Browse 238 prompts across 11 audiences. Copy, paste into ChatGPT/Claude/Gemini, replace [BRACKETED] parts, and iterate.
200+ copy-paste prompts for every audience. Browse by persona, copy a prompt, paste it into ChatGPT/Claude/Gemini, and replace the [BRACKETED] parts with your specifics.
[BRACKETED] parts with your specifics.Every prompt in this library follows this structure:
[BRACKETED] placeholders)| Audience | # of prompts | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 🎓 Students | 25 | for-students.md |
| 👩🏫 Teachers | 22 | for-teachers.md |
| 💼 Professionals | 22 | for-professionals.md |
| 🚀 Entrepreneurs | 20 | for-entrepreneurs.md |
| 📣 Marketers | 22 | for-marketers.md |
| ✍️ Writers | 24 | for-writers.md |
| 💻 Developers | 20 | for-developers.md |
| 🔬 Researchers | 18 | for-researchers.md |
| 💼 Job seekers | 22 | for-job-seekers.md |
| 🌐 Freelancers | 20 | for-freelancers.md |
| 🎨 Content creators | 24 | for-content-creators.md |
Total: 239 prompts
For the underlying skills behind good prompts, see:
Have a prompt that works well for you? Add it to the relevant audience file — see CONTRIBUTING.md.
MIT — use these prompts freely, including commercially.
Last reviewed: 2026-08
24 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Generate 30 video ideas
Prompt:
I make content about [TOPIC] for [AUDIENCE] on [PLATFORM].
My niche: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'productivity for ADHD adults']
My format: [DESCRIBE — short-form, long-form, podcast, etc.]
Generate 30 video ideas organized by category:
How-to / Tutorial (8 ideas)
Listicle (6 ideas)
Myth-busting (4 ideas)
Personal story (4 ideas)
Reaction / Commentary (4 ideas)
Challenge / Experiment (4 ideas)
For each idea:
- Working title (under 60 chars, hook-y)
- 1-sentence premise
- Why my audience cares
- Estimated format/length
Then rank the top 5 I should make first.
Tip: Quantity beats quality in idea generation. 30 ideas → 5 great ones is better than trying to think of 5 great ones directly.
Follow-up: Help me batch these into a 4-week production schedule.
Goal: Write a YouTube script
Prompt:
Write a script for a [DURATION]-minute YouTube video.
Topic: [DESCRIBE]
Title: [DESCRIBE OR 'HELP ME WRITE']
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
My channel vibe: [DESCRIBE — examples: educational, entertaining, raw]
Structure:
1. Hook (first 15 seconds — must grab attention)
2. Intro (15-30 seconds — what's this video, who am I, why listen)
3. Title sequence (5 seconds)
4. Main content (bulk — broken into 3-5 segments)
5. Mid-video CTA (subscribe, watch another video)
6. Climax/payoff (the thing they came for)
7. Summary (30 seconds — recap key points)
8. End screen CTA (next video to watch)
Format: two columns — VISUAL | AUDIO.
Word count: ~130 words per minute of video.
Tip: The first 15 seconds determine if anyone watches the rest. Spend 30% of your time on the hook.
Follow-up: Help me design the thumbnail concept that matches this script.
Goal: Write a TikTok/Reel script
Prompt:
Write a script for a [DURATION]-second short-form video.
Topic: [DESCRIBE]
Hook type: [PATTERN INTERRUPT / QUESTION / SHOCKING STAT / STORY]
Platform: [TIKTOK / INSTAGRAM REEL / YOUTUBE SHORTS]
My niche: [DESCRIBE]
Structure (optimized for retention):
- Hook (0-3 seconds — visual + audio)
- Setup (3-7 seconds — context)
- Value/Story (7-45 seconds — main content)
- Payoff (45-55 seconds — the thing they waited for)
- CTA (55-60 seconds — follow, comment, share)
Write:
1. Visual direction (what's on screen, camera angles, text overlays)
2. Voiceover script (conversational, punchy)
3. On-screen text (key phrases, captions)
4. Music/sound cues
5. Caption for the post
6. 3 hashtag sets (broad, niche, trending)
Provide 3 hook variations for A/B testing.
Tip: Short-form rewards the first 3 seconds. If they don't stop scrolling, nothing else matters.
Follow-up: What's the most controversial take I could include to drive comments?
Goal: Plan a content calendar
Prompt:
I want to plan my content for the next [DURATION].
Platforms: [LIST — YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, podcast, blog, newsletter]
Posting frequency per platform: [DESCRIBE]
My niche: [DESCRIBE]
My themes: [LIST 3-5 content pillars]
Create a content calendar with:
1. Weekly theme rotation (so each pillar gets coverage)
2. For each day: platform, topic, format, hook
3. Cross-platform repurposing plan (1 piece → 3 formats)
4. Production schedule (when to film/write/edit)
5. Batch creation plan (film 4 videos in 1 day, etc.)
6. Rest days (prevent burnout)
7. Monthly review checkpoint
Output: a 4-week calendar table I can drop into Notion.
Tip: Consistency beats intensity. Better to post 3x/week for a year than daily for 2 weeks then nothing.
Follow-up: What 1 piece of content should be my 'hero' this month?
Goal: Write a video description
Prompt:
Write a YouTube video description for [VIDEO].
Video title: [DESCRIBE]
Video content: [DESCRIBE]
Key timestamps: [LIST OR 'HELP ME IDENTIFY']
Links to include: [LIST — social, website, products]
Write a description with:
1. First 2 lines (visible before 'show more') — hook + SEO keywords
2. Brief summary of video (2-3 sentences)
3. Timestamps (chapters) — for key moments
4. Resources/links mentioned in video
5. Subscribe CTA
6. Social media links
7. SEO keywords (natural, not stuffed)
Also: 3 thumbnail concepts (visual description + text overlay).
Tip: The first 2 lines of your description show in search results. Optimize them for click-through, not just SEO.
Follow-up: What 5 tags should I add to this video?
Goal: Generate Instagram captions
Prompt:
Write 5 caption options for an Instagram post about [TOPIC].
Post format: [SINGLE IMAGE / CAROUSEL / REEL / STORY]
Image content: [DESCRIBE]
My brand voice: [DESCRIBE — examples: witty, inspirational, educational]
Goal: [ENGAGEMENT / SAVES / SHARES / PROFILE VISITS]
For each caption:
1. Hook (first line — must make them tap 'more')
2. Body (3-5 lines, scannable, line breaks)
3. CTA (specific — 'save this', 'tag a friend', 'comment X')
4. Hashtag strategy (mix of broad, niche, branded)
5. Length (vary — short, medium, long)
Tone variety:
- Caption 1: educational
- Caption 2: inspirational
- Caption 3: witty/relatable
- Caption 4: controversial/provocative
- Caption 5: personal/vulnerable
Tip: Instagram rewards saves and shares more than likes. Optimize for those.
Follow-up: What 3 hashtags should I always use?
Goal: Repurpose one piece of content
Prompt:
I have this [BLOG POST / VIDEO / PODCAST EPISODE]. Help me repurpose it.
Original content:
[PASTE OR SUMMARIZE]
Convert into:
1. Twitter/X thread (8-12 tweets, hook first)
2. LinkedIn post (under 1300 chars, formatted)
3. Instagram carousel (8-10 slides, visual)
4. TikTok/Reel script (60 seconds)
5. Email newsletter (under 400 words)
6. 5 standalone social posts (one idea each)
7. Podcast snippet (1-minute audio clip script)
For each:
- What to keep, what to cut
- The hook (first line)
- The CTA
- Visual direction (if applicable)
Preserve my voice across all formats.
Tip: One piece of content can become 7+ pieces. Most creators leave 80% of value on the table by posting once and moving on.
Follow-up: Which 2 formats should I prioritize first?
Goal: Optimize a video for SEO
Prompt:
Help me optimize my YouTube video for search.
Video topic: [DESCRIBE]
Current title: [DESCRIBE]
Current description: [DESCRIBE OR 'NONE']
My channel size: [N SUBSCRIBERS]
Help me optimize:
1. Title (under 60 chars, includes keyword, compelling)
2. Description (first 2 lines optimized for CTR, full description for SEO)
3. Tags (10-15, mix of broad and specific)
4. Thumbnail concept (visual + text overlay, high contrast)
5. Chapters/timestamps (improves retention + SEO)
6. End screen (suggest next video)
7. Cards (when to add, what to link)
8. Playlist addition (existing or new?)
Also: identify the search intent (informational? commercial?)
and the top 3 competing videos I should outperform.
Tip: YouTube SEO matters, but CTR (click-through rate) and retention matter more. A perfectly SEO'd video nobody clicks fails.
Follow-up: What's the one change that would most improve CTR?
Goal: Write a newsletter that gets read
Prompt:
Write a newsletter issue for my subscribers.
Newsletter topic: [DESCRIBE]
This issue's theme: [DESCRIBE]
My voice: [DESCRIBE — examples: warm, witty, authoritative]
Subscriber count: [N]
Average open rate: [X%]
Length target: [WORDS — usually 500-800]
Structure:
1. Personal opening (1 short paragraph — what I'm thinking about)
2. Main piece (the meat — 300-500 words)
3. 'Thing I'm reading/using/listening to' (1 paragraph recommendation)
4. Question for readers (to drive replies)
5. Sign-off
Voice: like a letter to a smart friend, not a corporate broadcast.
Also: 3 subject line options (under 50 chars each).
Tip: Newsletters win on personality. People subscribe for YOU, not for the information (they can get that anywhere).
Follow-up: What 1 thing in this issue will make readers forward it?
Goal: Brainstorm monetization ideas
Prompt:
I'm a content creator with [N] followers on [PLATFORM].
I want to monetize beyond ads/sponsorships.
My niche: [DESCRIBE]
My audience: [DESCRIBE — demographics, interests, spending power]
My strengths: [LIST — skills, knowledge, network]
My content format: [DESCRIBE]
My values: [DESCRIBE — what I won't do]
Suggest 10 monetization ideas across categories:
1. Digital products (courses, ebooks, templates)
2. Physical products (merch, books)
3. Services (consulting, coaching, freelance)
4. Memberships/community (Patreon, Discord, Substack paid)
5. Affiliate (what products my audience uses)
6. Sponsorships/brand deals (what brands fit)
7. Live events (workshops, meetups)
8. Licensing/syndication
For each: effort, revenue potential, fit with my brand.
Rank top 3 to start with.
Tip: Diversified income protects you from platform changes. Don't rely solely on YouTube ad revenue or Instagram sponsorships.
Follow-up: What's the smallest digital product I could launch in 30 days?
Goal: Handle a sponsorship outreach
Prompt:
I want to pitch myself for sponsorships to [BRAND TYPE].
My niche: [DESCRIBE]
My audience: [DESCRIBE — size, demographics, engagement]
My past sponsors: [LIST OR 'NONE']
My content style: [DESCRIBE]
Brands I'd love to work with: [LIST 5]
Help me:
1. Identify the right person to contact at each brand (role title)
2. Write a sponsorship pitch email (under 200 words)
3. Include: who I am, who my audience is, why this brand fits, what I can offer
4. Suggest 3 package options (e.g., dedicated video, integration, social posts)
5. Suggest price ranges (based on audience size and engagement)
6. Plan follow-up if no response
7. Plan negotiation if they say yes
Then write a media kit outline (1 page).
Tip: Brands care about engagement and audience fit, not just follower count. A 10K-engaged audience beats 100K-passive.
Follow-up: What 3 brands should I pitch first, and why?
Goal: Write a podcast episode
Prompt:
Plan a podcast episode on [TOPIC].
Format: [SOLO / INTERVIEW / CO-HOSTED / NARRATIVE]
Duration: [MINUTES]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
My podcast vibe: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Write the episode title (under 60 chars, hook-y)
2. Write the cold open (30 seconds — teaser of best moment)
3. Write the intro (1 minute — who am I, what's this episode, why listen)
4. Outline the main content (3-5 segments with timing)
5. Plan mid-roll break (if applicable) and ad reads
6. Write the closing (1 minute — recap, CTA, next episode tease)
7. Suggest 5 questions to ask the audience (for engagement)
8. Write show notes (3-paragraph summary + resources + CTA)
9. Plan 3 social promo posts
Word count target: ~130 words/minute × duration.
Tip: Podcasts reward consistency and intimacy. Show up regularly; let listeners feel like they know you.
Follow-up: What's the one moment in this episode I should clip for social?
Goal: Create a thumbnail concept
Prompt:
Help me design a YouTube thumbnail for [VIDEO].
Video title: [DESCRIBE]
Video topic: [DESCRIBE]
My channel vibe: [DESCRIBE]
Generate 5 thumbnail concepts. For each:
1. Visual description (what's in the frame)
2. Text overlay (under 5 words, big font)
3. Color scheme (high contrast, on-brand)
4. Facial expression (if I'm in it)
5. Why it would get clicks
6. Potential downsides (what could mislead viewers)
Then recommend the strongest concept.
Also: identify what NOT to do (thumbnail sins to avoid).
Tip: Thumbnails matter more than titles. A great thumbnail with a bad title beats a bad thumbnail with a great title.
Follow-up: What emotion should the thumbnail evoke?
Goal: Analyze my channel performance
Prompt:
Audit my content performance and suggest improvements.
My channel: [DESCRIBE — platform, niche, size]
Recent content (last 30 days):
[List 5-10 pieces with views/engagement]
My metrics:
- Average views: [N]
- Average watch time: [X%]
- Subscriber growth: [N/month]
- Top performing piece: [DESCRIBE]
- Worst performing piece: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Identify what's working (do more of)
2. Identify what's not working (stop or fix)
3. Identify patterns (length, topic, format, posting time)
4. Suggest 3 quick wins (this week)
5. Suggest 3 strategic shifts (this quarter)
6. Identify my 'unfair advantage' (what I do that others can't)
7. Recommend 1 thing to STOP doing
Tip: Most creators spread too thin. Better to dominate 1 format/topic than be mediocre at 5.
Follow-up: What does a winning 30-day plan look like?
Goal: Write a hook that grabs attention
Prompt:
I need a hook for [CONTENT TYPE — video, post, email, blog].
Topic: [DESCRIBE]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Tone: [DESCRIBE]
Goal: [ATTENTION / CURIOUSITY / SHOCK / EMPATHY]
Generate 10 hooks across these approaches:
1. Question (provocative)
2. Surprising statistic
3. Bold claim
4. Personal confession
5. Pattern interrupt (unusual format)
6. Contrarian take
7. Story tease
8. Direct address ('You...')
9. List tease ('3 things...')
10. Negative framing ('Stop doing X')
For each: the hook + why it works + what audience it attracts.
Then rank the top 3.
Tip: The hook is 80% of the work. If they don't stop scrolling, nothing else matters.
Follow-up: Which 2 hooks should I A/B test first?
Goal: Plan a content series
Prompt:
I want to create a content series on [TOPIC].
Series concept: [DESCRIBE]
Number of episodes: [N]
Platform: [DESCRIBE]
My audience: [DESCRIBE]
Help me plan the series:
1. Series title (memorable, searchable)
2. Episode list (with title and 1-line premise for each)
3. Episode order (what comes first, what's the climax)
4. Through-line (what connects all episodes?)
5. Cross-promotion plan (how each episode teases the next)
6. Production schedule (batch or weekly?)
7. Repurposing plan (each episode → social posts, newsletter)
8. Launch plan (how to build anticipation)
9. Success metrics (what defines a 'win'?)
Then write the trailer/announcement post.
Tip: Series build anticipation and binge-watching. Better than 5 random videos, a 5-part series creates momentum.
Follow-up: What's the one episode that will define the series?
Goal: Handle negative comments
Prompt:
I'm getting negative comments on my content. Help me respond.
Comment type: [DESCRIBE — constructive criticism, trolling, hate, disagreement]
Comment content: [PASTE OR SUMMARIZE]
My emotional state: [DESCRIBE]
My audience: [DESCRIBE]
My brand: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Decide if I should respond at all (often: don't feed trolls)
2. For constructive criticism: write a grateful, learning response
3. For disagreement: write a respectful, 'here's my thinking' response
4. For trolling/hate: plan to ignore, hide, or block (criteria for each)
5. Identify when negative comments are actually engagement (algorithm loves it)
6. Plan my mental health response (don't read comments before bed)
7. Plan when to disable comments entirely
Then help me write a response to [SPECIFIC COMMENT].
Tip: Engagement is engagement to the algorithm. Sometimes negative comments boost your reach. Don't take it personally.
Follow-up: What 3 signs mean I should turn off comments for my mental health?
Goal: Build a content team
Prompt:
I want to scale my content creation by building a team.
Current state: I do everything myself (research, write, film, edit, post).
Monthly content output: [DESCRIBE]
Monthly revenue: $[AMOUNT]
Budget for team: $[AMOUNT/month]
Help me:
1. Identify what to delegate first (rank by ease of delegation vs impact)
2. Suggest roles to hire: editor, writer, VA, manager, etc.
3. For each role: what they do, what skills, what to pay
4. Decide between freelancer vs employee vs agency
5. Write a job description for the first hire
6. Plan onboarding (how to hand off work without quality dropping)
7. Plan systems and SOPs (so the work doesn't depend on me)
8. Plan financial runway (when does the team pay for itself?)
Then suggest the first hire I should make.
Tip: Most creators wait too long to hire. The right first hire (usually an editor or VA) can 2-3x your output.
Follow-up: What 1 task do I hate that I should delegate first?
Goal: Write a brand story
Prompt:
Help me write my brand story for [USE — about page, sponsorship pitch, speaking bio].
My background: [DESCRIBE — who I was before content]
Why I started: [DESCRIBE — the moment or reason]
What I believe: [DESCRIBE — my values, perspective]
Who I serve: [DESCRIBE — my audience]
My vision: [DESCRIBE — where I'm going]
Structure the story:
1. Origin moment (specific — when did this start?)
2. The struggle (what was hard about starting?)
3. The pivot (what changed?)
4. The mission (what do I stand for now?)
5. The invitation (who is this for?)
Length: [WORDS — typically 200-400].
Tone: authentic, specific, not heroic. Real stories beat polished ones.
Tip: People connect with vulnerability, not perfection. The messy origin story is more compelling than the polished resume.
Follow-up: What's the one detail only I could share? Lead with that.
Goal: Plan a launch for a digital product
Prompt:
I'm launching [PRODUCT] on [DATE].
Product: [DESCRIBE — course, ebook, template pack, etc.]
Price: $[AMOUNT]
Audience: [DESCRIBE — size, platform]
Goal: [N SALES / $N REVENUE]
Launch window: [DURATION]
Create a launch plan with 3 phases:
Pre-launch (T-30 to T-1):
- Teaser content (3-5 pieces)
- Waitlist building (incentive? just FOMO?)
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Early bird list
Launch (T-0 to T-7):
- Launch day announcement
- Email sequence (5 emails)
- Social proof collection
- Live Q&A or webinar
- Daily content about the product
Post-launch (T+8 to T+30):
- Case studies from early buyers
- Iterate based on feedback
- Evergreen content plan
- Plan v2 or next product
For each phase: specific tactics, content ideas, metrics.
Tip: Launches are won in pre-launch. Build the waitlist BEFORE you have something to sell.
Follow-up: What 3 things will likely go wrong, and what's my contingency for each?
Goal: Set up a content workflow
Prompt:
I want to systematize my content creation.
Current state: I create content ad hoc, often missing my posting schedule.
Platforms: [LIST]
Posting frequency: [DESCRIBE]
My pain points: [LIST — ideation, filming, editing, posting]
Help me design a content workflow:
1. Ideation system (how to capture and develop ideas)
2. Production system (batch filming, writing sprints)
3. Editing system (tools, templates, outsourcing)
4. Publishing system (scheduling tools, checklists)
5. Promotion system (cross-posting, repurposing)
6. Review system (what worked, what to repeat)
7. Tools for each stage (recommend a simple stack)
8. Weekly workflow (Mon: ideation, Tue: filming, etc.)
9. Monthly workflow (1st: review last month, plan next)
Output: a 1-page workflow I can stick to.
Tip: Systems beat willpower. If your content depends on 'feeling inspired', you'll burn out. Build the system.
Follow-up: What 1 tool would most reduce my friction?
Goal: Write a video title that gets clicks
Prompt:
Help me write a YouTube title for [VIDEO].
Video content: [DESCRIBE]
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Search keywords: [LIST]
My channel vibe: [DESCRIBE]
Generate 15 titles across these approaches:
1. Question (provokes curiosity)
2. Number list ('5 things...')
3. How-to
4. Bold claim
5. Story tease
6. Negative framing ('Don't do X')
7. Time-bound ('in 30 days')
8. Comparison ('X vs Y')
9. Mistake-focused ('Mistakes I made')
10. Transformation ('From X to Y')
For each: under 60 chars, compelling, not clickbait (must deliver).
Then rank top 5 and recommend the strongest.
Tip: Titles and thumbnails determine CTR. Spend as much time on the title as on the first minute of the video.
Follow-up: What title would make ME click?
Goal: Analyze my competitor's content
Prompt:
Analyze the content strategy of [COMPETITOR/CREATOR].
Their channel/platform: [DESCRIBE]
Their audience: [DESCRIBE]
Their content: [DESCRIBE — topics, formats, frequency]
Their growth: [DESCRIBE — subscriber count, growth rate]
Help me reverse-engineer:
1. Their niche and positioning
2. Their content pillars (3-5 themes)
3. Their format strategy (what works for them)
4. Their posting cadence and timing
5. Their monetization strategy
6. Their engagement tactics (CTAs, comments, community)
7. 3 things they do well (worth learning from)
8. 3 gaps I could exploit
9. What I should NOT copy (their unique advantages I don't have)
Then suggest how I can differentiate, not imitate.
Tip: Don't copy competitors — learn from their wins and exploit their gaps. The goal is to be different, not better at being them.
Follow-up: What's the one thing they're NOT doing that I should test?
Goal: Plan a collaboration
Prompt:
I want to collaborate with [CREATOR/BRAND].
My niche: [DESCRIBE]
Their niche: [DESCRIBE]
My audience: [DESCRIBE — size, type]
Their audience: [DESCRIBE]
My goal: [AUDIENCE GROWTH / CONTENT QUALITY / MONETIZATION / RELATIONSHIP]
Help me:
1. Decide if this collaboration makes sense (audience overlap, value exchange)
2. Identify 3 collaboration formats (interview, joint video, takeover, etc.)
3. Write an outreach message (under 150 words)
4. Propose specific ideas (not 'wanna collab?')
5. Plan the logistics (who films, who edits, who posts)
6. Plan promotion (both sides cross-promote)
7. Plan what success looks like (metrics)
8. Plan follow-up (thank you, future collabs)
Then write the outreach message.
Tip: Collaborations work best when audiences overlap but aren't identical. You want new eyeballs, not the same ones.
Follow-up: What 3 creators should I reach out to first?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 24 prompts
20 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Explain unfamiliar code
Prompt:
Explain this code to me. I'm a [BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED] developer.
[PASTE CODE]
Provide:
1. High-level summary (1 paragraph — what does this do?)
2. Line-by-line explanation for the confusing parts
3. Design pattern or idiom used (if any)
4. Why the author likely wrote it this way
5. Potential bugs or gotchas
6. How I'd test this
7. 2 ways to improve it
Tip: Understanding other people's code is 80% of professional development. Don't skip the 'why' part.
Follow-up: What 3 things should I Google to deepen my understanding?
Goal: Debug an error message
Prompt:
I'm getting this error:
[ERROR MESSAGE]
Context:
- Language: [LANGUAGE]
- Framework: [FRAMEWORK]
- What I was trying to do: [DESCRIBE]
- What I expected: [DESCRIBE]
- What I've already tried: [LIST]
Help me:
1. Translate the error message to plain English
2. Identify the 3 most likely causes
3. For each cause: how to verify if it's the issue
4. Suggest a debugging approach (not just a fix)
5. Tell me what to add (logging, print statements) to gather more info
6. After fix: how to prevent this in future
Tip: Don't ask AI to fix the error — ask it to help you understand the error. You'll learn the pattern.
Follow-up: What's the underlying concept I should learn to avoid this class of error?
Goal: Write a function
Prompt:
Write a function in [LANGUAGE] that [DESCRIBE WHAT IT SHOULD DO].
Inputs: [DESCRIBE]
Outputs: [DESCRIBE]
Edge cases to handle: [LIST]
Style: [FUNCTIONAL / OOP / WHATEVER'S IDIOMATIC]
Requirements:
- Include docstring/comment explaining what it does
- Handle edge cases explicitly
- Use clear variable names
- Add type hints if the language supports them
- Show 3 test cases (input → expected output)
- Note any performance considerations
Then suggest 2 alternative implementations with trade-offs.
Tip: Specifying edge cases upfront prevents AI from writing code that 'works for the happy path, breaks for everything else'.
Follow-up: What's the worst input someone could give this function?
Goal: Refactor code
Prompt:
Refactor this code for [READABILITY / PERFORMANCE / MAINTAINABILITY].
Current code:
[PASTE CODE]
Constraints:
- Keep the public API the same
- Don't add new dependencies
- Preserve all existing behavior
Show me:
1. The refactored code
2. List of specific changes (with rationale for each)
3. Before/after for the most impactful change
4. What patterns you applied
5. What you deliberately did NOT change (and why)
6. 3 test cases to verify behavior is preserved
Tip: Refactoring without tests is flying blind. If there are no tests, write tests first.
Follow-up: What's the next refactor I should do after this one?
Goal: Write unit tests
Prompt:
Write unit tests for this function.
[PASTE FUNCTION]
Framework: [JEST / PYTEST / GO TEST / RSPEC / YOUR CHOICE]
Coverage target: [100% / 80% / PRAGMATIC]
Tests to write:
- Happy path (2-3 cases)
- Edge cases (empty input, boundary values)
- Error cases (invalid input, failures)
- Property-based tests (if applicable)
For each test:
- Descriptive name (what + why)
- Arrange-Act-Assert structure
- Clear assertions
- Comments where the test is non-obvious
Then identify what's hard to test and why.
Tip: Tests are documentation that can't lie. Name them like sentences: 'returns_empty_array_when_input_is_null'.
Follow-up: What 1 test would catch the most future bugs?
Goal: Write a regular expression
Prompt:
Write a regex for [LANGUAGE/ENGINE] that matches [DESCRIBE].
What should match:
- [EXAMPLE 1]
- [EXAMPLE 2]
- [EXAMPLE 3]
What should NOT match:
- [EXAMPLE 1]
- [EXAMPLE 2]
Provide:
1. The regex
2. Explanation of each component
3. Test cases (matching and non-matching)
4. Common pitfalls with this regex
5. A simpler alternative if the regex is complex
6. Performance considerations (catastrophic backtracking?)
Tip: Regex is write-only code. Always document what each part does — future you will thank you.
Follow-up: What's a non-regex solution that might be clearer?
Goal: Choose between libraries
Prompt:
I'm choosing between these libraries for [PURPOSE]:
- [LIBRARY 1]
- [LIBRARY 2]
- [LIBRARY 3]
My context:
- Language: [LANGUAGE]
- Project type: [DESCRIBE]
- Team size: [N]
- Maintenance budget: [LOW/MEDIUM/HIGH]
- Performance needs: [DESCRIBE]
Compare on:
1. Popularity (GitHub stars, downloads)
2. Maintenance activity (last commit, release cadence)
3. Documentation quality
4. API ergonomics
5. Performance benchmarks
6. Bundle size / dependencies
7. License
8. Community / ecosystem
9. Learning curve
Then recommend one with rationale, and identify deal-breakers.
Tip: The best library is the one your team can maintain. Popularity matters less than documentation quality.
Follow-up: What's a 'build it ourselves' option, and when would it make sense?
Goal: Write a technical design doc
Prompt:
I'm designing [SYSTEM/FEATURE]. Help me write a design doc.
Problem: [DESCRIBE]
Goals: [LIST]
Non-goals: [LIST]
Constraints: [LIST]
Create a design doc with these sections:
1. Context and scope
2. Goals and non-goals
3. High-level design (with diagram description)
4. Detailed design (data models, APIs, key algorithms)
5. Alternatives considered (at least 2)
6. Privacy and security considerations
7. Rollout plan (feature flags? staged?)
8. Observability (metrics, logs, alerts)
9. Open questions
10. Timeline
Format as Markdown, ready to share in a wiki.
Tip: Non-goals are critical. Stating what you're NOT building prevents scope creep and clarifies priorities.
Follow-up: What 3 questions would a senior engineer ask in review?
Goal: Write a SQL query
Prompt:
Write a SQL query for [DESCRIBE WHAT YOU WANT].
Database: [POSTGRES / MYSQL / SQLITE / SQL SERVER]
Schema:
[DESCRIBE TABLES AND COLUMNS, OR PASTE DDL]
Sample data:
[OPTIONAL — SHOW A FEW ROWS]
Requirements:
- Handle NULLs explicitly
- Performance considerations (index usage)
- Return columns: [LIST]
- Sort by: [COLUMN]
- Limit: [N] if applicable
Provide:
1. The query
2. Explanation of each clause
3. Expected output (a few rows)
4. Alternative way to write it
5. Performance notes (which indexes would help?)
Tip: Writing SQL? Always think about what happens when tables grow 10x. A query that works on 1000 rows might lock the table at 10M rows.
Follow-up: What index would speed up this query?
Goal: Write a git commit message
Prompt:
Help me write a git commit message for this change.
Files changed: [LIST]
Diff summary: [DESCRIBE WHAT CHANGED AND WHY]
Type of change: [FEATURE / BUGFIX / REFACTOR / DOCS / TEST]
Breaking change? [YES/NO]
Write 3 commit message options following Conventional Commits:
- format: type(scope): subject
- subject under 50 chars, imperative mood
- body explaining what and why (not how)
- footer for breaking changes or issue references
Then recommend the best one.
Tip: Future you will search commit messages by 'why', not 'what'. Always include the why.
Follow-up: Help me write the PR description to match this commit.
Goal: Explain a design pattern
Prompt:
Explain the [PATTERN NAME] design pattern to me.
