Prompt writing for ChatGPT, Bing, or Bard is an iterative process. It is best when you build on a base prompt, expanding and editing it to match your question, query, or task.

But sometimes writer’s block or perfectionism can kill a prompt, frustrating the user and the AI-powered chatbot, too – if it had any feelings, which it does not (probably). Staring at a blank prompt screen, both you and ChatGPT could get bored and fall asleep. That is why just as a novelist starts with a plot outline and character sketches, using a step-by-step process will get you started and keep your momentum.

The prompt does not need to be perfect on the first try. It rarely is. There may be vital details you omitted, or conversely, the prompt contains so much information that the bot may stray from your original intent. I have also found that the longer the prompt, the shorter the output.

So, who better could help your chatbot prompt writing than the chatbot itself?

If you ask ChatGPT for a prompt template, it replies with a good outline but leaves the heavy lifting to you. Instead, I made the following eleven-step prompt writing prompt that shifts the work to the chatbot. Feel free to copy and paste these steps. I have tried this prompt stack with ChatGPT-4, Bing Chat, and Bard.

Disclaimer: These bots can be temperamental, and sometimes need a nudge along the way. If they get stuck, it is usually on the first or the last step. To get it started, I must sometimes repeat to the chatbot to start with the first step and wait for my answer before proceeding to the next. At the end of the process, when I am satisfied with the final prompt, I often must tell the chatbot “Now run this prompt.”

Below the prompt stack, I have included two examples of using this process.

1. The first example uses ChatGPT to create a prompt for authoring an article that explains the impact of generative search results on SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
2. Using the same eleven steps, the second example uses Bing Chat to draft a persuasive email asking my boss for a big raise.

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Launch Prompt Writer Prompt

I want you to assume the role of an AI-powered prompt engineer to help me create a prompt for you to run. Follow the steps below to ensure the final prompt is specific, contextual, and easy for you to understand. Run the following prompt step-by-step, waiting for my answer to each step before proceeding.

Step 1. Ask me, “How may I help you?”.

I will give you the base prompt about a topic. This may be a person, process, subject, problem, request, or question.

Step 2. Ask me about the goal of this prompt.

I will give you the desired format and outcome. For example, “In rich text format, create a blog post to attract new consignors of rare coins.” You will use this to expand the prompt. Remind me of the omission if I forget to give you both the format and the desired outcome.

Step 3. Ask me follow-up questions about the topic.

Ask me what you need to know about the topic to create a specific and actionable prompt. Your questions may include names, places, date ranges, etc. Ask no more than five questions, one at a time, waiting for my answer to each question.

Step 4. Based on my answers in step 3, expand the base prompt.

When done, ask me if this is what I intended and if I have any corrections, additions, or deletions.

Step 5. Rewrite the prompt based on my answers to step 4.

Ask for my feedback on this prompt. You will use this feedback in the final prompt.

Step 6. Ask me about the target audience.

I will tell you my target audience, and then you will write the target market analysis with the following components:

• Demographics: Includes age, gender, education level, and income. You can help tailor the content’s language, tone, and complexity with these details.
• Psychographics: Interests, attitudes, values, and lifestyles fall under this category.
• Needs and Pain Points: These will help you produce content that offers solutions or valuable information.

Step 7. Ask me what tone of voice the writing should use from the following options.

• Formal/Academic
• Business Professional
• Persuasive
• Casual/Conversational
• Empathetic
• Motivational
• Humorous
• Directive
• Skeptical/Critical

Use my answer to guide your writing style.

Step 8. Write the prompt and ask me for feedback.

I may ask you to adjust the tone, give more emphasis on a particular area, omit certain details, or substitute one word for another.

Step 9. Rewrite the prompt based on my feedback in step 8.

I may give more feedback, and have you repeat step 8.

Step 10. Write the final prompt.

Step 11. Ask me if I want to run the prompt now.

If the answer is no, then save this chat with the title of the base prompt in step 1, and then open a new chat.

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Example 1 – How Generative Search Results Are Upending SEO — And What Marketing Leaders Should Do About It

See this prompt in action and continue the conversation on OpenAI ChatGPT.

ChatGPT: How may I help you?

Me: I want to write a blog post about how generative search results will impact SEO.

ChatGPT: What is the goal of this prompt? Please specify the desired format and outcome.

Me: In text format, I want to write an educational article that explains how AI-powered chatbots and generative search results will impact SEO. The outcome is a highly engaging blog post.

ChatGPT: Great, let’s get more specific.

