt this belief?”
This prompt will return an in-depth explanation full of evidence and rationale. You can then select the most compelling parts to include in your content.
Brainstorm Rhetorical Techniques To Enhance Your Content
You can ask for assistance brainstorming rhetorical and persuasion techniques and the best way to incorporate them into your content.
The example below assumes you have already set the scene and discussed some unique angles. Here is how you might ask for some general persuasion techniques:
“Please suggest effective persuasion and rhetoric techniques that could be woven into this article, such as storytelling, metaphors, rhetorical figures of speech, compelling facts or statistics.“
You’ll get better results when you directly ask for assistance with a specific technique.
Try these prompts:
Hyperbole
Definition: Deliberate and obvious exaggeration used for effect and not meant to be taken literally, e.g., “Our new product will make your productivity skyrocket”.
Prompt:
“I am writing an article that explains the effectiveness of my approach to private after-school tuition. Please can you help me enhance the argument with a statement that makes use of hyperbole”
Response from ChatGPT:
“You’ll be able to unlock your child’s genius and see grades soar to new heights!”
Why it Works: The exaggeration of unlocking a child’s “genius” and seeing grades “soar to new heights” emphasizes the transformative impact of their tutoring services, making them sound exceptionally beneficial.
Alliteration
Definition: The repetition of the same sound at the beginning of successive words to enhance memorability and impact, e.g., “Our platform provides the perfect place to plan, produce, and publish”.
Prompt:
“Please can you suggest some ways that I can add alliteration to the following promotional email for my bakery”
Response from ChatGPT:
“Bite into bliss with our beautifully baked breads and brownies.”
Why it Works: The repetition of the ‘b’ sound emphasizes the delightful and high-quality nature of their baked goods, making the message more engaging.
Euphemism
Definition: When you use a milder or less abrasive form of a negative description e.g., “Our software is not slow; it’s resource-intensive”.
Prompt:
“I would like to soften the blow while explaining our funeral services, please can you draft some Euphemisms for the following sentence to make it sound better.”
Response from ChatGPT:
“We offer compassionate end-of-life services to help celebrate your loved one’s journey.”
Why it Works: Using the phrase “end-of-life services” instead of “funeral services” and “celebrate your loved one’s journey” instead of “funeral” provides a gentler and more comforting way to discuss the sensitive topic of death and funerals.
Metaphor
Definition: A figure of speech describing an object or action by comparing it to something else that is not literally applicable, highlighting similarities to enhance understanding and meaning.
Prompt:
“Please can you create a metaphor for the security of our cloud storage system”
Response from ChatGPT:
“Your Digital Safety Deposit Box”
Explanation: Just like a safety deposit box in a bank, our cloud storage service provides a secure, reliable place to store your most valuable digital assets. You can access your files anytime, anywhere, knowing they’re protected and backed up, just like your treasured possessions in a vault.
Assonance
Definition: Repetition of vowel sounds in non-rhyming words, often used to emphasize key points in a message (e.g., “The intuitive interface invites insights”).
Prompt:
“Please can you create a sentence using assonance to promote our spa and wellness center special offer”
Response from ChatGPT:
“Feel the serene, seamless sensation of soothing spa services.”
Why it Works: The repetition of the ‘ee’ sound in “serene,” “seamless,” and “sensation” creates a calming effect that mirrors the relaxing experience the spa provides, making the message memorable and pleasant to hear.“
Anaphora
Definition: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.
Prompt:
“Please can you create an anaphora for me to include in an article I’m writing about my language learning application”
Response from ChatGPT:
“Learn faster. Learn smarter. Learn with confidence.”
“Why it Works: The repetition of the phrase “Learn” at the beginning of each sentence emphasizes the different benefits of the language learning app, making the message more impactful and memorable.“
Anadiplosis
Definition: Anadiplosis is a rhetorical device where the last word or phrase of one sentence, clause, or phrase is repeated at the beginning of the next sentence, clause, or phrase.
