How to Get the Most Out of ChatGPT: Tips and Tricks on Prompting

I remember when I first started using ChatGPT; it was all a bit… hit or miss. Sometimes it would nail exactly what I needed, other times it would just wander off into the weeds. The difference? The prompts. It's all about the prompts.

1. Be Specific – The Devil's in the Details

Think of ChatGPT like a really intelligent but slightly forgetful assistant. If you just tell it, "Write a blog post," you'll get something generic. Instead, be specific: "Write a blog post about the benefits of remote work, targeting small business owners, with a tone that's optimistic and encouraging." The more detail, the better. I've found that including the desired length, target audience, and tone drastically improves the output.

2. Provide Context – Like Giving it a Brain

This is huge. ChatGPT is only as good as the information you give it. Don't just ask a question; provide context. For example, "We’re a SaaS company specializing in project management software. Based on this information, what are some common pain points for our target audience?" Include any relevant data, documents or anything else that will help it answer more accurately.

3. Iterate and Refine – It's a Conversation

Don't expect perfection on the first try. Treat it like a conversation. If the response isn't quite right, provide feedback: "That’s a good start, but can you make the tone more informal?" Or, “Can you give me three more examples?” Each interaction refines the results. In my experience, this iterative process is essential for getting the most value.

4. Roleplay – Act Like You're the Expert

One cool trick is to assign ChatGPT a role. Say, "Act as a seasoned marketing consultant." Then, pose your question. It changes the perspective and often results in a more focused, expert-level response. This technique can unlock amazing results that feel more professional.

5. Experiment with Formats – Mix it Up

Vary the format. Ask for lists, summaries, outlines, or even code. For example, "Create a list of 5 key strategies for effective email marketing." Or, "Summarize the following article in five bullet points." Playing around with different formats can unlock new insights and save you a ton of time. What works best is mixing it up, from straightforward questions to creative requests.

6. Use Tools to enhance capabilities

If you're like me, and get tired of resetting everything every time you start a new chat, or want to keep all of your projects organized, then you should check out Contextch.at It lets you keep all of your context, files and more, ready to go at a moment's notice. Now, I can start a new chat and not worry about the grunt work.

7. Review and Edit – Always!

ChatGPT is a great tool, but it’s not a replacement for human review. Always read through the output, edit for accuracy, and ensure it aligns with your brand voice. A little human touch goes a long way. It's there to help you improve what you create!