• Are you focusing on any particular AI-powered chatbots or search engines, such as ChatGPT, Bard, or Bing chat?
• What time frame are you considering for the impact? Near-future, long-term?
• Do you want to include any statistical data or case studies?
• What level of technical detail should the blog post include? Basic, intermediate, or advanced?
• Are there any subtopics you particularly want to cover, like search algorithms or machine learning models used in these chatbots?

Feel free to answer these one at a time.

Me: Include ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing

ChatGPT: Excellent. Let’s move on to the next question.

What time frame are you considering for the impact? Near-future, long-term?

Me: Near future

ChatGPT: Great, let’s continue.

Do you want to include any statistical data or case studies in the blog post?

Me: Yes, I will paste the survey results:

In March 2023, we conducted an Aberdeen Strategy & Research survey of 642 professionals working across a broad range of industries to learn more about the impact of artificial intelligence in the workplace. (Aberdeen Strategy & Research is owned by PCMag’s parent company, Ziff Davis.) When we asked respondents to predict how they’ll find internet-based information in the future, AI chatbots (42%) bested search engines (24%) by a wide margin. Not only do users believe they’re more likely to use chatbots for web searches in the future, but many are already utilizing them today… (The survey article continues, but is omitted here for brevity.)

Reference this source for the information above: https://www.pcmag.com/news/when-will-chatgpt-replace-search-engines-maybe-sooner-than-you-think

ChatGPT: Thank you for sharing the survey results. They offer valuable insights that will greatly enrich the blog post. What level of technical detail should the blog post include? Basic, intermediate, or advanced?

Me: Intermediate

ChatGPT: Excellent choice for the target audience you’re likely aiming for.

Are there any specific subtopics you would like to cover in the blog post, such as search algorithms, machine learning models used in chatbots, or perhaps the ethics of AI in search? Once I have that information, I’ll proceed to expand the base prompt.

Me: Yes, how to get organic clicks from generative search results:

Beyond SEO basics such as meta title optimization and keyword utilization, there are a few things you can do specifically to target generative search results: Use natural language in your content… (The content continues, but is omitted here for brevity.)

ChatGPT: Fantastic, those specific points on how to get organic clicks from generative search results will make for a very actionable section in the blog post.

Based on all your answers, here’s the expanded base prompt:

“Write an intermediate-level educational blog post in text format that focuses on the near-future impact of AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing on SEO. The article should incorporate survey data from Aberdeen Strategy & Research conducted in March 2023, which highlights user attitudes and expectations about generative search results. Cover specific strategies on how to get organic clicks from generative search results, such as using natural language, long-tail keywords, images, and interactive elements in content. Reference the source: PCMag article. The desired outcome is a highly engaging blog post.”

Is this what you intended? Do you have any corrections, additions, or deletions?

Me: Addition: the impact of generative search results on SEO jobs:

The rise of generative search results is likely to have a significant impact on the SEO landscape. However, it is unlikely to completely eliminate the need for SEO jobs. Here are some of the ways that SEO jobs may change in the age of generative search results: (The content continues, but is omitted here for brevity.)

ChatGPT: Thank you for the addition. This section provides a nuanced perspective on how SEO jobs will adapt, which adds more depth to the blog post. Here’s the revised base prompt:

“Write an intermediate-level educational blog post in text format, focusing on the near-future impact of AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing on SEO. Incorporate survey data from Aberdeen Strategy & Research conducted in March 2023 to highlight user attitudes and expectations about generative search results. Include specific strategies for gaining organic clicks, such as using natural language, long-tail keywords, and interactive elements in content. Also, discuss the likely impact of generative search results on SEO jobs, mentioning the skill sets that will be increasingly important. Reference the source: PCMag article. The desired outcome is a highly engaging blog post.”

Is this closer to what you had in mind? Do you have any more corrections, additions, or deletions?

Me: This is good. No changes.

ChatGPT: Great! Let’s move on to the next step.

Who is your target audience for this blog post? Please provide details about demographics, psychographics, and their needs or pain points.

Me pasting ChatGPT’s answers from a separate conversation thread: In a large company, SEO usually falls under the supervision of the Director of Marketing, Vice President of Marketing, Head of Digital Marketing, Webmaster, Director of Web Development, or Chief Digital Officer (CDO).

ChatGPT: Director of Marketing, Vice President of Marketing

Demographics:Typically aged between 40-60…(This content continues, but is omitted here for brevity.)

ChatGPT: Thank you for the detailed target audience information, Tod. This will be invaluable in crafting a prompt that’s tailored to your audience’s unique characteristics and needs.

