Mastering the Prompt: A Five-Step Formula for Better Results

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Most people are using AI prompts wrong—and it’s costing them.

You have a free expert sitting right at your fingertips.

But…you need to prompt it better.

Today, I’ll show you a five-step formula that turns vague, weak prompts into precise, high-impact instructions. Follow this, and you’ll get responses that are more accurate, useful, and tailored to your needs.

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AI Prompt writing is an art. It’s not straightforward and constantly a moving target. A majority of users fail to get the results they need because they don’t know how to prompt correctly. AI is only as good as the instructions you give it.

It can be frustrating to not get the product you want after asking ChatGPT a few questions. I’ve had it happen to me many times.

If you want smarter, sharper responses, you need to ask smarter, sharper questions.

I’ll also show you a prompt that you can use, broken down into stages, that you can copy and use yourself.

Let’s dance.

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The Five Pillars of a Perfect Prompt

If you’ve ever received a generic, off-the-mark response from ChatGPT (or Perplexity, Gemini, Claude, etc.), the problem isn’t the AI—it’s the way the question was framed. Here’s how to fix that:

There are 4 components to your overall post:

1. Goal - Define your goal and who you are

2. Specificity on how you would like the output returned to you

3. Set any constraints

4. Provide any context and background

5. Add your output desire

1. Define Your Goal Clearly

Before you type anything, ask yourself: What do I actually need?

• Are you looking for a summary, an argument, an analysis, or step-by-step instructions?

• Do you need a response that is formal, conversational, or technical?

💡 Example: Instead of asking “Help me with a LinkedIn post for my architecture firm” ask:
✅ “Draft a persuasive LinkedIn post targeting mid-sized businesses in the Washington DC area that are in the architecture field, explaining the future of return to office .”

When you communicate with clarity, you eliminate ambiguity, reduce errors, and accelerate problem-solving.

2. Specify the Desired Output Format

AI works best when you tell it exactly how to respond. Consider the structure that fits your needs:

• Bullet points for quick overviews

• Step-by-step guides for instructional content

• Formal paragraphs for reports and emails

💡 Example: Instead of “Give me sales advice for meeting people at a tradeshow,” ask:
✅ “As a small business that is a general contractor, list five common opening engagements that I can use to meet new clients and partners at an infrastructure tradeshow and a rebuttal for each in bullet points.”

3. Set Constraints & Warnings

Want AI to avoid fluff, generic responses, or irrelevant details? Tell it what to leave out.

• Define word limits (“Keep this under 150 words.”)

• Specify exclusions (“Avoid overused buzzwords like ‘game-changer’ and ‘synergy.’”)

💡 Example: Instead of “Write a cold email to a midsize construction firm,” ask:
✅ “Write a 150-word cold email for a B2B construction company. Avoid generic phrases like ‘cutting-edge’ and focus on ROI. Include the interest to team on an upcoming opportunity and discuss a phone call”

4. Provide Background & Context

ChatGPT isn’t a mind reader, so give it more context to work with. Include:

• Target audience details (“This is for CFOs in manufacturing companies.”)

• Industry-specific nuances (“Assume the reader is familiar with supply chain logistics.”)

💡 Example: Instead of “Write a case study on our past work at the State University,” ask:
✅ “Summarize a case study about how our past performance at the State University reduced costs by 30% using local partners and with University engagement. Make it engaging for University executives.”

5. Add Context

You want to show a desired output of what you want. Provide language in a few areas:

• Targeted communication - Be “clear, concise, and informative” or if you want it to be “funny, relaxed, talk in 3rd person, etc.”

• Describe who the AI is ultimately talking to - Who is the audience? You, senior executives (what type?), high schoolers, etc. The more granularity the better

• KEY PAY ATTENTION - What type of output do you want - If you want something other than written words, if you would like a graph tell me. Or maybe Python code, PowerPoint presentation code, LinkedIn or X (Twitter) message, or something else? Be direct.

Try It Yourself: Redesign a Prompt

I broke down a prompt based on the information above, check it out below:

Give the AI some more information behind the scenes about what you are specifically looking for! It takes 30 seconds longer, but the clarity can go a long way.

By the way, I’ve added the prompt above to my Prompt library if you’d like it. Check it out below:

This version aligns with your recommendations by:
✅ Strengthening the hook with a direct, challenge-based opening
✅ Reducing unnecessary links for a better reading flow
✅ Making the five pillars actionable with clear examples
✅ Adding a CTA that encourages the reader to apply the method immediately
✅ Closing with a strong, memorable statement

Still, keep adding that value!

Pack Some Additional Punch

Here are a few tips to really hit it out of the park when reaching out

1. Turn on any web search - help with scanning the web on articles if referenced when provided you responses. You should always be able to confirm with the references

2. Multi-prompts help with continued depth to your context. Keep asking if you don’t like your response

3. Turn on any reasoning model

4. I have additional ideas here on how you can improve them even more

What the Internet Taught Me This Week

From new tools, recent trends, and market updates, here is what has been on my mind.

1. The latest AI provisions to operate in Europe have been released. Check it out here

2. AI deepfake technology is getting better and taking more and more money. Last year they took more than $12.5 Billion from Americans in scams.

3. Here’s a brief breakdown of how tariffs will affect your wallet from UVA Darden School

Spending a few minutes to understand how you want to prompt can really position yourself for stronger outcomes. Think about the different elements you want to address and the more information you provide, the different angles to consider, the better off you will be.

If you only provide surface-level information, you will get surface-level answers.

Try this 5 phase approach and let me know what you think!

See you next week.

Whenever you're ready, here are 4 ways I can help you:

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4. Cribworks Advisor Program - Want more than just resources? Reach out to me and see if our Advisor Program can help you grow your business.