A Quick Refresher on Prompting AI
We all need to revisit the basics from time to time. And even if you've been using AI for a while now, take a look at this framework to make sure you're getting the best results from your prompts.
I first shared this framework in the Lab, and it’s helped a lot of creatives get consistent results across ChatGPT, Claude, and other major LLMs. Let's go.
Give Chat All the Pieces
The biggest mistake I see people make in their prompts is that they forget to tell the AI who it should be and exactly what to do. That’s why you often get vague or messy output.
By starting with a clear Role/Context like “You are a content editor specializing in B2B blogs” AND giving it clear instructions for output like "like “Keep it under 600 words,”“Write in a conversational tone,” or “Output as a numbered list”, the AI knows exactly what to focus on, and what to give you.
➡️ How to Prompt ChatGPT/Claude (the Formula)
Here's the structure that works consistently across LLMs—based on how these models actually process information:
[Role/Context] + [Clear Task] + + [Constraints/Format]
The "
Why This Works:
LLMs have what researchers call "middle loss", which means they can lose focus on content buried in the middle of very long or overly complex prompts. This structure puts critical information where the model pays most attention, the beginning and end.💡
Here's How to Use It:
1. Start with Role/Context (this tells the AI who to act as, and because it assigns a clear role, it reduces hallucinations)
- "You are an expert email copywriter specializing in wellness brands"
- "You're a content strategist helping a small business owner"
2. State Your Clear Task (this is your goal, or what you actually want)
- "Write three subject line variations for this product launch email"
- "Analyze this blog post and suggest 5 ways to improve engagement"
3. Fence Your Data with Tags (this prevents confusion if you paste in a bunch of copy)
- Use brackets (just like html code) or "///" before and after the content you paste in
Use tags like `
- "Keep each subject line under 50 characters"
- "Write in a conversational, warm tone—no corporate jargon"
- "Output as a numbered list"
Examples:
1. Social Media Caption PROMPT:
You are a social media manager for a boutique fitness brand.
Write 3 Instagram captions promoting a new 6-week online yoga program.
Program includes live classes, on-demand recordings, beginner-friendly, starts Jan 5, limited spots available
Constraints:
- Keep captions under 150 characters
- Use a motivating, friendly tone
- Include a clear call-to-action
2. Blog Post Improvement PROMPT:
You are a content editor for a B2B SaaS company.
Analyze the following blog post and suggest 5 ways to improve reader engagement.
<article> [Paste your 800-word blog post here] </article>
Constraints:
- Focus on clarity, actionable tips, and flow
- Suggest headlines, subheads, or questions to hook readers
- Keep suggestions concise and practical
3. Product Description PROMPT:
You are an e-commerce copywriter for a skincare brand.
Write a product description for a new vitamin C serum.
Brightening serum with 15% vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, suitable for all skin types, 30ml bottle
Constraints:
- Limit to 100 words
- Use a warm, informative tone
- Highlight benefits and unique features clearly
Taking a moment to revisit the foundations of prompting can save you time, frustration, and endless revisions.
What questions do you have about prompt structure? Hit reply and let me know!
P.S. Thank you to everyone who filled out my survey! And the winner of the one-hour coaching call with me is Sinead from Launch Day Media! (The student winner will be announced inside the Lab.) Sinead, hit reply to this email and let's get you scheduled!
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A home office Midjourney Prompt:
Need a lovely background b-roll for your next reel (that you don't have to film yourself)? Try this prompt to get some easy, fast content ...
IMAGE PROMPT: "A feminine desk designed for a creator to work. On the desk is a long horizontal monitor, keyboard, mouse, and pen tablet, and a white cat sitting next to it." (used with my main Sway Rise Creative moodboard in Midjourney)
ANIMATION PROMPT: "A static shot of a desk in a feminine home office, designed for a creator to work. A white gauzy curtain from off screen on the right lazily moves into the room in the foreground as if lifted from a light breeze. A white cat on the desk turns its head. The overall mood is contemplative and serene a liminal space between productivity and daydreaming."
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Want to know more about me? I'm the design mind behind Sway Rise Creative, a brand and website agency that helps creatives move consulting to thought leader.
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