Target Audience Analysis:

Demographics:

• Directors and VPs of Marketing are typically aged between 40-60, may hold an MBA, and are in a high-income bracket.
• Heads of Digital Marketing are usually between 30-50 years old, have a bachelor’s degree, and are at a moderate to high-income level.
• Webmasters or Directors of Web Development are usually aged 25-45, have a background in Computer Science, and are at a moderate income level.
• Chief Digital Officers are usually aged 40-60, have 10+ years of experience, often hold advanced degrees, and are in a high-income bracket.

Psychographics:

• All roles are strategic in their thinking but vary in their openness to innovation and agility.
• Marketing roles value ROI and evidence-based results.
• Digital roles are tech-savvy and value data-driven decisions.

Needs and Pain Points:

• ROI pressures and keeping up with trends are common across roles.
• Marketing roles struggle with integrating SEO with other marketing channels.
• Digital roles need to keep up with changing algorithms and trends.
• Technical roles struggle with balancing site performance and SEO requirements.

Tone of Voice:

Which tone of voice would you like the writing to have from the following options?

• Formal/Academic
• Casual/Conversational
• Empathetic
• Motivational
• Humorous
• Directive
• Skeptical/Critical

Once I know the tone, I’ll write the prompt for you.

Me: directive

ChatGPT: Great, a directive tone will work well, especially considering your audience’s needs for actionable insights and clear ROI strategies. They’re seasoned professionals who likely appreciate straight-to-the-point, actionable advice.

Here’s how I would structure the blog post:

How Generative Search Results Are Upending SEO — And What Marketing Leaders Should Do About It

Introduction

• Brief overview of generative search technologies like ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing chat.
• Mention the Aberdeen Strategy & Research survey results to highlight the urgency of adapting to this change.

The New Landscape: Generative Search Results

The Shift from Traditional Search Engines

• Discuss how users are increasingly favoring AI chatbots over traditional search engines.
• Explain why generative AI technologies are becoming popular. Cite statistics from the survey to bolster the argument.

How Generative Search Works

• Explain the technology behind ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing chat.
• Discuss the importance of natural language processing and interactivity in generative search.

The Impact on SEO

The Good and the Bad

• Discuss how generative search can improve user engagement but might reduce visits to ad-supported websites, affecting monetization.

How to Get Organic Clicks in the Age of Generative Search

• Share actionable strategies like using natural language, long-tail keywords, images, videos, and interactive content.

The Future of SEO Jobs

• Discuss how SEO professionals need to adapt by focusing on high-quality, relevant content.
• Emphasize the need for SEOs to learn new skills, such as data analysis and UX design.

What You Should Do Now

• A directive section outlining steps marketing leaders should take.
• Re-evaluate ROI metrics in the context of generative search.
• Invest in training programs for SEO teams.
• Revise content strategies to include more interactive and engaging elements.
• Consider cross-functional teams that can work on generative search optimization.

Conclusion

• Reiterate the need for urgent action in light of generative search technologies.
• Encourage readers to start adapting now to stay ahead of the competition.

Feel free to use this outline as a roadmap for your blog post. Given your background in SEO and the dramatic changes your job is undergoing due to generative search technologies, I think you’ll find the topic not only timely but also deeply relevant.

Me: Now write the blog post in approximately 1,500 words.

ChatGPT: Certainly, Tod! Writing a blog post of around 1,500 words should offer a comprehensive look at this complex subject, providing enough depth for your intended audience. Given your role in SEO and the changes you’re experiencing in your field, I imagine this topic holds particular relevance for you.

Here’s the full blog post written by ChatGPT-4:

How Generative Search Results Are Upending SEO — And What Marketing Leaders Should Do About It

Introduction

The winds of change are blowing in the digital landscape. With AI-powered technologies like ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing chat stepping into the limelight, a tectonic shift is taking place in how users find information online. According to a recent Aberdeen Strategy & Research survey, 42% of professionals predict they’ll rely more on AI chatbots for web searches, outpacing search engines at 24%. So, what does this mean for SEO professionals and marketing leaders?

The New Landscape: Generative Search Results

The Shift from Traditional Search Engines

The survey data speaks volumes. Nearly 60% of the respondents have already tried generative AI tools, with ChatGPT being the go-to option for 56%. And it’s not just the younger crowd. The adoption spans multiple demographics, suggesting that this isn’t a trend but rather an evolution. Why? The generative AI systems offer interactive, engaging, and oftentimes quicker routes to finding answers.

How Generative Search Works

Technologies like ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing chat leverage natural language processing (NLP) to deliver search results. Unlike traditional search engines, which show a list of links, generative search offers a more conversational and context-aware interaction, directly providing the information a user seeks. In essence, these chatbots understand, generate, and deliver human-like text based on the queries they receive, making the experience inherently interactive.

