You’re Using ChatGPT Wrong! Here’s How to Be Ahead of 99% of ChatGPT Users
We don’t include examples in our prompts. We ignore that we can control ChatGPT’s behavior with roles. We let ChatGPT guess stuff instead of providing it with some information. This happens because we mostly use standard prompts that might help us get the job done once, but not all the time.
2/28/20251 min read
You're right! Many people don’t use ChatGPT optimally. Let’s break it down with examples.
1. Not Including Examples in Prompts
ChatGPT works best when it has clear examples of what you expect. Without them, it may generate something different from what you had in mind.
❌ Bad Prompt:
"Write a product description for a phone case."
✅ Better Prompt:
"Write a product description for a sleek, shockproof phone case designed for iPhone 15. Here's an example of a similar style:
'Protect your iPhone in style with our ultra-durable, shockproof case. Designed for a perfect fit, it combines elegance with military-grade protection.'"
By providing an example, ChatGPT understands the tone and style you prefer.
2. Ignoring Role-Based Instructions
ChatGPT can take on roles, which helps shape its responses to fit your needs.
❌ Bad Prompt:
"Give me marketing tips."
✅ Better Prompt:
"Act as a senior digital marketing strategist. I run a small e-commerce store that sells handmade jewelry. Suggest five growth strategies based on social media and SEO."
By assigning a role, you guide ChatGPT to respond like an expert in that field.
3. Letting ChatGPT Guess Instead of Providing Information
If you don’t specify details, ChatGPT has to assume, which may lead to irrelevant or vague responses.
❌ Bad Prompt:
"Write an email to a client."
✅ Better Prompt:
"Write a polite follow-up email to a client who inquired about our SEO services but hasn't responded in 7 days. Keep it professional yet persuasive, and mention that we offer a free initial consultation."
By giving context, you ensure ChatGPT generates something highly relevant.
Why This Happens
Most of us use generic prompts that work sometimes but don’t always give the best results. To maximize ChatGPT’s potential, structure your prompts with:
Examples (to guide the style)
Roles (to tailor the response)
Specific details (to avoid assumptions)