Prompt:
“Please can you create an anadiplosis for me to include in my article highting the importance of planning your finances appropriately”
Response from ChatGPT:
“Financial planning creates security. Security creates peace of mind. Peace of mind creates happiness.”
Why it Works: This sequence emphasizes how each benefit builds on the previous one, reinforcing the comprehensive advantages of their financial planning services.
Once you have a list of ideas, angles, and techniques, select the ones you find most interesting and use them to build an outline for your content.
Remember to consider content length, you would only need one or two angles or ideas for an email broadcast, but a blog post could use several.
Step 3 – Request bullet point outlines by section
With a clear idea of your content’s direction, provide the AI model with the angles and ideas you want to use, then ask it to create a bullet point outline for each section of the content piece.
You can either tell the AI which sections you wish to include in your content or ask for suggestions. Try asking for a proposal for sections first, edit these until you are happy with them, and then request bullet points for each section.
Once ChatGPT has provided a bullet point outline for each section, think about the best way to structure the content logically, ensuring that all key points are covered in a coherent flow.
Remember, the sections and bullet points are the blueprint for your content, you can then edit and expand upon them to add your own logic, style, and structure.
At first glance, the outlines provided by ChatGPT appear reasonable but they often lack the depth that only a human touch can provide. This is where you need to work on your editing skills and develop them into something that provokes thought and challenges your audience’s perception. Otherwise, you’ll just be churning out the same content and everyone else!
The examples below assume you have already set the scene. A prompt where you provide the sections yourself might look like this:
“My article titled ‘The Future of Remote Work: Trends and Predictions’ should be divided into the following sections:
1) Current State of Remote Work
2) Emerging Technologies in Remote Work
3) Predictions for the Next Decade
In the section ‘Current State of Remote Work’, I’d like to focus on how remote work has evolved post-pandemic, using emotional appeals to highlight its impact on work-life balance.
For ‘Emerging Technologies’, please highlight advancements like VR meetings and AI-driven project management tools, using data and statistics to persuade the reader of their efficiency.
For ‘Predictions for the Next Decade’, discuss potential changes in remote work policies and the global workforce, employing storytelling to illustrate possible future scenarios.
Please create a detailed bullet point outline for each section incorporating these persuasion techniques.”
Or in this alternative example, you might ask the AI to provide both the sections and the bullet points:
“I need an outline for a comprehensive guide on ‘Healthy Eating for Busy Professionals’. The guide should address the challenges busy professionals face in maintaining a healthy diet.
Please plan the various sections around themes on quick and nutritious meal preparation, strategies for healthy eating during business travel, and tips for balancing diet amidst a hectic schedule.
For each section, use storytelling to detail personal experiences, emotional language to connect with the reader’s daily struggles, and motivational language to encourage actionable steps. Additionally, incorporate ideas on leveraging technology for diet tracking and meal planning.
Based on these ideas and angles, could you create a bullet point outline with appropriate sections for this guide, ensuring each section utilises these persuasive techniques?”
That final prompt returned the following outline.
Guide Outline: Healthy Eating for Busy Professionals
Introduction
– Share a personal story of a busy professional’s journey towards healthier eating.
– Discuss the common challenges faced in maintaining a healthy diet amidst a hectic schedule.
Section 1: Quick and Nutritious Meal Preparation
– Story of a professional who mastered quick healthy meals.
– Tips for meal prepping: planning, shopping, and cooking efficiently.
– Motivational anecdotes about the benefits of meal prepping.
– Emotional appeal: Overcoming the “no time for cooking” mindset.
Section 2: Healthy Eating Strategies During Business Travel
– Real-life examples of professionals maintaining their diet while travelling.
– Practical tips for eating healthy in hotels, airports, and restaurants.
– Emotional stories about the struggles and triumphs of eating well on the road.
– Encouragement to prioritise health despite the hectic travel schedule.
Section 3: Balancing Diet Amidst a Hectic Schedule
– Narratives of professionals overcoming erratic schedules to eat healthily.
– Strategies for managing diet with irregular work hours.
