Stop getting generic answers: Use these 16 prompting techniques instead
If you’ve ever felt like your AI outputs sound a little flat, a little vague, or just not quite right—it’s probably not the model. It’s the prompt.
Think of prompting like giving direction to a very fast, very eager intern. The better the instructions, the better the results.
In this post, I’m breaking down 16 advanced (but easy to learn) prompting techniques that help marketers, writers, business owners, and creators get better answers, faster—without guessing your way through it.
You don’t need to memorize all of these. Just bookmark the ones that fit your goals—whether you’re planning a campaign, brainstorming content, or solving real business problems.
1. Direct Instruction
Example:
"List 10 blog headline formulas used in digital marketing that incorporate [INSERT_STYLE: e.g., curiosity, numbers, benefit-driven language]."
2. Role Play and Simulation
Example:
"Act as a [INSERT_ROLE: e.g., senior conversion copywriter]. Rewrite this CTA: '[INSERT_WEAK_CTA]' and provide 3 stronger alternatives with [INSERT_TONE: e.g., urgency, emotional appeal]."
3. Temporal Sequence Request
Example:
"Create a [INSERT_DURATION: e.g., 6-week] email content launch sequence for [INSERT_PRODUCT_TYPE: e.g., an online course], from teaser to post-launch follow-up."
4. Multi-Turn Conversation
Example:
"Simulate a conversation between a [INSERT_CHARACTER: e.g., skeptical potential client] and a [INSERT_CHARACTER: e.g., marketing consultant] discussing [INSERT_TOPIC: e.g., value of email automation]."
5. Specific Contextualization
Example:
"Act as a [INSERT_TITLE: e.g., CMO] for a [INSERT_INDUSTRY: e.g., B2B fintech startup]. Write a 2-sentence LinkedIn summary positioning the company as [INSERT_POSITIONING_GOAL]."
6. Progressive Inquiry
Example:
"Explain what [INSERT_TERM: e.g., a lead magnet] is. Then list 5 examples used in [INSERT_INDUSTRY: e.g., wellness]. Then outline how to build one for a [INSERT_SPECIFIC_ROLE: e.g., gut health coach]."
7. Problem-Solving Framework
Example:
"Act as a [INSERT_EXPERT_TYPE: e.g., hiring coach]. Outline a 5-step process to [INSERT_TASK: e.g., hire a part-time marketing assistant] for a [INSERT_BUSINESS_TYPE]."
8. Conditional Scenario
Example:
"If [INSERT_VARIABLE: e.g., ad spend is cut in half], how should we reallocate [INSERT_RESOURCE: e.g., marketing budget] to maintain [INSERT_GOAL: e.g., customer retention]?"
9. Comparative Analysis
Example:
"Compare [INSERT_OPTION_1] vs. [INSERT_OPTION_2] for a [INSERT_USER_TYPE: e.g., solo email marketer focused on digital courses]. Include [INSERT_COMPARISON_CRITERIA: e.g., pricing, features, ease of use, support]."
10. Creative Scenario Setting
Example:
"Imagine launching a [INSERT_PRODUCT_TYPE: e.g., personal finance app] for [INSERT_AUDIENCE: e.g., teenagers] in [INSERT_YEAR: e.g., 2040]. Describe 3 bold campaign ideas based on future [INSERT_FACTORS: e.g., cultural or tech trends]."
11. Personalized Inquiry
Example:
"If you were a [INSERT_USER_TYPE: e.g., junior marketer] looking to break into [INSERT_FIELD: e.g., freelance], what 3 [INSERT_CATEGORY: e.g., niches] would you pursue and why?"
12. Opposing Viewpoint Exploration
Example:
"List 5 solid reasons a [INSERT_BUSINESS_TYPE: e.g., small business] should not invest in [INSERT_INVESTMENT: e.g., SEO] in their [INSERT_TIMEFRAME: e.g., first year]."
13. Chain-of-Thought Prompting
Example:
"Explain step-by-step how to calculate the ROI of a [INSERT_CAMPAIGN_TYPE: e.g., paid social ad campaign] where the CPM is [INSERT_CPM], clickthrough rate is [INSERT_CTR], and average order value is [INSERT_AOV]."
14. Few-Shot Prompting
Example:
"Email 1: Subject: ‘[INSERT_SUBJECT_1]’ Body: ‘[INSERT_BODY_1]’ Email 2: Subject: ‘[INSERT_SUBJECT_2]’ Body: ‘[INSERT_BODY_2]’ Now write Email 3 in the same tone and format to [INSERT_GOAL: e.g., tease an upcoming webinar]."
15. Self-Critique / Reflection
Example:
"Write a [INSERT_LENGTH: e.g., 100-word] Facebook ad promoting [INSERT_PRODUCT: e.g., a new dog probiotic]. Then critique it based on [INSERT_CRITERIA: e.g., clarity, emotional appeal, offer strength] and rewrite accordingly."
16. Iterative Refinement
Example:
"Write a [INSERT_WORD_COUNT: e.g., 150-word] product description for [INSERT_PRODUCT: e.g., a luxury soy candle]. Now shorten it to [INSERT_NEW_LENGTH]. Now make it [INSERT_TONE: e.g., more poetic]. Now [INSERT_ACTION: e.g., translate it into Spanish]."
Final Thought:
If your AI answers don’t feel useful—it’s not the tool. It’s the technique.
Start with these 16 methods, and you’ll:
Get better, clearer outputs
Cut your editing time in half
And discover just how powerful AI can be when you know how to prompt it right
Let me know which one you’re excited to try—or which technique you want a deeper dive into next.