My level: [BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE]
Language I use: [LANGUAGE]
Provide:
1. Plain-English explanation (what problem does it solve?)
2. When to use it
3. When NOT to use it
4. Simple code example (under 30 lines)
5. Real-world analogy
6. Common misuse
7. Related patterns
8. Trade-offs
Tip: Patterns are tools, not rules. Using a pattern where it doesn't fit is worse than not knowing the pattern.
Follow-up: Show me a real example of this pattern in [LANGUAGE]'s standard library or popular framework.
Goal: Set up a CI/CD pipeline
Prompt:
I need to set up CI/CD for [PROJECT TYPE] in [LANGUAGE].
Repository: [GITHUB / GITLAB / BITBUCKET]
Deployment target: [AWS / VERCEL / GCP / SELF-HOSTED]
Team size: [N]
Release cadence: [DESCRIBE]
Design a CI/CD pipeline with:
1. Stages (lint → test → build → deploy)
2. Specific actions/workflows for each stage
3. Environment strategy (dev / staging / prod)
4. Branch protection rules
5. Deployment strategy (blue-green, canary, etc.)
6. Rollback plan
7. Secrets management
8. Notifications (Slack, email)
Provide example config file (e.g., .github/workflows/ci.yml).
Include comments explaining each step.
Tip: Start simple. A 5-step pipeline that runs is better than a 20-step pipeline that's never finished.
Follow-up: What's the minimum CI I should set up THIS week?
Goal: Write documentation
Prompt:
Write documentation for [CODE/API/FEATURE].
Audience: [BEGINNERS / EXPERIENCED DEVELOPERS / END USERS]
Format: [README / API REFERENCE / TUTORIAL / EXPLAINER]
Source material:
[PASTE CODE OR DESCRIBE]
Create documentation with:
1. TL;DR (1-paragraph summary)
2. Installation / setup
3. Quick start (5-minute example)
4. Common use cases (3-5)
5. API reference (if applicable)
6. Configuration options
7. Troubleshooting
8. FAQ
9. Migration notes (if replacing old version)
10. Contributing guidelines link
Use code examples generously. Assume the reader is smart but uninformed.
Tip: Documentation is not an afterthought — it's part of the product. Code without docs is unfinished.
Follow-up: What 3 screenshots or diagrams would make this clearer?
Goal: Review a pull request
Prompt:
Help me review this PR. Be thorough but constructive.
PR description: [PASTE]
Diff:
[PASTE OR DESCRIBE]
Review on these dimensions:
1. Correctness (does it do what it claims?)
2. Tests (are they adequate? what's missing?)
3. Performance (any obvious issues?)
4. Security (any concerns?)
5. Readability (is the code clear?)
6. Architecture (does it fit the existing design?)
7. Documentation (was it updated?)
8. Backward compatibility
For each issue found:
- Severity: [BLOCKING / SHOULD FIX / NICE TO HAVE]
- Specific file and line
- Suggested fix
- Why it matters
End with: should this be merged, requested-for-changes, or rejected?
Tip: Code review is a gift. Be specific, kind, and assume the author did their best.
Follow-up: Help me write a friendly comment summarizing the review for the author.
Goal: Optimize slow code
Prompt:
This code is slow. Help me optimize.
[PASTE CODE]
Current performance: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'takes 5s for 10K items']
Target performance: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'under 500ms']
Language: [LANGUAGE]
Constraints: [LIST — can't change API, can't add deps, etc.]
Help me:
1. Identify the bottleneck (what's actually slow?)
2. Suggest 3 optimization strategies (ranked by impact)
3. For each: expected speedup, code change, trade-off
4. Recommend benchmarking approach
5. Identify premature optimizations to avoid
6. Show the optimized code
Also: is the slowness actually a problem? Sometimes the answer is 'good enough'.
Tip: Profile before optimizing. 80% of optimizations target code that wasn't the bottleneck.
Follow-up: What's the algorithmic complexity (Big-O) of the original vs optimized?
Goal: Write a Dockerfile
Prompt:
Write a Dockerfile for [APPLICATION].
App: [DESCRIBE — language, framework]
Dependencies: [LIST OR 'SEE PACKAGE FILE']
Runtime requirements: [DESCRIBE]
Deployment target: [DESCRIBE]
Dockerfile requirements:
1. Multi-stage build (small final image)
2. Use official base images with version pinning
3. Non-root user for security
4. .dockerignore recommendations
5. Health check
6. Environment variables (with defaults)
7. Exposed ports
8. Volume mounts (if applicable)
9. Optimized for caching (frequently-changing layers last)
Provide the Dockerfile + .dockerignore + build instructions.
Estimate final image size.
Tip: Smaller images = faster deploys and fewer vulnerabilities. Multi-stage builds are non-negotiable.
Follow-up: What 3 environment variables should I never bake into the image?
Goal: Mentor a junior developer
Prompt:
I'm mentoring a junior developer who is [DESCRIBE SITUATION —
e.g., 'struggling with imposter syndrome' or 'ready for more responsibility'].
Their level: [DESCRIBE]
Their goal: [DESCRIBE]
Time horizon: [DURATION]
My time commitment: [HOURS/WEEK]
Help me:
1. Set clear expectations (what they can expect from me, what I expect from them)
2. Create a 90-day growth plan with specific milestones
3. Identify 3 skills to focus on (not 10)
4. Suggest 1 stretch project that builds confidence
5. Plan weekly 1:1 agenda (30 min)
6. Identify 3 things to NOT do (common mentoring mistakes)
7. Plan how to give honest feedback kindly
Tip: The best mentoring is asking good questions, not giving answers. 'What have you tried?' beats 'You should...'
Follow-up: Help me write a Slack message inviting them to our first 1:1.
Goal: Set up local dev environment
Prompt:
I'm setting up a local dev environment for [PROJECT].
OS: [MACOS / LINUX / WINDOWS]
Project type: [DESCRIBE — language, framework]
Team size: [N]
Existing onboarding docs: [NONE / OUTDATED / GOOD]
Create an onboarding guide:
1. Prerequisites (what to install before starting)
2. Step-by-step setup (clone, install deps, configure)
3. Common issues and fixes
4. How to run the app locally
5. How to run tests
6. How to debug
7. Editor/IDE recommendations
8. Useful scripts and shortcuts
9. Where to ask for help
Format as Markdown, ready to drop into the repo as ONBOARDING.md.
Test each step mentally — assume the reader has zero context.
Tip: Onboarding docs are the highest-ROI documentation. Save every new hire 2 days = save the company $2K+ per hire.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should the onboarding doc answer that aren't obvious?
Goal: Write a postmortem
Prompt:
We had an incident. Help me write a postmortem.
Incident: [DESCRIBE — what happened]
Impact: [DESCRIBE — users affected, downtime, $ cost]
Duration: [START TIME → END TIME]
Root cause (if known): [DESCRIBE OR 'STILL INVESTIGATING']
Create a blameless postmortem with:
1. Summary (3 sentences — what, impact, duration)
2. Timeline (5-10 events with timestamps)
3. Impact (users, revenue, SLA violations)
4. Root cause analysis (5 whys)
5. What went well (3 things)
6. What didn't go well (3 things)
7. Where we got lucky (3 things)
8. Action items (specific, with owners and due dates)
9. Lessons learned
Tone: blameless, learning-focused, honest.
Tip: Blameless postmortems build learning cultures. If people fear blame, they hide incidents — and you can't learn from hidden incidents.
Follow-up: What 3 monitoring improvements would have caught this earlier?
Goal: Choose a database
Prompt:
I'm choosing a database for [APPLICATION].
App: [DESCRIBE]
Expected data volume: [DESCRIBE]
Expected read/write ratio: [DESCRIBE]
Query patterns: [DESCRIBE]
Consistency needs: [STRONG / EVENTUAL]
Team experience: [DESCRIBE]
Budget: [DESCRIBE]
Compare options across these database types:
1. Relational (Postgres, MySQL)
2. Document (MongoDB, DynamoDB)
3. Key-value (Redis, etcd)
4. Graph (Neo4j)
5. Search (Elasticsearch)
6. Time-series (InfluxDB, TimescaleDB)
For the 3 most relevant:
- Pros and cons for my use case
- Cost at scale
- Operational complexity
- Migration difficulty
Then recommend one with rationale.
Tip: Start with Postgres. It's almost always the right answer, and you can move to a specialized DB later if needed.
Follow-up: What's the #1 sign I'd need to switch databases in 2 years?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 20 prompts
20 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Validate a business idea
Prompt:
I have a business idea: [DESCRIBE]
Target customer: [DESCRIBE]
My hypothesis: [WHY THEY'D BUY]
Help me validate this idea before building anything:
1. Identify 3 assumptions I'm making (that could be wrong)
2. For each, suggest a cheap experiment to test it (under $100)
3. List 5 questions to ask potential customers in interviews
4. Suggest 3 'false positive' signals to watch out for
5. Identify 1 thing that would kill this idea — and how to test it fast
Tip: Most startups die from indigestion (building too much) not starvation. Validate before building.
Follow-up: What's the smallest version of this I could sell next week?
Goal: Write a one-page business plan
Prompt:
Help me write a 1-page business plan for [BUSINESS IDEA].
Format using the Lean Canvas:
1. Problem (top 3 problems)
2. Customer segments (target + early adopters)
3. Unique value proposition (1 sentence)
4. Solution (top 3 features)
5. Channels (how to reach customers)
6. Revenue streams (how we make money)
7. Cost structure (top 3 costs)
8. Key metrics (how we measure success)
9. Unfair advantage (what can't be copied)
Keep it real — no vague words like 'excellent service' or 'best quality'.
Tip: If you can't fit your plan on 1 page, you don't understand it well enough yet.
Follow-up: What 3 numbers would tell me monthly if this business is healthy?
Goal: Calculate break-even
Prompt:
Help me calculate break-even for [PRODUCT/SERVICE].
Unit price: $[AMOUNT]
Variable cost per unit: $[AMOUNT]
Fixed monthly costs: $[AMOUNT]
Calculate:
1. Contribution margin per unit
2. Break-even point in units
3. Break-even point in revenue
4. Units needed to make $[TARGET] profit
5. What happens if price drops 10%?
6. What happens if variable cost rises 15%?
Show the math step by step.
Tip: Break-even is the most important number for a new business. If you don't know it, you're flying blind.
Follow-up: What price would I need to charge to break even at half the volume?
Goal: Pitch my business in 60 seconds
Prompt:
Help me craft a 60-second pitch for [BUSINESS].
Audience: [INVESTORS / CUSTOMERS / PARTNERS]
Key facts: [DESCRIBE BUSINESS, MARKET, TRACTION]
Structure the pitch as:
1. Hook (10 sec — surprising fact or question)
2. Problem (10 sec — pain your customer feels)
3. Solution (15 sec — what you do, simply)
4. Traction (10 sec — proof people want it)
5. Market (5 sec — size and opportunity)
6. Ask (10 sec — what you want from this audience)
Write 3 versions: investor-focused, customer-focused, partner-focused.
Tip: Practice until you can deliver it without notes. The pitch is you, not the slides.
Follow-up: Anticipate the 5 toughest questions this audience would ask.
Goal: Find my first 10 customers
Prompt:
I'm launching [PRODUCT/SERVICE]. I have no customers yet.
Budget for customer acquisition: $[AMOUNT] (could be $0)
Time available: [HOURS/WEEK]
My network: [DESCRIBE]
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Suggest 5 strategies to get my first 10 paying customers, ranked by
likelihood of success given my constraints. For each:
- What it is
- Step-by-step execution
- Expected cost (time + money)
- What 'success' looks like
- Common mistake to avoid
Tip: First 10 customers come from your network. Customers 10-100 come from referrals. Customers 100+ come from marketing.
Follow-up: Help me write a personal outreach message to send to 20 people in my network.
Goal: Write a marketing email campaign
Prompt:
I'm launching [PRODUCT] to my email list of [N] subscribers.
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Price: $[AMOUNT]
Launch date: [DATE]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Design a 5-email sequence:
1. Teaser (7 days before) — curiosity, no product mention
2. Announcement (launch day) — the reveal
3. Story (day 2) — why I built this
4. Social proof (day 4) — early customer results
5. Last chance (day 6) — deadline urgency
For each email:
- Subject line (2 options)
- Opening line (the hook)
- Body structure (3-5 sentences)
- CTA (specific action)
- Send time recommendation
Tip: Email still has the highest ROI of any marketing channel for small businesses. Build your list before you need it.
Follow-up: Help me write a 1-line social post driving sign-ups to this email list.
Goal: Make a go/no-go decision
Prompt:
I'm deciding whether to [DECISION — e.g., 'launch this feature' / 'hire this person' / 'raise prices 20%'].
Context: [DESCRIBE]
Financial implications: [DETAILS]
Time pressure: [DETAILS]
My gut says: [YES/NO/UNSURE]
Help me:
1. Frame the decision clearly (what am I really deciding?)
2. List 3 reasons to go
3. List 3 reasons to not go
4. Identify what info I'm missing
5. Identify the reversibility (can I undo this?)
6. Apply a simple framework (10/10/10 rule, regret minimization)
7. Make a recommendation
Tip: Reversible decisions: move fast. Irreversible decisions: think slowly. Most decisions are more reversible than they feel.
Follow-up: What's the smallest experiment I could run to learn before fully committing?
Goal: Price my product
Prompt:
I need to price [PRODUCT/SERVICE].
Cost to produce: $[AMOUNT]
Closest competitor price: $[AMOUNT]
Target customer: [DESCRIBE]
Value delivered: [DESCRIBE — time saved, money earned, etc.]
Help me:
1. Calculate cost-plus pricing
2. Estimate value-based pricing (what's it worth to customer?)
3. Suggest 3 pricing tiers (good/better/best)
4. Identify psychological pricing considerations
5. Suggest a launch discount strategy
6. Identify when to raise prices (signals)
7. Plan how to communicate the price
Tip: Price signals value. Pricing too low can hurt more than pricing too high — customers assume cheap = bad.
Follow-up: What 3 things would let me charge 2x my current price?
Goal: Hire my first employee
Prompt:
I'm hiring my first employee for [ROLE] at [COMPANY].
Budget: $[SALARY]/year
Stage: [DESCRIBE — pre-revenue / profitable / funded]
Culture: [DESCRIBE]
Must-have skills: [LIST]
Nice-to-have skills: [LIST]
Help me:
1. Write a job description (under 300 words)
2. Identify 5 interview questions that reveal skill, not just likability
3. Design a paid work sample (1-2 hours, $[AMOUNT])
4. Create a 30-60-90 day onboarding plan
5. Suggest a compensation structure (salary + equity if applicable)
6. Plan the offer conversation
Tip: First hire sets the culture for the next 10 hires. Hire for character and learning ability, not just current skill.
Follow-up: What 3 red flags should disqualify a candidate regardless of skill?
Goal: Write a co-founder agreement
Prompt:
I'm starting a company with [CO-FOUNDER]. We need to align on key terms
before incorporating.
Help me draft a co-founder agreement covering:
1. Equity split ([X]/[Y]) and rationale
2. Vesting schedule (4-year, 1-year cliff?)
3. Roles and decision-making (who decides what?)
4. Time commitment (full-time? side project?)
5. Capital contributions ($ from each)
6. IP assignment (all work belongs to company)
7. What happens if someone leaves?
8. What happens if someone is underperforming?
9. Dispute resolution
10. Exit scenarios (sale, IPO, shutdown)
Tip: Dispute these terms when you love each other, not when you're fighting. Most co-founder lawsuits come from unclear early agreements.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should we discuss before signing anything?
Goal: Build a simple financial model
Prompt:
Help me build a 12-month financial model for [BUSINESS].
Revenue model: [SUBSCRIPTION / ONE-TIME / MIX]
Avg revenue per customer: $[AMOUNT]
Customer acquisition cost: $[AMOUNT]
Monthly fixed costs: $[AMOUNT]
Variable cost per unit: $[AMOUNT]
Starting cash: $[AMOUNT]
Create a monthly model showing:
- New customers
- Total customers
- Revenue
- Costs (fixed + variable)
- Net profit/loss
- Cash balance
Identify: break-even month, runway (when cash runs out),
and the 3 assumptions that most affect the outcome.
Tip: Your model will be wrong. The point is to know which assumptions matter most, so you can validate them.
Follow-up: What would have to be true for this business to make $[TARGET] profit in year 1?
Goal: Decide whether to raise funding
Prompt:
I'm considering raising funding for [BUSINESS].
Stage: [DESCRIBE — idea/MVP/revenue/scaling]
Current monthly revenue: $[AMOUNT]
Burn rate: $[AMOUNT]/month
Funding target: $[AMOUNT]
Use of funds: [DESCRIBE]
Help me think through:
1. Do I actually need funding? (vs bootstrapping)
2. What type of funding? (friends/family, angel, VC, revenue-based, loan)
3. What am I giving up? (equity, control, optionality)
4. What's the dilution math at different valuations?
5. What milestones would this funding help me hit?
6. What's the 'default alive' alternative?
7. What questions will investors ask that I can't answer yet?
Tip: Raising VC funding is rarely the best path for most businesses. Bootstrapped = total control + slower growth. Funded = faster growth + pressure to exit.
Follow-up: What would my business look like in 3 years if I never raised funding?
Goal: Run a customer interview
Prompt:
I'm interviewing [TYPE OF CUSTOMER] about [PROBLEM/PRODUCT].
Stage: [DISCOVERY / VALIDATION / FEEDBACK]
Time available: 30 minutes
Help me:
1. Write an interview script (under 30 min)
2. Group questions: warm-up, problem exploration, solution reaction, closing
3. Identify what to NOT ask (leading questions, hypothetical futures)
4. Suggest 3 'silent probe' techniques (when they say something interesting)
5. Plan note-taking approach
6. Plan follow-up (thank you, sharing results, next steps)
Focus on past behavior, not future predictions.
Tip: Customers lie about future intentions. 'Would you buy this?' gets optimistic answers. 'When did you last solve this problem?' gets truth.
Follow-up: How do I synthesize insights across 10 interviews?
Goal: Create a content marketing calendar
Prompt:
I want to do content marketing for [BUSINESS] for the next 90 days.
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Channels: [BLOG / LINKEDIN / TWITTER / YOUTUBE / TIKTOK / PODCAST]
Time available: [HOURS/WEEK]
Goals: [AWARENESS / LEADS / THOUGHT LEADERSHIP]
Help me:
1. Choose 3 content pillars (themes I'll consistently cover)
2. Plan 12 pieces of content (1/week for 12 weeks)
3. For each: title, format, channel, key takeaway
4. Identify 1 'hero' piece per month (longer, more polished)
5. Create a weekly production workflow
6. Suggest 1 repurposing strategy (1 piece → 3 formats)
Tip: Consistency beats quality at the start. Better to ship 12 'good enough' pieces than 4 'perfect' ones.
Follow-up: Help me write the first piece — a 500-word blog post introducing my perspective.
Goal: Handle a PR crisis
Prompt:
My business is facing: [DESCRIBE CRISIS — bad review, product failure,
founder controversy, data breach, etc.]
Affected stakeholders: [CUSTOMERS / EMPLOYEES / INVESTORS / PUBLIC]
Current media coverage: [DESCRIBE]
Time since incident: [HOURS/DAYS]
Help me:
1. Write a public statement (under 200 words, honest, no corporate speak)
2. Identify what to apologize for (and what NOT to apologize for)
3. List 3 concrete actions I'm taking
4. Plan internal comms (to team, in order of who hears first)
5. Plan customer comms (template for inbound questions)
6. Identify 3 things to NOT do (defensive tweets, deleting comments, etc.)
7. Plan the 30-day follow-up (how to rebuild trust)
Tip: Speed beats perfection in a crisis. A 7/10 response in 2 hours beats a 9/10 response in 24 hours.
Follow-up: What should I say in tomorrow's all-hands meeting with my team?
Goal: Find product-market fit
Prompt:
I've been working on [PRODUCT] for [TIME].
Current state: [DESCRIBE TRACTION — users, revenue, retention].
I'm not sure if I have product-market fit.
Help me:
1. Define what PMF looks like for my stage (concrete signals)
2. Suggest the Sean Ellis test (would be very disappointed without product?)
3. Identify 3 leading indicators of PMF (vs trailing indicators like revenue)
4. Identify 3 signs I DON'T have PMF yet
5. Suggest experiments to find PMF faster
6. Identify which customer segment is showing strongest signal
7. Help me decide: pivot, persevere, or perish?
Tip: If you have to ask whether you have PMF, you don't. PMF feels like the market is pulling product out of your hands.
Follow-up: What's the smallest change I could make this week to test PMF signals?
Goal: Negotiate a B2B contract
Prompt:
I'm negotiating a contract with [CUSTOMER/PARTNER] for [SCOPE].
Deal size: $[AMOUNT]
My ideal terms: [LIST — payment schedule, IP, term length, etc.]
Their likely terms: [LIST]
My walk-away point: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Identify my BATNA (Best Alternative To Negotiated Agreement)
2. Identify their BATNA
3. List 5 terms I care about, ranked
4. Suggest 3 things I can trade (cheap for me, valuable to them)
5. Write an opening offer script
6. Anticipate 3 counter-offers, with my response
7. Plan the closing (don't let it drag)
Tip: Never negotiate without knowing your walk-away. Without it, you'll concede on everything.
Follow-up: What 3 things should be in the contract that aren't about money?
Goal: Build an advisory board
Prompt:
I want to build an advisory board for [BUSINESS].
Stage: [DESCRIBE]
Gaps in my expertise: [LIST — e.g., finance, sales, industry domain]
Budget for advisors: $[AMOUNT/month] or equity [X%]
Help me:
1. Define what an advisor does (and doesn't do) at my stage
2. Identify 3 types of advisors I need
3. Write an outreach message to a potential advisor
4. Suggest compensation structures (equity, retainer, per-meeting)
5. Suggest a written advisor agreement template (expectations, time, IP)
6. Plan the first meeting agenda
7. Plan how I'll use advisors monthly/quarterly
Tip: Advisors are most valuable when they tell you what you don't want to hear. Choose advisors who'll challenge you, not cheerleaders.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should I ask a potential advisor to know if they're right?
Goal: Write a founder's letter
Prompt:
I'm writing a 'founder's letter' for [OCCASION — website about page,
fundraising deck, year-end update, etc.].
Business: [DESCRIBE]
My personal story: [DESCRIBE WHY I STARTED THIS]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Length: [WORDS]
Help me write a letter that:
1. Opens with a specific moment (not 'I've always been passionate about...')
2. Connects my personal story to the business
3. States the problem I saw and why it mattered
4. Describes what we're building and why it's different
5. Acknowledges what we don't know yet
6. Invites the reader in (customers, investors, team)
Tone: honest, specific, no buzzwords.
Tip: The best founder letters read like a letter to a friend, not a press release. Read Patagonia's or Berkshire Hathaway's for inspiration.
Follow-up: What 2 sentences should I cut for maximum impact?
Goal: Plan my exit strategy
Prompt:
I'm thinking about eventually exiting [BUSINESS].
Current state: [DESCRIBE — revenue, stage, ownership]
Time horizon: [YEARS]
Goal: [MAXIMIZE CASH / CONTINUE MISSION / RETIRE / START SOMETHING NEW]
Help me understand my options:
1. Sell to a strategic acquirer (who? why?)
2. Sell to private equity (what they look for)
3. Sell to employees (ESOP)
4. Pass to family
5. IPO (probably not realistic — explain why)
6. Wind down gracefully
For each option:
- When to start preparing
- What I need to have in place
- Likely valuation range
- Time to close
Tip: Start planning your exit 2-3 years before you want to leave. Last-minute exits always leave money on the table.
Follow-up: What 3 things should I do THIS year to keep my exit options open?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 20 prompts
20 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Write a winning proposal
Prompt:
I want to submit a proposal for this freelance gig.
Job posting:
[PASTE JOB POSTING]
My relevant experience: [DESCRIBE]
My proposed approach: [DESCRIBE]
My rate: $[AMOUNT]/hour or $[AMOUNT] fixed
Timeline I can deliver: [DESCRIBE]
Write a proposal that:
1. Opens by rephrasing their problem (shows I read it)
2. References 1 specific thing from their posting
3. Describes my approach in 2-3 sentences (not generic)
4. Shows relevant past work (1 example, not 5)
5. Asks 1-2 clarifying questions
6. States timeline and rate confidently
7. Closes with next steps
Under 200 words. No 'Dear Sir/Madam', no 'I am interested in this position'.
Tip: Clients skim proposals in 10 seconds. The first sentence determines if they read the rest. Show you read their posting.
Follow-up: What 2 clarifying questions should I ask to show expertise?
Goal: Set my freelance rate
Prompt:
I need to set my freelance rate for [SERVICE].
Service: [DESCRIBE]
My experience: [DESCRIBE — years, types of clients]
My skill level: [BEGINNER / INTERMEDIATE / EXPERT]
Location: [DESCRIBE]
Target clients: [DESCRIBE — small business, enterprise, startups]
Market rates I know: [DESCRIBE OR 'NONE']
Help me:
1. Calculate my minimum rate (covering costs + taxes + benefits)
2. Calculate my market rate (what others charge)
3. Calculate my value-based rate (what clients save/earn from my work)
4. Suggest a tiered pricing structure (3 tiers)
5. Decide between hourly vs project-based vs retainer
6. Plan how to communicate rates confidently
7. Plan when and how to raise rates
Output: a rate card I can use in proposals.
Tip: Freelancers underprice themselves 80% of the time. Your rate should feel slightly uncomfortable to say out loud.
Follow-up: What would let me charge 2x my current rate?
Goal: Write a client onboarding sequence
Prompt:
I just won a new client. Help me onboard them professionally.
Service: [DESCRIBE]
Client type: [DESCRIBE]
Project scope: [DESCRIBE]
Duration: [DURATION]
Design an onboarding sequence:
1. Welcome email (sent within 24h of winning) — what to include
2. Onboarding questionnaire (5-7 questions to gather info)
3. Kickoff meeting agenda (30 min)
4. Project brief template (1 page, signed by both)
5. Communication plan (tools, frequency, response times)
6. Milestone schedule
7. Invoice and payment terms setup
8. File sharing and access setup
9. Feedback loop (how they give feedback)
Then write the welcome email.
Tip: Onboarding sets the tone for the whole project. A messy start guarantees a messy project.
Follow-up: What 3 things should I clarify before starting work?
Goal: Handle scope creep
Prompt:
My client keeps asking for more work outside the original scope.
Original scope: [DESCRIBE]
New requests: [LIST]
My relationship with client: [DESCRIBE — good/tense]
My financial impact: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Decide which requests to include (goodwill) vs charge for
2. Write a friendly but firm message addressing scope
3. Propose a change order process (for future requests)
4. Suggest a fair price for the additional work
5. Identify what NOT to say (don't apologize for charging)
6. Plan the conversation (script)
7. Plan contingency if client pushes back or threatens to leave
Tip: Scope creep is the #1 killer of freelance profitability. Setting boundaries early earns respect, not conflict.
Follow-up: How do I prevent scope creep on my NEXT project?
Goal: Send a late payment reminder
Prompt:
A client is [N] days late paying my invoice.
Invoice amount: $[AMOUNT]
Due date: [DATE]
Days late: [N]
Previous relationship: [DESCRIBE]
Reason for delay (if known): [DESCRIBE]
Write a payment reminder appropriate for the delay:
- 1-7 days late: friendly nudge
- 8-14 days late: firmer, with late fee reminder
- 15-30 days late: serious, with consequences
- 30+ days: final notice
For my situation, write:
1. The email (under 150 words)
2. What to attach (invoice copy, contract)
3. Next steps if they don't respond
4. How to maintain the relationship while getting paid
5. What to do if they say they can't pay
Tone: professional, firm, not angry.
Tip: Most late payments are administrative, not malicious. Start friendly, escalate only if needed.
Follow-up: Should I keep working for them before this invoice is paid?
Goal: Find freelance clients
Prompt:
I need to find new freelance clients for [SERVICE].
Service: [DESCRIBE]
My niche: [DESCRIBE]
Current clients: [DESCRIBE — how many, type]
Time available for marketing: [HOURS/WEEK]
Budget for marketing: $[AMOUNT/month]
Help me build a 30-day client acquisition plan:
1. Identify 5 channels (ranked by likely ROI for my niche)
2. For each: specific weekly actions
3. Write a cold outreach template (under 100 words)
4. Suggest 3 portfolio pieces to feature (or create)
5. Identify 3 communities to join (Slack, Discord, LinkedIn groups)
6. Plan referral requests to existing clients
7. Plan content marketing (1 piece per week)
8. Set weekly KPIs (outreach sent, calls booked)
Then help me write my first cold outreach message.
Tip: The best freelancers spend 20% of their time on marketing, always. Feast-or-famine cycles happen when you stop marketing during feast.
Follow-up: What 1 action should I take TODAY?
Goal: Write a freelance contract
Prompt:
I need a contract for a freelance project.
Service: [DESCRIBE]
Client: [DESCRIBE — individual/business, location]
Project scope: [DESCRIBE]
Total fee: $[AMOUNT]
Timeline: [START → END]
Payment terms: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 50% upfront, 50% on delivery]
Draft a contract covering:
1. Parties and contact info
2. Scope of work (very specific — prevents scope creep)
3. Deliverables and timeline
4. Payment terms (amount, schedule, late fees)
5. Revision policy (how many rounds, scope of revisions)
6. IP ownership (when does it transfer?)
7. Confidentiality
8. Termination clause (how either party can end)
9. Liability limitation
10. Dispute resolution
Plain English, not legalese. 2-3 pages max.
Note: I will have a lawyer review before signing.
Tip: A good contract protects both you and the client. Clients who refuse to sign one are red flags.
Follow-up: What 3 clauses should I never agree to remove?
Goal: Manage multiple projects
Prompt:
I'm juggling [N] freelance projects. Help me manage them.