– Emotional language addressing the guilt of unhealthy eating habits.
– Motivation to make small, impactful changes for better dietary habits.
Section 4: Leveraging Technology for Diet Management
– Success stories of professionals using apps and gadgets for diet tracking.
– Review of various technological tools available for diet planning and tracking.
– Discussion on how technology can simplify and motivate healthy eating.
– Emotional and motivational language to inspire embracing tech aids.
Conclusion
– Summarise key takeaways from each section.
– Final motivational message: Emphasising the attainability and importance of a balanced diet.
– Call-to-action: Start small, plan ahead, and embrace the journey towards healthier eating habits.
While the response provided by ChatGPT is far from perfect, it is still a great starting point and highlights some ways to include the persuasive devices selected into your content.
OPTIONAL Step 4 – Request help drafting sections and individual paragraphs
With your outline in place, the next step is to flesh out each section into well-formed paragraphs.
Always aim to write the content yourself, however, AI can assist by providing initial drafts for you to refine based on the outline. If you have the AI draft anything for you, it is of paramount importance that you edit and fine-tune the text.
Remember, for people using AI regularly, unedited text contains some obvious giveaways.
It is also not advisable to have AI draft every last section for you as the content will lack your personal touch. Quality content and email should contain your personality, specific insights, or stylistic elements that resonate with your brand. For all its strengths, AI models are unable to match the human touch when it comes to including subtle persuasion techniques and strategies.
Choose the section of the content you want help drafting and paste the bullet points provided by the AI. Remember to edit the bullet point outline provided by the AI in the previous step before requesting the draft for a given section.
For example, a prompt asking for a draft of a whole section might look like this:
“I’m working on fleshing out the ‘Quick and Nutritious Meal Preparation’ section of our guide on ‘Healthy Eating for Busy Professionals’. Please help draft the content for this section.
– Start with an engaging and relatable story about a professional who has successfully integrated quick healthy meals into their busy routine.
– Follow this with a section containing practical tips for meal prepping, focusing on planning, shopping, and cooking efficiently.
– Follow this with a section containing motivational anecdotes highlighting the benefits of meal prepping.
– Conclude with an emotional appeal to overcome the ‘no time for cooking’ mindset.
Each part should flow into the next, creating a cohesive, informative, and encouraging narrative.”
An alternative example would be:
“For our blog post ‘Embracing Digital Transformation in Small Businesses’, I need a well-developed section on ‘Adopting New Technologies’.
The bullet points are:
1) ‘Identifying essential technologies for your business’, where we should use data-driven arguments to demonstrate their efficacy.
2) ‘Overcoming the challenge of digital adoption’, incorporating persuasive storytelling to highlight how these challenges can be tackled.
3) ‘Case studies of successful digital transformation’, employing a mix of emotional appeal and factual evidence to showcase real-world examples.
Please draft this section ensuring each point effectively uses these persuasive techniques, with a style that is both approachable and motivational, to introduce small business owners to the importance of digital adoption.”
Section 2 – Our Top 10 Prompts For General Email & Content Writing
1) Suggest a better way to ask you this question to achieve …
This technique is useful when you are uncertain how to articulate your request or you are not getting the results you anticipated.
By presenting your initial prompt and asking ChatGPT for suggestions on how it could be improved, you tap into the AI’s knowledge of it’s own language and query structure. This can lead to more precise, clear, and targeted prompts, which in turn, result in more accurate and useful responses.
2) Create a metaphor for …
Metaphors are powerful persuasion tools because they allow complex or abstract concepts to be communicated in a relatable and vivid manner. By drawing parallels between a familiar idea and a new concept, metaphors make the latter more understandable and engaging. This is particularly useful in persuasion, as it can create a stronger emotional connection and facilitate deeper comprehension among the audience.
To leverage this in ChatGPT, you can request metaphor creation directly related to your topic. For instance, you might ask:
“Create a metaphor to explain the concept of blockchain technology in a way that’s accessible to someone with no technical background.”
