If you’ve ever typed a prompt into ChatGPT and gotten something bland, robotic, or just flat-out wrong, you’re not alone.
But here’s the thing.
It’s probably not the prompt that’s broken.
It’s how you’re using it.
Once you understand what’s really going on behind the scenes, you’ll be able to take the exact same tool you’ve already got and turn it into something that feels like a creative partner, not a frustrating guessing game.
Let’s break it down.
Most People Use Prompts Like a Search Engine
When you first open up ChatGPT, it feels a little like using Google. You type something in, you get something back.
That mindset is the first mistake.
Search engines are about finding existing answers. AI is about helping you create new ones. And the key part is it needs your help.
If you treat ChatGPT like a search bar, your prompts might look like this:
- “Write a blog post on productivity”
- “What are 5 marketing tips for coaches?”
- “Give me Instagram content ideas”
Sure, it will give you something. But most of the time, what comes back feels surface-level. Like it was written by a polite robot who read a few bullet points but didn’t really get what you wanted.
That’s not your fault. It’s just how the tool responds when it’s working with vague or shallow input.
Which brings us to the real issue.
The Real Issue Is Context
ChatGPT isn’t magic.
It doesn’t read your mind.
It reads patterns.
And the only patterns it has to work with are the words you give it.
If your prompt is vague, the response will be too. If your direction is general, the results will be generic.
Think about it like this. If you hired a freelance writer, handed them a blank piece of paper, and said:
“Write something about branding,”
They’d probably ask you:
“Okay, who’s the audience? What’s the tone? What are you trying to do? What’s the goal?”
ChatGPT needs that same level of clarity. Otherwise, it fills in the blanks based on what it thinks you might want.
That’s why your output can feel like it was written for everyone and ends up working for no one.
Good Prompts Are Conversations, Not Commands
Here’s a mindset shift that changes everything.
Instead of thinking of prompts as single-line commands, think of them like creative briefs. Give the AI some background. Set the scene. Tell it what actually matters.
That small change makes a massive difference.
For example:
“I’m a productivity coach writing a blog post for busy entrepreneurs who struggle with time management. The tone should be encouraging, down-to-earth, and practical. Write me an outline for a 1200-word post that offers simple, real-life strategies, not fluffy advice.”
That’s a prompt that works.
It’s not just about the number of words. It’s about the clarity. You’re giving ChatGPT the tools to do the job right.
If It’s Not Working, It’s Not Your Fault. But It Is Fixable.
Nobody taught you how to write prompts. Not in school. Not in business. Not anywhere.
So if you’re struggling, that’s completely normal.
But the good news is this: You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to learn how to give the AI better inputs. That’s it.
Here’s how you can do that step by step.
Step #1: Start by Setting the Role
Tell ChatGPT who it is before you ask it to write anything.
Examples:
- “Act as a marketing strategist with 10 years of experience.”
- “You’re a copywriter who writes helpful, human emails for online coaches.”
- “You’re a YouTube scriptwriter for faceless motivational channels.”
This frames the voice and level of expertise. It’s like assigning the right hat before the work begins.
Step #2: Define the Audience
Next, tell it who it’s writing for.
Examples:
- “This is for solopreneurs in their 30s and 40s building an online business.”
- “Write in a way that’s clear for beginners who have never used AI.”
- “Use the tone you’d use with a smart friend who’s feeling stuck but motivated.”
This helps set the tone and shape the content. Without it, you might get something too vague or formal.
Step #3: Set the Format and Structure
Be clear about the kind of output you want.
Examples:
- “Give me 10 content ideas with 2 sentences of explanation each.”
- “Write a blog post with an intro, 3 main sections, and a summary.”
- “Create a carousel script with a hook, 5 slides, and a strong call to action.”
When the format is clear, the results are easier to use right away.
Step #4: Use Examples When You Can
If you know the style or vibe you’re after, show it.
Examples:
- “Here’s a post I liked. Match this tone.”
- “Here’s an intro I wrote. Continue from this.”
- “Make it sound like [popular creator or newsletter] but with a more practical voice.”
You don’t always need examples, but when you have one, it helps the AI lock in on your tone.
Step #5: Use Follow-Up Prompts to Refine
One of the biggest mistakes people make is restarting every time the result feels off.
You don’t need to do that.
You can just say:
- “Make it more conversational.”
- “Add some humor to this part.”
- “Rewrite it like I’m talking to a friend at a coffee shop.”
Treat ChatGPT like a creative assistant who wants feedback. Your follow-ups help guide the direction.
A Simple Prompt Framework That Always Works
Here’s a 3-part formula you can start using right now:
Role
“Act as a [job or persona].”
Audience and Goal
“You’re helping [describe who it’s for] achieve [the outcome they want].”
Format and Tone
“Write this as a [format] in a tone that’s [supportive, direct, clear, or whatever fits].”
Example Prompt:
Act as a content strategist for digital product creators.
You’re helping creators who feel overwhelmed by AI figure out how to use it for blog writing and content planning.
Write a 1200-word blog post that feels practical and supportive, like someone who’s been in the trenches. Use an intro, subheadings, bullet points, and a helpful wrap-up.
Try that format with your next prompt. You’ll notice a difference right away.
One Last Thing: Personal Prompts Work Best
At the end of the day, this is not about tricking ChatGPT or using secret formulas.
It’s about being clear.
If you’re a creator, coach, or business owner, you don’t need to be perfect. You just need to communicate like you would with a teammate.
Tell the AI what role to play. Be specific about your audience. Set the format. Give examples when it helps. And treat it like a conversation, not a vending machine.
Once you do that, everything opens up.
You stop feeling stuck.
You stop rewriting the same thing five different ways.
You start actually getting usable content in less time, with less frustration.
Recap: How to Use Prompts the Right Way
- Don’t treat prompts like Google searches
- Add context with role, audience, tone, and format
- Use examples when possible
- Guide the AI with follow-ups
- Try the 3-part prompt formula
- Think of ChatGPT as a partner, not a tool
Final Thoughts
Your prompts don’t need to be perfect. They just need to be clear. Once you fix how you use them, the results will finally start to feel like they fit you and your business.
Want to save time and get better results from ChatGPT every time you open it?
Grab the free prompt pack “10+ Expert ChatGPT Prompts to Supercharge Your Business” or join the AI Prompt Newsletter to get weekly real-talk tips on how to make ChatGPT actually work for you.
See you there.