Projects:
- [PROJECT 1: client, deadline, status, hours/week]
- [PROJECT 2: details]
- [PROJECT 3: details]
Total weekly hours available: [HOURS]
Help me:
1. Identify which projects are at risk
2. Prioritize this week's tasks across projects
3. Time-block my calendar (deep work, comms, admin)
4. Set up a tracking system (Notion? Trello? Spreadsheet?)
5. Plan client communication (frequency per project)
6. Identify what to outsource or delegate
7. Plan buffer time for unexpected issues
8. Identify when to say no to new work
Output: a weekly schedule + tracking template.
Tip: Freelancers die from context-switching, not from too much work. Batch similar tasks; protect deep work blocks.
Follow-up: What 1 thing should I stop doing to free up 5 hours/week?
Goal: Ask for a testimonial
Prompt:
I just finished a project with [CLIENT]. Help me ask for a testimonial.
Project: [DESCRIBE]
Outcome: [DESCRIBE — ideally with metrics]
Client relationship: [DESCRIBE]
Where I want the testimonial: [WEBSITE / LINKEDIN / UPWORK / ELSEWHERE]
Write a request that:
1. Is sent within 1 week of project completion (while they're happy)
2. Makes it easy (offer to draft it for them to edit)
3. Asks specific questions (not 'can you write a testimonial?')
4. Gives them an out (no pressure)
5. Specifies where it will be used
6. Offers to reciprocate (LinkedIn recommendation, etc.)
Then write a draft testimonial they can edit.
Tip: Clients are happy to give testimonials but hate writing from scratch. Do 80% of the work for them.
Follow-up: How do I ask if they'd be a reference for future prospects?
Goal: Raise my rates with existing clients
Prompt:
I want to raise rates for existing clients.
Current rate: $[AMOUNT]
Proposed new rate: $[AMOUNT]
% increase: [X%]
Clients affected: [LIST with how long I've worked with each]
Reason: [DESCRIBE — inflation, skill growth, market rate]
Help me:
1. Decide on timing (when to announce, when effective)
2. Decide on amount (typical increases are 10-20%)
3. Write the announcement email
4. Anticipate responses (accept, pushback, leave)
5. Plan how to handle pushback (negotiation, phase-in, walk-away)
6. Identify which clients to grandfather at old rate (if any)
7. Plan for client turnover (some will leave — that's OK)
Tone: confident, professional, not apologetic.
Tip: Annual rate increases are normal. Clients expect them. Surprising clients with a 50% increase is not OK; a 15% increase with notice is fine.
Follow-up: What 3 things justify my new rate?
Goal: Decide between hourly and project-based pricing
Prompt:
I'm pricing a new project. Should I charge hourly or project-based?
Project: [DESCRIBE]
Estimated hours: [N]
My hourly rate: $[AMOUNT]
Client type: [DESCRIBE]
Risk of scope creep: [LOW/MEDIUM/HIGH]
My experience with similar projects: [DESCRIBE]
Help me decide:
1. Pros and cons of hourly for this project
2. Pros and cons of project-based for this project
3. Calculate equivalent project-based price (with risk buffer)
4. Identify which approach the client likely prefers
5. Suggest a hybrid (e.g., project-based with hourly for revisions)
6. Recommend one with rationale
7. Plan how to communicate the chosen pricing
Tip: Project-based pricing rewards efficiency; hourly rewards slowness. For well-defined projects, project-based is usually better.
Follow-up: What 3 things would make me switch to hourly mid-project?
Goal: Handle a difficult client
Prompt:
I have a client who [DESCRIBE DIFFICULT BEHAVIOR — e.g., 'never
responds on time', 'micromanages', 'changes their mind constantly',
'asks for free work'].
My financial dependence on them: [HIGH/MEDIUM/LOW]
Contract terms: [DESCRIBE OR 'NONE']
Relationship history: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Identify the root cause of their behavior (often not about me)
2. Decide if the relationship is worth saving
3. Write a message addressing the behavior (specific, not accusatory)
4. Propose a process change (e.g., weekly check-ins, clearer scope)
5. Set boundaries (what I will/won't do)
6. Identify when to fire the client
7. Plan how to fire them gracefully if needed
Tip: Difficult clients cost more than they pay. The mental tax and opportunity cost often exceed the invoice amount.
Follow-up: What 3 signs should make me fire this client immediately?
Goal: Plan my freelance finances
Prompt:
I'm a freelancer and need to get my finances in order.
Annual revenue: $[AMOUNT]
Business expenses: $[AMOUNT]
Personal expenses: $[AMOUNT]/month
Tax rate: [X%]
Retirement savings: $[AMOUNT or 'NONE']
Emergency fund: $[AMOUNT or 'NONE']
Help me:
1. Calculate my real take-home pay (after taxes, expenses)
2. Set up a tax savings system (what % to set aside)
3. Plan an emergency fund (3-6 months of expenses)
4. Plan retirement contributions (SEP-IRA, Solo 401k, etc.)
5. Decide on business structure (LLC, S-Corp, sole prop)
6. Track expenses properly (categories, tools)
7. Plan for slow months (reserve fund)
8. Identify insurance needs (health, liability, disability)
Output: a monthly money flow plan.
Tip: Freelancers must be their own HR, finance, and benefits departments. Set up systems early — don't wait until tax season.
Follow-up: What 3 expenses should I track that I'm probably forgetting?
Goal: Build a freelance portfolio
Prompt:
I need to build a portfolio for my freelance business.
Service: [DESCRIBE — design, writing, dev, consulting, etc.]
Target clients: [DESCRIBE]
Past work: [LIST 5-10 projects]
Platform: [WEBSITE / NOTION / BEHANCE / GITHUB / YOUR SUGGESTION]
Help me:
1. Choose 3-5 projects to feature (criteria: relevance, impact, recency, visual)
2. For each: structure (client problem, my approach, outcome, testimonial)
3. Write an 'about me' page that sells (not bio)
4. Write a 'services' page (what I do, who I help, outcomes)
5. Decide what to cut (portfolio is only as strong as weakest piece)
6. Plan visual presentation (screenshots, before/after, metrics)
7. Add social proof (logos, testimonials, metrics)
8. Plan a clear CTA (contact, book a call)
Then suggest a domain name and tagline.
Tip: Your portfolio is your salesperson. It should answer: who you help, what you do, why you're different, how to hire you.
Follow-up: What 1 project should I add that I don't have yet?
Goal: Get referrals from happy clients
Prompt:
I want to get more referrals from existing happy clients.
My service: [DESCRIBE]
My current clients: [DESCRIBE — how many, type, satisfaction]
My referral incentive: [DESCRIBE OR 'NONE']
Help me:
1. Identify the right moment to ask (after delivery, after positive feedback)
2. Write a referral request message (under 100 words)
3. Make it easy (specify the type of client I'm looking for)
4. Decide on incentive (discount, gift, cash, or none)
5. Plan follow-up if they say yes (intro message template)
6. Plan follow-up if they say no or don't respond
7. Set up a system to ask regularly (quarterly check-ins)
Then write a referral request I can send to my top 3 clients.
Tip: Referred clients close faster, pay better, and stay longer. Referrals are the highest-ROI marketing for freelancers.
Follow-up: How do I ask without sounding desperate?
Goal: Decide whether to take a project
Prompt:
A potential client wants to hire me for [DESCRIBE PROJECT].
Project scope: [DESCRIBE]
Budget: $[AMOUNT]
Timeline: [DESCRIBE]
Client type: [DESCRIBE — industry, size, personality fit]
My current workload: [DESCRIBE]
My financial need: [DESCRIBE]
Help me decide:
1. Is the budget fair for the scope? (calculate effective hourly rate)
2. Is the timeline realistic? (will it burn me out?)
3. Is the client a good fit? (red flags, communication style)
4. Does this fit my strategic direction? (or is it a distraction?)
5. Opportunity cost (what am I saying no to?)
6. Risk assessment (payment, scope, reputation)
7. Negotiation opportunities (rate, scope, timeline)
Then make a recommendation: take, negotiate, or pass.
Tip: Saying yes to the wrong project costs you twice: the time you spend on it, and the better projects you can't take.
Follow-up: What 1 thing would make me say yes if changed?
Goal: Write a project brief
Prompt:
I just landed a project. Help me write a brief that keeps it on track.
Project: [DESCRIBE]
Client: [DESCRIBE]
Scope: [DESCRIBE]
Deliverables: [LIST]
Timeline: [START → END with milestones]
Budget: $[AMOUNT]
Create a 1-page project brief:
1. Project overview (2 sentences — what and why)
2. Objectives (what success looks like, measurable)
3. Scope (in AND out — what I'm NOT doing)
4. Deliverables (specific, with formats)
5. Timeline (milestones with dates)
6. Roles (who does what on client side and my side)
7. Communication plan (tools, frequency, response times)
8. Payment schedule
9. Revision policy
10. Sign-off process
Format: a doc I can send to the client for sign-off.
Tip: A signed brief prevents 80% of project conflicts. Don't start work without one.
Follow-up: What 3 things should I clarify with the client before sending this?
Goal: Create a service catalog
Prompt:
I want to productize my freelance services.
My current services: [DESCRIBE — what I do, ad hoc]
My best clients: [DESCRIBE]
My strengths: [LIST]
Help me create a service catalog:
1. Identify 3-5 service packages (not just 'hourly')
2. For each: name, what's included, what's not, price, timeline
3. Create 3 tiers (good/better/best) for at least 1 service
4. Identify which service is my 'entry' offer (low-risk for new clients)
5. Identify which is my 'premium' offer (high-margin)
6. Plan add-ons (small extras that increase average project value)
7. Plan how to communicate the catalog (PDF, webpage, proposal)
Output: a 1-page service catalog I can send to prospects.
Tip: Productized services = predictable revenue and faster sales cycles. Clients buy outcomes, not hours.
Follow-up: Which service should I retire because it's not profitable?
Goal: Handle client feedback I disagree with
Prompt:
A client gave me feedback I disagree with.
Feedback: [DESCRIBE]
My professional opinion: [DESCRIBE — why I think they're wrong]
Client relationship: [DESCRIBE]
Project stage: [DESCRIBE]
My leverage: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Decide if this is a battle worth fighting (often it isn't)
2. Identify what's behind their feedback (often a deeper concern)
3. Write a response that acknowledges their concern
4. Explain my professional recommendation with evidence
5. Offer a compromise (if appropriate)
6. Decide when to defer to the client (they're paying)
7. Decide when to push back firmly (reputation, ethics)
Tone: respectful, confident, not defensive.
Tip: Clients hire you for expertise, then sometimes ignore it. Pick your battles — defer on taste, push back on strategy.
Follow-up: How do I document this in case it goes wrong?
Goal: Plan my freelance business growth
Prompt:
I want to grow my freelance business over the next 12 months.
Current state:
- Revenue: $[AMOUNT]/year
- Clients: [N] active
- Hours/week: [N]
- Services: [DESCRIBE]
Goals (12 months):
- Revenue target: $[AMOUNT]
- Hours/week target: [N] (often LOWER)
- Services to add/cut: [DESCRIBE]
Help me build a growth plan:
1. Identify 3 growth strategies (ranked by fit and ROI)
2. For each: specific actions, timeline, expected impact
3. Identify what to STOP doing (free up time)
4. Plan hiring/outsourcing (what to delegate first)
5. Plan systems to build (CRM, proposals, onboarding)
6. Plan financial milestones (monthly revenue targets)
7. Identify risks and mitigations
8. Plan quarterly reviews
Output: a 12-month roadmap.
Tip: Freelance growth often means working LESS, not more. The goal is leverage — higher rates, productized services, delegation.
Follow-up: What 1 thing should I do this month to move toward my goal?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 20 prompts
22 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Tailor my resume for a specific job
Prompt:
Tailor my resume for this job.
Job description:
[PASTE JD]
My current resume:
[PASTE RESUME]
Help me:
1. Identify the 5 most important keywords in the JD (for ATS)
2. Suggest 3-5 bullet point rewrites that better match the JD
3. Identify experience I should emphasize more
4. Identify experience I should de-emphasize
5. Suggest a summary/objective line tailored to this role
6. Flag anything in my resume that doesn't serve this application
Don't fabricate experience — only reframe what I have.
Tip: Most resumes are rejected in 6 seconds. Tailoring for each application is non-negotiable.
Follow-up: What 3 things would make a recruiter skip my resume?
Goal: Write a cover letter that doesn't suck
Prompt:
Write a cover letter for [JOB TITLE] at [COMPANY].
Job description: [PASTE OR SUMMARIZE]
My relevant experience: [DESCRIBE]
Why I want THIS company (specific): [DESCRIBE]
My one unique selling point: [DESCRIBE]
Write a cover letter (under 300 words) that:
1. Opens with something specific (not 'I am writing to apply for...')
2. Shows I researched the company
3. Tells one concrete story that demonstrates fit
4. Quantifies an achievement
5. Closes with confidence (not 'I hope to hear from you')
Avoid: 'I am passionate about', 'team player', 'hard worker'.
Provide 2 versions: formal and conversational.
Tip: Cover letters matter less than resumes, but a great one can tip the scale. A bad one definitely hurts.
Follow-up: Help me write a 1-line email version for when applying via email.
Goal: Prepare for a behavioral interview
Prompt:
I have a behavioral interview for [ROLE] at [COMPANY].
Job description: [PASTE OR SUMMARIZE]
My resume: [PASTE OR SUMMARIZE]
Anticipate 10 likely behavioral questions based on the JD, including:
- 'Tell me about a time you...'
- Leadership questions
- Conflict questions
- Failure questions
- Strengths/weaknesses
For each question:
1. Why they're asking (what they want to assess)
2. STAR framework structure (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
3. A specific story from my experience I should use
4. Key points to hit
5. What NOT to say
Then suggest 3 questions I should ask them.
Tip: Behavioral interviews reward preparation. Practice your top 5 stories out loud until they're natural.
Follow-up: Role-play the interview. You be the interviewer, I'll practice my answers.
Goal: Prepare for a technical interview
Prompt:
I have a technical interview for [ROLE] at [COMPANY].
Tech stack: [LIST]
My experience level: [DESCRIBE]
Interview format: [LIVE CODING / TAKE-HOME / SYSTEM DESIGN / DEBUGGING]
Time: [DURATION]
Help me prepare:
1. 10 likely technical questions (specific to the stack)
2. 3 coding problems I should practice (with approach, not full solution)
3. 1 system design question (if applicable) with framework
4. Common mistakes candidates make in this type of interview
5. What to do when I don't know the answer
6. Questions to ask the interviewer
7. How to handle nerves
Then simulate a 5-minute technical question with me.
Tip: Interviewers care more about how you think than whether you get the right answer. Think out loud.
Follow-up: What 3 concepts should I review the night before?
Goal: Negotiate a job offer
Prompt:
I got an offer for [ROLE] at [COMPANY].
Offer details:
- Base salary: $[AMOUNT]
- Bonus: [DESCRIBE]
- Equity: [DESCRIBE]
- Benefits: [DESCRIBE]
- Start date: [DATE]
Market data I have: [DESCRIBE OR 'NONE']
My leverage: [DESCRIBE — other offers, unique skills, etc.]
My target: [DESCRIBE — what would make me say yes immediately]
Help me:
1. Identify what's negotiable (often more than just salary)
2. Identify my BATNA (other offers, current job)
3. Write a negotiation email (under 200 words, specific ask, professional)
4. Anticipate 3 responses, with my reply
5. Identify non-cash things to ask for (signing bonus, PTO, remote work)
6. Plan the phone conversation if they call
7. Decide my walk-away point
Tip: Always negotiate. Even a 5% increase compounds to 6-figures over a career. The first offer is rarely the best.
Follow-up: If they say 'this is our final offer', what should I ask for instead?
Goal: Decide between multiple job offers
Prompt:
I have [N] job offers. Help me decide.
Offer 1: [COMPANY, ROLE, COMPENSATION, LOCATION, PROS, CONS]
Offer 2: [DETAILS]
Offer 3: [DETAILS]
My priorities (ranked):
- [PRIORITY 1, e.g., compensation]
- [PRIORITY 2, e.g., growth]
- [PRIORITY 3, e.g., work-life balance]
My career goal (5 years): [DESCRIBE]
My life situation: [DESCRIBE — family, location preferences, etc.]
Help me:
1. Score each offer against my priorities (1-10 matrix)
2. Identify non-obvious factors (manager quality, team culture, commute)
3. Identify which offer is best for 2-year vs 5-year horizon
4. Suggest questions to ask each company before deciding
5. Identify what I'd regret about each choice
6. Apply a decision framework
7. Make a recommendation
Tip: Most people overoptimize for compensation and underweight manager quality. Your manager shapes your daily life more than your salary.
Follow-up: What's the smallest experiment I could run to test my top choice before accepting?
Goal: Network for hidden jobs
Prompt:
I want to find jobs that aren't publicly posted.
My target: [ROLE] at [TYPE OF COMPANY]
My network: [DESCRIBE — strong/weak, industry]
My LinkedIn: [DESCRIBE — strong/weak]
Help me:
1. Identify 5 types of people to reach out to (not just recruiters)
2. Write a cold outreach message template (under 100 words)
3. Suggest 3 questions to ask in informational interviews
4. Plan a 4-week networking sprint (specific daily actions)
5. Identify 3 communities (Slack, Discord, professional orgs) to join
6. Plan how to follow up without being annoying
7. Track my networking (what to log)
Then help me write my first 3 outreach messages.
Tip: 70-80% of jobs are never publicly posted. Networking isn't optional — it's how the job market actually works.
Follow-up: What 1 action should I take TODAY to start?
Goal: Build a LinkedIn profile that gets noticed
Prompt:
Audit and improve my LinkedIn profile.
My current profile:
- Headline: [PASTE]
- About: [PASTE OR 'NONE']
- Experience: [DESCRIBE]
- Skills: [LIST]
My target role: [DESCRIBE]
Help me rewrite:
1. Headline (under 220 chars — specific, keyword-rich, not just 'looking for work')
2. About section (3 paragraphs — story, skills, what I'm looking for)
3. Most recent experience bullets (rewrite for impact, quantify)
4. Skills section (top 5 to feature)
5. Featured section (what to add — project, post, certification)
6. Recommendations (who to ask, what to ask for)
Then suggest 3 posts I could write to attract recruiters.
Tip: Recruiters search LinkedIn by keyword. Your headline should include the role you want, not your current situation.
Follow-up: Help me write a connection request message to a recruiter at my target company.
Goal: Explain a gap in my resume
Prompt:
I have a gap in my resume from [DATE] to [DATE].
Reason for gap: [DESCRIBE — layoff, health, caregiving, travel, study, etc.]
My comfort level discussing it: [HIGH/MEDIUM/LOW]
Target role: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Decide whether to address the gap on resume, cover letter, or interview
2. Write a 2-sentence explanation that's honest but doesn't overshare
3. Identify what I DID during the gap (learning, volunteering, projects)
4. Reframe the gap as a positive (without lying)
5. Anticipate the interviewer's concern, with my response
6. Identify what NOT to say
7. Practice the explanation out loud
Tip: Gaps are common. Interviewers care more about how you frame it than the gap itself. Confidence beats defensiveness.
Follow-up: How do I handle it if they keep pressing for more detail?
Goal: Write a thank-you email after an interview
Prompt:
I just finished an interview for [ROLE] at [COMPANY].
Interviewer: [NAME, TITLE]
Interview format: [PHONE / VIDEO / IN-PERSON]
Key topics discussed: [LIST]
Something specific I want to reference: [DESCRIBE]
My timeline for hearing back: [DESCRIBE]
Write a thank-you email that:
1. Is sent within 24 hours of the interview
2. References something specific from our conversation
3. Reinforces one key qualification
4. Addresses any concern that came up
5. Reiterates my interest
6. Is professional but warm
7. Is under 150 words
Provide 2 versions: formal and slightly casual.
Tip: Thank-you emails rarely change a 'no' to a 'yes', but they can tip a 'maybe' to a 'yes'. Always send one.
Follow-up: Should I send separate emails to each interviewer, or one group email?
Goal: Prepare for a case interview
Prompt:
I have a case interview for [CONSULTING/PM/ANALYST] role at [COMPANY].
Case type: [MARKET SIZING / PROFITABILITY / MARKET ENTRY / M&A / OTHER]
My experience with cases: [NONE / SOME / LOTS]
Time: [DURATION]
Help me prepare:
1. Framework for this case type (steps to follow)
2. 5 clarifying questions I should ask upfront
3. How to structure my approach (MECE — Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive)
4. Common math I'll need to do (mental math tips)
5. How to handle information I don't have (make assumptions, state them)
6. How to synthesize a recommendation
7. Common mistakes candidates make
Then walk me through a practice case.
Tip: Case interviews test structured thinking, not knowledge. Talk through your reasoning — silence is the enemy.
Follow-up: What 3 frameworks should I have memorized?
Goal: Transition to a new career
Prompt:
I want to transition from [CURRENT CAREER] to [NEW CAREER].
My transferable skills: [LIST]
My gaps: [LIST — skills, experience, network]
Time horizon: [DURATION]
Financial runway: [DESCRIBE]
Risk tolerance: [LOW/MEDIUM/HIGH]
Help me build a transition plan:
1. Identify 3 viable paths (linear, sideways, hybrid)
2. For each: skills to build, experiences to seek, timeline
3. Identify bridge roles (jobs that move me toward target)
4. Suggest 1 certification or course that would help most
5. Plan financial runway (how long can I afford the transition?)
6. Identify 3 people to informational-interview
7. Plan a 6-month action plan with milestones
8. Identify what to STOP doing to make room
Tip: Career transitions take 12-24 months on average. Don't quit your job to 'figure it out' — build the bridge while employed.
Follow-up: What's the smallest step I can take THIS month?
Goal: Handle a layoff
Prompt:
I was just laid off. Help me plan my next 30 days.
Situation: [DESCRIBE — severance, notice period, etc.]
Financial runway: [DESCRIBE]
Industry: [DESCRIBE]
My network strength: [STRONG/MEDIUM/WEAK]
My emotional state: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Process the layoff (it's normal to feel awful — give yourself 3-5 days)
2. Handle logistics (severance negotiation, unemployment, healthcare)
3. Update resume and LinkedIn (without sounding desperate)
4. Reach out to network (specific message templates)
5. Apply for unemployment benefits (if applicable)
6. Set a daily routine (job searching is a marathon)
7. Plan financial triage (what to cut, what to keep)
8. Identify 3 things to do that aren't job searching (mental health)
Then help me write the LinkedIn post announcing I'm looking.
Tip: Layoffs are common and not your fault. Most people look back and say the layoff led to something better. Trust that.
Follow-up: How do I explain the layoff in interviews without sounding bitter?
Goal: Write an executive resume
Prompt:
I need an executive-level resume for [C-LEVEL/VP/DIRECTOR] roles.
Current role: [TITLE] at [COMPANY]
Years of experience: [N]
Key achievements: [LIST — with metrics]
P&L responsibility: $[AMOUNT]
Team size: [N]
Help me structure an executive resume:
1. Executive summary (3-4 lines — strategic narrative, not job history)
2. Core competencies (6-8 keywords for ATS)
3. Professional experience (focus on impact, not tasks)
4. For each role: scope (P&L, team), 3-4 quantified achievements, scope of influence
5. Board/advisory roles
6. Education and certifications
7. Speaking/published work (if relevant)
Format: 2 pages max. Senior tone, no buzzwords.
Tip: Executive resumes tell a strategic narrative. Each role should show increasing scope, impact, and leadership.
Follow-up: What 3 numbers should be on page 1?
Goal: Prepare for a salary review
Prompt:
I have a salary review coming up at [COMPANY].
Current role: [TITLE]
Current salary: $[AMOUNT]
Time in role: [DURATION]
Market rate (if known): $[AMOUNT]
Recent achievements: [LIST WITH METRICS]
Help me:
1. Build a case for a raise (data-driven, not emotional)
2. Identify 3-5 specific achievements to highlight
3. Reference market data without sounding like I'm job-hunting
4. Suggest a specific ask (number or range)
5. Anticipate objections (budget, timing, performance)
6. Plan the conversation (script)
7. Plan follow-up if answer is 'no' or 'maybe'
8. Identify non-cash things to ask for if cash is tight
Tip: Salary reviews reward preparation. Walking in with a specific number and evidence doubles your odds of getting it.
Follow-up: What 1 question should I ask that shifts the conversation in my favor?
Goal: Build a portfolio that gets hired
Prompt:
I want to build a portfolio for [ROLE — designer, developer, writer, PM, etc.].
My work: [DESCRIBE — what I've done, what I'm proud of]
Target role: [DESCRIBE]
Target companies: [DESCRIBE]
Format: [WEBSITE / NOTION / GITHUB / BEHANCE / YOUR SUGGESTION]
Help me:
1. Choose 3-5 projects to feature (criteria: relevance, impact, recency)
2. For each project: structure (problem, approach, outcome, what I learned)
3. Write a 1-paragraph 'about me' that's specific, not generic
4. Decide what to cut (your portfolio is only as strong as its weakest piece)
5. Plan visual presentation (screenshots, diagrams, demos)
6. Suggest a 'case study' format that tells a story
7. Plan how to share the portfolio (link in resume, LinkedIn, cold outreach)
Tip: Hiring managers spend 2-3 minutes on a portfolio. Make your top 2 projects impossible to miss.
Follow-up: What 1 project should I add that I don't have yet? Build it in 2 weeks.
Goal: Ace a panel interview
Prompt:
I have a panel interview (multiple interviewers) for [ROLE].
Panel composition: [DESCRIBE — roles, levels]
Duration: [TIME]
Format: [SEQUENTIAL / ALL-AT-ONCE]
Help me:
1. Plan how to engage multiple interviewers (eye contact, names)
2. Identify likely differing concerns (engineer vs PM vs manager)
3. Prepare answers that satisfy different stakeholders
4. Plan questions for each panelist (tailored to their role)
5. Handle disagreements between panelists (don't take sides)
6. Manage time (don't let one person dominate)
7. Close strongly with all panelists
Then simulate a 5-minute panel segment with me.
Tip: Panels test how you handle group dynamics, not just your answers. Engage everyone, even the quiet one.
Follow-up: What 1 question should I ask that impresses the whole panel?
Goal: Follow up without being annoying
Prompt:
I interviewed [TIME AGO] and haven't heard back. Help me follow up.
Role: [DESCRIBE]
Company: [DESCRIBE]
Interview date: [DATE]
Promised response by: [DATE]
My emotional state: [ANXIOUS/NEUTRAL/PATIENT]
Help me:
1. Decide if it's too soon to follow up (typical timelines)
2. Write a follow-up email (under 100 words, no pressure, no desperation)
3. Plan what to do if they don't respond to this follow-up
4. Identify when to give up and move on
5. Plan how to maintain my mental health while waiting
6. Identify 3 other opportunities to pursue in parallel
Tone: confident, polite, treating this as one of many options.
Tip: Silence usually means 'no' or 'we're slow'. Either way, your best move is to keep pursuing other options.
Follow-up: Should I send a different kind of message (LinkedIn, recruiter) if email doesn't work?
Goal: Write a referral request
Prompt:
I want to ask [CONNECTION] for a referral to [COMPANY] for [ROLE].
My relationship with them: [DESCRIBE — close colleague, acquaintance, etc.]
Their role at the company: [DESCRIBE]
The job: [DESCRIBE OR LINK]
My relevant qualifications: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Decide if it's appropriate to ask this person (rules of thumb)
2. Write a referral request message (under 150 words)
3. Make it easy for them to refer (attach resume, summarize fit)
4. Give them an easy out (don't pressure)
5. Plan follow-up if they say yes, no, or don't respond
6. Plan how to thank them regardless of outcome
7. Plan how to pay it forward in future
Tip: Referrals are 5-10x more likely to result in an interview than cold applications. But asking badly can damage the relationship.
Follow-up: If they say yes but I don't get the job, how do I follow up with them?
Goal: Negotiate a promotion
Prompt:
I want to be promoted from [CURRENT TITLE] to [TARGET TITLE].
Time in current role: [DURATION]
My case: [LIST — achievements, expanded scope, market data]
Manager relationship: [DESCRIBE]
Company context: [DESCRIBE — growth, budget, restructuring]
Help me:
1. Build a promotion business case (1 page)
2. Identify 3-5 specific achievements that show next-level impact
3. Reference the company's promotion criteria (if formal)
4. Plan the conversation with my manager (script)
5. Anticipate objections (timing, budget, 'next cycle')
6. Identify what to do if answer is 'not yet' (concrete milestones)
7. Identify what to do if answer is 'no' (when to leave)
8. Plan timeline (promotion cycles, budget cycles)
Tip: Promotions are earned over 12+ months, not in one conversation. The conversation is the culmination, not the start.
Follow-up: What 1 thing should I start doing THIS quarter to position for promotion next year?
Goal: Decide if a startup offer is good
Prompt:
I have an offer from a startup. Help me evaluate.
Offer:
- Base salary: $[AMOUNT] (likely below market)
- Equity: [N] options / [X]% (vesting schedule?)
- Title: [DESCRIBE]
- Role: [DESCRIBE]
Company:
- Stage: [SEED / SERIES A / B / C / LATER]
- Valuation: $[AMOUNT] (if known)
- Employees: [N]
- Runway: [MONTHS]
- Last funding round: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Evaluate the equity (is it actually worth anything?)
2. Estimate likely scenarios (startup fails, exits small, exits big)
3. Compare to a Big Tech offer in total expected value
4. Identify red flags (board structure, founder track record, etc.)
5. Questions to ask before signing
6. Negotiable items (base, equity, title, start date)
7. Personal fit (risk tolerance, career stage, learning goals)
Tip: Startup equity is worth $0 until it's not. Treat it as a lottery ticket, not compensation. Make sure base salary is enough to live on.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should I ask the founder before accepting?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 22 prompts
22 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Write ad copy that converts
Prompt:
Write ad copy for [PRODUCT] targeting [AUDIENCE].
Platform: [GOOGLE / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / LINKEDIN / TIKTOK]
Format: [HEADLINE + BODY / SINGLE IMAGE / VIDEO SCRIPT]
Goal: [CLICKS / LEADS / SALES / AWARENESS]
Key benefit: [DESCRIBE]
CTA: [DESCRIBE]
Generate 5 different angles:
1. Pain-point focused
2. Aspirational
3. Social proof
4. Urgency/scarcity
5. Curiosity
For each: headline (under 40 chars), body (under 125 chars), CTA.