3) Provide an example of …
Like creating a metaphor, ChatGPT can provide examples that illustrate concepts, strategies, or ideas more vividly. This prompt is helpful when you need to clarify complex ideas, demonstrate the practical application of a theory, or showcase real-world success stories in your content.
For instance, when writing an email to promote a new product, you might ask ChatGPT to:
“Provide an example of how this product has benefited users”.
4) Provide an alternative view to …
You may wish to represent alternative views on a subject to present balanced perspectives, address counterarguments, and enhance the credibility of your content.
This prompt is especially valuable in scenarios where you’re discussing potentially controversial subjects, or you know that your own view is quite entrenched limiting your ability to provide a balanced analysis for your audience.
For instance, in an email campaign or blog post advocating a specific strategy, using this prompt can help you address potential objections or alternative approaches, showing that you have a well-rounded understanding of the subject. For example, in this scenario, your prompt might look like this:
“Below this message I have pasted in the draft of my email covering the topic of healthy eating habits for over 50s. Please provide an alternative view to the arguments and advice I have outlined?
<INSERT DRAFT EMAIL>“
5) Outline the pros and cons of …
Quality content offers a balanced and comprehensive analysis of a topic, product, or strategy. This prompt is beneficial when you’re discussing solutions, products, or decisions that require a nuanced understanding.
By asking AI to outline the advantages and disadvantages of something, you ensure that your content is informative and objective. This is crucial for building trust with your audience, as it demonstrates that you are not only promoting an idea but also acknowledging its potential drawbacks.
For instance, when promoting a new service, highlighting both its benefits and limitations can help manage customer expectations and reduce post-purchase dissatisfaction. Alternatively, articles that present both pros and cons allow readers to make informed decisions, enhancing the value and credibility of your content in the eyes of your audience.
6) Give sources and references of …
Trust is a fundamental principle of persuasion, and quality sources and references enhance your credibility while providing depth to your content. Misinformation is prevalent online, so citing reliable sources and references is your best way to establish trust and authority.
You may also want to use this prompt when discussing facts, and statistics, or making claims that require substantiation. By asking ChatGPT to provide sources and references, you can back up your content with evidence, making your arguments more convincing and your content more authoritative.
For example, a health shop might consult AI for scientific studies and expert opinions before sending an email broadcast detailing the benefits of a health supplement.
7) Provide a list of best practices for …
A cornerstone content strategy is to offer valuable, actionable advice to your audience. You can use this prompt for assistance in collating industry-specific guidelines, expert tips, or proven strategies that can support readers in achieving better results in a particular area.
By asking ChatGPT for a list of best practices, you can provide your readers with a concise, easy-to-follow set of recommendations or guidelines that add significant value to your content.
For example, in a content series targeted at aspiring photographers, ChatGPT can be used to compile a list of best practices in digital photography.
8) Make this paragraph flow better …
ChatGPT can help you to refine and polish written material. This prompt is useful if your draft conveys the right information, but you feel it lacks coherence, smooth transitions, or readability.
You might not want to use the exact version ChatGPT returns, but you can select the paragraphs which enhance the clarity and engagement of your content. You’ll be surprised at how effective the AI model is at transforming clunky or disjointed text into a fluid and compelling narrative. This is crucial in maintaining reader interest and ensuring your key messages are communicated effectively.
For instance, in email marketing, revising a paragraph to flow better can make a difference in maintaining your readers’ attention.
9) Rewrite this in X writing style …
It is often beneficial to adapt content to fit different tones, audiences, or branding guidelines. This prompt becomes crucial when the original content needs to be adjusted to better resonate with a specific audience segment or to align with a particular brand voice.
By specifying a desired writing style – be it professional, conversational, humorous, formal, or any other tone – you guide the AI to modify the content’s language and tone accordingly. This flexibility is also useful for repurposing a single piece of content across various platforms or for different audience demographics.
For example, ChatGPT can rewrite an informative blog post written in a formal style for industry professionals into a more conversational tone for social media audiences.
