Prompts for ChatGPT: How to Actually Get What You Want From It

If you’ve ever opened ChatGPT and typed something like “write a blog post” then sat back and stared at the screen thinking, “Hmm… that’s not quite what I meant,” then you are definitely not alone.

The truth is, writing a good prompt is half the battle. Actually, more than half, if I’m being honest.

Once you learn how to ask properly, this tool becomes an absolute gem. Like having a super efficient, idea hungry, never sleeps assistant who’s always up for a brainstorm. And no, it’s not going to take your job. But it can help you do your job a lot more easily, creatively and dare I say, with a bit less stress.

So if you’ve been meaning to figure out how to actually get good results from ChatGPT or you’ve heard it’s useful for business but don’t quite know where to start this post is for you.

Let’s talk prompts. Not the boring kind. The good ones.

First things first: What is a “prompt”, really?

In short, a prompt is just a message you type into ChatGPT to tell it what you want.

It can be a question, a set of instructions, a bit of text to improve  whatever. Think of it like giving directions. The clearer you are, the less likely it is that ChatGPT will take you on a weird detour through “generic content town”.

Here’s a basic example:

• Too generic: “Write a blog post about coffee”

• Much better: “Write a relaxed, friendly blog post about why switching to fair trade coffee is a simple way for eco conscious Brits to make a difference”

See the difference? The second one gives more to work with and you’ll get something closer to what you were actually picturing in your head.

Why good prompts make such a big difference

The thing is ChatGPT is powerful, but it can’t read your mind (yet, thank goodness). If you give it something vague, you’ll get something vague back. If you’re clear, it’ll be clearer. Think of it like a mirror it reflects what you give it.

Good prompts save time. They help you skip the faffing about with rewrites and get closer to what you want on the first go. Especially helpful if you’re busy running a business, wearing all the hats and trying to keep the creative juices flowing before your next cuppa.

How to write better prompts (without overthinking it)

You don’t need to be techy or formal. You just need to be clear. Here’s what helps:

1. Say what you want clearly

Being vague is the quickest way to get a boring response. Be upfront about the topic, the format, and what you’re aiming for.

Instead of:
“Write something about self care”

Try:
“Write a short, warm Instagram caption about taking five minutes to breathe during a hectic workday something that sounds like a gentle nudge from a friend”

Much more specific. And it’s probably closer to the vibe you want to put out there anyway.

2. Use your tone of voice

If you’re casual and conversational, say so. If your brand’s a bit cheeky or poetic or heartfelt tell it that. Otherwise, ChatGPT will default to its neutral, polite, sort of American self.

Prompt tip:
“Write in a friendly, down to earth tone that sounds human, not corporate. Like we’re chatting over coffee, not writing a brochure.”

That’s honestly one of my go to lines when I want content that actually sounds like me.

3. Give it context

Tell it who it’s for, where it’s going, or what problem it’s solving. Imagine you’re briefing a new team member you wouldn’t just say “write something” and walk off, right?

Example:
“Explain the basics of SEO to a creative small business owner who feels totally lost with it keep it simple, friendly and encouraging”

You’re helping it understand the bigger picture, so the tone and content match where your audience is.

4. Ask it to play a role

You can get ChatGPT to act as anything from a marketing coach to a motivational speaker to a time-saving wizard.

Examples:

• “Act as a product copywriter and help me write three punchy descriptions for handmade ceramic mugs”

• “Pretend you’re a customer who just bought my service write a review that feels genuine and excited”

This adds a bit of flavour and makes the results feel less robotic.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for edits

This is the part people often forget you can talk back. If the first result is okay but not amazing, just say so.

Try things like:

• “Make it sound warmer”

• “Shorten it and add a question at the end”

• “Give me three versions to choose from”

• “Can you rework this so it sounds less generic?”

It’s a conversation, not a one shot deal.

How you can use ChatGPT in your business (without it feeling weird)

If you’re wondering, “Alright but what do I actually do with this thing?”  here are some real ways you could use it.

Content creation (without the blank page dread)

• Drafting blog posts

• Coming up with email ideas

• Rewriting old copy so it feels fresh

• Getting over that “what do I say?” feeling when writing a caption

Customer communication

• Writing email templates for tricky things (like refund policies or follow ups)

• Creating quick responses for FAQs

• Drafting welcome messages or thank yous that feel personal

Marketing ideas & planning

• Generating campaign ideas when your brain is fried

• Getting fresh angles for old content

• Naming things products, workshops, newsletter titles

• Drafting outlines for free guides or lead magnets

A few prompt starters to steal (and make your own)

If you’re stuck, these are great jumping off points:

• “Write a friendly LinkedIn post about [topic] that sounds like something I’d actually say, not a robot”

• “Turn this rough paragraph into a clearer, more polished version but keep my voice in it”

• “Help me plan a simple content calendar for the next month based on [theme or goal]”

• “Make this email sound more confident but still approachable: [paste email]”

You get the idea. Be clear, be yourself, and don’t be afraid to tweak it once you get the first reply.

One final thing: Don’t forget the human bit

ChatGPT is brilliant. But it’s not you.

So yes, use it to save time, beat the blank page, and organise your thoughts. But always give it a final once over. Make sure it sounds like you. Make sure it actually helps your audience. And trust your gut if something feels off, change it.

Your voice matters. That’s what makes people connect with you in the first place always tweak it no matter how good the prompt is.

Wrapping up (because this could go on forever otherwise!)

Learning to prompt well is a game changer. It turns ChatGPT from a mildly helpful tool into a genuinely brilliant creative partner one that can help you run your business more smoothly, confidently and creatively.

You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to know what you want, say it clearly, and keep your own voice in the process.