Mastering Prompt Creation: How to Write Effective Prompts + Templates for Every Situation

Mastering Prompt Creation: How to Write Effective Prompts + Templates for Every Situation

Prompt engineering is becoming an essential skill in the age of AI.

Whether you're working with ChatGPT, DALL·E, or any other AI tool, your results are only as good as your prompt.

Knowing how to structure and refine your requests can mean the difference between getting a generic response and receiving exactly what you need.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to craft powerful prompts and get access to plug-and-play templates for different types of requests.

Why Prompts Matter

A good prompt:

  • Provides clarity and context
  • Sets boundaries or styles
  • Defines a goal or outcome
  • Includes tone, format, or audience cues if needed

Bad prompts are vague. Great prompts are focused, layered, and specific.

Core Structure of a Great Prompt

Here’s a simple structure you can follow:

[Action] + [Specific Content] + [Format] + [Tone/Style] + [Goal or Use Case]

Example:

> “Write a persuasive product description for a travel backpack, in bullet points, using an adventurous tone, to attract digital nomads.”

Prompt Templates by Use Case

1. Blog Post Prompt

Template:

> Write a blog post on [topic] for [target audience]. Use a [tone] tone and structure it with [number] subheadings. End with a [call-to-action/tip/question].

Example:

> Write a blog post on minimalist packing tips for solo travelers. Use a friendly tone and structure it with 5 tips. End with a call to share packing hacks.

2. Image Generation Prompt

Template:

> Create a [style] image of [subject], with [color palette or vibe], [composition details], and [lighting or environment].

Example:

> Create a 3D surreal landscape with floating islands and neon pink waterfalls, set during a twilight sky with soft ambient lighting.

3. Social Media Caption Prompt

Template:

> Write a [platform] caption for [product/service/topic]. Use a [tone] tone, include relevant hashtags, and encourage [engagement action].

Example:

> Write an Instagram caption for a new plant-based protein shake. Use an energetic tone, include health-related hashtags, and ask followers for their favorite post-workout snack.

4. Email Prompt

Template:

> Write an email to [audience type] about [topic/product update]. Keep the tone [formal/casual/excited], and include a [CTA/link/special offer].

Example:

> Write an email to newsletter subscribers about a limited-time 20% discount on online courses. Use an excited tone and include a clear CTA button.

5. Script/Dialogue Prompt

Template:

> Write a [type] script for [situation/product]. Keep the tone [comedic/professional/etc.], and make it [length/format].

Example:

> Write a 30-second YouTube ad script for a time-saving calendar app, using a humorous tone and showing a typical chaotic morning.

6. Summarization Prompt

Template:

> Summarize the following [article/report/etc.] into [format: bullet points/short paragraph] with the main takeaways for [audience].

Example:

> Summarize this research paper into bullet points with key insights for business executives.

Pro Tips for Better Prompts

  • Be specific: Don’t assume the AI knows your context.
  • Set limits: Want it short? Say “under 150 words.”
  • Refine iteratively: Use feedback like, “Make it funnier,” or “Add examples.”
  • Give examples: If possible, provide a sample of what you're looking for.

Final Thoughts

The better your prompt, the better your output. Use these templates as your starting point and tweak them as you get more familiar with what works.

Think of prompt writing as a conversation—each word is a clue guiding the AI to understand exactly what you need.

Want more prompt templates? Let me know what kind of

prompts you'd like next—video scripts, branding ideas, resumes?

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Post sponsored by Eleven Labs. Create voice audiobooks and news articles, dynamic audio content for social media and advertising and more.