10) Keep asking me questions until you have enough information to help me …
This is an interesting prompt that helps ensure the output received from ChatGPT is precisely tailored to your specific requirements. It is particularly useful when you’re exploring a new topic, defining a complex project, or when your needs are not entirely clear at the outset. It enables the AI model to engage in a more conversational, inquisitive approach, gradually uncovering the depth and nuances of your request through a series of targeted questions. An added benefit of this prompt is that by answering the AI model’s questions, you are better able to organise your own thoughts on what you are seeking to achieve.
For instance, if you’re planning a marketing campaign with multiple facets, ChatGPT can ask about your target demographics, campaign goals, preferred channels, and content types to formulate a comprehensive plan. Similarly, for a technical blog post, the AI might inquire about the level of detail required, the expertise level of your audience, and specific points you wish to cover.
Section 3 – 40 More Powerful Email and Content Marketing Prompts
- Summarise this lengthy document into key takeaways for …
- Develop a series of engaging questions for an interview or survey on the topic of …
- Brainstorm catchy headlines or titles for a piece about …
- Construct a step-by-step guide or tutorial on how to …
- Analyse this text for its tone, style, and effectiveness in …
- Translate this content into a simpler, more accessible language for …
- Develop a content calendar for a month focusing on the theme of …
- Create a comparison chart or table highlighting the differences between …
- Suggest creative ways to present data or information about …
- Formulate a strategic plan or roadmap for achieving …
- Craft an engaging story or narrative to illustrate the concept of …
- Identify potential obstacles or challenges in … and suggest solutions
- Design an FAQ section addressing common questions about …
- Propose unique marketing or promotional ideas for …
- Evaluate this argument or position on … for its strengths and weaknesses
- Outline the historical context of … for an educational piece.
- Suggest innovative product or service ideas related to …
- Compose a persuasive pitch for a project or idea involving …
- Generate a list of potential risks and mitigations for a project about …
- Create a quiz or interactive content related to the topic of …
- Formulate a policy recommendation or action plan regarding …
- Devise a social media engagement plan for content themed around …
- Draft an executive summary for a report focusing on …
- Generate hypothetical scenarios or case studies illustrating …
- Develop a crisis communication plan for issues related to …
- Create a template for a standard operating procedure on …
- Compose an empathy-driven response to a customer complaint about …
- Design a workshop or training module covering …
- Craft a speech or keynote address on the subject of …
- Formulate engaging discussion prompts for a panel on …
- Conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) for …
- Compile a list of industry influencers or experts on …
- Create an onboarding plan for new team members in …
- Write a diplomatic response to a sensitive issue involving …
- Develop a fundraising strategy for a cause related to …
- Suggest cross-promotional opportunities for products/services in …
- Analyse a successful campaign or project in … for key success factors
- Propose a series of blog post ideas that debunk myths about …
- Create a customer journey map for a persona engaging with …
- Draft a series of success stories or testimonials highlighting the power of …
Section 4 – General AI Tips
1) Begin all new conversations with a prompt that sets the scene and outlines what you are hoping to achieve.
A detailed opening prompt to set the scene is an excellent way to improve the precision and relevance of responses. Providing key information upfront will reduce ambiguity and set clear expectations, ensuring that the AI’s response aligns closely with your specific needs and goals. Include a comprehensive description of the task, audience, tone, and specific requirements.
For example, a good opening prompt might look something like this:
“I am going to ask for your assistance in developing a comprehensive social media strategy for our new line of fitness apparel, specifically targeting young professionals who are fitness enthusiasts. The strategy should encompass a range of platforms including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For Instagram, focus on visually compelling content that highlights the unique design and functionality of the apparel. On Twitter, emphasize engaging with fitness influencers and sharing short fitness tips. For Facebook, create content that fosters a community around health and wellness. The tone should be motivational and aspirational, aiming to build brand awareness and drive online sales.”