Mark which you'd test first and why.
Tip: Test 3-5 angles with small budget before scaling the winner. Never assume which angle will win.
Follow-up: Which 2 would you A/B test first, and what's the hypothesis?
Goal: Build a content calendar
Prompt:
Create a 30-day content calendar for [BRAND].
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Channels: [LIST]
Brand voice: [DESCRIBE — examples: witty, authoritative, warm]
Goal: [AWARENESS / ENGAGEMENT / LEADS / SALES]
Posting frequency: [DAILY / 3x/WEEK / WEEKLY]
For each day, suggest:
- Topic
- Format (carousel, video, blog, story, etc.)
- Channel(s)
- Hook (first line)
- CTA
Group content into themes (e.g., 'Monday motivation', 'Wednesday tips').
Include 1 'hero' piece per week (higher production value).
Tip: Theme days reduce decision fatigue and help your audience know what to expect.
Follow-up: Help me batch-produce the first week's content in 4 hours.
Goal: Analyze competitor marketing
Prompt:
Analyze the marketing strategy of [COMPETITOR].
Their website: [URL]
Their social: [LIST]
What I know: [DESCRIBE]
Help me reverse-engineer:
1. Their positioning (what they claim to be)
2. Their target customer (who they're really talking to)
3. Their content pillars (3-5 themes)
4. Their funnel (how they convert)
5. Their pricing strategy
6. 3 things they do well (worth learning from)
7. 3 gaps I could exploit
8. Their likely monthly ad spend (estimate)
Tip: Don't copy competitors — learn from their wins and exploit their gaps. The goal is to be different, not better at being them.
Follow-up: What's the one thing they're NOT doing that I should test?
Goal: Optimize a landing page
Prompt:
I need to optimize this landing page for conversions.
Current conversion rate: [X%]
Goal: [Y%]
Traffic source: [DESCRIBE — Google ads, social, email]
Page content:
[PASTE OR DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Score the page on: clarity, relevance, value prop, friction, CTA
2. Identify the 3 highest-impact changes (in order)
3. Rewrite the headline (3 options)
4. Rewrite the CTA (3 options)
5. Suggest 1 element to remove
6. Suggest 1 element to add
7. Plan an A/B test (variable, hypothesis, sample size)
Tip: Most CRO wins come from removing things, not adding them. Friction is the enemy of conversion.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should I ask in user testing to find friction?
Goal: Write a press release
Prompt:
Write a press release for [ANNOUNCEMENT].
Announcement: [DESCRIBE — funding, product launch, partnership, hire]
Key facts: [LIST]
Quotes available from: [PEOPLE]
Embargo: [DATE/TIME OR NONE]
Format (inverted pyramid):
- Headline (under 100 chars, includes the news)
- Subhead (expands on headline)
- Dateline
- Lede paragraph (who, what, when, where, why — in 30 words)
- Quote 1 (CEO/founder)
- Body (context, details)
- Quote 2 (customer/partner/investor)
- Boilerplate (about the company)
- Media contact
Under 500 words. Newsworthy, not promotional.
Tip: Journalists get 100+ pitches a day. The headline and first sentence determine if they read further.
Follow-up: Help me write a 3-line pitch email to send this to a specific journalist.
Goal: Build a customer persona
Prompt:
Help me build 3 customer personas for [PRODUCT/SERVICE].
What I sell: [DESCRIBE]
Current customers: [DESCRIBE WHO BUYS NOW]
Target customers: [DESCRIBE WHO I WANT]
For each persona, include:
- Name and 1-line description
- Demographics (age, location, income, education)
- Psychographics (values, interests, lifestyle)
- Goals (what they're trying to achieve)
- Pain points (what's stopping them)
- Information sources (where they learn)
- Buying triggers (what makes them purchase)
- Objections (what stops them)
- Quote (in their voice)
Then identify which persona to target first and why.
Tip: Personas are most useful when they're specific. 'Sarah, 32, marketing manager who hates spreadsheets' beats 'women 25-45'.
Follow-up: What 3 messages would resonate with each persona?
Goal: Write a brand style guide
Prompt:
Help me create a 1-page brand style guide for [BRAND].
Brand personality: [3 ADJECTIVES]
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Industry: [DESCRIBE]
Include:
1. Brand voice description (with examples of 'yes' and 'no' phrasings)
2. 5 brand voice rules (e.g., 'Use contractions', 'Avoid jargon')
3. Vocabulary list (words we use, words we don't)
4. Tone examples (how we sound in: social post, customer email, error message)
5. Emoji policy
6. Hashtag conventions
7. Visual style summary (colors, fonts, imagery)
Tip: A style guide prevents brand drift as your team grows. Even a 1-page guide beats nothing.
Follow-up: Help me write 3 sample social posts that demonstrate this voice.
Goal: Plan a product launch
Prompt:
I'm launching [PRODUCT] on [DATE].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Price: $[AMOUNT]
Goal: [N SALES / N SIGNUPS / $N REVENUE]
Budget: $[AMOUNT]
Timeline: [WEEKS]
Create a launch plan with 3 phases:
Pre-launch (T-30 to T-1):
- Teaser content
- Waitlist building
- Early access for select customers
- Press/influencer outreach
Launch (T-0 to T-7):
- Launch day content
- Email sequence
- Paid amplification
- Community engagement
Post-launch (T+8 to T+30):
- Social proof amplification
- Iterate based on feedback
- Case studies
- Plan v2
For each phase, list specific tactics, owners, and metrics.
Tip: The launch is the easy part. The pre-launch work is what determines success.
Follow-up: What 3 things will likely go wrong, and what's my contingency for each?
Goal: Run a social media audit
Prompt:
Audit my brand's presence on [CHANNELS].
Current state:
- Followers: [N] on each channel
- Posting frequency: [DESCRIBE]
- Engagement rate: [X%]
- Top performing post: [DESCRIBE]
- Worst performing post: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Identify what's working (do more of)
2. Identify what's not working (stop doing)
3. Benchmark against [COMPETITOR]
4. Suggest 3 quick wins (this week)
5. Suggest 3 strategic shifts (this quarter)
6. Recommend 1 channel to focus on, 1 to maintain, 1 to drop
Tip: Most brands spread too thin across channels. Better to dominate 1 channel than be mediocre on 5.
Follow-up: What does a winning 30-day plan look like for my priority channel?
Goal: Write email subject lines that get opened
Prompt:
Write 10 email subject lines for [EMAIL TYPE — newsletter, promo,
transactional] targeting [AUDIENCE].
Email content: [DESCRIBE]
Goal: [OPENS / CLICKS / REPLY]
Generate 10 options across these approaches:
1. Curiosity gap
2. Number list
3. Question
4. Personalization ([FIRST NAME])
5. Urgency
6. Benefit-driven
7. Story tease
8. Pattern interrupt (unusual format)
9. Controversial take
10. Plain and direct
For each: subject line + predicted open rate (high/medium/low).
Recommend which 3 to A/B test.
Tip: Subject lines matter more than email content. Most recipients decide to open in under 1 second.
Follow-up: Help me write the preview text (the snippet that shows after the subject line).
Goal: Create a referral program
Prompt:
I want to build a referral program for [BUSINESS].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Price: $[AMOUNT]
Customer LTV: $[AMOUNT]
Budget for referrals: $[AMOUNT] per successful referral
Help me design:
1. Program structure (one-sided? two-sided? tiered?)
2. Reward options (cash, credit, product, charity)
3. Reward amounts (for referrer and referee)
4. Eligibility rules (when does reward trigger?)
5. Anti-fraud measures
6. Promotion plan (how customers learn about it)
7. Tracking and payout process
8. Success metrics
Reference: Dropbox, Tesla, Airbnb referral programs.
Tip: Two-sided referrals (both sides get something) outperform one-sided 3:1. The reward to the new customer reduces friction.
Follow-up: Help me write the email announcing this program to existing customers.
Goal: Write a blog post that ranks
Prompt:
Write an SEO-optimized blog post on [TOPIC].
Target keyword: [KEYWORD]
Search intent: [INFORMATIONAL / COMMERCIAL / TRANSACTIONAL]
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Length: [WORDS]
Structure:
1. Title (under 60 chars, includes keyword)
2. Meta description (under 160 chars)
3. H1 (the title)
4. Intro (hook + promise + transition, 100 words)
5. H2 sections (5-7, each addressing a sub-topic)
6. Each section: 150-300 words, with example or data
7. Internal link suggestions (3 places)
8. External link suggestions (2 authoritative sources)
9. CTA at end
10. FAQ section (3 questions, for rich snippets)
Tip: Write for humans first, optimize for Google second. Keyword stuffing gets you penalized.
Follow-up: What 5 related keywords should I include naturally?
Goal: Build a paid ads funnel
Prompt:
Design a paid ads funnel for [PRODUCT/SERVICE].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Price: $[AMOUNT]
Customer LTV: $[AMOUNT]
Daily budget: $[AMOUNT]
Platform: [GOOGLE / META / LINKEDIN / TIKTOK]
Design a 3-stage funnel:
Stage 1: TOF (Top of Funnel) — Cold audience
- Ad format
- Targeting
- Hook
- Landing page (lead magnet or education)
- KPI
Stage 2: MOF (Middle) — Warm audience (engaged with TOF)
- Ad format
- Retargeting setup
- Offer
- Landing page
- KPI
Stage 3: BOF (Bottom) — Hot audience (considered purchase)
- Ad format
- Offer (discount? bonus? urgency?)
- Landing page
- KPI
For each stage: estimated CPC, CTR, conversion rate, CPA.
Tip: Most businesses only run TOF ads and wonder why they don't convert. The money is in retargeting.
Follow-up: What 3 audiences should I exclude from my campaigns to reduce waste?
Goal: Measure marketing ROI
Prompt:
Help me measure ROI for my marketing channels.
Channels I use: [LIST]
Monthly spend per channel: [LIST]
Monthly revenue per channel: [LIST or 'UNKNOWN']
Sales cycle length: [DAYS]
Customer LTV: $[AMOUNT]
Help me:
1. Calculate CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost) per channel
2. Calculate LTV:CAC ratio per channel
3. Identify which channels to scale
4. Identify which to cut
5. Suggest attribution model (first-touch, last-touch, multi-touch)
6. Identify what data I'm missing
7. Suggest 1 experiment to run this month
Output as a dashboard table.
Tip: Most marketing metrics are vanity. The only numbers that matter: revenue, CAC, LTV, and payback period.
Follow-up: What 3 numbers should I report to my CEO monthly?
Goal: Run an influencer campaign
Prompt:
I want to work with influencers to promote [PRODUCT].
Budget: $[AMOUNT]
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Goal: [AWARENESS / SALES / CONTENT]
Help me:
1. Decide between micro (1K-10K) vs macro (10K-100K) vs mega (100K+) influencers
2. Identify 5 ideal influencer profiles (not specific names — the type)
3. Write an outreach DM template
4. Design 3 campaign concepts (different angles)
5. Suggest compensation models (flat fee, affiliate, gifting, content trade)
6. Set performance metrics (engagement rate minimum, CPM target)
7. Plan FTC disclosure compliance
8. Plan content usage rights (can I reuse their content?)
Tip: Micro-influencers often outperform mega-influencers on conversion. Engagement rate matters more than follower count.
Follow-up: Help me write the brief I'll send to selected influencers.
Goal: Write a customer case study
Prompt:
Create a case study featuring [CUSTOMER].
Customer: [DESCRIBE — company, role, size]
Problem they had: [DESCRIBE]
Solution we provided: [DESCRIBE]
Results: [DESCRIBE WITH METRICS]
Quote from customer: [PASTE OR 'NEED TO GET']
Structure the case study as:
1. Title (benefit-driven, includes metric)
2. Customer snapshot (1 paragraph)
3. The challenge (1-2 paragraphs, in customer's words)
4. Why they chose us (1 paragraph)
5. The solution (1-2 paragraphs, what we did)
6. The results (1-2 paragraphs, with metrics)
7. Customer quote
8. What's next (1 paragraph)
9. CTA
Under 800 words. Read like a story, not a sales pitch.
Tip: Specific numbers beat vague claims. 'Cut onboarding time by 63%' beats 'saved time'.
Follow-up: Help me write a 3-line summary I can use on social and sales decks.
Goal: Plan a webinar
Prompt:
I'm hosting a webinar on [TOPIC] in [WEEKS].
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Goal: [LEADS / THOUGHT LEADERSHIP / SALES]
Expected attendance: [N]
Platform: [ZOOM / LINKEDIN LIVE / YOUTUBE]
Create a webinar plan:
1. Title (compelling, benefit-driven)
2. Abstract (100 words)
3. Pre-webinar promo plan (3-week sequence)
4. Slide outline (10-15 slides)
5. Interactive elements (polls, Q&A, chat)
6. Speaker prep checklist
7. Day-of run-of-show
8. Post-webinar follow-up sequence (3 emails)
9. Repurposing plan (blog, social, video clips)
Tip: Webinars without a follow-up sequence waste 80% of their value. The money is in the nurture.
Follow-up: Help me write the reminder email series (24h before, 1h before, 5 min before).
Goal: Run a customer survey
Prompt:
I want to survey my customers about [TOPIC].
Customer base: [N]
Goal: [FEEDBACK / POSITIONING / PRICING / NPS]
Response rate target: [X%]
Incentive: [DESCRIBE OR NONE]
Help me design:
1. Survey length (max 7 questions)
2. Question types (avoid leading questions)
3. Specific questions (under each: rationale)
4. Open-ended question at end
5. Distribution plan (email, in-app, post-purchase)
6. Incentive strategy
7. Analysis plan (how to synthesize responses)
8. Follow-up plan (what to do with the data)
Tip: Survey design is hard. Each question should map to a decision you'll make based on the answer. No 'nice to know' questions.
Follow-up: Help me write the email inviting customers to take this survey.
Goal: Create a brand positioning statement
Prompt:
Help me write a brand positioning statement for [BRAND].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Target customer: [DESCRIBE]
Category: [DESCRIBE]
Key differentiator: [DESCRIBE]
Reason to believe: [DESCRIBE]
Use this template:
'For [target customer] who [need/opportunity], [brand name] is a [category]
that [key benefit] because [reason to believe].'
Generate 5 variations. Then critique each.
Then suggest the strongest, with rationale.
Tip: A positioning statement is internal. It guides everything external (website, ads, sales pitch). Don't skip this step.
Follow-up: How does this positioning translate into a 5-word tagline?
Goal: Re-engage churned customers
Prompt:
I want to win back customers who churned in the last [TIME PERIOD].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Churn reason (if known): [DESCRIBE OR 'UNKNOWN']
Number of churned customers: [N]
New improvements since they left: [LIST]
Budget for win-back: $[AMOUNT]
Design a win-back campaign:
1. Segment churned customers (voluntary vs involuntary, recent vs old)
2. Write 3 email sequences (one per segment)
3. Offer strategy (discount? new feature access? free month?)
4. Subject lines that get opened by ex-customers
5. Landing page messaging
6. Follow-up for non-responders
7. Success metric (re-activation rate)
Tip: Acknowledge why they left before pitching why they should return. Empathy beats discounting.
Follow-up: Help me write a survey for churned customers who don't respond to win-back emails.
Goal: Build a marketing dashboard
Prompt:
Help me build a weekly marketing dashboard for [BUSINESS].
Channels: [LIST]
Goals: [DESCRIBE]
Audience: [CEO / CMO / MARKETING TEAM]
Design a 1-page dashboard with:
1. Top 3 metrics (the 'pulse')
2. Channel-by-channel performance
3. Funnel metrics (impressions → clicks → leads → customers)
4. Financial metrics (CAC, LTV, ROI)
5. Trends (week-over-week, month-over-month)
6. Alerts (what triggers action?)
Format: a table I can recreate in Google Sheets or Notion.
For each metric, note: source, frequency, owner.
Tip: If a metric doesn't drive a decision, remove it. Dashboards rot when they have too many vanity metrics.
Follow-up: Help me write a Slack template for sharing this dashboard weekly with the team.
Goal: Write a video script
Prompt:
Write a [DURATION]-second video script for [PURPOSE].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Platform: [YOUTUBE / TIKTOK / INSTAGRAM REEL / LINKEDIN]
Goal: [AWARENESS / ENGAGEMENT / SALES]
Structure:
- Hook (first 3 seconds — must grab attention)
- Problem (5-10 seconds)
- Solution (10-30 seconds)
- Proof (10 seconds — testimonial or demo)
- CTA (5 seconds)
Write:
1. Visual direction (what's on screen)
2. Voiceover script
3. On-screen text
4. Music/sound cues
5. Caption suggestions
Provide 2 versions: 30-second and 60-second.
Tip: The first 3 seconds determine if anyone watches the rest. Spend half your time on the hook.
Follow-up: Help me write 5 thumbnail options for the YouTube version.
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 22 prompts
22 copy-paste prompts for office workers, managers, and anyone building a career.
Goal: Write a clear status update email
Prompt:
Write a weekly status update email to my [MANAGER/TEAM].
Projects I worked on this week:
- [PROJECT 1]: [PROGRESS, e.g., '90% complete, on track']
- [PROJECT 2]: [PROGRESS]
- [PROJECT 3]: [PROGRESS]
Blockers:
- [BLOCKER 1]
- [BLOCKER 2]
Next week's priorities:
- [PRIORITY 1]
- [PRIORITY 2]
Format: scannable bullet points, no fluff. Under 150 words.
Tone: confident, specific, no hedging.
Tip: Managers skim status emails in 30 seconds. Put the most important thing first, not last.
Follow-up: Now write a 1-line Slack version of this update for the team channel.
Goal: Summarize a long document
Prompt:
Summarize this [LENGTH] document for my [MANAGER/TEAM/CLIENT].
Audience needs to know: [WHAT THEY CARE ABOUT]
Audience already knows: [CONTEXT]
Time to read summary: [2 MINUTES].
Document:
[PASTE OR UPLOAD]
Format the summary as:
1. Bottom line (1 sentence)
2. Key findings (3 bullets)
3. Implications for us (2 bullets)
4. Open questions (2 bullets)
No jargon. No filler.
Tip: Specify what your audience cares about — a summary without audience context is just a shorter document.
Follow-up: What 3 questions is my manager likely to ask after reading this?
Goal: Prepare for a 1:1 with my manager
Prompt:
I have a 30-minute 1:1 with my manager tomorrow.
My goals for the meeting:
- [GOAL 1, e.g., 'get feedback on Q2 project']
- [GOAL 2, e.g., 'discuss promotion timeline']
- [GOAL 3, e.g., 'flag risk on Q3 deliverable']
Recent wins: [LIST]
Recent challenges: [LIST]
Questions I have: [LIST]
Help me:
1. Create a meeting agenda (with timing)
2. Phrase each goal as a specific ask
3. Anticipate 3 things my manager might say, with my response
4. Identify what NOT to bring up in this 1:1
5. Suggest a follow-up email template
Tip: Don't try to cover 5 topics in 30 minutes. Pick 2 max. Depth beats breadth in 1:1s.
Follow-up: Role-play the conversation. You be my manager, I'll practice my asks.
Goal: Draft a project brief
Prompt:
I'm starting a new project. Help me write a project brief.
Project: [NAME]
Goal: [WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO ACHIEVE — business outcome, not deliverable]
Why now: [TIMING/URGENCY]
Sponsor: [WHO'S PAYING/CARING]
Team: [ROLES]
Timeline: [START → END]
Budget: [$ AMOUNT]
Constraints: [LIST]
Create a 1-page brief with:
1. Executive summary (2 sentences)
2. Problem statement
3. Proposed solution
4. Success metrics
5. Key milestones
6. Risks and mitigations
7. Open questions
Tip: The brief is the single most important project document. A fuzzy brief guarantees a fuzzy project.
Follow-up: What 3 things should I clarify with my sponsor before sharing this brief?
Goal: Write a difficult email
Prompt:
I need to send a difficult email to [STAKEHOLDER].
Situation: [DESCRIBE]
My goal: [WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE]
My constraints: [WHAT I CAN'T SAY OR DO]
Their likely reaction: [PREDICT]
Write an email that:
1. Opens with the bottom line (no burying the lede)
2. Explains the 'why' in 2-3 sentences
3. Offers a specific path forward
4. Acknowledges their perspective without conceding
5. Closes with clear next steps
Tone: firm, professional, empathetic. Under 200 words.
Then give me 3 alternative versions: more direct, more diplomatic, more firm.
Tip: Write the email, then wait 24 hours before sending. Re-read with fresh eyes — you'll almost always edit.
Follow-up: If they respond with [PREDICTED REACTION], draft my reply.
Goal: Prepare for a performance review
Prompt:
My performance review is in [DAYS] days.
I'm in role: [TITLE]
Tenure: [TIME IN ROLE]
My goals from last year: [LIST]
My achievements this year: [LIST WITH METRICS]
Things that didn't go well: [LIST]
My goals for next year: [LIST]
Help me prepare:
1. A self-assessment narrative (300 words)
2. 3 specific examples to highlight, with impact statements
3. How to frame what didn't go well (without being defensive)
4. Compensation ask (with market data references)
5. Promotion ask (if applicable)
6. Questions to ask my reviewer
Tip: Use the STAR framework for achievements: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Result with numbers is what reviewers remember.
Follow-up: What evidence (emails, metrics, peer feedback) should I gather before the review meeting?
Goal: Run an effective meeting
Prompt:
I'm running a [DURATION] meeting with [N] people about [TOPIC].
Meeting goal: [DECISION/ALIGNMENT/UPDATE]
Attendees: [LIST WITH ROLES]
Help me:
1. Decide if this meeting is even necessary (criteria)
2. Write a 1-paragraph pre-read to send 24h before
3. Create an agenda with timings
4. Suggest a decision-making process (consensus? vote? you-decide?)
5. Identify who might block progress, with mitigation
6. Plan the post-meeting follow-up email
Tip: If the meeting is just to share information, cancel it and send an email instead. Meetings are for decisions and discussion.
Follow-up: Help me write a Slack message declining a meeting I shouldn't be in.
Goal: Negotiate a raise
Prompt:
I want to ask for a raise. Current role: [TITLE].
Current salary: $[AMOUNT]. Target salary: $[AMOUNT].
Time in role: [DURATION]. Last raise: [WHEN].
My case:
- Achievement 1: [DETAILS WITH METRICS]
- Achievement 2: [DETAILS]
- Achievement 3: [DETAILS]
- Market data: [IF YOU HAVE IT]
Help me:
1. Time the ask (when in the year/cycle is best?)
2. Write a script for the conversation
3. Anticipate 3 objections, with responses
4. Identify my walk-away point
5. Identify non-cash things I could ask for (if cash is tight)
6. Plan the follow-up email
Tip: Practice the conversation out loud 3 times. The words matter less than your delivery — calm, specific, confident.
Follow-up: If my manager says 'let me think about it', what's my 2-week follow-up email?
Goal: Prioritize my week
Prompt:
Here's my todo list for this week (15 items):
[PASTE LIST OR WRITE ITEMS]
Constraints:
- I work [HOURS] per day
- [RECURRING COMMITMENTS]
- Energy is highest in [MORNING/AFTERNOON]
Help me:
1. Identify the 3 highest-leverage items (Pareto principle)
2. Identify items I can delegate, defer, or delete
3. Time-block my calendar (with energy matching)
4. Build in 1 hour/day for deep work
5. Build in 30 min/day for inbox/Slack
6. Plan a weekly review for Friday afternoon
Output as a day-by-day schedule table.
Tip: Most professionals have 15-20 'priorities' but only complete 3-5 meaningful things per week. Forcing a top-3 is liberating.
Follow-up: Help me write a Slack message to my team setting expectations for what I won't get to this week.
Goal: Write a project post-mortem
Prompt:
We just finished [PROJECT]. Help me write a post-mortem.
Project goal: [DESCRIBE]
Outcome: [SUCCESS/PARTIAL/FAILURE]
Key metrics: [RESULTS]
Timeline: [PLANNED VS ACTUAL]
Budget: [PLANNED VS ACTUAL]
Help me structure a post-mortem with:
1. Executive summary (3 sentences)
2. What went well (3 specific things)
3. What didn't go well (3 specific things)
4. What we learned (3 lessons)
5. What we'll do differently next time (3 actions, with owners)
6. Appendices: timeline, budget, key decisions
Tone: honest, blameless, learning-focused.
Tip: Blameless post-mortems build learning cultures. If people fear blame, they hide mistakes — and you can't learn from hidden mistakes.
Follow-up: Help me write a 3-line Slack message to the team sharing the post-mortem doc.
Goal: Draft a technical spec
Prompt:
I need to write a technical spec for [FEATURE/SYSTEM].
Problem we're solving: [DESCRIBE]
Users affected: [N]
Current solution: [DESCRIBE OR 'NONE']
Constraints: [LIST — tech, time, budget, compliance]
Create a spec with these sections:
1. Background
2. Goals and non-goals
3. Proposed solution (high-level)
4. Detailed design (data models, API, UI)
5. Alternatives considered
6. Security and privacy considerations
7. Rollout plan
8. Open questions
9. Timeline
Format: Markdown, ready to share in a wiki.
Tip: Non-goals are as important as goals. Stating what you're NOT building prevents scope creep.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should I expect from a senior engineer reviewing this spec?
Goal: Onboard a new team member
Prompt:
A new team member starts in [DAYS]. Role: [TITLE].
Team context: [SIZE, FUNCTION].
Help me build a 30-60-90 day onboarding plan:
30 days: Learn
- 5 things to read
- 5 people to meet (with intro email drafts)
- 3 small wins to target
60 days: Contribute
- 3 deliverables to own
- 1 cross-functional relationship to build
- Feedback check-in agenda
90 days: Lead
- 1 initiative to lead
- Metrics for success
- Long-term growth conversation
Also: a 'first day' agenda and a 'first week' checklist.
Tip: The first 2 weeks set the tone for the next 2 years. Invest disproportionate time in onboarding.
Follow-up: Help me write a Slack message to the team announcing the new hire.
Goal: Make a decision under uncertainty
Prompt:
I need to decide between:
Option A: [DESCRIBE]
- Pros: [LIST]
- Cons: [LIST]
- Cost: [DETAILS]
- Probability of success: [ESTIMATE]
Option B: [DESCRIBE]
- Pros: [LIST]
- Cons: [LIST]
- Cost: [DETAILS]
- Probability of success: [ESTIMATE]
Help me:
1. Frame the decision clearly (what are we really deciding?)
2. Identify what info I'm missing
3. Apply a simple decision framework (cost-benefit, expected value, etc.)
4. Identify the reversibility of each option
5. Identify what would make me regret each choice
6. Make a recommendation
Then tell me what I'm probably overthinking.
Tip: Reversible decisions should be made fast; irreversible decisions should be made slowly. Most decisions are more reversible than they feel.
Follow-up: What's the smallest experiment I could run before fully committing?
Goal: Write a resignation letter
Prompt:
I'm resigning from my role as [TITLE] at [COMPANY].
Last day will be: [DATE — usually 2 weeks from now].
Reason (optional to share): [DESCRIBE OR 'PERSONAL']
Tone I want: [WARM/NEUTRAL/BRIEF]
Write a resignation letter with:
1. Clear statement of resignation and last day
2. Brief thanks (1-2 sentences)
3. Offer to help with transition
4. No negativity, no explaining why
Under 150 words. Then give me a Slack message version to send to close colleagues.
Tip: Resign with grace. The professional world is small — you'll cross paths with these people again.
Follow-up: Help me write a 1-on-1 script for telling my manager before I send the letter.
Goal: Ask for feedback on my work
Prompt:
I want feedback on [WORK PRODUCT] from [STAKEHOLDER].
My goals for this feedback:
- [GOAL 1, e.g., 'is the argument convincing?']
- [GOAL 2, e.g., 'is the tone appropriate?']
Draft a feedback request email that:
1. Is specific about what I want feedback on
2. Asks 3-5 specific questions (not 'any thoughts?')
3. Gives a deadline (1 week max)
4. Makes it easy to say no
5. Offers to reciprocate
Then suggest 5 specific feedback questions I could ask.
Tip: Specific questions get specific feedback. 'Any thoughts?' gets silence or generic praise.
Follow-up: How should I follow up if they don't respond in 5 days?
Goal: Manage up to a busy executive
Prompt:
I need to communicate [ISSUE/UPDATE] to [EXECUTIVE NAME/TITLE].
They are: extremely busy, decisive, prefer data over narrative.
I have: [TIME — e.g., '15 minutes in their next 1:1' or 'an email they'll skim in 30 seconds']
Help me:
1. Distill the issue to a 1-sentence BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)
2. Identify the 3 things they need to know
3. Identify what I want from them (decision? advice? awareness only?)
4. Suggest a format (email? doc? verbal?)
5. Draft the communication in that format
6. Anticipate 3 questions they'll ask
Tip: Executives' time is the scarcest resource in any company. Treat it like gold — every interaction should have a clear ask.
Follow-up: What 3 numbers should I have memorized before this conversation?
Goal: Write a meeting agenda that doesn't waste time
Prompt:
I'm hosting a [DURATION] meeting on [TOPIC] for [N] people.
Meeting type: [DECISION/BRAINSTORM/UPDATE/PLANNING]
Desired outcome: [SPECIFIC RESULT]
Create an agenda with:
- Pre-read to send 24h before (what it should contain)
- Time-blocked agenda (every minute accounted for)
- Decision points clearly marked
- Discussion vs reporting segments separated
- Owner for each agenda item
- 'Parking lot' process for off-topic items
- Last 5 minutes for action items recap
Then tell me what NOT to include.
Tip: If you can't write the desired outcome in 1 sentence, you don't need a meeting — you need to think more.
Follow-up: Help me write a Slack reminder to send 1 hour before the meeting.
Goal: Build a personal knowledge management system
Prompt:
I'm overwhelmed by information. I want a system to capture, organize,
and retrieve knowledge for my work.
