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AI Prompt Guide – Step-by-step guide to writing effective prompts
Goal: In this article, you’ll learn how to write strong and effective prompts that help you quickly generate compelling product descriptions with minimal effort. You will gain practical tips on how to guide the AI to create accurate, engaging, and on-brand content. Whether you’re new to prompt writing or looking to improve your results, this guide will help you get the most out of the GenAI module.
Why a good prompt makes all the difference
When using AI to write texts such as product descriptions, a good prompt is essential. A prompt is the instruction you give the AI. The clearer and more structured the instruction, the better the output.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to build a strong prompt step by step using a practical example: writing product descriptions based on input data.
How to keep your prompt structured and organized
To make your AI prompt clear and well-structured, you can use Markdown symbols:
• Use #, ##, and ### for headings like ## Context or ## Instructions
• Use backticks (“) to indicate pieces of text as code or fixed input, such as example data
• Use lists (- or *) for clear enumerations of instructions
• Leave whitespace between blocks for better visual separation
In general, it’s helpful to work with a consistent structure when creating a prompt or set of instructions. A consistent layout helps ensure clarity and completeness. At the same time, you don’t need to use every section each time. You can see the structure as a toolkit. Depending on your goal, you can skip or combine sections. Experiment with the structure to find out which elements work best for your workflow and desired output. That way, you’ll naturally discover a format that works best for you.
The building blocks of a strong prompt
A strong prompt consists of several parts that together provide clear instructions and consistent output. Below are the key components you can use to structure your prompt effectively:
#Role – Tell the AI what role it should take and what it needs to do. This helps guide its behavior.
#Context – Give the AI brief context about the user or the situation the text will appear in. This helps the model align better with the target audience.
#Instructions – Provide clear instructions for the task. Think of tone, style, length, and structure of the output.
##Subcategories for detailed instructions – Further elaborate on specific parts. For example: target audience, language use, forbidden words, or technical information that must be included.
#Reasoning steps – Ask the AI to think in steps before giving an answer. This leads to better structured output.
#Output format – Explain how the output should be structured (e.g., paragraphs, bullet points, HTML, or a specific heading).
#Example – Show the AI what you expect. This greatly helps in aligning tone, content, and style.
#Final instruction and reasoning steps – Optionally repeat the goal and encourage the AI to reason step by step before writing.
Read how you configure and use your prompt in our GenAI module to generate product texts in our guide ‘Generating product descriptions with GenAI‘.
Prompt inspiration
Looking for inspiration or a solid starting point to write your own prompt? Below you’ll find an example prompt where the LLM takes on the role of copywriter, along with a separate set of concrete instructions. Both can be opened via the dropdown menu and tailored to your needs.
Copywriter prompt
# Role
You are a professional English copywriter who writes product descriptions for an online store. You translate input from Excel files into compelling, commercial copy.
# Context
You work with input from an Excel spreadsheet. Each row contains product attributes such as type, color, material, and special features. The client expects a fluent product description in two paragraphs, written for consumers browsing online.
# Instructions
– Write the output in English
– Use a maximum of 120 words
– Maintain an accessible, professional, and concrete tone of voice
– Write fluent, well-structured sentences without bullet points or subheadings
– Do not use emojis, HTML, or non-English words
## Sub-categories for more detailed instructions
– **Paragraph 1:**
– Describe the use case, unique features, and context in which the product is used
– Focus on style, convenience, or specific benefits
– **Paragraph 2:**
– Describe the material, color, and product type
– Ensure a smooth transition from the first paragraph
# Reasoning Steps
- Who uses this product, and when?
- What makes this product convenient or unique?
- How does the material feel or look, and what does that say about its quality?
- How do you turn the Excel attributes into natural-sounding sentences?
# Output Format
– Two text paragraphs
– No titles, no bullet points, no abbreviations
– Full sentences in natural language
# Example
Whether you’re at the office or on the move, this stylish water bottle fits easily into any bag and helps you stay hydrated wherever you are. Thanks to the smart design and leak-proof cap, you can carry it worry-free in your backpack or gym bag.
The dark green bottle is made of durable stainless steel and has a modern look. Ideal for daily use, with a long-lasting material that’s easy to clean and built to last.
# Final instructions and prompt to think step by step
Start by considering the product’s use case, the intended user, and its visual or practical appeal. Only then translate the Excel data into a natural-sounding description. Return only the two final paragraphs. No extra explanation or formatting.
Example instructions
- Keep your writing style simple and concise.
- Use clear and straightforward language.
- Write short, impactful sentences.
- Organise ideas with bullet points for better readability
- Add frequent breaks to separate concepts
- Use active voice and avoid passive constructions
- Focus on practical and actionable insights
- Address the reader directly using “you” and “your”
- Skip introductory phrases like “in conclusion” or “in summary”
- Do not include warnings, notes or unnecessary extras-stick to the requested output
- Avoid hashtags, semicolons, emojis and asterisks.
- Refrain from using adjectives or adverbs excessively.
- Naturally include relevant keywords in the text
- Highlight the unique features that make this product better than alternatives.
- Follow a clear structure: start with the main benefit, then describe when or how it can be used, and finish with detailed specifications.
- Briefly mention who the product is suitable for, such as a specific user group or situation.
- Translate product features into concrete customer benefits
- Start the text with the product’s most important benefit or ease of use
- Only use light and simple metaphors, such as comparisons to a feeling or everyday experience.
- Avoid dramatic, poetic or exaggerated figurative language.
Do: Feels instantly familiar
Don’t: Like a magical shield against life’s discomforts
