AI Prompts Explained: How to Write Prompts That Actually Work

Most people blame AI when their results sound robotic or off-brand. But here’s the truth: it’s not the tool, it’s the prompt. If you’ve ever said, “ChatGPT doesn’t get me,” you’re not alone. The fix is easier than you think: once you understand how to guide AI with the right kind of prompts, everything changes.

Step 1: Teach AI Who It’s Talking To

Before you ever write a prompt, “Pre-Bake the Oven.” That means giving ChatGPT context, your business name, who you serve, your offers, tone, and goals. It takes five minutes but saves hours of frustration later.

Quick Tip: Grab the free Pre-Bake The Oven Guide if you haven’t done this yet. It’s the shortcut to AI results that sound like you.

Step 2: Tell It How to Act

Every great prompt starts with a role. Do you want ChatGPT to be a social media strategist, copywriter, or coach? Giving it a role shifts its mindset and ensures responses come from the right perspective.

Example: “Act like a social media strategist. Help me plan three reels for next week.”

Step 3: Tell It What to Do

Be specific about the task, brainstorm, outline, summarize, or rephrase. The clearer you are, the better your results.

Example: “Summarize this blog post into a short email with a subject line and preview text.”
Think of it like training a new team member: clarity equals quality.

Step 4: Define the Format

Tell AI the length, tone, and style you want. You can even say, “write in a friendly, down-to-earth tone with emojis and line breaks.” The more details you give, the less editing you’ll do later.

Key Insight: Don’t just say “make it sound like me.” Describe what your tone means: professional, friendly, confident, or casual.

Step 5: State the Goal

AI isn’t psychic. Always share the why behind your request. Do you want engagement, leads, or clarity?

Example: “The goal is to introduce my service and get people to book a discovery call.”
That one line changes the entire direction of your results.

Why This Works

AI isn’t magic, it’s a mirror. It reflects the clarity and direction you put into it. When you include these four parts in every prompt, your content starts sounding more human, more intentional, and more like your brand.

Q&As

Q: What’s the biggest mistake people make with prompts?
A: Being too vague. AI needs direction; treat it like an intern, not a mind reader.

Q: Do I need to rewrite all my prompts now?
A: Not at all. Just start layering in the four parts next time you use AI.

Q: Why is “Pre-Bake The Oven” so important?
A: Because without context, AI can’t understand your brand voice, it’s like trying to bake without preheating.

Q: Where can I get real prompt examples?
A: Join the AI for Small Business Marketing Facebook group, Kristina shares free templates, examples, and walkthroughs inside.

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