My context:
- Role: [TITLE]
- Tools I already use: [LIST]
- Main knowledge sources: [LIST]
- Pain points: [LIST]
Help me design:
1. A capture system (where new info goes immediately)
2. An organization system (how to tag/categorize)
3. A review system (weekly/monthly)
4. A retrieval system (how to find things later)
5. A maintenance system (how to keep it from rotting)
Recommend 1 simple tool stack (not 10 tools).
Tip: The best system is the one you'll actually use. A simple system you maintain beats a perfect system you abandon.
Follow-up: What's a 5-minute daily habit that would make this system work?
Goal: Network without being awkward
Prompt:
I want to reach out to [PERSON] who [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'works at a company I'm interested in' or 'has a role I want to learn about'].
Context: [HOW I FOUND THEM / WHY I'M REACHING OUT]
My goal: [INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW / MENTORSHIP / JOB LEAD]
Help me write:
1. A cold outreach email (under 100 words, with a clear ask)
2. 5 questions to ask if they say yes
3. How to end the conversation gracefully
4. A follow-up email template (for 24h after)
5. A 3-month check-in template
Tone: warm, specific, not transactional.
Tip: People help people they remember. Send a specific compliment or reference to their work — it shows you actually looked.
Follow-up: What should I NOT ask in an informational interview?
Goal: Prepare for a difficult conversation
Prompt:
I need to have a difficult conversation with [PERSON] about [TOPIC].
My role: [DESCRIBE]
Their role: [DESCRIBE]
History: [BRIEF CONTEXT]
My goal: [WHAT I WANT]
Their likely goal: [WHAT THEY WANT]
Best case: [DESCRIBE]
Worst case: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Plan the opening (30 seconds, non-confrontational)
2. Identify 3 things I want to say, in order
3. Identify 3 things I should NOT say
4. Anticipate 3 responses, with my reply to each
5. Identify my walk-away point
6. Plan the closing (mutual next steps)
Then role-play the conversation with me.
Tip: Difficult conversations go better when you've rehearsed. The words matter less than your calm, specific delivery.
Follow-up: What 1 thing should I do after this conversation to maintain the relationship?
Goal: Build a personal brand on LinkedIn
Prompt:
I want to build my professional presence on LinkedIn.
My role: [TITLE]
Expertise: [LIST 3 AREAS]
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Goals: [CAREER GROWTH / THOUGHT LEADERSHIP / CLIENT ACQUISITION]
Time commitment: [HOURS/WEEK]
Help me:
1. Rewrite my LinkedIn headline (under 220 chars)
2. Rewrite my LinkedIn about section (3 paragraphs)
3. Suggest 5 post ideas for the next 2 weeks
4. Identify 10 accounts I should engage with
5. Create a weekly LinkedIn routine (15 min/day)
6. Suggest 1 'pillar' content piece per month (longer post, article, or video)
Tip: Consistency beats virality. Posting once a week for a year beats posting daily for 2 weeks then burning out.
Follow-up: Help me write my first post — a 'why I'm starting to write here' introduction.
Goal: Plan my career path
Prompt:
I'm in role: [TITLE] at [COMPANY/INDUSTRY].
Years of experience: [N].
Current salary: $[AMOUNT].
Where I want to be in 5 years:
- Role: [TARGET ROLE]
- Industry: [TARGET INDUSTRY]
- Compensation: $[TARGET]
- Lifestyle: [DESCRIBE — remote? travel? hours?]
Help me:
1. Identify 2-3 realistic paths to get there
2. For each path: skills to build, experiences to seek, people to meet
3. Identify skills I'm missing
4. Suggest 1 role/industry pivot to consider
5. Suggest 1 thing to STOP doing
6. Create a 12-month action plan with quarterly milestones
Tip: Careers are built over decades, not months. Optimize for learning and network — compensation follows.
Follow-up: What 2 books and 2 communities should I engage with this year?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 22 prompts
18 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Find relevant literature
Prompt:
I'm researching [TOPIC]. Help me find relevant literature.
My research question: [DESCRIBE]
Discipline: [DESCRIBE]
My level: [UNDERGRAD / GRAD / POSTDOC / FACULTY]
Time period of interest: [DESCRIBE OR 'ANY']
Suggest:
1. 5-10 seminal papers I should read first (with rationale for each)
2. 3-5 recent (last 2 years) papers
3. 2-3 key journals/conferences in this area
4. 3-5 search terms I should use (beyond obvious ones)
5. 2-3 'adjacent' fields I should check
6. Authors who repeatedly publish in this area
7. Important controversies or debates
Note: I will verify all citations — please flag any you're uncertain about.
Tip: AI can hallucinate citations. ALWAYS verify every paper exists and the claims attributed to it are accurate.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should I ask in my literature review?
Goal: Summarize a research paper
Prompt:
Summarize this paper for [AUDIENCE — peers / students / general].
[PASTE ABSTRACT OR UPLOAD PDF]
Provide:
1. One-sentence summary (the contribution)
2. Research question
3. Method (1 paragraph)
4. Key findings (3-5 bullets)
5. Limitations acknowledged by authors
6. Limitations NOT acknowledged (your critique)
7. Implications for [MY RESEARCH/FIELD]
8. 3 questions this paper raises
9. 3 papers I should read next
Honest assessment: is this paper's contribution significant?
Tip: Reading the abstract is not enough. Read the method section — that's where weaknesses hide.
Follow-up: What's the one experiment that would convince me this paper is wrong?
Goal: Write a literature review
Prompt:
I'm writing a literature review on [TOPIC].
My thesis: [DESCRIBE — what argument am I making?]
Key papers: [LIST 5-10]
Length: [WORDS]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Help me structure the review:
1. Organization (chronological? thematic? methodological?)
2. Section outline (3-5 sections)
3. For each section: which papers, what argument
4. Synthesis (what's the pattern across papers?)
5. Gaps in the literature (what's missing?)
6. My contribution (how my work fits)
7. Transitions between sections
Then help me write the opening paragraph.
Tip: A literature review is not a summary of papers — it's an argument built on papers. Know your argument first.
Follow-up: What 3 papers disagree with my thesis? I need to address them.
Goal: Design an experiment
Prompt:
I'm designing an experiment to test [HYPOTHESIS].
Hypothesis: [DESCRIBE]
Field: [DESCRIBE]
Available resources: [DESCRIBE — equipment, time, budget]
Sample availability: [DESCRIBE]
Help me design:
1. Experimental design (RCT? quasi-experimental? observational?)
2. Independent variable(s) and how to manipulate
3. Dependent variable(s) and how to measure
4. Control variables
5. Sample size (with power analysis approach)
6. Randomization procedure
7. Blinding (single? double?)
8. Statistical analysis plan
9. Potential confounds
10. Ethical considerations
Also: what's the strongest possible version of this experiment?
Tip: Pre-register your analysis plan. Otherwise, you'll be tempted to p-hack when results are ambiguous.
Follow-up: What's a cheaper version of this experiment that would give me 80% of the insight?
Goal: Analyze qualitative data
Prompt:
I have qualitative data from [SOURCE — interviews, focus groups, observations].
Research question: [DESCRIBE]
Sample: [DESCRIBE — N, demographics]
Data format: [TRANSCRIPTS / NOTES / AUDIO]
Help me:
1. Choose an analysis approach (thematic? grounded theory? IPA?)
2. Plan a coding strategy (deductive? inductive? hybrid?)
3. Suggest an initial codebook (5-10 codes)
4. Plan inter-coder reliability (if applicable)
5. Identify 3 themes likely to emerge
6. Suggest software (NVivo, ATLAS.ti, Dedoose, manual)
7. Plan how to write up findings
8. Identify validity threats and mitigations
Tip: Qualitative research is most rigorous when you document every analytical decision. Audit trail > polish.
Follow-up: What's the most surprising finding I should look for?
Goal: Write a research question
Prompt:
I'm developing a research question for [PROJECT — thesis, paper, grant].
Broad area: [DESCRIBE]
My interest: [DESCRIBE]
My constraints: [DESCRIBE — time, resources, access]
My level: [UNDERGRAD / GRAD / POSTDOC]
Help me refine:
1. Identify 5 candidate research questions
2. For each: test for FINER (Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, Relevant)
3. Identify which is strongest and why
4. Sharpen the chosen question (specificity, measurability)
5. Identify the type of question (descriptive, explanatory, evaluative)
6. Identify what data I'd need
7. Suggest 2 alternative phrasings
Then help me write a 1-paragraph justification.
Tip: A weak research question dooms the project. Spend disproportionate time here — it's the foundation.
Follow-up: What's the simplest version of this question I could answer in 6 months?
Goal: Plan a survey
Prompt:
I'm designing a survey on [TOPIC].
Population: [DESCRIBE]
Sample size: [N OR 'HELP ME DECIDE']
Mode: [ONLINE / PHONE / IN-PERSON]
Length: [N QUESTIONS / N MINUTES]
Goal: [DESCRIBE — what decision will this inform?]
Help me:
1. Identify 5-7 key constructs to measure
2. Suggest validated scales for each (don't reinvent)
3. Order questions (warm-up → main → demographics → sensitive last)
4. Write 3 sample questions per construct
5. Identify question types (Likert, multiple choice, open-ended)
6. Plan attention checks (for online surveys)
7. Pilot test plan
8. Sample size justification
9. Analysis plan
Tip: Use validated scales whenever possible. Self-written questions often fail to measure what you think they measure.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should I cut to reduce survey length?
Goal: Run a statistical analysis
Prompt:
I have data and need to analyze it.
Research question: [DESCRIBE]
Hypothesis: [DESCRIBE]
Data: [DESCRIBE — N observations, variables, format]
Software: [R / PYTHON / SPSS / STATA]
Help me:
1. Identify the appropriate statistical test (with rationale)
2. Check assumptions (normality, homogeneity, independence)
3. Write the analysis code (R or Python)
4. Interpret typical output (what to look for)
5. Calculate effect size (not just p-value)
6. Plan robustness checks
7. Plan visualization
8. Identify what could go wrong
Note: I will verify all statistical decisions with a statistician.
Tip: P-values are necessary but not sufficient. Always report effect sizes and confidence intervals.
Follow-up: What's the weakest assumption in my analysis, and how could I test it?
Goal: Write an abstract
Prompt:
Write an abstract for [PAPER/POSTER/TALK].
Format: [STRUCTURED / UNSTRUCTURED]
Length: [WORDS — typically 150-250]
Paper details:
- Background: [DESCRIBE]
- Methods: [DESCRIBE]
- Results: [DESCRIBE — include key numbers]
- Conclusion: [DESCRIBE]
Write 3 versions:
1. Structured (Background/Methods/Results/Conclusions headers)
2. Unstructured narrative
3. Lay summary (for general audience)
For each: under [WORD LIMIT], specific, no jargon in version 3.
Then identify the strongest version for [TARGET VENUE].
Tip: The abstract is the only part many people read. Spend disproportionate time on it.
Follow-up: Help me write the title to match this abstract.
Goal: Respond to peer review
Prompt:
I got peer reviews back. Help me respond.
Reviewer comments:
[PASTE COMMENTS]
My paper: [DESCRIBE — what was the main contribution?]
My stance on each comment: [DESCRIBE — agree/disagree/partially]
Help me structure the response:
1. General thank-you to reviewers
2. Point-by-point response (for each comment):
- Quote the comment
- Acknowledge what's valid
- Describe what we changed (with page/line numbers)
- Politely push back where appropriate (with evidence)
3. Summary of all changes
Tone: grateful, specific, not defensive. Even when reviewers are wrong.
Tip: Reviewers are usually right about the problem, even if their solution is wrong. Acknowledge the problem, propose your own fix.
Follow-up: How do I handle a reviewer who clearly didn't read the paper?
Goal: Write a grant proposal
Prompt:
I'm applying for [GRANT] from [FUNDER].
Research topic: [DESCRIBE]
Funding amount: $[AMOUNT]
Duration: [MONTHS/YEARS]
My role: [PI / CO-I / POSTDOC]
Help me structure the proposal:
1. Specific aims (1 page — 2-3 aims, each with hypothesis)
2. Background and significance (2 pages)
3. Preliminary data (1-2 pages)
4. Research design and methods (3-5 pages)
5. Timeline (Gantt chart description)
6. Budget justification
7. Broader impacts
8. Dissemination plan
For each section: what reviewers look for, common pitfalls, and
a sample paragraph in my voice.
Tip: Grant writing is a different skill from paper writing. Reviewers have 20 proposals to read — clarity beats depth.
Follow-up: What 3 things would make a reviewer reject this proposal?
Goal: Synthesize conflicting findings
Prompt:
I'm reading literature on [TOPIC] and findings conflict.
Studies finding [FINDING A]:
- [LIST 3-5 STUDIES]
Studies finding [FINDING B]:
- [LIST 3-5 STUDIES]
Help me:
1. Identify methodological differences that might explain conflict
2. Identify sample/population differences
3. Identify measurement differences
4. Identify contextual/temporal factors
5. Suggest moderators (what conditions flip the result?)
6. Identify what study would resolve the conflict
7. Suggest how I should write about this in my lit review
Avoid false balance — if one side has stronger evidence, say so.
Tip: Conflicting findings are where the most interesting research questions live. Don't paper over the conflict — dig into it.
Follow-up: What's the meta-analysis I should run if I had the data?
Goal: Write a methodology section
Prompt:
I'm writing the methodology section for [PAPER/THESIS].
Research design: [DESCRIBE]
Sample: [DESCRIBE — N, demographics, how recruited]
Data collection: [DESCRIBE]
Analysis: [DESCRIBE]
Help me structure the methodology:
1. Research design (rationale for choice)
2. Participants (sampling, recruitment, demographics)
3. Materials/measures (with validation info)
4. Procedure (step-by-step, replicable)
5. Analysis plan (statistical tests, software)
6. Ethical considerations (IRB, consent)
7. Reproducibility (data/code availability)
Write each section with enough detail that another researcher
could replicate the study.
Tip: Methodology is where reviewers look for weaknesses. Be brutally specific — vague methods invite rejection.
Follow-up: What 3 things would a skeptic question about my methodology?
Goal: Plan a research interview
Prompt:
I'm conducting a research interview with [TYPE OF PARTICIPANT] about [TOPIC].
Research question: [DESCRIBE]
Interview type: [STRUCTURED / SEMI-STRUCTURED / UNSTRUCTURED]
Duration: [MINUTES]
Help me:
1. Write the interview guide (under [N] main questions)
2. Order questions (warm-up → main → sensitive → closing)
3. Write probes for each main question
4. Identify what NOT to ask (leading, double-barreled)
5. Plan consent process
6. Plan recording and transcription
7. Plan field notes
8. Plan member checking (sharing findings with participant)
For semi-structured: include the main questions, but note that
follow-ups will be flexible.
Tip: Pilot the interview with a colleague first. You'll find 3 questions that don't work.
Follow-up: What's the one question I most want answered, and how do I make sure to get to it?
Goal: Choose a research method
Prompt:
I'm deciding on a research method for [PROJECT].
Research question: [DESCRIBE]
Epistemological stance: [DESCRIBE OR 'NOT SURE']
Available time: [DURATION]
Available resources: [DESCRIBE]
My skills: [DESCRIBE]
Compare these methods for my question:
1. Quantitative survey
2. Qualitative interviews
3. Ethnography/observation
4. Experiment
5. Mixed methods
6. Case study
7. Document/archival analysis
8. Meta-analysis
For each: what it would tell me, what it wouldn't, time/cost, skill required.
Then recommend one with rationale.
Tip: Method choice should follow the research question, not the other way around. Don't pick a method because you're comfortable with it.
Follow-up: What's the smallest study that would actually answer my question?
Goal: Write a thesis chapter
Prompt:
I'm writing [CHAPTER] of my [UNDERGRAD / MASTERS / PHD] thesis.
Chapter purpose: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'lit review', 'methodology', 'results']
Length: [WORDS]
My field: [DESCRIBE]
My supervisor's preferences: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Outline the chapter (sections and sub-sections)
2. For each section: word count target, key argument, sources
3. Write the opening paragraph
4. Write the closing paragraph (transition to next chapter)
5. Identify what to cut if I'm over length
6. Identify what's missing
7. Plan figures/tables
Then write a 1-paragraph summary of the chapter for my supervisor.
Tip: Thesis chapters are longer than journal articles but follow the same logic: argument → evidence → synthesis.
Follow-up: What 3 questions will my committee ask about this chapter?
Goal: Plan data management
Prompt:
I need a data management plan for [PROJECT].
Funder: [DESCRIBE — many require DMPs]
Data types: [DESCRIBE — surveys, interviews, sensors, etc.]
Data volume: [DESCRIBE]
Sensitive data? [YES/NO — describe]
Help me write a DMP covering:
1. Data collection (what, how much, formats)
2. Data organization (file naming, folder structure)
3. Documentation (metadata standards, codebook)
4. Storage and backup (where, how often, redundant?)
5. Security (access controls, encryption)
6. Privacy and ethics (consent, anonymization)
7. Preservation (long-term storage, formats)
8. Sharing (when, where, under what license)
9. Roles and responsibilities
10. Budget for data management
Tip: A DMP isn't bureaucracy — it's a gift to your future self. Following it saves months of pain later.
Follow-up: What 3 things will I regret in 2 years if I don't plan now?
Goal: Write a conference presentation
Prompt:
I'm presenting at [CONFERENCE]. Format: [TALK / POSTER].
Duration: [MINUTES — typically 15-20 for talks]
Audience: [DESCRIBE — specialist / generalist]
My paper: [DESCRIBE — what's the contribution?]
Help me structure the talk:
1. Title slide
2. Hook (1 slide — why care?)
3. Background (2 slides — minimal, audience knows basics)
4. Research question (1 slide — crystal clear)
5. Method (2-3 slides — focus on what's novel)
6. Results (3-5 slides — visuals, not text)
7. Discussion (1-2 slides — what does it mean?)
8. Limitations (1 slide — builds credibility)
9. Conclusion + future work (1 slide)
10. Q&A prep (anticipate 5 questions)
For each slide: title, key visual, what I'll say (1-2 sentences).
Pacing: 1 slide per minute.
Tip: Audiences remember 3 things from a talk. Choose which 3 they'll remember — don't leave it to chance.
Follow-up: Help me design the title slide to grab attention in the first 5 seconds.
Goal: Cite sources correctly
Prompt:
Help me cite these sources in [APA/MLA/CHICAGO/HARVARD/VANCOUVER] style.
Sources:
- [SOURCE 1 — author, title, journal, year, volume, pages]
- [SOURCE 2 — author, title, book, publisher, year]
- [SOURCE 3 — author, title, website, URL, date accessed]
- [SOURCE 4 — author, title, conference, year, location]
For each:
1. In-text citation (and alternative for narrative vs parenthetical)
2. Full reference list entry
3. Format quirks (multiple authors, edited volume, etc.)
Also: how to cite [SPECIFIC TRICKY SOURCE — e.g., 'a tweet', 'a podcast',
'an AI tool'].
Tip: Citation managers (Zotero, Mendeley) handle most cases automatically. Use them — manual citation is error-prone.
Follow-up: What's the most common citation mistake in my discipline?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 18 prompts
25 copy-paste prompts for school, college, and university students.
Goal: Get a complex topic explained at your level.
Prompt:
I am a [GRADE LEVEL] student studying [TOPIC]. I'm stuck on
[SPECIFIC CONCEPT]. Explain it to me in 3 ways:
1. Like I'm 10 years old
2. Like I'm 15 years old
3. Like I'm a college student
Then give me a real-world example I would actually see in my daily life.
Tip: Replace [GRADE LEVEL] and [TOPIC] precisely. The 3-tier explanation forces the AI to find the simplest possible framing.
Follow-up: "Now quiz me with 5 questions, starting easy and getting harder."
Goal: Create a custom practice quiz before an exam.
Prompt:
I have an exam on [SUBJECT] in [DAYS] days. The topics are:
- [TOPIC 1]
- [TOPIC 2]
- [TOPIC 3]
Generate 10 practice questions: 4 easy recall, 4 medium application,
2 hard analysis. Don't give me the answers yet — I'll try first,
then ask you to grade me.
Tip: Holding back the answers forces active recall, the most evidence-backed study technique.
Follow-up: "Here are my answers: [paste]. Grade each one, explain what I got wrong, and give me 2 more questions on my weakest topic."
Goal: Turn a 40-page chapter into a 1-page study sheet.
Prompt:
[PASTE CHAPTER TEXT — or upload the PDF]
Create a study sheet with:
- 5 key terms with definitions
- 3 main ideas in one sentence each
- 2 common exam questions on this material
- 1 mnemonic to remember the key terms
- 1 real-world example that ties it all together
Tip: If using ChatGPT Plus, Claude, or Gemini, upload the PDF directly. For free ChatGPT, paste text in chunks under 2000 words.
Follow-up: "Now make a 10-question multiple choice quiz from this material."
Goal: Get specific, actionable feedback on a draft.
Prompt:
Here is my essay draft for [CLASS]. The assignment was:
"[ORIGINAL ASSIGNMENT]"
My draft:
[PASTE DRAFT]
Give me feedback in this exact format:
1. Strengths (3 specific things I did well)
2. Weaknesses (3 specific things to fix, with the line numbers)
3. Structural suggestions (reorder? cut? expand?)
4. One example of how you would rewrite my weakest paragraph
Do NOT rewrite the whole essay. I want to learn, not have it done for me.
Tip: The "don't rewrite it for me" line is critical — without it, AI will hand you a finished essay that teaches you nothing.
Follow-up: "Now suggest 3 specific edits to my introduction."
Goal: Plan exam prep across multiple subjects.
Prompt:
I have these exams coming up:
- [SUBJECT 1] in [DAYS] days — I'm at [CONFIDENCE 1-10]
- [SUBJECT 2] in [DAYS] days — I'm at [CONFIDENCE 1-10]
- [SUBJECT 3] in [DAYS] days — I'm at [CONFIDENCE 1-10]
I can study [HOURS] hours per day, [DAYS] days per week.
I learn best by [READING / DOING / WATCHING / MIX].
Build me a day-by-day study schedule that:
- Front-loads my weakest subject
- Includes active recall (quizzing) every day
- Includes one full practice exam per subject
- Includes rest days
Output as a table.
Tip: Be honest about confidence levels — AI will allocate time accordingly.
Follow-up: "Today is [DAY]. What exactly should I study in the next 2 hours?"
Goal: Convert lecture audio or rough notes into structured notes.
Prompt:
Below are my rough notes from a lecture on [TOPIC]. Please restructure them:
[PASTE ROUGH NOTES]
Output as:
- Main topic and 3 sub-topics
- Key definitions (with the term bolded)
- 5 most important points
- 2 questions I should ask the professor
- 1 connection to a previous lecture
Tip: If you have an audio recording, transcribe it first with Otter.ai or Whisper, then paste the transcript.
Follow-up: "Now create 5 flashcards from this material, in a Q&A format."
Goal: Understand the method, not just get the answer.
Prompt:
I'm stuck on this math problem:
[PROBLEM]
I'm in [GRADE/COURSE]. Don't just give me the answer — walk me through
the solution step by step, explaining the reasoning at each step.
After you solve it, give me 2 similar practice problems with answers
hidden, so I can try myself.
Tip: Ask AI to "use Python" if the calculation is complex — modern ChatGPT/Claude can execute code.
Follow-up: "I got [different answer]. Where did I go wrong?"
Goal: Memorize new words with mnemonics.
Prompt:
Help me learn these [LANGUAGE] vocabulary words:
[WORD 1]
[WORD 2]
[WORD 3]
...
For each word:
1. Definition in plain English
2. Pronunciation guide
3. Etymology (where the word comes from — helps memory)
4. A mnemonic connecting the word to its meaning
5. Example sentence using the word
Then give me a 5-question quiz at the end.
Tip: Etymology is a powerful memory anchor — words make more sense when you know their origin.
Follow-up: "Now use all these words in a short story."
Goal: Structure and practice a class presentation.
Prompt:
I have a [DURATION]-minute class presentation on [TOPIC] for [CLASS/AUDIENCE].
My current knowledge level is [BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED].
Help me:
1. Outline the presentation (intro, 3 main points, conclusion)
2. Suggest a memorable opening line
3. Suggest a memorable closing line
4. Give me 3 questions the audience might ask, with suggested answers
5. Tell me what to cut if I run out of time
Tip: Practice out loud at least 3 times. AI can also role-play as your audience.
Follow-up: "Role-play as a skeptical classmate. Ask me tough questions about my presentation."
Goal: Structure a science lab report properly.
Prompt:
I need to write a lab report for [EXPERIMENT]. Here are my notes:
[PASTE NOTES]
Structure the report as:
1. Title and objective
2. Hypothesis
3. Materials and methods
4. Data (table format)
5. Analysis
6. Sources of error
7. Conclusion
Use formal scientific tone. Suggest 2 improvements to my method.
Tip: Be honest about sources of error — graders respect intellectual honesty more than perfect results.
Follow-up: "What additional experiment would strengthen my conclusion?"
Goal: Understand history through comparison.
Prompt:
Compare [EVENT A] and [EVENT B]. Create a table with these rows:
- Causes
- Key figures
- Duration
- Major turning points
- Outcomes
- Long-term impact
- Historiographical debate
Then give me a 3-sentence thesis I could defend in an essay.
Tip: "Historiographical debate" means how historians disagree about interpretation — this impresses graders.
Follow-up: "What primary sources should I read to deepen my understanding?"
Goal: Get past surface-level reading.
Prompt:
Here is a poem/passage I'm studying:
[PASTE TEXT]
Please:
1. Identify the form (sonnet, free verse, prose, etc.)
2. Paraphrase it line by line in plain language
3. Identify literary devices used (metaphor, imagery, alliteration, etc.) with examples
4. Discuss the theme in 2 paragraphs
5. Give me 3 essay prompts this text could answer
Tip: Always read the text yourself first, then use AI to deepen — not replace — your reading.
Follow-up: "What's a counter-interpretation of this poem that a critic might argue?"
Goal: Structure a research paper before writing.
Prompt:
I'm writing a research paper on [TOPIC] for [CLASS].
My tentative thesis is: [THESIS]
Length: [WORDS] words.
Help me:
1. Refine my thesis to be more specific and arguable
2. Outline the paper (introduction, 3-5 body sections, conclusion)
3. For each body section, give me 2-3 sub-points
4. Suggest 5 keywords I should search for in academic databases
5. Identify 2 potential counter-arguments I should address
Tip: A weak thesis is the #1 reason research papers get low grades. Spend extra time on step 1.
Follow-up: "Suggest a specific primary source for each body section."
Goal: Run a group project without the usual chaos.
Prompt:
I'm in a group project with [N] people. Our topic is [TOPIC].
We have [DAYS] until the deadline. One member is [DIFFICULT BEHAVIOR].
Help me:
1. Divide the work into [N] clear roles
2. Suggest a project timeline with milestones
3. Write a friendly but firm message to the difficult member
4. Suggest a fair peer-evaluation rubric
5. Plan a contingency if one member drops out
Tip: Document everything in writing. AI can also draft the "accountability message" you've been avoiding.
Follow-up: "Draft a 3-line Slack message reminding everyone of our next milestone."
Goal: Stand out in a competitive application.
Prompt:
I'm applying for the [SCHOLARSHIP NAME]. The prompt is:
"[PROMPT]"
About me:
- Background: [BRIEF BIO]
- Achievement: [KEY ACHIEVEMENT]
- Challenge: [OBSTACLE OVERCOME]
- Goal: [FUTURE GOAL]
Help me:
1. Find a unique angle that avoids clichés (overcoming hardship, wanting to help people, etc.)
2. Write a compelling 250-word opening
3. Suggest 3 structures for the full essay
4. Identify what to cut
5. Give me a final polishing checklist
Tip: Scholarship readers see thousands of "I want to help people" essays. Specificity wins.
Follow-up: "Read this draft and tell me which 2 sentences to cut for impact."
Goal: Understand code, not just copy-paste it.
Prompt:
I'm learning [PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE] and stuck on [CONCEPT].
My current code:
[PASTE CODE]
Please:
1. Explain the concept in plain English (no jargon)
2. Point out what's wrong with my code
3. Show me the corrected code with comments explaining each line
4. Give me 2 simple exercises to practice
5. Tell me the most common mistake beginners make here
Tip: Type out the corrected code yourself, don't copy-paste. Muscle memory matters in programming.
Follow-up: "Give me a harder exercise that builds on this concept."
Goal: Understand a text in a language you're learning.
Prompt:
Here is a text in [LANGUAGE]:
[PASTE TEXT]
Please:
1. Translate it to English literally (word for word)
2. Translate it naturally (how a native speaker would say it)
3. Identify grammar points I should learn from this text
4. List 5 vocabulary words with definitions and example sentences
5. Suggest 1 follow-up exercise to practice this grammar
Tip: Literal vs. natural translation shows you the language's structure, which accelerates learning.
Follow-up: "Write a 100-word response in [LANGUAGE] I could send back."
Goal: Find a project that's actually feasible.
Prompt:
I need a science fair project. Constraints:
- Grade level: [GRADE]
- Budget: $[AMOUNT]
- Time: [DAYS] until fair
- Materials I have access to: [LIST]
- My interests: [SUBJECTS]
Suggest 3 project ideas:
1. A safe, well-understood project (low risk)
2. A creative project (medium risk, more interesting)
3. An ambitious project (higher risk, high reward)
For each: hypothesis, materials list, method outline, expected result.
Tip: Choose the medium-risk project — safe projects bore judges, ambitious projects often fail.
Follow-up: "Help me write a 1-paragraph abstract for project #2."
Goal: Format citations without losing your mind.
Prompt:
Format these sources in [APA/MLA/CHICAGO/HARVARD] style:
Source 1: [AUTHOR, TITLE, PUBLISHER, YEAR, URL]
Source 2: [AUTHOR, TITLE, JOURNAL, VOLUME, ISSUE, PAGES, YEAR]
Source 3: [AUTHOR, TITLE, WEBSITE, DATE ACCESSED, URL]
Also create the in-text citation for each. Then show me how each
appears in a bibliography/works cited page.