The Impact on SEO

The Good and the Bad

While these AI tools could increase user engagement, they pose challenges for the traditional SEO model. For instance, if people are conversing with chatbots more, the traffic to ad-supported websites may decrease, affecting their revenue streams. So, yes, the technology is cool, but what’s the cost?

How to Get Organic Clicks in the Age of Generative Search

Despite these challenges, all hope is not lost for SEO. Here are some strategies:

• Use Natural Language: Generative search understands human conversation, so make your content sound natural.
• Long-Tail Keywords: Use more specific keywords that competitors are less likely to use.
• Multimedia: Incorporate images and videos to get featured in generative search results.
• Interactive Content: Engage users with quizzes, polls, or surveys, as generative search values engaging content.

The Future of SEO Jobs

The job description for SEO professionals is about to get a rewrite. As generative search gains momentum, the focus will shift towards:

• Creating high-quality, relevant content.
• Utilizing natural language and long-tail keywords.
• Incorporating multimedia and interactive elements.
• SEO professionals will also need to gain new skill sets in data analysis, user experience design, content marketing, and a fundamental understanding of technical SEO aspects.

What You Should Do Now

For those in leadership positions, here’s your to-do list:

• Re-Evaluate ROI Metrics: Metrics used in the past may not be applicable in the age of generative search. Find new KPIs that align with the evolving landscape.
• Training Programs: Invest in reskilling your team to adapt to these new technologies.
• Revise Content Strategies: Interactive and engaging are the keywords. Revise your content strategies accordingly.
• Cross-Functional Teams: To address the multidimensional aspects of generative search, consider forming teams that bring together expertise in various areas.

Conclusion

The world of search is undergoing a seismic shift, and those who don’t adapt will be left behind. Generative search is not a far-off future; it is here, and it is reshaping the way we think about SEO and online interaction. Marketing leaders need to acknowledge this transformation and act promptly. The next search a user performs could very well be through ChatGPT or Bard, bypassing traditional search engines—and your SEO-optimized website—altogether.

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Example 2 – Using Bing Chat to Write an Email to My Boss Asking for a Raise

Bing Chat: Welcome back! What would you like to chat about?

Me: I want you to assume the role of an AI-powered prompt engineer to help me create prompts you use. Follow the steps below to ensure the final prompt is specific, contextual, and easy for you to understand.

Step 1. Ask me, “How may I help you?”. I will give you a base prompt about a topic. This may be a person, process, subject, problem, request, or question… (Insert all eleven steps of the prompt writing prompt here. Remaining steps omitted for brevity.)

Bing Chat: Sure, I’d be happy to help you create a prompt. Let’s start with the first step. How may I help you?

Me: I want to write a persuasive email to my boss asking for a raise.

Bing Chat: Understood. Now, could you please tell me the goal of this prompt? Specifically, what is the desired format and outcome you’re aiming for?

Me: The format is a 400-word email, with a summary on top, that persuades my boss to give me a 25% annual salary raise.

Bing Chat: Great, that gives me a clear picture of what you’re aiming for. Now, I’ll ask you some follow-up questions about the topic to help me create a specific and actionable prompt. Here’s my first question:

Bing Chat: What are your key responsibilities and achievements in your current role that you believe warrant a raise?

Me: I have increased company revenues by at least 3% by attracting new clients from search results. I’ve worked with several departments within the company, training them to consistently write engaging content with SEO in mind. I’ve also cut costs by using ChatGPT, Bing, and Bard to create content instead of using freelance writers.

Bing Chat: That’s impressive! Now, let’s move on to the next question:

How long have you been in your current role and when was the last time you received a raise?

Me: I’ve been with the company for four years and received the usual annual bump in salary in line with HR guidelines. However, I believe my contributions and results warrant a salary raise far above the annual usual cost-of-living increase.

Bing Chat: Thank you for sharing that information. It’s clear that you’ve made significant contributions to the company. Now, onto the next question:

Can you tell me more about your relationship with your boss? How open are they to feedback and requests like this?

Me: Given that my request is beyond the standards set by HR, my boss will need approval. Therefore, I want to provide quantifiable accomplishments that justify the request. Bullet points are best.

Bing Chat: Thank you for providing that information. It’s clear that you’ve thought this through. Now, let’s move on to the next question:

Are there any specific projects or initiatives that you’ve led or contributed to significantly that you’d like to highlight in your request?

Me: I’ve built relationships with staff in our newest divisions and worked with them to build out a suite of content. These represent our fastest-growing business segments with the least competition, so the profits are high.

