Learn how to craft clear, precise, and effective prompts to get the most accurate and valuable responses from AI models.

1. Clarity and Precision

Be Clear and Specific

Avoid ambiguity in your query.

  • Bad: “Tell me something about startups.”
  • Good: “What are the top challenges faced by early-stage SaaS startups and how to overcome them?”

Include Necessary Context

Provide details relevant to your request.

  • Example: “I’m building a hyperlocal social networking app. What marketing strategies should I focus on to acquire users in small neighborhoods?”

2. Break Down Complex Questions

Divide Large Queries into Smaller Parts

Split large or multi-part questions into smaller, manageable parts.

  • Instead of: “What’s a good tech stack for my app and how can I monetize it?”
  • Ask:
    • “What tech stack would you recommend for building a scalable hyperlocal app?”
    • “What are some monetization strategies for hyperlocal platforms?”

3. Specify the Output Format

Request a Structured Response

Tell me how you want the answer to be presented:

  • Examples:
    • “Provide the answer in bullet points.”
    • “List the steps in a structured format.”
    • “Summarize this into 100 words.”
    • “Give me a table comparing X and Y.”

4. Provide Context or Background

Share Relevant Details

Give me relevant details about your goals, audience, or existing work.

  • Example: “I’m a software architect building a social network for students. Suggest features that focus on collaborative learning.”

5. Define Constraints or Boundaries

Set Limits for the Response

Tell me any limits to follow for a more relevant response.

  • Examples:
    • “Explain this in simple terms for beginners.”
    • “Focus only on examples from India.”
    • “Limit the explanation to 200 words.”

6. Iterative Refinement

Improve Responses with Follow-Ups

If the response isn’t what you expected:

  • Clarify further: “Focus more on X and less on Y.”
  • Reframe the question: “I was actually looking for examples of successful AI-based platforms.”

7. Ask for Examples or Use Cases

Request Real-World Applications

If applicable, ask for real-world applications or scenarios.

  • Example: “Give examples of how AI is being used in hyperlocal discovery apps.”

8. Request Step-by-Step Instructions

Ask for a Process Breakdown

For processes or tutorials, request a breakdown.

  • Example: “Explain step-by-step how to set up a MongoDB database with Express.js.”

9. Ask for Comparisons

Compare Options or Approaches

If you’re exploring options, request a comparison.

  • Example: “Compare the pros and cons of React vs. Angular for a mobile-first web app.”

10. Define the Tone and Depth

Specify the Desired Style

Specify how detailed or simple you want the response.

  • Examples:
    • “Keep it concise and to the point.”
    • “Explain in-depth with technical details.”
    • “Make it suitable for a non-technical audience.”

11. Provide Examples for Clarity

Show What You’re Looking For

If you want a certain style, format, or type of answer, share an example.

  • Example: “Explain it like this: [insert example].”

12. Use “Do Not” Clauses

Avoid Unwanted Details

If you want me to avoid something, mention it.

  • Example: “Explain this without using too much jargon.”

Prompt Formula

Key Components

  1. Who: Who is the target audience?
  2. What: What do you want to know?
  3. How/Why: What style, format, or depth do you want?
  4. Context/Constraints: Relevant details, limits, or examples.

Examples of Improved Prompts

1. From Vague to Specific

  • Vague: “Tell me about hyperlocal apps.”
  • Improved:
    “What are the key features of successful hyperlocal apps that focus on people and businesses? Provide examples and suggest an ideal tech stack.”

2. Step-by-Step Requests

  • Vague: “How do I use MongoDB?”
  • Improved:
    “Can you give a step-by-step guide to set up MongoDB with a Node.js backend using the Express framework?”

3. Contextual Questions

  • Vague: “I need a marketing plan.”
  • Improved:
    “Suggest a 6-month marketing plan for my hyperlocal app focusing on user acquisition in small cities in India. Assume a limited budget.”

4. Exploring Ideas

  • Vague: “What are some good startup ideas?”
  • Improved:
    “What are some promising startup ideas in the AI and hyperlocal domains that require minimal capital to start?”