Tip: Always verify citations against your school's official style guide. AI makes small formatting errors.
Follow-up: "How do I cite a YouTube video in this style?"
Goal: Use AI to feel calmer and more prepared.
Prompt:
I have a big exam in [DAYS] days on [SUBJECT]. I'm feeling
[ANXIOUS/OVERWHELMED/UNPREPARED]. I've studied [AMOUNT] so far.
Help me:
1. Make a realistic, calm study plan for the remaining days
2. Identify the 5 most important topics to focus on (Pareto principle)
3. Suggest 3 evidence-based techniques to reduce test anxiety
4. Write me a 3-sentence confidence boost I can read on exam morning
5. Tell me what to do the night before and morning of the exam
Tip: AI is not a therapist, but it can help with practical anxiety management. For serious anxiety, talk to a counselor.
Follow-up: "Role-play as my exam proctor. Walk me through the first 5 minutes of the exam calmly."
Goal: Make a big decision with structure.
Prompt:
I'm deciding between these college majors:
1. [MAJOR 1]
2. [MAJOR 2]
3. [MAJOR 3]
About me:
- Subjects I enjoy: [LIST]
- Subjects I struggle with: [LIST]
- Career interests: [LIST]
- Values (money, impact, creativity, stability): [LIST]
For each major, give me:
- What I'd actually study
- Career paths it opens
- Career paths it closes
- 5-year outlook
- One question I should ask myself
Then suggest a decision framework.
Tip: Most students change majors at least once. Optimise for keeping doors open, not locking in early.
Follow-up: "What double-major or minor combinations make sense with my top choice?"
Goal: Build relationships that matter.
Prompt:
I want to send a thank-you email to my [SUBJECT] teacher, [NAME].
They specifically helped me by [SPECIFIC ACTION].
I'm in their [CLASS NAME] class.
Write a 100-word thank-you email that:
- Is specific (not "thanks for everything")
- Mentions what I learned from them
- Is professional but warm
- Doesn't ask for anything
Give me 2 versions: one slightly formal, one slightly casual.
Tip: Teachers remember specific thank-yous for years. This matters for recommendations.
Follow-up: "Now help me write a follow-up email asking for a letter of recommendation."
Goal: Find a topic you'll actually enjoy writing about.
Prompt:
I have an open-ended assignment for [CLASS]: [ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION].
Length: [WORDS] words.
About me:
- I'm interested in: [LIST 5 THINGS]
- I want to avoid: [LIST]
- I want the topic to be: [UNIQUE/SURPRISING/PERSONAL]
Suggest 7 topic ideas that:
- Are specific enough to cover in [WORDS] words
- Have an arguable thesis
- Aren't the topics everyone else will pick
- Connect to my interests
For each, give me a one-sentence potential thesis.
Tip: Graders read 30+ essays on the same prompt. A unique angle is half the battle.
Follow-up: "For topic #3, suggest 3 specific primary sources I could use."
Goal: See the structure of a topic visually.
Prompt:
Create a text-based mind map for the topic: [TOPIC].
Structure it as:
[CENTRAL TOPIC]
├── [MAIN BRANCH 1]
│ ├── [Sub-branch 1a]
│ ├── [Sub-branch 1b]
│ └── [Sub-branch 1c]
├── [MAIN BRANCH 2]
│ ├── [Sub-branch 2a]
│ └── [Sub-branch 2b]
└── [MAIN BRANCH 3]
Make it comprehensive enough to use as a study guide.
For each branch, add a one-line explanation.
Tip: Print the mind map and stick it on your wall while studying.
Follow-up: "Quiz me on 5 random branches of this map."
Goal: Consolidate learning through reflection.
Prompt:
This semester I studied:
- [COURSE 1]
- [COURSE 2]
- [COURSE 3]
Help me reflect on:
1. The 3 most valuable things I learned (one per course)
2. A skill I developed that I didn't have before
3. A mistake I made and what I learned from it
4. A topic I want to explore further
5. How this semester changed my thinking
Format as a journal entry I'll want to read again in 5 years.
Tip: Reflection is the most underused learning technique. 15 minutes of it beats 2 hours of re-reading notes.
Follow-up: "Based on this reflection, suggest 3 books to read this summer."
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 25 prompts
22 copy-paste prompts for teachers at any level — lesson planning, grading, parent communication, and professional development.
Goal: Structure a complete lesson with engagement built in.
Prompt:
I'm teaching [GRADE LEVEL] [SUBJECT]. Topic: [TOPIC].
Duration: 45 minutes. Class size: [N] students.
Create a lesson plan with:
- Learning objective (1 measurable outcome)
- Hook (3-minute opening to grab attention)
- Direct instruction (10 minutes)
- Guided practice (15 minutes)
- Independent practice (12 minutes)
- Closure (5 minutes)
- 2 differentiation strategies (for struggling and advanced students)
- 1 formative assessment I can do during the lesson
Tip: Specify your class size and student needs — AI tailors activities to realistic constraints.
Goal: Differentiate a lesson for diverse learners
Prompt:
Adapt this lesson plan for students with these needs:
- [SPECIFIC NEED 1, e.g., ADHD]
- [SPECIFIC NEED 2, e.g., visual impairment]
- [SPECIFIC NEED 3, e.g., ELL/English Language Learner]
Original lesson: [PASTE LESSON]
For each need, suggest:
1. A specific accommodation
2. A modified activity
3. A way to assess understanding that doesn't penalize the need
Tip: Reference your school's IEP/504 documentation for legally required accommodations — AI suggestions complement, not replace, those.
Follow-up: How can I help peers without these needs also benefit from these accommodations?
Goal: Create a rubric for an assignment
Prompt:
Create a rubric for [ASSIGNMENT TYPE] in [GRADE/SUBJECT].
Assignment: [DESCRIBE ASSIGNMENT]
Length/Scope: [DETAILS]
Format as a 4-level rubric (Exemplary / Proficient / Developing / Beginning)
with these criteria:
- Content understanding
- Organization
- Use of evidence
- Writing quality
- Creativity/originality
For each cell, write specific, observable descriptors
(not just 'good' or 'needs work').
Tip: Specific descriptors make grading faster and reduce student arguments. 'Cites 3+ relevant sources' beats 'uses evidence well'.
Follow-up: Now convert this rubric into a 1-page student-friendly self-assessment checklist.
Goal: Generate discussion questions
Prompt:
I'm teaching [TEXT/TOPIC] to [GRADE/SUBJECT]. Generate 15 discussion questions organized by Bloom's Taxonomy:
- 3 Remembering questions
- 3 Understanding questions
- 3 Applying questions
- 3 Analyzing questions
- 2 Evaluating questions
- 1 Creating question
For each, suggest a 'follow-up probe' to use if students give short answers.
Tip: Bloom's Taxonomy ensures you're not just asking recall questions. The top 3 levels (Analyze, Evaluate, Create) are where real learning happens.
Follow-up: Pick the 3 best questions and turn them into a Think-Pair-Share activity.
Goal: Write a parent newsletter
Prompt:
Write a monthly newsletter to parents of my [GRADE] [SUBJECT] class.
This month we covered: [TOPICS]
Next month we'll cover: [TOPICS]
Special events: [EVENTS]
Class celebration: [SPECIFIC WIN]
Format:
- Warm opening (2 sentences)
- 'What we learned' (bullet list, parent-friendly language)
- 'What's coming' (bullet list)
- 'How you can help at home' (3 specific, easy ideas)
- 'Celebration' (spotlight 1 student or class achievement)
- Warm closing
Tone: warm, professional, jargon-free.
Under 250 words.
Tip: Avoid educational jargon. Parents don't know what 'scaffolding' or 'formative assessment' means — translate to 'step-by-step support' and 'check-ins during learning'.
Follow-up: Now translate this newsletter into [LANGUAGE] for multilingual families.
Goal: Grade an essay with constructive feedback
Prompt:
Here is a student essay. The assignment was: [PROMPT].
Rubric: [PASTE OR DESCRIBE RUBRIC]
Essay:
[PASTE ESSAY]
Provide feedback in this format:
1. Two specific strengths (quote the student's words)
2. Two specific areas to improve (quote the student's words, suggest a fix)
3. One question to push their thinking
4. Suggested grade with justification
5. A 2-sentence note I can write at the end of the essay
Tone: warm, specific, growth-oriented. No vague praise like 'good job'.
Tip: Always lead with strengths. Students who feel seen are more open to critique.
Follow-up: Now write a 1-sentence comment for my grade book summarizing this student's overall progress.
Goal: Create a sub plan
Prompt:
I'll be absent [DATE]. Class: [GRADE] [SUBJECT].
Current unit: [TOPIC]. Sub's familiarity with subject: [LOW/MEDIUM/HIGH].
Create a sub plan with:
- Lesson summary (3 sentences for the sub)
- Step-by-step instructions (timing for each step)
- All materials needed (with where to find them in my classroom)
- 2 backup activities if main lesson finishes early
- Clear behavior expectations
- What to collect at end of class
- How to reach me (or not) during the day
Tip: Subs appreciate over-preparation. When in doubt, write more detail, not less.
Follow-up: Help me write a 3-line note to the sub thanking them and asking for a quick report on how the day went.
Goal: Make a complex topic age-appropriate
Prompt:
I need to teach [COMPLEX TOPIC] to [GRADE LEVEL] students.
The topic is complex because: [WHY IT'S HARD]
My students are familiar with: [PRIOR KNOWLEDGE]
Help me:
1. Find an age-appropriate analogy they'll relate to
2. Identify the 3 core ideas they MUST understand
3. Identify what to leave out (too complex for now)
4. Suggest a hands-on activity that makes it concrete
5. Predict 2 misconceptions they'll have, with corrections
Tip: Saying less is better than saying more. Three ideas deeply understood beats ten ideas shallowly mentioned.
Follow-up: Give me a 2-sentence explanation I can write on the board as our 'big idea' for the lesson.
Goal: Build a formative assessment
Prompt:
I'm teaching [TOPIC] to [GRADE]. I need a quick formative assessment
I can use MID-LESSON (under 5 minutes) to check if students are getting it.
Constraints:
- No grading required
- Works for class size of [N]
- Students of varying ability levels
Suggest 5 different formative assessment ideas. For each:
- What it is
- How to set it up (under 2 minutes)
- How to execute (under 3 minutes)
- What to look for in responses
- What to do if responses show confusion
Tip: Formative assessments are for learning, not of learning. The point is to adjust your teaching, not to grade.
Follow-up: Pick the best one and turn it into a 1-page printable I can hand out.
Goal: Write a letter of recommendation
Prompt:
I'm writing a letter of recommendation for [STUDENT NAME],
a [GRADE LEVEL] student in my [SUBJECT] class.
About the student:
- Performance in my class: [DETAILS]
- Specific project/assignment they excelled at: [DETAILS]
- Personal qualities: [LIST]
- Outside-of-class context I know: [DETAILS]
- What they're applying for: [COLLEGE/SCHOLARSHIP/JOB]
Write a 350-word letter that:
- Opens with a specific, memorable anecdote
- Backs every claim with evidence
- Avoids clichés ('hardworking', 'passionate')
- Distinguishes this student from peers
- Closes with a confident endorsement
Tip: Specific anecdotes beat generic praise. One story about the student's behavior is worth 10 adjectives.
Follow-up: Suggest 3 questions I should ask the student to help me write a stronger letter.
Goal: Manage a difficult student conversation
Prompt:
I need to talk to a student who [DESCRIBE BEHAVIOR].
This is the [FIRST/SECOND/THIRD] time I'm addressing this.
My goal is [WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE].
Help me:
1. Plan the opening (1-2 sentences, non-confrontational)
2. List 3 questions to ask the student (open-ended, not leading)
3. Anticipate 3 responses they might give, with my reply to each
4. Identify what I should NOT say
5. Plan a closing that leaves the door open
Tone: firm, warm, curious (not accusatory).
Tip: Private conversations beat public corrections every time. Pull them aside after class, not during.
Follow-up: Role-play this conversation with me. You be the student, I'll be the teacher.
Goal: Create a study guide for an upcoming test
Prompt:
I'm giving a test on [TOPIC] in [DAYS] days to [GRADE] [SUBJECT].
Test format: [MCQ / SHORT ANSWER / ESSAY / MIX]
Test length: [DURATION]
Key topics covered: [LIST]
Create a study guide for students with:
1. Test overview (format, length, what to bring)
2. Key vocabulary list (10-15 terms)
3. Top 5 concepts to master (with 1-line explanations)
4. 10 practice questions (mix of types)
5. 3 common mistakes to avoid
6. Study strategies specific to this material
7. What to do the night before
Tip: Study guides level the playing field — students with stronger support systems would otherwise have an advantage.
Follow-up: Create a 1-page 'cheat sheet' version for quick review.
Goal: Respond to a parent email professionally
Prompt:
Here is an email from a parent. I want to respond professionally
without escalating.
Parent's email:
[PASTE EMAIL]
Context I know: [BACKGROUND]
My goal: [WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE]
Write a reply that:
1. Acknowledges their concern without defensiveness
2. States facts (not opinions)
3. Offers a specific next step
4. Doesn't promise anything I can't deliver
5. Leaves the door open for a phone call if needed
Tone: warm, professional, solution-focused. Under 150 words.
Tip: Never respond to an angry parent email in the same hour you received it. Sleep on it, then respond.
Follow-up: If this escalates, what should I document and share with my admin?
Goal: Plan a field trip
Prompt:
I'm planning a field trip for [GRADE] [SUBJECT] to [DESTINATION].
Class size: [N]. Duration: [HOURS]. Budget per student: $[AMOUNT].
Help me plan:
1. Pre-trip preparation (3 activities for class)
2. Permission slip key elements
3. Chaperone briefing (what they need to know)
4. Itinerary with timing
5. On-site student worksheet (5 questions/tasks)
6. Post-trip reflection activity
7. Contingency plan for weather/transportation issues
Tip: The learning happens in pre-trip prep and post-trip reflection, not just on the trip itself.
Follow-up: Help me write a 2-paragraph proposal to my admin justifying this trip's educational value.
Goal: Build an engaging warm-up routine
Prompt:
I teach [GRADE] [SUBJECT] first period (8am).
Students are [GROGGY/DISTRACED/LOW ENERGY].
Suggest 10 different 5-minute warm-up routines that:
- Require no prep (or prep I can do once and reuse)
- Get students talking to each other
- Connect to my subject
- Work for diverse ability levels
- Are fun, not 'quiz-like'
For each: name, 1-line description, why it works.
Tip: Predictable routines reduce cognitive load — students know what to expect, which frees brainpower for learning.
Follow-up: Help me build a weekly schedule that rotates through 5 of these.
Goal: Write an IEP/504 goal
Prompt:
I'm writing an IEP goal for a [GRADE] student with [DISABILITY/NEED].
Current performance: [BASELINE DATA]
Annual goal focus: [SKILL/AREA]
Write a SMART goal (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
that includes:
- The skill (specific, observable)
- The condition (when/where)
- The criterion (how measured)
- The timeframe
Then suggest 3 short-term objectives (benchmarks) leading to the annual goal.
Tip: Reference your district's IEP template and special education laws. AI suggestions are a starting point for the IEP team, not a final document.
Follow-up: What data should I collect quarterly to show progress on this goal?
Goal: Plan professional development
Prompt:
I have [DOLLARS/HOURS] for professional development this year.
My goals: [LIST 2-3 GOALS]
My interests: [LIST]
My school's priorities: [LIST]
Suggest a PD plan with:
1. One conference or workshop (with rationale)
2. One book to read
3. One online course
4. One peer observation target
5. One thing I can do monthly to reflect on my practice
6. Total estimated cost and time
Then help me write a 1-page proposal to my admin.
Tip: PD with peer accountability is 5x more likely to actually change your practice. Find a colleague to do it with you.
Follow-up: What's one thing I can stop doing this year to make room for this PD?
Goal: Create a classroom management plan
Prompt:
I'm setting up my classroom for [GRADE] [SUBJECT].
Class size: [N]. Students: [GENERAL DESCRIPTION].
My style: [WARM/STRUCTURED/FLEXIBLE].
Help me create a classroom management plan:
1. 3-5 core rules (positively framed)
2. Daily routine (start to end of class)
3. Attention-getting signals (3 options)
4. Tiered consequences (warning → conversation → parent contact → office)
5. Positive reinforcement system
6. What to do in the first week to establish norms
Tip: Rules should be few, clear, and teachable. 'Respect' is too vague; 'Use kind words, listening ears, and gentle hands' is teachable.
Follow-up: Help me draft a 1-page 'Classroom Expectations' handout for students and parents.
Goal: Analyze student assessment data
Prompt:
Here are assessment results from my [GRADE] [SUBJECT] class.
Class size: [N]. Assessment: [DESCRIBE].
Data:
[PASTE DATA — could be scores, item analysis, or qualitative observations]
Help me analyze:
1. Overall class performance (mean, median, range)
2. Topics where the class struggled (less than 60% correct)
3. Topics where the class excelled (more than 85% correct)
4. Students who need individual support
5. Students who need extension
6. What I should re-teach and how
7. What's working well that I should keep doing
Tip: Look for patterns, not just individual scores. If 70% of students missed question 4, that's a teaching problem, not a student problem.
Follow-up: Draft a 3-paragraph email to my department head summarizing these results and my plan.
Goal: Write a grant for classroom supplies
Prompt:
I'm applying for a [DOLLAR AMOUNT] grant from [ORGANIZATION].
I want to buy: [ITEMS].
Why: [REASON].
Student impact: [N] students per year.
Help me write a grant proposal with:
1. Project title (catchy, specific)
2. Need statement (1 paragraph, with data)
3. Project description (1 paragraph, concrete activities)
4. Budget table
5. Evaluation plan (how I'll know it worked)
6. Sustainability (what happens when grant money runs out)
Under 500 words total.
Tip: Specifics win grants. 'I need 30 tablets' loses. 'I need 30 tablets to help English Language Learners access grade-level texts, projected to improve reading scores by 15%' wins.
Follow-up: What photos or visuals should I include with this grant?
Goal: Handle a parent-teacher conference
Prompt:
I have a parent-teacher conference for [STUDENT NAME] in [GRADE] [SUBJECT].
The student is [STRUGGLING/EXCELLING/MIXED].
Key points I want to make: [LIST]
Parents' likely concerns: [LIST]
Help me plan:
1. Conference agenda (15 minutes total)
2. Opening line (warm, specific, positive)
3. Order of points (sandwich feedback)
4. 3 questions to ask the parents
5. Specific next steps for teacher, student, and parents
6. Closing line (warm, forward-looking)
Tip: Always start with a specific positive. 'Maya drew an incredible diagram of the water cycle last week' beats 'Maya is a sweet girl'.
Follow-up: Help me write a 3-line follow-up email to send after the conference.
Goal: End-of-year reflection
Prompt:
It's the end of the school year. Help me reflect.
This year I taught: [COURSES/GRADES]
Biggest success: [DESCRIBE]
Biggest failure: [DESCRIBE]
Something I tried for the first time: [DESCRIBE]
Something I want to stop doing: [DESCRIBE]
Help me reflect on:
1. What worked well (3 specific things)
2. What didn't work (3 specific things)
3. What I learned about teaching
4. What I learned about myself
5. 3 goals for next year (specific, not vague)
6. 1 thing to let go of
Format as a letter to myself, to read next August.
Tip: End-of-year reflection is when real professional growth happens. 30 minutes of it beats 5 hours of PD workshops.
Follow-up: Help me write a 1-page 'start of year' letter to my future self.
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 22 prompts
24 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Brainstorm article ideas
Prompt:
I write about [TOPIC/BEAT]. My audience is [DESCRIBE].
I want 15 article ideas that:
- Are specific (not 'the future of X')
- Have a clear angle or argument
- Are timely but not news-dependent
- Serve my audience's actual interests
For each idea:
- Working title (under 60 chars)
- 1-sentence angle (what's the argument?)
- Why this audience cares
- 1 source I should interview or read
Then rank them by: originality, audience interest, and writeability.
Tip: Specificity beats generality. 'How 3 indie authors use Substack to bypass publishers' beats 'the future of publishing'.
Follow-up: Pick the top idea and outline it.
Goal: Outline a long-form article
Prompt:
Help me outline an article.
Working title: [TITLE]
Thesis: [1-SENTENCE ARGUMENT]
Length: [WORDS]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
My research so far: [LIST SOURCES/INTERVIEWS]
Create an outline with:
1. Hook (1-paragraph opening that grabs attention)
2. Nut graph (1 paragraph explaining why this matters now)
3. 3-5 main sections (each with: argument, evidence, transition)
4. Counter-arguments to address
5. Conclusion (NOT a summary — a synthesis or call to action)
For each section: word count target, key sources, and the one thing it must accomplish.
Tip: The outline is where the article is won or lost. Spend more time on the outline than on the writing.
Follow-up: What 3 quotes or data points am I missing?
Goal: Write a compelling opening
Prompt:
I'm writing [ARTICLE/ESSAY/STORY] about [TOPIC].
My angle: [DESCRIBE]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Tone: [DESCRIBE — e.g., authoritative, personal, investigative]
Write 5 different openings (under 150 words each):
1. Anecdotal (start with a specific scene)
2. Surprising statistic
3. Question or provocation
4. Historical or comparative context
5. Direct address to the reader ('You...')
For each: explain why it works and what kind of reader it attracts.
Then recommend the strongest.
Tip: Your first paragraph is a promise. The rest of the piece has to deliver on it — so make a promise you can keep.
Follow-up: Help me transition from the opening to the body of the piece.
Goal: Improve a draft
Prompt:
Here is my draft. Please critique it.
[PASTE DRAFT]
Provide feedback in this format:
1. What's working (3 specific things, with quotes)
2. What's not working (3 specific things, with line numbers)
3. Structural issues (ordering, pacing, missing pieces)
4. Sentence-level issues (3 specific examples with rewrites)
5. Voice/tone consistency (where does it drift?)
6. The single highest-impact change I can make
Do NOT rewrite the whole piece. I want to learn to edit myself.
Tip: The best editors ask questions instead of giving answers. 'What are you really trying to say here?' beats 'rewrite this'.
Follow-up: Help me write a 1-line summary of what this piece is really about.
Goal: Edit for clarity and concision
Prompt:
Edit this passage for clarity and concision.
Keep my voice — don't make it sound like AI wrote it.
[PASTE PASSAGE]
Show me:
1. The edited version (track changes style — show what you cut)
2. List of specific edits made (with rationale)
3. Sentences that are too long (over 25 words) — break them
4. Adverbs and adjectives I overuse
5. Passive voice (convert to active where it helps)
6. The single sentence that should be cut entirely
Tip: Cut adverbs first. Then cut qualifiers ('really', 'very', 'quite'). Then cut sentences that don't advance the argument.
Follow-up: What's my writing 'tic' in this piece? (a phrase or pattern I repeat)
Goal: Write a personal essay
Prompt:
Help me write a personal essay about [EXPERIENCE/THEME].
What happened: [DESCRIBE]
How I felt then: [DESCRIBE]
How I feel now: [DESCRIBE]
What I learned: [DESCRIBE]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Length: [WORDS]
Structure the essay:
1. Opening scene (specific moment, sensory details)
2. Context (what the reader needs to know)
3. The complication (what made this hard)
4. The turn (what changed)
5. Reflection (what it means now)
6. Closing image (return to the opening, transformed)
Tone: vulnerable, specific, not preachy. Avoid 'I learned that life is precious' clichés.
Tip: Personal essays work when the specific becomes universal. Don't try to be universal — be hyper-specific.
Follow-up: What's the one detail only I could have noticed? Lead with that.
Goal: Write a product review
Prompt:
I'm reviewing [PRODUCT].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
My experience: [DURATION]
Who it's for: [DESCRIBE]
Who it's NOT for: [DESCRIBE]
Price: $[AMOUNT]
Alternatives I've tried: [LIST]
Structure the review:
1. Verdict up front (recommend / conditional / don't recommend)
2. Who this is for
3. What's in the box / what you get
4. Setup and first impressions
5. 3 strengths (with specific examples)
6. 3 weaknesses (with specific examples)
7. Comparison to top alternative
8. Value for money
9. Bottom line (1 paragraph)
Honest, specific, no marketing language.
Tip: Reviews are most valuable when they say what's wrong. A 5-star review is useless; a 3-star review with specifics is gold.
Follow-up: What 3 photos should I include to make this review more useful?
Goal: Write a newsletter
Prompt:
Write a newsletter issue for [AUDIENCE].
Newsletter topic: [DESCRIBE]
This issue's theme: [DESCRIBE]
Length: 500-700 words
Tone: [DESCRIBE — examples: warm, witty, authoritative]
Structure:
1. Personal opening (1 short paragraph — what I'm thinking about)
2. Main piece (the meat — 300-400 words)
3. 'Thing I'm reading/watching/using' (1 paragraph recommendation)
4. Question for readers (to drive replies)
5. Sign-off
Voice: like a letter to a smart friend, not a corporate broadcast.
Tip: Newsletters win on personality. People subscribe for YOU, not for the information (they can get that anywhere).
Follow-up: Help me write 3 subject line options for this issue.
Goal: Write a short story
Prompt:
Write a short story based on this prompt:
[DESCRIBE PREMISE — e.g., 'A librarian discovers a book that wasn't
there yesterday']
Constraints:
- Length: [WORDS]
- Tone: [DESCRIBE]
- POV: [FIRST PERSON / THIRD LIMITED / OMNISCIENT]
- Setting: [DESCRIBE]
Include:
- A protagonist with a specific want
- An inciting incident in the first paragraph
- Rising action with at least 2 complications
- A climax that costs the protagonist something
- A resolution that's earned, not convenient
Show, don't tell. Sensory details. Specific nouns.
Tip: Specificity is the soul of narrative. 'A 1973 Volvo station wagon' beats 'an old car'.
Follow-up: Now help me cut 10% of the words without losing the story.
Goal: Write a poem
Prompt:
Write a poem about [SUBJECT/FEELING].
Form: [FREE VERSE / SONNET / HAIKU / VILLANELLE / YOUR CHOICE]
Length: [LINES]
Tone: [DESCRIBE]
Imagery: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'urban', 'natural', 'domestic']
Constraints:
- Avoid abstractions (love, hope, time) — use concrete images instead
- Each line should advance or complicate the previous
- The ending should reframe the beginning
Write 3 different versions, each with a different tonal approach.
Then explain which you prefer and why.
Tip: Poetry lives in concrete images and the spaces between them. Show the feeling; don't name it.
Follow-up: Help me find the strongest image in each version and build around it.
Goal: Write a script for a video
Prompt:
Write a script for a [DURATION]-minute video on [TOPIC].
Format: [YOUTUBE ESSAY / EXPLAINER / TIKTOK / DOCUMENTARY]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Tone: [DESCRIBE]
Key points to cover: [LIST]
Script format:
- Two columns: VISUAL | AUDIO
- Each row = 1 shot (5-15 seconds)
- Include b-roll suggestions
- Include text overlays
- Include music/sound cues
- Open with a hook in first 5 seconds
- Close with a CTA
Pacing: 130-150 words per minute of narration.
Tip: Video scripts are denser than they look. Cut 20% of what you think you need.
Follow-up: Help me write a YouTube title and thumbnail concept that matches this script.
Goal: Write a memoir chapter
Prompt:
I'm writing a memoir about [THEME/PERIOD OF LIFE].
This chapter covers: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'the summer my father left']
My age at the time: [AGE]
Key people: [LIST]
Key events: [LIST]
What I understand now that I didn't then: [DESCRIBE]
Help me structure this chapter:
1. Opening scene (specific moment, present-tense narration)
2. Background (only what's needed)
3. Rising action (the complication)
4. Climax (the moment everything changed)
5. Falling action (immediate aftermath)
6. Reflection (looking back — past tense)
Tone: honest, specific, no neat bows. Real life is messy.
Tip: Memoir is not autobiography. You're not telling your whole life — you're telling the part that illuminates a universal truth.
Follow-up: What's the one scene I should expand? What's the one I should cut?
Goal: Write a speech
Prompt:
Write a [DURATION]-minute speech for [OCCASION].
Occasion: [DESCRIBE — wedding, graduation, keynote, eulogy]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Speaker: [DESCRIBE — relationship to occasion]
Key message: [DESCRIBE]
Tone: [DESCRIBE]
Structure:
1. Opening that grabs attention (story, question, or quote)
2. Why we're here (acknowledge the occasion)
3. Main message (1 idea, repeated and developed)
4. 1-2 stories that illustrate the message
5. Call to action or reflection
6. Memorable closing line
Pacing: 130 words/minute. So a 10-min speech = ~1300 words.
Include stage directions: [PAUSE], [LOOK AT AUDIENCE], etc.
Tip: Speeches are heard, not read. Use short sentences, repetition, and concrete images. Read it aloud to test.
Follow-up: Help me practice — predict 3 places the audience might laugh or tear up.
Goal: Write a podcast script
Prompt:
Write a script for a [DURATION]-minute podcast episode on [TOPIC].
Format: [SOLO / INTERVIEW / NARRATIVE]
Host: [DESCRIBE — name, persona]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Tone: [DESCRIBE]
Script structure:
1. Cold open (15 seconds — hook or teaser)
2. Intro music + show ID (15 seconds)
3. Welcome and topic intro (1 minute)
4. Main segment (bulk of episode)
5. Mid-roll break (if applicable)
6. Second segment
7. Recap and call to action
8. Outro music
Format as a two-column script: AUDIO | NOTES.
Word count for solo: 130 words/min × duration.
Tip: Podcast listeners tune in for the host's personality. Write like you speak, not like you write.
Follow-up: Help me write 3 episode title options that would make someone click.
Goal: Pitch an article to an editor
Prompt:
I want to pitch an article to [PUBLICATION].
