Ever ask an AI tool for help—only to end up rewriting half the answer yourself? Chances are, your prompt could use a little customizing. Creating a one-size-fits-all question might save time, but tailoring your prompt to match your real needs almost always gets you a better, more relevant result.
Why Customizing Prompts Matters
Generic prompts get generic answers. When you’re supporting clients—as a coach, marketer, or business owner—you need responses that sound like you, fit your goals, and make sense for your audience. Here’s how to make sure your prompts deliver.
1. Know Your Goal
Start by being clear about what you want.
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Are you writing a blog post, a social caption, or crafting an email?
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Should the answer sound casual, professional, or maybe even a bit cheeky?
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Are there any key points or requirements (like character limits or specific calls to action)?
For example:
Instead of “Write a newsletter,” try, “Write a friendly, upbeat email inviting my followers to a free online workshop—keep it under 150 words and include a clear RSVP link.”
2. Give Enough Background
AI works best when it knows the context:
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Who is the audience? (e.g., female coaches, busy entrepreneurs, new authors)
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What stage of the buying journey are they in? (curious, ready to buy, needing support)
A prompt like, “Write an Instagram caption promoting a new eBook for female business owners who want to grow their client base,” is far more likely to nail the tone and message than a generic “Write an Instagram caption.”
3. Highlight What Makes You Unique
If there’s a signature term, inside joke, or ethos your brand leans on—mention it up front. Even a one-sentence style note helps:
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“Make it sound encouraging and down-to-earth, not salesy.”
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“Sign off as Denise, your go-to Canadian VA.” (LOL!)
4. Test and Refine
Don’t expect perfection first try. A “good enough” draft is often a good starting point. It’s just like writing anything else – it’s going to require tweaking. Read what the AI gives back and ask for edits:
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“Can you add a quick tip for new business owners?”
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“Shorten this to fit within 100 words.”
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“Use 3 bullet points instead of a paragraph.”
5. Try Templates (But Make Them Yours)
Having a few fill-in-the-blank prompt templates can save you time. Adjust each one to fit your content and audience. For example:
“Write a [format] for [audience/persona] about [topic], using a [tone/style]. Keep it under [length/limit] words.”
In a Nutshell
Customizing prompts isn’t just about getting what you want from AI—it’s about making sure your content sounds like you and truly serves your clients. Whether you’re writing blog posts, emails, or social captions, a little more up-front effort saves you editing headaches later.
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