Or an alternatively:
“Let’s collaborate on a detailed content plan for a series of educational articles about ‘Sustainable Urban Gardening’. These articles are aimed at city dwellers looking to start their own small-scale gardens. We need to cover topics like choosing the right plants, utilizing small spaces effectively, and sustainable gardening practices. The tone should be informative, encouraging, and beginner-friendly. I’d like the plan to include article titles, key points for each article, and suggestions for interactive elements like DIY project guides or checklists that readers can use.”
2) Provide examples of your ideal outcomes
If possible, provide examples of your desired outcomes that can steer the AI model towards producing similar quality and style of content. This is particularly effective when you need content that matches a specific format or tone, as it gives the AI model a concrete reference point.
An example prompt might look like this:
“We are preparing a pitch presentation for potential investors in our tech startup. I was impressed by the structure and clarity of a recent pitch by [Startup Name] at [Event/Platform], particularly how they effectively communicated their value proposition and growth potential. Can you help develop an outline for our pitch, focusing on our innovative AI technology, market analysis, and long-term vision? The presentation should be compelling and concise, aimed at securing funding and partnership opportunities.”
An alternative prompt might be:
“I’m working on a blog post series themed around ‘Eco-Friendly Home Living’. Recently, I came across a series on [Blog Name/Link] that had a perfect mix of informative content and engaging personal anecdotes. The tone was conversational yet authoritative. Could you assist in generating ideas for three blog posts following a similar style? Topics should include sustainable home practices, energy-saving tips, and eco-friendly DIY projects. Each post should educate and inspire homeowners to adopt greener practices.”
3) Break big problems into smaller tasks
You should always divide complex tasks into smaller, more manageable segments. This will lead to more focused and effective outputs. This methodical approach helps in systematically addressing each aspect of a larger project, ensuring thoroughness and detail.
Let’s take a look at a detailed example of this.
The complex task at hand is to develop a marketing strategy for a new eco-friendly product line. You may decide to break this prompt out into five different requests, each one building off the previous prompt.
Prompt 1: Identifying Target Audience and Key Selling Points
“We’re launching an eco-friendly product line and need to develop a marketing strategy. Let’s start by identifying our target audience. Who are they and what are their key interests related to eco-friendly products? Also, list the main selling points of our product line that would appeal to this audience.”
Prompt 2: Brainstorming Campaign Themes
“Based on the target audience and product selling points identified, let’s brainstorm some potential themes for our marketing campaign. These should resonate with our audience’s eco-conscious values and highlight the unique aspects of our products. Aim for themes that are both engaging and aligned with our brand ethos.”
Prompt 3: Outlining Content Types for Different Platforms
“Now that we have some campaign themes, let’s outline the types of content we can create for different platforms – such as blog posts, social media updates, and email newsletters. Consider how each platform can best convey our themes and engage with the audience. Include ideas for visual content, like images and videos.”
Prompt 4: Creating a Content Calendar
“With the content types in mind, let’s develop a content calendar. This should detail what content will be posted, on which platforms, and when. The calendar should cover the initial launch phase of the product line and continue through the first three months post-launch, aligning with our campaign themes and key dates.”
Prompt 5: Drafting Sample Content
“Finally, let’s draft some sample content pieces. Begin by drafting the outline of an email for the launch announcement. These should be compelling, informative, and in line with the previously determined themes and content strategy.”
4) Incorporate reference materials
Supply the AI model with relevant reference materials, like links to existing content or brand guidelines. Providing reference materials can significantly enhance the accuracy and relevancy of its outputs. These materials provide the AI model with context and specific information that aligns with your expectations.
One example prompt for this might be:
“I’m tasked with updating the ‘Meet Our Team’ section on our company website. To ensure consistency with our current web content, I’m attaching links to our existing ‘About Us’ and ‘Our Mission’ pages. Additionally, here are links to similar sections on two of our competitors’ websites for reference. Could you draft a new ‘Meet Our Team’ section for us? It should blend the professional yet approachable tone of our existing pages and include engaging descriptions of team members, emphasizing their roles and contributions to our company’s mission.”