Publication: [DESCRIBE — audience, tone, typical length]
My article idea: [DESCRIBE]
My qualifications: [DESCRIBE]
My published work: [LIST OR 'NONE YET']
Write a pitch email with:
1. Subject line (under 60 chars — specific, not cute)
2. Opening (1 sentence — why this, why now, why them)
3. The pitch (3-4 sentences — what the piece is, what it argues, why their readers care)
4. Why me (1 sentence — relevant expertise or access)
5. Sample links (1-2 published pieces, or 'happy to send a draft')
6. Word count and timeline
7. Sign-off
Under 200 words. Confident, specific, not begging.
Tip: Editors get 100+ pitches a day. The first sentence determines if they read further. Show you read their publication.
Follow-up: If they say yes, what 3 things should I clarify before I start writing?
Goal: Write a book proposal
Prompt:
I'm writing a nonfiction book about [TOPIC].
Working title: [TITLE]
My argument/thesis: [DESCRIBE]
My platform: [DESCRIBE — audience size, credentials]
Comparable books: [LIST 3-5]
Why I'm the right author: [DESCRIBE]
Help me draft a book proposal with:
1. Concept (1-page overview)
2. Table of contents (10-15 chapters with 1-line descriptions)
3. Sample chapter outline
4. Audience analysis (who buys this, why)
5. Competitive analysis (what's out there, why this is different)
6. Author platform
7. Marketing plan
8. Word count and timeline
Then write a 1-paragraph query letter to an agent.
Tip: Books are sold on concept and platform, not on writing quality (yet). Your concept must be defensible in 1 sentence.
Follow-up: What 3 chapters would an editor cut to tighten this book?
Goal: Generate character ideas
Prompt:
I'm developing characters for a [NOVEL / SHORT STORY / SCREENPLAY].
Setting: [DESCRIBE]
Theme: [DESCRIBE]
Protagonist's flaw: [DESCRIBE OR 'HELP ME FIND ONE']
Generate 5 character concepts. For each:
1. Name and 1-line description
2. Want (what they're chasing)
3. Need (what they actually need, often opposite of want)
4. Wound (the past hurt driving them)
5. Secret (something they're hiding)
6. Contradiction (something that makes them feel real)
7. Voice sample (1 paragraph of their dialogue)
Then suggest how 2 of these characters could be in conflict.
Tip: Characters become real through contradiction. The kindly teacher who is cruel to his dog. The greedy CEO who anonymously funds orphanages.
Follow-up: Pick one character and write a 200-word 'day in the life' scene.
Goal: Write dialogue that sounds real
Prompt:
Help me write dialogue for a scene between [CHARACTER A] and [CHARACTER B].
Context: [DESCRIBE — what just happened, where they are]
A's goal in this scene: [DESCRIBE]
B's goal in this scene: [DESCRIBE]
Underlying tension: [DESCRIBE]
Length: [WORDS]
Rules for the dialogue:
- People rarely say what they mean directly
- Use subtext (the real conversation is underneath)
- Vary sentence length — real speech is choppy
- Use interruption and overlap
- Include physical action beats
- Avoid 'said' synonyms — 'said' is invisible
- Cut the pleasantries ('Hi, how are you?')
Show me 2 versions: one with too much exposition (so I see what to avoid),
and one with strong subtext.
Tip: Read dialogue aloud. If it doesn't sound like something a real person would say, it isn't.
Follow-up: What's the one line in this dialogue that should be cut?
Goal: Write a query letter for a novel
Prompt:
I've written a [GENRE] novel and need to query agents.
Title: [TITLE]
Word count: [N]
Genre: [DESCRIBE]
Comparables: [2-3 recent books]
Logline: [1-SENTENCE SUMMARY]
My bio: [DESCRIBE]
Write a query letter with:
1. Personalization to the agent (1 sentence — why them)
2. Hook (1-2 sentences — what makes this story compelling)
3. Body (3-4 sentences — protagonist, conflict, stakes)
4. Genre and word count
5. Comparables (1 sentence)
6. Bio (1-2 sentences — relevant credentials only)
7. Sign-off
Under 300 words. Specific, confident, no begging.
Tip: Query letters are about the book, not about you. 80% of the letter should be the story.
Follow-up: What 3 agents should I research first, and how do I personalize each query?
Goal: Convert a blog post to other formats
Prompt:
I want to repurpose this blog post into other formats.
Original post:
[PASTE OR LINK]
Help me convert it into:
1. A Twitter/X thread (8-12 tweets, hook first)
2. A LinkedIn post (under 1300 chars, with formatting)
3. An email newsletter (under 400 words, with personal framing)
4. A 60-second video script (with visual cues)
5. 5 standalone social posts (one key idea each)
6. An infographic outline (5 sections)
For each format:
- What to keep, what to cut
- The hook (first line)
- The CTA
Preserve my voice across all formats.
Tip: One piece of content can become 6+ pieces if you repurpose strategically. Most creators leave 80% of value on the table.
Follow-up: Which 2 of these formats should I do first, given my audience?
Goal: Write a tagline
Prompt:
I need a tagline for [BRAND / PRODUCT / PERSONAL BRAND].
What it is: [DESCRIBE]
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Key benefit: [DESCRIBE]
Personality: [DESCRIBE — e.g., playful, serious, bold]
Generate 20 taglines across these approaches:
- Benefit-driven (4)
- Aspirational (4)
- Curiosity gap (4)
- Pattern interrupt (4)
- Pure emotion (4)
For each: under 6 words, no clichés ('unleash your potential'),
specific to this brand.
Then rank the top 5 with rationale.
Tip: A great tagline is a trap for attention — it makes you want to know more. A bad tagline is a summary.
Follow-up: Help me A/B test the top 2 — what would I measure?
Goal: Write an obituary
Prompt:
I need to write an obituary for [PERSON].
Who they were: [DESCRIBE — relationship to you, role in community]
Key life facts: [BORN, FAMILY, CAREER]
What they loved: [LIST]
What they'll be remembered for: [DESCRIBE]
A specific story that captures them: [DESCRIBE]
Service details: [DESCRIBE]
Length: [WORDS]
Write an obituary that:
- Opens with a specific moment or detail (not 'passed away peacefully')
- Includes the biographical facts (in middle, not opening)
- Captures their personality (through a story or quote)
- Mentions who they're survived by
- Notes service/memorial details
- Closes with what they'd want us to remember
Tone: warm, specific, dignified. Not generic.
Tip: The best obituaries read like a person, not a resume. Find the one specific detail that captures them.
Follow-up: Help me write a 2-sentence version for the funeral program.
Goal: Edit my own work
Prompt:
I want to learn to edit my own writing better. Here's a draft:
[PASTE DRAFT]
Walk me through an editing process:
1. First pass: structural (does the argument flow? what's missing?)
2. Second pass: paragraph-level (does each paragraph do one job?)
3. Third pass: sentence-level (clarity, concision, rhythm)
4. Fourth pass: word-level (verbs, adjectives, clichés)
5. Fifth pass: read aloud (where do I stumble?)
For each pass, show me 3 specific edits you'd make with rationale.
Then teach me the principle behind each edit so I learn the skill.
Tip: Editing is where writing happens. The first draft is just clay; the edit is the sculpture.
Follow-up: What's my most common writing weakness, based on this draft?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 24 prompts
200+ copy-paste prompts for every audience. Browse by persona, copy a prompt, paste it into ChatGPT/Claude/Gemini, and replace the [BRACKETED] parts with your specifics.
[BRACKETED] parts with your specifics.Every prompt in this library follows this structure:
[BRACKETED] placeholders)| Audience | # of prompts | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 🎓 Students | 25 | for-students.md |
| 👩🏫 Teachers | 22 | for-teachers.md |
| 💼 Professionals | 22 | for-professionals.md |
| 🚀 Entrepreneurs | 20 | for-entrepreneurs.md |
| 📣 Marketers | 22 | for-marketers.md |
| ✍️ Writers | 24 | for-writers.md |
| 💻 Developers | 20 | for-developers.md |
| 🔬 Researchers | 18 | for-researchers.md |
| 💼 Job seekers | 22 | for-job-seekers.md |
| 🌐 Freelancers | 20 | for-freelancers.md |
| 🎨 Content creators | 24 | for-content-creators.md |
Total: 239 prompts
For the underlying skills behind good prompts, see:
Have a prompt that works well for you? Add it to the relevant audience file — see CONTRIBUTING.md.
MIT — use these prompts freely, including commercially.
Last reviewed: 2026-08
24 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Generate 30 video ideas
Prompt:
I make content about [TOPIC] for [AUDIENCE] on [PLATFORM].
My niche: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'productivity for ADHD adults']
My format: [DESCRIBE — short-form, long-form, podcast, etc.]
Generate 30 video ideas organized by category:
How-to / Tutorial (8 ideas)
Listicle (6 ideas)
Myth-busting (4 ideas)
Personal story (4 ideas)
Reaction / Commentary (4 ideas)
Challenge / Experiment (4 ideas)
For each idea:
- Working title (under 60 chars, hook-y)
- 1-sentence premise
- Why my audience cares
- Estimated format/length
Then rank the top 5 I should make first.
Tip: Quantity beats quality in idea generation. 30 ideas → 5 great ones is better than trying to think of 5 great ones directly.
Follow-up: Help me batch these into a 4-week production schedule.
Goal: Write a YouTube script
Prompt:
Write a script for a [DURATION]-minute YouTube video.
Topic: [DESCRIBE]
Title: [DESCRIBE OR 'HELP ME WRITE']
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
My channel vibe: [DESCRIBE — examples: educational, entertaining, raw]
Structure:
1. Hook (first 15 seconds — must grab attention)
2. Intro (15-30 seconds — what's this video, who am I, why listen)
3. Title sequence (5 seconds)
4. Main content (bulk — broken into 3-5 segments)
5. Mid-video CTA (subscribe, watch another video)
6. Climax/payoff (the thing they came for)
7. Summary (30 seconds — recap key points)
8. End screen CTA (next video to watch)
Format: two columns — VISUAL | AUDIO.
Word count: ~130 words per minute of video.
Tip: The first 15 seconds determine if anyone watches the rest. Spend 30% of your time on the hook.
Follow-up: Help me design the thumbnail concept that matches this script.
Goal: Write a TikTok/Reel script
Prompt:
Write a script for a [DURATION]-second short-form video.
Topic: [DESCRIBE]
Hook type: [PATTERN INTERRUPT / QUESTION / SHOCKING STAT / STORY]
Platform: [TIKTOK / INSTAGRAM REEL / YOUTUBE SHORTS]
My niche: [DESCRIBE]
Structure (optimized for retention):
- Hook (0-3 seconds — visual + audio)
- Setup (3-7 seconds — context)
- Value/Story (7-45 seconds — main content)
- Payoff (45-55 seconds — the thing they waited for)
- CTA (55-60 seconds — follow, comment, share)
Write:
1. Visual direction (what's on screen, camera angles, text overlays)
2. Voiceover script (conversational, punchy)
3. On-screen text (key phrases, captions)
4. Music/sound cues
5. Caption for the post
6. 3 hashtag sets (broad, niche, trending)
Provide 3 hook variations for A/B testing.
Tip: Short-form rewards the first 3 seconds. If they don't stop scrolling, nothing else matters.
Follow-up: What's the most controversial take I could include to drive comments?
Goal: Plan a content calendar
Prompt:
I want to plan my content for the next [DURATION].
Platforms: [LIST — YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, podcast, blog, newsletter]
Posting frequency per platform: [DESCRIBE]
My niche: [DESCRIBE]
My themes: [LIST 3-5 content pillars]
Create a content calendar with:
1. Weekly theme rotation (so each pillar gets coverage)
2. For each day: platform, topic, format, hook
3. Cross-platform repurposing plan (1 piece → 3 formats)
4. Production schedule (when to film/write/edit)
5. Batch creation plan (film 4 videos in 1 day, etc.)
6. Rest days (prevent burnout)
7. Monthly review checkpoint
Output: a 4-week calendar table I can drop into Notion.
Tip: Consistency beats intensity. Better to post 3x/week for a year than daily for 2 weeks then nothing.
Follow-up: What 1 piece of content should be my 'hero' this month?
Goal: Write a video description
Prompt:
Write a YouTube video description for [VIDEO].
Video title: [DESCRIBE]
Video content: [DESCRIBE]
Key timestamps: [LIST OR 'HELP ME IDENTIFY']
Links to include: [LIST — social, website, products]
Write a description with:
1. First 2 lines (visible before 'show more') — hook + SEO keywords
2. Brief summary of video (2-3 sentences)
3. Timestamps (chapters) — for key moments
4. Resources/links mentioned in video
5. Subscribe CTA
6. Social media links
7. SEO keywords (natural, not stuffed)
Also: 3 thumbnail concepts (visual description + text overlay).
Tip: The first 2 lines of your description show in search results. Optimize them for click-through, not just SEO.
Follow-up: What 5 tags should I add to this video?
Goal: Generate Instagram captions
Prompt:
Write 5 caption options for an Instagram post about [TOPIC].
Post format: [SINGLE IMAGE / CAROUSEL / REEL / STORY]
Image content: [DESCRIBE]
My brand voice: [DESCRIBE — examples: witty, inspirational, educational]
Goal: [ENGAGEMENT / SAVES / SHARES / PROFILE VISITS]
For each caption:
1. Hook (first line — must make them tap 'more')
2. Body (3-5 lines, scannable, line breaks)
3. CTA (specific — 'save this', 'tag a friend', 'comment X')
4. Hashtag strategy (mix of broad, niche, branded)
5. Length (vary — short, medium, long)
Tone variety:
- Caption 1: educational
- Caption 2: inspirational
- Caption 3: witty/relatable
- Caption 4: controversial/provocative
- Caption 5: personal/vulnerable
Tip: Instagram rewards saves and shares more than likes. Optimize for those.
Follow-up: What 3 hashtags should I always use?
Goal: Repurpose one piece of content
Prompt:
I have this [BLOG POST / VIDEO / PODCAST EPISODE]. Help me repurpose it.
Original content:
[PASTE OR SUMMARIZE]
Convert into:
1. Twitter/X thread (8-12 tweets, hook first)
2. LinkedIn post (under 1300 chars, formatted)
3. Instagram carousel (8-10 slides, visual)
4. TikTok/Reel script (60 seconds)
5. Email newsletter (under 400 words)
6. 5 standalone social posts (one idea each)
7. Podcast snippet (1-minute audio clip script)
For each:
- What to keep, what to cut
- The hook (first line)
- The CTA
- Visual direction (if applicable)
Preserve my voice across all formats.
Tip: One piece of content can become 7+ pieces. Most creators leave 80% of value on the table by posting once and moving on.
Follow-up: Which 2 formats should I prioritize first?
Goal: Optimize a video for SEO
Prompt:
Help me optimize my YouTube video for search.
Video topic: [DESCRIBE]
Current title: [DESCRIBE]
Current description: [DESCRIBE OR 'NONE']
My channel size: [N SUBSCRIBERS]
Help me optimize:
1. Title (under 60 chars, includes keyword, compelling)
2. Description (first 2 lines optimized for CTR, full description for SEO)
3. Tags (10-15, mix of broad and specific)
4. Thumbnail concept (visual + text overlay, high contrast)
5. Chapters/timestamps (improves retention + SEO)
6. End screen (suggest next video)
7. Cards (when to add, what to link)
8. Playlist addition (existing or new?)
Also: identify the search intent (informational? commercial?)
and the top 3 competing videos I should outperform.
Tip: YouTube SEO matters, but CTR (click-through rate) and retention matter more. A perfectly SEO'd video nobody clicks fails.
Follow-up: What's the one change that would most improve CTR?
Goal: Write a newsletter that gets read
Prompt:
Write a newsletter issue for my subscribers.
Newsletter topic: [DESCRIBE]
This issue's theme: [DESCRIBE]
My voice: [DESCRIBE — examples: warm, witty, authoritative]
Subscriber count: [N]
Average open rate: [X%]
Length target: [WORDS — usually 500-800]
Structure:
1. Personal opening (1 short paragraph — what I'm thinking about)
2. Main piece (the meat — 300-500 words)
3. 'Thing I'm reading/using/listening to' (1 paragraph recommendation)
4. Question for readers (to drive replies)
5. Sign-off
Voice: like a letter to a smart friend, not a corporate broadcast.
Also: 3 subject line options (under 50 chars each).
Tip: Newsletters win on personality. People subscribe for YOU, not for the information (they can get that anywhere).
Follow-up: What 1 thing in this issue will make readers forward it?
Goal: Brainstorm monetization ideas
Prompt:
I'm a content creator with [N] followers on [PLATFORM].
I want to monetize beyond ads/sponsorships.
My niche: [DESCRIBE]
My audience: [DESCRIBE — demographics, interests, spending power]
My strengths: [LIST — skills, knowledge, network]
My content format: [DESCRIBE]
My values: [DESCRIBE — what I won't do]
Suggest 10 monetization ideas across categories:
1. Digital products (courses, ebooks, templates)
2. Physical products (merch, books)
3. Services (consulting, coaching, freelance)
4. Memberships/community (Patreon, Discord, Substack paid)
5. Affiliate (what products my audience uses)
6. Sponsorships/brand deals (what brands fit)
7. Live events (workshops, meetups)
8. Licensing/syndication
For each: effort, revenue potential, fit with my brand.
Rank top 3 to start with.
Tip: Diversified income protects you from platform changes. Don't rely solely on YouTube ad revenue or Instagram sponsorships.
Follow-up: What's the smallest digital product I could launch in 30 days?
Goal: Handle a sponsorship outreach
Prompt:
I want to pitch myself for sponsorships to [BRAND TYPE].
My niche: [DESCRIBE]
My audience: [DESCRIBE — size, demographics, engagement]
My past sponsors: [LIST OR 'NONE']
My content style: [DESCRIBE]
Brands I'd love to work with: [LIST 5]
Help me:
1. Identify the right person to contact at each brand (role title)
2. Write a sponsorship pitch email (under 200 words)
3. Include: who I am, who my audience is, why this brand fits, what I can offer
4. Suggest 3 package options (e.g., dedicated video, integration, social posts)
5. Suggest price ranges (based on audience size and engagement)
6. Plan follow-up if no response
7. Plan negotiation if they say yes
Then write a media kit outline (1 page).
Tip: Brands care about engagement and audience fit, not just follower count. A 10K-engaged audience beats 100K-passive.
Follow-up: What 3 brands should I pitch first, and why?
Goal: Write a podcast episode
Prompt:
Plan a podcast episode on [TOPIC].
Format: [SOLO / INTERVIEW / CO-HOSTED / NARRATIVE]
Duration: [MINUTES]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
My podcast vibe: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Write the episode title (under 60 chars, hook-y)
2. Write the cold open (30 seconds — teaser of best moment)
3. Write the intro (1 minute — who am I, what's this episode, why listen)
4. Outline the main content (3-5 segments with timing)
5. Plan mid-roll break (if applicable) and ad reads
6. Write the closing (1 minute — recap, CTA, next episode tease)
7. Suggest 5 questions to ask the audience (for engagement)
8. Write show notes (3-paragraph summary + resources + CTA)
9. Plan 3 social promo posts
Word count target: ~130 words/minute × duration.
Tip: Podcasts reward consistency and intimacy. Show up regularly; let listeners feel like they know you.
Follow-up: What's the one moment in this episode I should clip for social?
Goal: Create a thumbnail concept
Prompt:
Help me design a YouTube thumbnail for [VIDEO].
Video title: [DESCRIBE]
Video topic: [DESCRIBE]
My channel vibe: [DESCRIBE]
Generate 5 thumbnail concepts. For each:
1. Visual description (what's in the frame)
2. Text overlay (under 5 words, big font)
3. Color scheme (high contrast, on-brand)
4. Facial expression (if I'm in it)
5. Why it would get clicks
6. Potential downsides (what could mislead viewers)
Then recommend the strongest concept.
Also: identify what NOT to do (thumbnail sins to avoid).
Tip: Thumbnails matter more than titles. A great thumbnail with a bad title beats a bad thumbnail with a great title.
Follow-up: What emotion should the thumbnail evoke?
Goal: Analyze my channel performance
Prompt:
Audit my content performance and suggest improvements.
My channel: [DESCRIBE — platform, niche, size]
Recent content (last 30 days):
[List 5-10 pieces with views/engagement]
My metrics:
- Average views: [N]
- Average watch time: [X%]
- Subscriber growth: [N/month]
- Top performing piece: [DESCRIBE]
- Worst performing piece: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Identify what's working (do more of)
2. Identify what's not working (stop or fix)
3. Identify patterns (length, topic, format, posting time)
4. Suggest 3 quick wins (this week)
5. Suggest 3 strategic shifts (this quarter)
6. Identify my 'unfair advantage' (what I do that others can't)
7. Recommend 1 thing to STOP doing
Tip: Most creators spread too thin. Better to dominate 1 format/topic than be mediocre at 5.
Follow-up: What does a winning 30-day plan look like?
Goal: Write a hook that grabs attention
Prompt:
I need a hook for [CONTENT TYPE — video, post, email, blog].
Topic: [DESCRIBE]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Tone: [DESCRIBE]
Goal: [ATTENTION / CURIOUSITY / SHOCK / EMPATHY]
Generate 10 hooks across these approaches:
1. Question (provocative)
2. Surprising statistic
3. Bold claim
4. Personal confession
5. Pattern interrupt (unusual format)
6. Contrarian take
7. Story tease
8. Direct address ('You...')
9. List tease ('3 things...')
10. Negative framing ('Stop doing X')
For each: the hook + why it works + what audience it attracts.
Then rank the top 3.
Tip: The hook is 80% of the work. If they don't stop scrolling, nothing else matters.
Follow-up: Which 2 hooks should I A/B test first?
Goal: Plan a content series
Prompt:
I want to create a content series on [TOPIC].
Series concept: [DESCRIBE]
Number of episodes: [N]
Platform: [DESCRIBE]
My audience: [DESCRIBE]
Help me plan the series:
1. Series title (memorable, searchable)
2. Episode list (with title and 1-line premise for each)
3. Episode order (what comes first, what's the climax)
4. Through-line (what connects all episodes?)
5. Cross-promotion plan (how each episode teases the next)
6. Production schedule (batch or weekly?)
7. Repurposing plan (each episode → social posts, newsletter)
8. Launch plan (how to build anticipation)
9. Success metrics (what defines a 'win'?)
Then write the trailer/announcement post.
Tip: Series build anticipation and binge-watching. Better than 5 random videos, a 5-part series creates momentum.
Follow-up: What's the one episode that will define the series?
Goal: Handle negative comments
Prompt:
I'm getting negative comments on my content. Help me respond.
Comment type: [DESCRIBE — constructive criticism, trolling, hate, disagreement]
Comment content: [PASTE OR SUMMARIZE]
My emotional state: [DESCRIBE]
My audience: [DESCRIBE]
My brand: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Decide if I should respond at all (often: don't feed trolls)
2. For constructive criticism: write a grateful, learning response
3. For disagreement: write a respectful, 'here's my thinking' response
4. For trolling/hate: plan to ignore, hide, or block (criteria for each)
5. Identify when negative comments are actually engagement (algorithm loves it)
6. Plan my mental health response (don't read comments before bed)
7. Plan when to disable comments entirely
Then help me write a response to [SPECIFIC COMMENT].
Tip: Engagement is engagement to the algorithm. Sometimes negative comments boost your reach. Don't take it personally.
Follow-up: What 3 signs mean I should turn off comments for my mental health?
Goal: Build a content team
Prompt:
I want to scale my content creation by building a team.
Current state: I do everything myself (research, write, film, edit, post).
Monthly content output: [DESCRIBE]
Monthly revenue: $[AMOUNT]
Budget for team: $[AMOUNT/month]
Help me:
1. Identify what to delegate first (rank by ease of delegation vs impact)
2. Suggest roles to hire: editor, writer, VA, manager, etc.
3. For each role: what they do, what skills, what to pay
4. Decide between freelancer vs employee vs agency
5. Write a job description for the first hire
6. Plan onboarding (how to hand off work without quality dropping)
7. Plan systems and SOPs (so the work doesn't depend on me)
8. Plan financial runway (when does the team pay for itself?)
Then suggest the first hire I should make.
Tip: Most creators wait too long to hire. The right first hire (usually an editor or VA) can 2-3x your output.
Follow-up: What 1 task do I hate that I should delegate first?
Goal: Write a brand story
Prompt:
Help me write my brand story for [USE — about page, sponsorship pitch, speaking bio].
My background: [DESCRIBE — who I was before content]
Why I started: [DESCRIBE — the moment or reason]
What I believe: [DESCRIBE — my values, perspective]
Who I serve: [DESCRIBE — my audience]
My vision: [DESCRIBE — where I'm going]
Structure the story:
1. Origin moment (specific — when did this start?)
2. The struggle (what was hard about starting?)
3. The pivot (what changed?)
4. The mission (what do I stand for now?)
5. The invitation (who is this for?)
Length: [WORDS — typically 200-400].
Tone: authentic, specific, not heroic. Real stories beat polished ones.
Tip: People connect with vulnerability, not perfection. The messy origin story is more compelling than the polished resume.
Follow-up: What's the one detail only I could share? Lead with that.
Goal: Plan a launch for a digital product
Prompt:
I'm launching [PRODUCT] on [DATE].
Product: [DESCRIBE — course, ebook, template pack, etc.]
Price: $[AMOUNT]
Audience: [DESCRIBE — size, platform]
Goal: [N SALES / $N REVENUE]
Launch window: [DURATION]
Create a launch plan with 3 phases:
Pre-launch (T-30 to T-1):
- Teaser content (3-5 pieces)
- Waitlist building (incentive? just FOMO?)
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Early bird list
Launch (T-0 to T-7):
- Launch day announcement
- Email sequence (5 emails)
- Social proof collection
- Live Q&A or webinar
- Daily content about the product
Post-launch (T+8 to T+30):
- Case studies from early buyers
- Iterate based on feedback
- Evergreen content plan
- Plan v2 or next product
For each phase: specific tactics, content ideas, metrics.
Tip: Launches are won in pre-launch. Build the waitlist BEFORE you have something to sell.
Follow-up: What 3 things will likely go wrong, and what's my contingency for each?
Goal: Set up a content workflow
Prompt:
I want to systematize my content creation.
Current state: I create content ad hoc, often missing my posting schedule.
Platforms: [LIST]
Posting frequency: [DESCRIBE]
My pain points: [LIST — ideation, filming, editing, posting]
Help me design a content workflow:
1. Ideation system (how to capture and develop ideas)
2. Production system (batch filming, writing sprints)
3. Editing system (tools, templates, outsourcing)
4. Publishing system (scheduling tools, checklists)
5. Promotion system (cross-posting, repurposing)
6. Review system (what worked, what to repeat)
7. Tools for each stage (recommend a simple stack)
8. Weekly workflow (Mon: ideation, Tue: filming, etc.)
9. Monthly workflow (1st: review last month, plan next)
Output: a 1-page workflow I can stick to.
Tip: Systems beat willpower. If your content depends on 'feeling inspired', you'll burn out. Build the system.
Follow-up: What 1 tool would most reduce my friction?
Goal: Write a video title that gets clicks
Prompt:
Help me write a YouTube title for [VIDEO].
Video content: [DESCRIBE]
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Search keywords: [LIST]
My channel vibe: [DESCRIBE]
Generate 15 titles across these approaches:
1. Question (provokes curiosity)
2. Number list ('5 things...')
3. How-to
4. Bold claim
5. Story tease
6. Negative framing ('Don't do X')
7. Time-bound ('in 30 days')
8. Comparison ('X vs Y')
9. Mistake-focused ('Mistakes I made')
10. Transformation ('From X to Y')
For each: under 60 chars, compelling, not clickbait (must deliver).
Then rank top 5 and recommend the strongest.
Tip: Titles and thumbnails determine CTR. Spend as much time on the title as on the first minute of the video.
Follow-up: What title would make ME click?
Goal: Analyze my competitor's content
Prompt:
Analyze the content strategy of [COMPETITOR/CREATOR].
Their channel/platform: [DESCRIBE]
Their audience: [DESCRIBE]
Their content: [DESCRIBE — topics, formats, frequency]
Their growth: [DESCRIBE — subscriber count, growth rate]
Help me reverse-engineer:
1. Their niche and positioning
2. Their content pillars (3-5 themes)
3. Their format strategy (what works for them)
4. Their posting cadence and timing
5. Their monetization strategy
6. Their engagement tactics (CTAs, comments, community)
7. 3 things they do well (worth learning from)
8. 3 gaps I could exploit
9. What I should NOT copy (their unique advantages I don't have)
Then suggest how I can differentiate, not imitate.
Tip: Don't copy competitors — learn from their wins and exploit their gaps. The goal is to be different, not better at being them.
Follow-up: What's the one thing they're NOT doing that I should test?
Goal: Plan a collaboration
Prompt:
I want to collaborate with [CREATOR/BRAND].
My niche: [DESCRIBE]
Their niche: [DESCRIBE]
My audience: [DESCRIBE — size, type]
Their audience: [DESCRIBE]
My goal: [AUDIENCE GROWTH / CONTENT QUALITY / MONETIZATION / RELATIONSHIP]
Help me:
1. Decide if this collaboration makes sense (audience overlap, value exchange)
2. Identify 3 collaboration formats (interview, joint video, takeover, etc.)
3. Write an outreach message (under 150 words)
4. Propose specific ideas (not 'wanna collab?')
5. Plan the logistics (who films, who edits, who posts)
6. Plan promotion (both sides cross-promote)
7. Plan what success looks like (metrics)
8. Plan follow-up (thank you, future collabs)
Then write the outreach message.
Tip: Collaborations work best when audiences overlap but aren't identical. You want new eyeballs, not the same ones.
Follow-up: What 3 creators should I reach out to first?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 24 prompts
20 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Explain unfamiliar code
Prompt:
Explain this code to me. I'm a [BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED] developer.
[PASTE CODE]
Provide:
1. High-level summary (1 paragraph — what does this do?)
2. Line-by-line explanation for the confusing parts
3. Design pattern or idiom used (if any)
4. Why the author likely wrote it this way
5. Potential bugs or gotchas
6. How I'd test this
7. 2 ways to improve it
Tip: Understanding other people's code is 80% of professional development. Don't skip the 'why' part.
