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The Sidepreneur

Write This, Not That: The Secret to Better AI Prompts

Published 7 months ago • 1 min read

Here’s the truth about working with AI: The output is only as good as the input.

Think of it this way—your prompt is the map, and AI is the traveler. Give it vague directions, and it’ll wander aimlessly. But provide clear, detailed instructions, and it’ll take you exactly where you need to go.

Over the past year, I’ve learned that writing better AI prompts is like mastering a secret language. Let me share the essentials:

1. Be ridiculously specific.

A broad prompt like “Write a tweet about AI” gives you generic, lifeless results. Instead, zoom in:

“Write a tweet about how AI helps solopreneurs save time by automating repetitive tasks.”

Suddenly, you’re not just giving AI a task—you’re handing it a mission.

2. Add context like a pro.

AI thrives when it knows who it’s writing for and why. Add roles and scenarios to make your prompts come alive:

“Pretend you’re a marketer crafting a campaign for freelancers who struggle with time management.”

This transforms AI from a tool into a collaborator with purpose.

3. Use examples to guide the tone.

AI loves patterns. Give it a style to emulate:

“Write a clever but professional tweet, like this: ‘AI doesn’t steal your time—it gives it back. Automate the boring, focus on the rewarding.’”

Now your output isn’t just accurate—it feels right.

4. Iterate until it’s gold.

Great prompts (and almost all great things) are rarely perfect on the first try. Experiment. Refine. Ask, “What’s missing?”

The magic of prompt engineering is in the testing and tweaking. Each iteration sharpens the results, bringing you closer to brilliance.

Here’s the bottom line: AI isn’t just about automation—it’s about collaboration. And the more intentional you are with your prompts, the more powerful the partnership becomes.

So, what’s your next prompt going to be?

Hit reply and tell me what you’re working on—I’d love to help you level up your AI game.

Here’s to smarter inputs and even better outputs,

Tona

P.S. If you’re not experimenting with prompts yet, you’re leaving AI’s true potential untapped. Start small, get specific, and watch the magic happen.

Tona

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The Sidepreneur

by Tona

Building small things on the side of everything else. For people with more ideas than time.

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