How to Write Effective Prompts

To write effective prompts, it’s important to follow a few principles that will help achieve precise results that closely match your expectations. Here’s a detailed guide on how to write prompts for the best outcomes:

1. Use variables in your prompt

Using variables in the prompt allows for the content of your product information to be pulled from PIM to the prompt.

2. Be Precise and Specific

The more precise and detailed your prompt is, the better the chances of getting an accurate response. Instead of asking general questions, focus on the details.

• Bad Prompt: “Describe a product.”

• Good Prompt: “Describe a laptop with the following attributes: 15.6-inch Full HD screen, Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and Windows 11.”

3. Provide Context

If you want the response to include specific context, make sure to mention it in the prompt. This can be historical, geographical, cultural, or any other relevant background information.

• Bad Prompt: “Describe a smartwatch.”

• Good Prompt: “Describe a smartwatch designed for fitness enthusiasts, featuring heart rate monitoring, GPS, and sleep tracking, and ideal for outdoor sports.”

4. Ask One Clear Question at a Time

If you have multiple questions, try to break them into smaller, more precise queries. Avoid asking too broad, multi-faceted questions.

• Bad Prompt: “Describe a phone and its features.”

• Good Prompt: “Describe the features of a smartphone with a 6.5-inch OLED screen, 128GB storage, and a 12MP camera.”

5. Specify the Format of the Response

If you want the response in a specific format (e.g., list, paragraph, table), make sure to state that in your prompt.

• Bad Prompt: “List the features of the product.”

• Good Prompt: “List the features of the product in bullet points, including screen size, processor type, and battery life.”

6. Define the Tone and Style

If you want the answer to be in a particular tone (e.g., formal, casual, professional), specify this in your prompt.

• Bad Prompt: “Describe the product.”

• Good Prompt: “Write a formal description of the product, highlighting its premium build quality, advanced features, and high performance.”

7 Use Examples

If you have a specific vision of the response, using examples can help clarify what you want.

• Bad Prompt: “Describe a backpack.”

• Good Prompt: “Describe a backpack for travelers, similar to the Nomatic Travel Bag, with multiple compartments, water resistance, and ergonomic straps.”

8. Define the Time or Spatial Scope

If you want the response to be within a specific time period or geographical context, make sure to mention it.

• Bad Prompt: “Describe the features of a smartwatch.”

• Good Prompt: “Describe the features of a smartwatch released in 2023, with a focus on health-related functions like ECG and blood oxygen measurement.”

9. Keep the Prompt Length Balanced

Your prompt should be long enough to contain all the necessary details but not too long to become confusing. Balance between precision and brevity.

• Bad Prompt: “Describe a product with some details.”

• Good Prompt: “Describe a wireless mouse with ergonomic design, adjustable DPI, long battery life (up to 12 months), and compatible with both Windows and macOS.”

10. Use Keywords

It’s helpful to introduce keywords that define the topic or scope of the response. Keywords such as "analysis," "comparison," or "example" can guide the response.

• Bad Prompt: “Describe a phone’s camera.”

• Good Prompt: “Compare the camera features of the latest iPhone and Samsung Galaxy, highlighting key differences in image quality and camera functionality.”

11. Avoid Ambiguity

Try to avoid words or phrases that can be interpreted in multiple ways. It’s often helpful to clarify which aspect of a topic you’re asking about.

• Bad Prompt: “Describe the qualities of a product.”

• Good Prompt: “Describe the key features of a smartphone with a 5G network, large battery, and dual-camera system.”

12. Negative Prompt

A negative prompt refers to a request that specifies words or phrases that should not appear in the response. It helps guide the AI in avoiding certain terms or topics that are irrelevant, inappropriate, or undesirable for the task at hand.

Example: "Describe a laptop with the following attributes: Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 15.6-inch screen, Windows 11. Avoid using words like ‘expensive,’ ‘slow,’ and ‘poor quality.’"

Additional Tips:

• Iterate on your prompts: Don't expect perfection on the first try. Analyze the AI's output and adjust your wording accordingly.

• Try different phrasings: Sometimes a slight change can yield significantly different results.

• Utilize prompt engineering tools: Several online resources offer guidance and templates for crafting effective prompts.

• Join AI communities: Engage with other users to share tips, best practices, and learn from each other's experiences.

Summary:

Writing effective prompts involves being specific, clear, and detailed. The more accurately you define what you need, the more likely you’ll get a satisfying response. Make sure to adjust the tone, format, and scope to best fit your needs when creating product descriptions or other queries.