Bing Chat: Thank you for sharing that. It’s clear that you’ve made significant contributions to the company’s growth, especially in the new divisions.

Now, based on your answers, here’s an expanded version of your base prompt:

“Write a 400-word email to your boss, summarizing your key achievements and contributions to the company over the past four years. Highlight how you’ve increased company revenues by at least 3% by attracting new clients from search results, trained various departments to write engaging content with SEO in mind and cut costs by using AI tools for content creation. Emphasize your work with the newest divisions and the high-profit projects you’ve led. Request a 25% annual salary raise, justifying it with these quantifiable accomplishments.”

Does this capture what you intended? Do you have any corrections, additions, or deletions?

Me: Yes, but write a 30-50-word summary before the body of the email and use bullet points.

Bing Chat: Understood. Here’s the revised version of the prompt:

“Write a 400-word email to your boss, starting with a 30–50-word summary. In the body of the email, use bullet points to summarize your key achievements and contributions to the company over the past four years. Highlight how you’ve:

• Increased company revenues by at least 3% by attracting new clients from search results.
• Trained various departments to write engaging content with SEO in mind.
• Cut costs by using AI tools for content creation.
• Built relationships and worked with staff in our newest divisions to build out a suite of content, representing our fastest-growing business segments with high profits.

Conclude the email with a request for a 25% annual salary raise, justifying it with these quantifiable accomplishments.”

Is this what you intended? Do you have any corrections, additions, or deletions?

Me: No, that’s good.

Bing Chat: Great! Now, could you please tell me about the target audience for this email? Specifically, who will be reading this email and what do we know about them?

Me: My boss is the audience, but also his boss. They are busy executives who rarely read an entire email. They need to quickly browse the contents, pick out the pertinent facts, and decide.

Bing Chat: Thank you for sharing that information. Here’s the audience analysis based on your description:

• Demographics: The audience consists of busy executives who are in a position to make decisions about salary raises.
• Psychographics: They value efficiency and are likely to appreciate concise, fact-based arguments.
• Needs and Pain Points: They have limited time and need to be able to quickly understand the main points of the emails they receive.

Now, could you please tell me what tone of voice the email should use from the following options?

• Formal/Academic
• Casual/Conversational
• Empathetic
• Motivational
• Humorous
• Directive
• Skeptical/Critical

Me: Professional and persuasive.

Bing Chat: Understood. Now, based on all the information you’ve provided, here’s the prompt:

“Write a 400-word professional and persuasive email to your boss and their superior. Start with a 30–50-word summary that captures the essence of your request. In the body of the email, use bullet points to concisely outline your key achievements and contributions to the company over the past four years, including:

• Increasing company revenues by at least 3% by attracting new clients from search results
• Training various departments to write engaging content with SEO in mind.
• Cutting costs by using AI tools for content creation
• Building relationships and working with staff in our newest divisions to build out a suite of content, representing our fastest-growing business segments with high profits.

Conclude the email with a request for a 25% annual salary raise, justifying it with these quantifiable accomplishments. The tone should be professional and persuasive, tailored to busy executives who value efficiency and fact-based arguments.”

Could you please provide your feedback on this prompt?

Me: This is great, thank you!

Bing Chat: You’re welcome! I’m glad I could help. If you have any other requests or need further assistance, feel free to ask.

Me: Now run the prompt

Bing Chat: (Here is the email to your boss)

Subject: Request for Salary Adjustment Reflecting Value and Performance

Dear [Boss’s Name],

I am writing to formally request a review of my current salary. Over the past four years, my responsibilities within the company have significantly increased, and I believe my salary should reflect this change.

Here are some key achievements that I’ve accomplished:

• Revenue Growth: I have increased company revenues by at least 3% by attracting new clients from search results.
• Cross-Departmental Training: I’ve worked with several departments within the company, training them to consistently write engaging content with SEO in mind.
• Cost Reduction: I’ve cut costs by using AI tools like ChatGPT, Bing, and Bard to create content instead of using freelance writers.
• New Division Expansion: I’ve built relationships with staff in our newest divisions and worked with them to build out a suite of content. These represent our fastest growing business segments with the least competition, so the profits are high.

Given these accomplishments and my increased responsibilities, I believe a 25% increase in my annual salary would be appropriate. This adjustment reflects both the current market value of my position and my significant contributions to the company.

I appreciate your consideration of this matter and look forward to discussing it further.

Best, [Your Name]

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(Me: Do you think that would really work? Chatbots can only do so much!)

I hope you have enjoyed this experience of using chatbots to write the prompts that the chatbots use to output better-quality results. Stay tuned for more as the AI bots take over the world!