Or an alternative prompt:
“We’re developing an email campaign to promote our latest range of eco-friendly kitchen products. For inspiration and brand alignment, here’s a link to our most successful email campaign from last year and a PDF of our visual and writing style guide. I’d like you to use these as references to draft some bullet points for an initial email outline for this campaign. The email should introduce the product range, highlight its eco-friendly aspects, and incorporate our brand’s friendly and persuasive tone, encouraging readers to explore our new collection.”
5) Request a train of thought
Asking the AI model to explain its reasoning behind certain suggestions can be insightful, especially when you are in the process of refining the content drafts it has provided you with. The explanation provided allows for more targeted follow-up questions and adjustments, ensuring the content aligns with your specific needs.
An example prompt might look like this:
“You’ve drafted an introductory paragraph for our article on ‘Future-Proofing Your Business in the Digital Age’. I find the angle you’ve taken quite compelling, focusing on digital transformation as a key to resilience. Could you explain your thought process behind choosing this particular angle? How does it align with the goal of engaging business owners who might be hesitant about embracing digital changes?”
Alternatively like this:
“In the series of social media posts you’ve proposed for our upcoming environmental awareness campaign, I noticed you’ve suggested a mix of shocking statistics and positive action tips. This approach seems quite balanced, but I’d like to understand the reasoning behind it. Can you elaborate on how this combination of shock and positivity can effectively raise awareness and motivate action among our followers, especially in fostering a more eco-conscious mindset?”
6) Clarify the target audience
Defining the target audience should be done in the opening prompt of a conversation but sometimes it is helpful to reiterate the target audience before a specific command. Restating the target audience or expanding upon what you have already said with additional details helps ChatGPT to adjust its language, tone, and content to resonate with the intended readers or viewers, increasing engagement and effectiveness.
An example prompt might read like this:
“As we continue our work on the promotional content for our upcoming webinar on financial planning, remember that our primary audience is young professionals in their late 20s to early 30s, who are just starting to navigate serious financial decisions. With this audience in mind, let’s refine the webinar description. Focus on topics like student loan management, early career investments, and budgeting for major life events. Ensure the tone is empowering and informative, catering to those who might be new to complex financial concepts.”
Alternatively, you may have stated your general target audience at the start of the conversation but now you want to really zoom in on a specific subset for a given piece of content. A prompt that hopes to achieve this might look like this:
“Continuing with our ‘Sustainable Living for Urban Residents’ content series, let’s now focus more specifically on young professionals in their 30s living in studio or one-bedroom apartments in the city. This subset of our audience is not only environmentally conscious but also likely to be very busy and looking for time-efficient gardening solutions. Can we create content around DIY urban gardening that caters to their need for quick, space-saving, and easy-to-maintain greenery solutions? The tips should be succinct, visually engaging, and tailored to fit the lifestyle of someone with limited space and time, yet eager to incorporate sustainable practices in their daily living.”
7) Specify the desired tone and style
The tone and style of content are critical and should be communicated. This helps in maintaining brand consistency and ensures that the content appeals to your audience in the desired manner. Clarifying the tone is particularly important when you’re about to ask for the first draft of a section of your content based on the bullet point outline provided.
An example prompt might be:
“We’re developing a series of articles for our online travel magazine, focusing on ‘Hidden Gems in European Cities’. The style of these articles should be enchanting and vivid, capturing the readers’ imagination and enticing them to explore these lesser-known destinations. Please start with an outline for an article on ‘Secluded Spots in Prague’. The article should paint a vivid picture of each location, blending historical context with sensory descriptions to bring these hidden spots to life for our readers.”
An alternative prompt might look like this:
“We are producing content for our financial advice website, targeting young entrepreneurs. The tone of the content should be professional yet accessible, avoiding overly complex jargon. It should reassure and guide our readers in making informed financial decisions. Let’s work on the first draft of a section titled ‘Navigating Market Volatility in Your Startup’s Early Stages’. The content should demystify market volatility for a newcomer and provide practical, easy-to-understand advice for weathering economic ups and downs.”
8) Focus on the end goal
Keeping the end goal in mind is vital when creating content. It directs the AI towards producing material that aligns with your business objectives, whether it’s to inform, persuade, or sell.
Often a business will have the goal of persuading their audience to adopt a particular viewpoint that is critical to the success of their business. For example, a yoga instructor will want to convince their audience of the importance of regular stretching, or a private chef may want to convince their audience that their particular style of Mediterranean cooking is the healthiest option for their family. When planning content, it is crucial to remind the AI model of exactly what you want to persuade your audience to believe in this piece of content.
Here is an example of a prompt that reiterates the end goal of a content project:
“We are crafting a series of blog posts for our sustainable clothing brand, aiming to persuade readers about the long-term environmental and ethical benefits of sustainable fashion. The ultimate goal is to shift consumer preferences towards more responsible clothing choices. For the first post titled ‘The Lasting Impact of Your Wardrobe Choices’, I want to emphasize how sustainable fashion contributes to environmental conservation and ethical labour practices. Can you create an outline that highlights these aspects, weaving in compelling arguments that resonate with environmentally conscious consumers?”
Here is another example:
“Our company is launching a new line of smart home devices, and we aim to convince homeowners of the convenience and security benefits these devices offer. We’re preparing a promotional video script to be used on social media and our website. The end goal is to illustrate how our smart devices make daily life more efficient and secure, ultimately persuading viewers to consider a purchase. Could you draft a script outline focusing on real-life scenarios where our products provide tangible benefits, highlighting ease of use and improved quality of life?”
9) Use iterative feedback
Providing feedback and asking for revisions is a key part of working with an AI model. The feedback allows for the refinement of content, ensuring it meets your standards and objectives. Iterative feedback helps the AI learn and adjust to your preferences.
It is always important to explain what you liked and didn’t like when asking for revisions, for example:
“The initial draft of our ‘Top 10 Healthy Eating Habits’ article is informative, but I think it could be more engaging. The introduction currently lacks a personal touch. Could you revise it to include a relatable anecdote about the common challenges people face when trying to eat healthily? This should draw readers in more effectively. Also, in the section about meal planning, let’s add some specific, easy-to-follow meal examples that our readers can start using right away.”
The more descriptive you can make your feedback the better, for example:
“The first version of the product description you provided for our new range of herbal teas is quite detailed, but it’s a bit too technical. Our target customers prefer simpler, more benefit-focused language. Please rewrite the description, emphasising the health benefits and the unique blend of natural ingredients in a more conversational tone. Also, include a suggestion at the end about pairing the tea with daily relaxation routines, to make it more lifestyle-oriented.”
10) Leverage diverse formats
Utilising different content formats can uncover creative ways to convey information and engage your audience. ChatGPT can be of excellent assistance in transforming content into various structures, enhancing its appeal and reach.
For example, you might ask for assistance extracting key information from one format for use in another:
“We’ve recently conducted a survey on ‘Work-Life Balance in Remote Work Settings’ and compiled the data in a comprehensive report. I would like to make this information more engaging for our online audience. Could you reformat the key findings into a script for a short, animated video? The script should highlight the major statistics in a compelling narrative, suitable for a 2-minute animation that we plan to share on our website and social media channels. The tone should be light and encouraging, making the data easily digestible for a wide audience.”
Here is another example where key information from an interview series is repurposed for a series of educational emails:
“Culling key insights from our ‘Innovations in Renewable Energy’ expert interviews, I’d like to transform these into a series of educational emails. The interviews, presently in extended text format, are rich with information. Could you help extract the most significant findings and arrange them logically for our email series? Each email should focus on a specific theme or innovation discussed in the interviews. The structure should begin with a concise introduction to the theme, followed by the main insights or opinions of the experts on that particular topic, and conclude with a thought-provoking question or call to action to engage our readers. The tone should be informative yet digestible, tailored for an audience eager to learn about renewable energy trends and advancements.”