Follow-up: What 3 things should I Google to deepen my understanding?
Goal: Debug an error message
Prompt:
I'm getting this error:
[ERROR MESSAGE]
Context:
- Language: [LANGUAGE]
- Framework: [FRAMEWORK]
- What I was trying to do: [DESCRIBE]
- What I expected: [DESCRIBE]
- What I've already tried: [LIST]
Help me:
1. Translate the error message to plain English
2. Identify the 3 most likely causes
3. For each cause: how to verify if it's the issue
4. Suggest a debugging approach (not just a fix)
5. Tell me what to add (logging, print statements) to gather more info
6. After fix: how to prevent this in future
Tip: Don't ask AI to fix the error — ask it to help you understand the error. You'll learn the pattern.
Follow-up: What's the underlying concept I should learn to avoid this class of error?
Goal: Write a function
Prompt:
Write a function in [LANGUAGE] that [DESCRIBE WHAT IT SHOULD DO].
Inputs: [DESCRIBE]
Outputs: [DESCRIBE]
Edge cases to handle: [LIST]
Style: [FUNCTIONAL / OOP / WHATEVER'S IDIOMATIC]
Requirements:
- Include docstring/comment explaining what it does
- Handle edge cases explicitly
- Use clear variable names
- Add type hints if the language supports them
- Show 3 test cases (input → expected output)
- Note any performance considerations
Then suggest 2 alternative implementations with trade-offs.
Tip: Specifying edge cases upfront prevents AI from writing code that 'works for the happy path, breaks for everything else'.
Follow-up: What's the worst input someone could give this function?
Goal: Refactor code
Prompt:
Refactor this code for [READABILITY / PERFORMANCE / MAINTAINABILITY].
Current code:
[PASTE CODE]
Constraints:
- Keep the public API the same
- Don't add new dependencies
- Preserve all existing behavior
Show me:
1. The refactored code
2. List of specific changes (with rationale for each)
3. Before/after for the most impactful change
4. What patterns you applied
5. What you deliberately did NOT change (and why)
6. 3 test cases to verify behavior is preserved
Tip: Refactoring without tests is flying blind. If there are no tests, write tests first.
Follow-up: What's the next refactor I should do after this one?
Goal: Write unit tests
Prompt:
Write unit tests for this function.
[PASTE FUNCTION]
Framework: [JEST / PYTEST / GO TEST / RSPEC / YOUR CHOICE]
Coverage target: [100% / 80% / PRAGMATIC]
Tests to write:
- Happy path (2-3 cases)
- Edge cases (empty input, boundary values)
- Error cases (invalid input, failures)
- Property-based tests (if applicable)
For each test:
- Descriptive name (what + why)
- Arrange-Act-Assert structure
- Clear assertions
- Comments where the test is non-obvious
Then identify what's hard to test and why.
Tip: Tests are documentation that can't lie. Name them like sentences: 'returns_empty_array_when_input_is_null'.
Follow-up: What 1 test would catch the most future bugs?
Goal: Write a regular expression
Prompt:
Write a regex for [LANGUAGE/ENGINE] that matches [DESCRIBE].
What should match:
- [EXAMPLE 1]
- [EXAMPLE 2]
- [EXAMPLE 3]
What should NOT match:
- [EXAMPLE 1]
- [EXAMPLE 2]
Provide:
1. The regex
2. Explanation of each component
3. Test cases (matching and non-matching)
4. Common pitfalls with this regex
5. A simpler alternative if the regex is complex
6. Performance considerations (catastrophic backtracking?)
Tip: Regex is write-only code. Always document what each part does — future you will thank you.
Follow-up: What's a non-regex solution that might be clearer?
Goal: Choose between libraries
Prompt:
I'm choosing between these libraries for [PURPOSE]:
- [LIBRARY 1]
- [LIBRARY 2]
- [LIBRARY 3]
My context:
- Language: [LANGUAGE]
- Project type: [DESCRIBE]
- Team size: [N]
- Maintenance budget: [LOW/MEDIUM/HIGH]
- Performance needs: [DESCRIBE]
Compare on:
1. Popularity (GitHub stars, downloads)
2. Maintenance activity (last commit, release cadence)
3. Documentation quality
4. API ergonomics
5. Performance benchmarks
6. Bundle size / dependencies
7. License
8. Community / ecosystem
9. Learning curve
Then recommend one with rationale, and identify deal-breakers.
Tip: The best library is the one your team can maintain. Popularity matters less than documentation quality.
Follow-up: What's a 'build it ourselves' option, and when would it make sense?
Goal: Write a technical design doc
Prompt:
I'm designing [SYSTEM/FEATURE]. Help me write a design doc.
Problem: [DESCRIBE]
Goals: [LIST]
Non-goals: [LIST]
Constraints: [LIST]
Create a design doc with these sections:
1. Context and scope
2. Goals and non-goals
3. High-level design (with diagram description)
4. Detailed design (data models, APIs, key algorithms)
5. Alternatives considered (at least 2)
6. Privacy and security considerations
7. Rollout plan (feature flags? staged?)
8. Observability (metrics, logs, alerts)
9. Open questions
10. Timeline
Format as Markdown, ready to share in a wiki.
Tip: Non-goals are critical. Stating what you're NOT building prevents scope creep and clarifies priorities.
Follow-up: What 3 questions would a senior engineer ask in review?
Goal: Write a SQL query
Prompt:
Write a SQL query for [DESCRIBE WHAT YOU WANT].
Database: [POSTGRES / MYSQL / SQLITE / SQL SERVER]
Schema:
[DESCRIBE TABLES AND COLUMNS, OR PASTE DDL]
Sample data:
[OPTIONAL — SHOW A FEW ROWS]
Requirements:
- Handle NULLs explicitly
- Performance considerations (index usage)
- Return columns: [LIST]
- Sort by: [COLUMN]
- Limit: [N] if applicable
Provide:
1. The query
2. Explanation of each clause
3. Expected output (a few rows)
4. Alternative way to write it
5. Performance notes (which indexes would help?)
Tip: Writing SQL? Always think about what happens when tables grow 10x. A query that works on 1000 rows might lock the table at 10M rows.
Follow-up: What index would speed up this query?
Goal: Write a git commit message
Prompt:
Help me write a git commit message for this change.
Files changed: [LIST]
Diff summary: [DESCRIBE WHAT CHANGED AND WHY]
Type of change: [FEATURE / BUGFIX / REFACTOR / DOCS / TEST]
Breaking change? [YES/NO]
Write 3 commit message options following Conventional Commits:
- format: type(scope): subject
- subject under 50 chars, imperative mood
- body explaining what and why (not how)
- footer for breaking changes or issue references
Then recommend the best one.
Tip: Future you will search commit messages by 'why', not 'what'. Always include the why.
Follow-up: Help me write the PR description to match this commit.
Goal: Explain a design pattern
Prompt:
Explain the [PATTERN NAME] design pattern to me.
My level: [BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE]
Language I use: [LANGUAGE]
Provide:
1. Plain-English explanation (what problem does it solve?)
2. When to use it
3. When NOT to use it
4. Simple code example (under 30 lines)
5. Real-world analogy
6. Common misuse
7. Related patterns
8. Trade-offs
Tip: Patterns are tools, not rules. Using a pattern where it doesn't fit is worse than not knowing the pattern.
Follow-up: Show me a real example of this pattern in [LANGUAGE]'s standard library or popular framework.
Goal: Set up a CI/CD pipeline
Prompt:
I need to set up CI/CD for [PROJECT TYPE] in [LANGUAGE].
Repository: [GITHUB / GITLAB / BITBUCKET]
Deployment target: [AWS / VERCEL / GCP / SELF-HOSTED]
Team size: [N]
Release cadence: [DESCRIBE]
Design a CI/CD pipeline with:
1. Stages (lint → test → build → deploy)
2. Specific actions/workflows for each stage
3. Environment strategy (dev / staging / prod)
4. Branch protection rules
5. Deployment strategy (blue-green, canary, etc.)
6. Rollback plan
7. Secrets management
8. Notifications (Slack, email)
Provide example config file (e.g., .github/workflows/ci.yml).
Include comments explaining each step.
Tip: Start simple. A 5-step pipeline that runs is better than a 20-step pipeline that's never finished.
Follow-up: What's the minimum CI I should set up THIS week?
Goal: Write documentation
Prompt:
Write documentation for [CODE/API/FEATURE].
Audience: [BEGINNERS / EXPERIENCED DEVELOPERS / END USERS]
Format: [README / API REFERENCE / TUTORIAL / EXPLAINER]
Source material:
[PASTE CODE OR DESCRIBE]
Create documentation with:
1. TL;DR (1-paragraph summary)
2. Installation / setup
3. Quick start (5-minute example)
4. Common use cases (3-5)
5. API reference (if applicable)
6. Configuration options
7. Troubleshooting
8. FAQ
9. Migration notes (if replacing old version)
10. Contributing guidelines link
Use code examples generously. Assume the reader is smart but uninformed.
Tip: Documentation is not an afterthought — it's part of the product. Code without docs is unfinished.
Follow-up: What 3 screenshots or diagrams would make this clearer?
Goal: Review a pull request
Prompt:
Help me review this PR. Be thorough but constructive.
PR description: [PASTE]
Diff:
[PASTE OR DESCRIBE]
Review on these dimensions:
1. Correctness (does it do what it claims?)
2. Tests (are they adequate? what's missing?)
3. Performance (any obvious issues?)
4. Security (any concerns?)
5. Readability (is the code clear?)
6. Architecture (does it fit the existing design?)
7. Documentation (was it updated?)
8. Backward compatibility
For each issue found:
- Severity: [BLOCKING / SHOULD FIX / NICE TO HAVE]
- Specific file and line
- Suggested fix
- Why it matters
End with: should this be merged, requested-for-changes, or rejected?
Tip: Code review is a gift. Be specific, kind, and assume the author did their best.
Follow-up: Help me write a friendly comment summarizing the review for the author.
Goal: Optimize slow code
Prompt:
This code is slow. Help me optimize.
[PASTE CODE]
Current performance: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'takes 5s for 10K items']
Target performance: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'under 500ms']
Language: [LANGUAGE]
Constraints: [LIST — can't change API, can't add deps, etc.]
Help me:
1. Identify the bottleneck (what's actually slow?)
2. Suggest 3 optimization strategies (ranked by impact)
3. For each: expected speedup, code change, trade-off
4. Recommend benchmarking approach
5. Identify premature optimizations to avoid
6. Show the optimized code
Also: is the slowness actually a problem? Sometimes the answer is 'good enough'.
Tip: Profile before optimizing. 80% of optimizations target code that wasn't the bottleneck.
Follow-up: What's the algorithmic complexity (Big-O) of the original vs optimized?
Goal: Write a Dockerfile
Prompt:
Write a Dockerfile for [APPLICATION].
App: [DESCRIBE — language, framework]
Dependencies: [LIST OR 'SEE PACKAGE FILE']
Runtime requirements: [DESCRIBE]
Deployment target: [DESCRIBE]
Dockerfile requirements:
1. Multi-stage build (small final image)
2. Use official base images with version pinning
3. Non-root user for security
4. .dockerignore recommendations
5. Health check
6. Environment variables (with defaults)
7. Exposed ports
8. Volume mounts (if applicable)
9. Optimized for caching (frequently-changing layers last)
Provide the Dockerfile + .dockerignore + build instructions.
Estimate final image size.
Tip: Smaller images = faster deploys and fewer vulnerabilities. Multi-stage builds are non-negotiable.
Follow-up: What 3 environment variables should I never bake into the image?
Goal: Mentor a junior developer
Prompt:
I'm mentoring a junior developer who is [DESCRIBE SITUATION —
e.g., 'struggling with imposter syndrome' or 'ready for more responsibility'].
Their level: [DESCRIBE]
Their goal: [DESCRIBE]
Time horizon: [DURATION]
My time commitment: [HOURS/WEEK]
Help me:
1. Set clear expectations (what they can expect from me, what I expect from them)
2. Create a 90-day growth plan with specific milestones
3. Identify 3 skills to focus on (not 10)
4. Suggest 1 stretch project that builds confidence
5. Plan weekly 1:1 agenda (30 min)
6. Identify 3 things to NOT do (common mentoring mistakes)
7. Plan how to give honest feedback kindly
Tip: The best mentoring is asking good questions, not giving answers. 'What have you tried?' beats 'You should...'
Follow-up: Help me write a Slack message inviting them to our first 1:1.
Goal: Set up local dev environment
Prompt:
I'm setting up a local dev environment for [PROJECT].
OS: [MACOS / LINUX / WINDOWS]
Project type: [DESCRIBE — language, framework]
Team size: [N]
Existing onboarding docs: [NONE / OUTDATED / GOOD]
Create an onboarding guide:
1. Prerequisites (what to install before starting)
2. Step-by-step setup (clone, install deps, configure)
3. Common issues and fixes
4. How to run the app locally
5. How to run tests
6. How to debug
7. Editor/IDE recommendations
8. Useful scripts and shortcuts
9. Where to ask for help
Format as Markdown, ready to drop into the repo as ONBOARDING.md.
Test each step mentally — assume the reader has zero context.
Tip: Onboarding docs are the highest-ROI documentation. Save every new hire 2 days = save the company $2K+ per hire.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should the onboarding doc answer that aren't obvious?
Goal: Write a postmortem
Prompt:
We had an incident. Help me write a postmortem.
Incident: [DESCRIBE — what happened]
Impact: [DESCRIBE — users affected, downtime, $ cost]
Duration: [START TIME → END TIME]
Root cause (if known): [DESCRIBE OR 'STILL INVESTIGATING']
Create a blameless postmortem with:
1. Summary (3 sentences — what, impact, duration)
2. Timeline (5-10 events with timestamps)
3. Impact (users, revenue, SLA violations)
4. Root cause analysis (5 whys)
5. What went well (3 things)
6. What didn't go well (3 things)
7. Where we got lucky (3 things)
8. Action items (specific, with owners and due dates)
9. Lessons learned
Tone: blameless, learning-focused, honest.
Tip: Blameless postmortems build learning cultures. If people fear blame, they hide incidents — and you can't learn from hidden incidents.
Follow-up: What 3 monitoring improvements would have caught this earlier?
Goal: Choose a database
Prompt:
I'm choosing a database for [APPLICATION].
App: [DESCRIBE]
Expected data volume: [DESCRIBE]
Expected read/write ratio: [DESCRIBE]
Query patterns: [DESCRIBE]
Consistency needs: [STRONG / EVENTUAL]
Team experience: [DESCRIBE]
Budget: [DESCRIBE]
Compare options across these database types:
1. Relational (Postgres, MySQL)
2. Document (MongoDB, DynamoDB)
3. Key-value (Redis, etcd)
4. Graph (Neo4j)
5. Search (Elasticsearch)
6. Time-series (InfluxDB, TimescaleDB)
For the 3 most relevant:
- Pros and cons for my use case
- Cost at scale
- Operational complexity
- Migration difficulty
Then recommend one with rationale.
Tip: Start with Postgres. It's almost always the right answer, and you can move to a specialized DB later if needed.
Follow-up: What's the #1 sign I'd need to switch databases in 2 years?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 20 prompts
20 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Validate a business idea
Prompt:
I have a business idea: [DESCRIBE]
Target customer: [DESCRIBE]
My hypothesis: [WHY THEY'D BUY]
Help me validate this idea before building anything:
1. Identify 3 assumptions I'm making (that could be wrong)
2. For each, suggest a cheap experiment to test it (under $100)
3. List 5 questions to ask potential customers in interviews
4. Suggest 3 'false positive' signals to watch out for
5. Identify 1 thing that would kill this idea — and how to test it fast
Tip: Most startups die from indigestion (building too much) not starvation. Validate before building.
Follow-up: What's the smallest version of this I could sell next week?
Goal: Write a one-page business plan
Prompt:
Help me write a 1-page business plan for [BUSINESS IDEA].
Format using the Lean Canvas:
1. Problem (top 3 problems)
2. Customer segments (target + early adopters)
3. Unique value proposition (1 sentence)
4. Solution (top 3 features)
5. Channels (how to reach customers)
6. Revenue streams (how we make money)
7. Cost structure (top 3 costs)
8. Key metrics (how we measure success)
9. Unfair advantage (what can't be copied)
Keep it real — no vague words like 'excellent service' or 'best quality'.
Tip: If you can't fit your plan on 1 page, you don't understand it well enough yet.
Follow-up: What 3 numbers would tell me monthly if this business is healthy?
Goal: Calculate break-even
Prompt:
Help me calculate break-even for [PRODUCT/SERVICE].
Unit price: $[AMOUNT]
Variable cost per unit: $[AMOUNT]
Fixed monthly costs: $[AMOUNT]
Calculate:
1. Contribution margin per unit
2. Break-even point in units
3. Break-even point in revenue
4. Units needed to make $[TARGET] profit
5. What happens if price drops 10%?
6. What happens if variable cost rises 15%?
Show the math step by step.
Tip: Break-even is the most important number for a new business. If you don't know it, you're flying blind.
Follow-up: What price would I need to charge to break even at half the volume?
Goal: Pitch my business in 60 seconds
Prompt:
Help me craft a 60-second pitch for [BUSINESS].
Audience: [INVESTORS / CUSTOMERS / PARTNERS]
Key facts: [DESCRIBE BUSINESS, MARKET, TRACTION]
Structure the pitch as:
1. Hook (10 sec — surprising fact or question)
2. Problem (10 sec — pain your customer feels)
3. Solution (15 sec — what you do, simply)
4. Traction (10 sec — proof people want it)
5. Market (5 sec — size and opportunity)
6. Ask (10 sec — what you want from this audience)
Write 3 versions: investor-focused, customer-focused, partner-focused.
Tip: Practice until you can deliver it without notes. The pitch is you, not the slides.
Follow-up: Anticipate the 5 toughest questions this audience would ask.
Goal: Find my first 10 customers
Prompt:
I'm launching [PRODUCT/SERVICE]. I have no customers yet.
Budget for customer acquisition: $[AMOUNT] (could be $0)
Time available: [HOURS/WEEK]
My network: [DESCRIBE]
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Suggest 5 strategies to get my first 10 paying customers, ranked by
likelihood of success given my constraints. For each:
- What it is
- Step-by-step execution
- Expected cost (time + money)
- What 'success' looks like
- Common mistake to avoid
Tip: First 10 customers come from your network. Customers 10-100 come from referrals. Customers 100+ come from marketing.
Follow-up: Help me write a personal outreach message to send to 20 people in my network.
Goal: Write a marketing email campaign
Prompt:
I'm launching [PRODUCT] to my email list of [N] subscribers.
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Price: $[AMOUNT]
Launch date: [DATE]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Design a 5-email sequence:
1. Teaser (7 days before) — curiosity, no product mention
2. Announcement (launch day) — the reveal
3. Story (day 2) — why I built this
4. Social proof (day 4) — early customer results
5. Last chance (day 6) — deadline urgency
For each email:
- Subject line (2 options)
- Opening line (the hook)
- Body structure (3-5 sentences)
- CTA (specific action)
- Send time recommendation
Tip: Email still has the highest ROI of any marketing channel for small businesses. Build your list before you need it.
Follow-up: Help me write a 1-line social post driving sign-ups to this email list.
Goal: Make a go/no-go decision
Prompt:
I'm deciding whether to [DECISION — e.g., 'launch this feature' / 'hire this person' / 'raise prices 20%'].
Context: [DESCRIBE]
Financial implications: [DETAILS]
Time pressure: [DETAILS]
My gut says: [YES/NO/UNSURE]
Help me:
1. Frame the decision clearly (what am I really deciding?)
2. List 3 reasons to go
3. List 3 reasons to not go
4. Identify what info I'm missing
5. Identify the reversibility (can I undo this?)
6. Apply a simple framework (10/10/10 rule, regret minimization)
7. Make a recommendation
Tip: Reversible decisions: move fast. Irreversible decisions: think slowly. Most decisions are more reversible than they feel.
Follow-up: What's the smallest experiment I could run to learn before fully committing?
Goal: Price my product
Prompt:
I need to price [PRODUCT/SERVICE].
Cost to produce: $[AMOUNT]
Closest competitor price: $[AMOUNT]
Target customer: [DESCRIBE]
Value delivered: [DESCRIBE — time saved, money earned, etc.]
Help me:
1. Calculate cost-plus pricing
2. Estimate value-based pricing (what's it worth to customer?)
3. Suggest 3 pricing tiers (good/better/best)
4. Identify psychological pricing considerations
5. Suggest a launch discount strategy
6. Identify when to raise prices (signals)
7. Plan how to communicate the price
Tip: Price signals value. Pricing too low can hurt more than pricing too high — customers assume cheap = bad.
Follow-up: What 3 things would let me charge 2x my current price?
Goal: Hire my first employee
Prompt:
I'm hiring my first employee for [ROLE] at [COMPANY].
Budget: $[SALARY]/year
Stage: [DESCRIBE — pre-revenue / profitable / funded]
Culture: [DESCRIBE]
Must-have skills: [LIST]
Nice-to-have skills: [LIST]
Help me:
1. Write a job description (under 300 words)
2. Identify 5 interview questions that reveal skill, not just likability
3. Design a paid work sample (1-2 hours, $[AMOUNT])
4. Create a 30-60-90 day onboarding plan
5. Suggest a compensation structure (salary + equity if applicable)
6. Plan the offer conversation
Tip: First hire sets the culture for the next 10 hires. Hire for character and learning ability, not just current skill.
Follow-up: What 3 red flags should disqualify a candidate regardless of skill?
Goal: Write a co-founder agreement
Prompt:
I'm starting a company with [CO-FOUNDER]. We need to align on key terms
before incorporating.
Help me draft a co-founder agreement covering:
1. Equity split ([X]/[Y]) and rationale
2. Vesting schedule (4-year, 1-year cliff?)
3. Roles and decision-making (who decides what?)
4. Time commitment (full-time? side project?)
5. Capital contributions ($ from each)
6. IP assignment (all work belongs to company)
7. What happens if someone leaves?
8. What happens if someone is underperforming?
9. Dispute resolution
10. Exit scenarios (sale, IPO, shutdown)
Tip: Dispute these terms when you love each other, not when you're fighting. Most co-founder lawsuits come from unclear early agreements.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should we discuss before signing anything?
Goal: Build a simple financial model
Prompt:
Help me build a 12-month financial model for [BUSINESS].
Revenue model: [SUBSCRIPTION / ONE-TIME / MIX]
Avg revenue per customer: $[AMOUNT]
Customer acquisition cost: $[AMOUNT]
Monthly fixed costs: $[AMOUNT]
Variable cost per unit: $[AMOUNT]
Starting cash: $[AMOUNT]
Create a monthly model showing:
- New customers
- Total customers
- Revenue
- Costs (fixed + variable)
- Net profit/loss
- Cash balance
Identify: break-even month, runway (when cash runs out),
and the 3 assumptions that most affect the outcome.
Tip: Your model will be wrong. The point is to know which assumptions matter most, so you can validate them.
Follow-up: What would have to be true for this business to make $[TARGET] profit in year 1?
Goal: Decide whether to raise funding
Prompt:
I'm considering raising funding for [BUSINESS].
Stage: [DESCRIBE — idea/MVP/revenue/scaling]
Current monthly revenue: $[AMOUNT]
Burn rate: $[AMOUNT]/month
Funding target: $[AMOUNT]
Use of funds: [DESCRIBE]
Help me think through:
1. Do I actually need funding? (vs bootstrapping)
2. What type of funding? (friends/family, angel, VC, revenue-based, loan)
3. What am I giving up? (equity, control, optionality)
4. What's the dilution math at different valuations?
5. What milestones would this funding help me hit?
6. What's the 'default alive' alternative?
7. What questions will investors ask that I can't answer yet?
Tip: Raising VC funding is rarely the best path for most businesses. Bootstrapped = total control + slower growth. Funded = faster growth + pressure to exit.
Follow-up: What would my business look like in 3 years if I never raised funding?
Goal: Run a customer interview
Prompt:
I'm interviewing [TYPE OF CUSTOMER] about [PROBLEM/PRODUCT].
Stage: [DISCOVERY / VALIDATION / FEEDBACK]
Time available: 30 minutes
Help me:
1. Write an interview script (under 30 min)
2. Group questions: warm-up, problem exploration, solution reaction, closing
3. Identify what to NOT ask (leading questions, hypothetical futures)
4. Suggest 3 'silent probe' techniques (when they say something interesting)
5. Plan note-taking approach
6. Plan follow-up (thank you, sharing results, next steps)
Focus on past behavior, not future predictions.
Tip: Customers lie about future intentions. 'Would you buy this?' gets optimistic answers. 'When did you last solve this problem?' gets truth.
Follow-up: How do I synthesize insights across 10 interviews?
Goal: Create a content marketing calendar
Prompt:
I want to do content marketing for [BUSINESS] for the next 90 days.
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Channels: [BLOG / LINKEDIN / TWITTER / YOUTUBE / TIKTOK / PODCAST]
Time available: [HOURS/WEEK]
Goals: [AWARENESS / LEADS / THOUGHT LEADERSHIP]
Help me:
1. Choose 3 content pillars (themes I'll consistently cover)
2. Plan 12 pieces of content (1/week for 12 weeks)
3. For each: title, format, channel, key takeaway
4. Identify 1 'hero' piece per month (longer, more polished)
5. Create a weekly production workflow
6. Suggest 1 repurposing strategy (1 piece → 3 formats)
Tip: Consistency beats quality at the start. Better to ship 12 'good enough' pieces than 4 'perfect' ones.
Follow-up: Help me write the first piece — a 500-word blog post introducing my perspective.
Goal: Handle a PR crisis
Prompt:
My business is facing: [DESCRIBE CRISIS — bad review, product failure,
founder controversy, data breach, etc.]
Affected stakeholders: [CUSTOMERS / EMPLOYEES / INVESTORS / PUBLIC]
Current media coverage: [DESCRIBE]
Time since incident: [HOURS/DAYS]
Help me:
1. Write a public statement (under 200 words, honest, no corporate speak)
2. Identify what to apologize for (and what NOT to apologize for)
3. List 3 concrete actions I'm taking
4. Plan internal comms (to team, in order of who hears first)
5. Plan customer comms (template for inbound questions)
6. Identify 3 things to NOT do (defensive tweets, deleting comments, etc.)
7. Plan the 30-day follow-up (how to rebuild trust)
Tip: Speed beats perfection in a crisis. A 7/10 response in 2 hours beats a 9/10 response in 24 hours.
Follow-up: What should I say in tomorrow's all-hands meeting with my team?
Goal: Find product-market fit
Prompt:
I've been working on [PRODUCT] for [TIME].
Current state: [DESCRIBE TRACTION — users, revenue, retention].
I'm not sure if I have product-market fit.
Help me:
1. Define what PMF looks like for my stage (concrete signals)
2. Suggest the Sean Ellis test (would be very disappointed without product?)
3. Identify 3 leading indicators of PMF (vs trailing indicators like revenue)
4. Identify 3 signs I DON'T have PMF yet
5. Suggest experiments to find PMF faster
6. Identify which customer segment is showing strongest signal
7. Help me decide: pivot, persevere, or perish?
Tip: If you have to ask whether you have PMF, you don't. PMF feels like the market is pulling product out of your hands.
Follow-up: What's the smallest change I could make this week to test PMF signals?
Goal: Negotiate a B2B contract
Prompt:
I'm negotiating a contract with [CUSTOMER/PARTNER] for [SCOPE].
Deal size: $[AMOUNT]
My ideal terms: [LIST — payment schedule, IP, term length, etc.]
Their likely terms: [LIST]
My walk-away point: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Identify my BATNA (Best Alternative To Negotiated Agreement)
2. Identify their BATNA
3. List 5 terms I care about, ranked
4. Suggest 3 things I can trade (cheap for me, valuable to them)
5. Write an opening offer script
6. Anticipate 3 counter-offers, with my response
7. Plan the closing (don't let it drag)
Tip: Never negotiate without knowing your walk-away. Without it, you'll concede on everything.
Follow-up: What 3 things should be in the contract that aren't about money?
Goal: Build an advisory board
Prompt:
I want to build an advisory board for [BUSINESS].
Stage: [DESCRIBE]
Gaps in my expertise: [LIST — e.g., finance, sales, industry domain]
Budget for advisors: $[AMOUNT/month] or equity [X%]
Help me:
1. Define what an advisor does (and doesn't do) at my stage
2. Identify 3 types of advisors I need
3. Write an outreach message to a potential advisor
4. Suggest compensation structures (equity, retainer, per-meeting)
5. Suggest a written advisor agreement template (expectations, time, IP)
6. Plan the first meeting agenda
7. Plan how I'll use advisors monthly/quarterly
Tip: Advisors are most valuable when they tell you what you don't want to hear. Choose advisors who'll challenge you, not cheerleaders.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should I ask a potential advisor to know if they're right?
Goal: Write a founder's letter
Prompt:
I'm writing a 'founder's letter' for [OCCASION — website about page,
fundraising deck, year-end update, etc.].
Business: [DESCRIBE]
My personal story: [DESCRIBE WHY I STARTED THIS]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Length: [WORDS]
Help me write a letter that:
1. Opens with a specific moment (not 'I've always been passionate about...')
2. Connects my personal story to the business
3. States the problem I saw and why it mattered
4. Describes what we're building and why it's different
5. Acknowledges what we don't know yet
6. Invites the reader in (customers, investors, team)
Tone: honest, specific, no buzzwords.
Tip: The best founder letters read like a letter to a friend, not a press release. Read Patagonia's or Berkshire Hathaway's for inspiration.
Follow-up: What 2 sentences should I cut for maximum impact?
Goal: Plan my exit strategy
Prompt:
I'm thinking about eventually exiting [BUSINESS].
Current state: [DESCRIBE — revenue, stage, ownership]
Time horizon: [YEARS]
Goal: [MAXIMIZE CASH / CONTINUE MISSION / RETIRE / START SOMETHING NEW]
Help me understand my options:
1. Sell to a strategic acquirer (who? why?)
2. Sell to private equity (what they look for)
3. Sell to employees (ESOP)
4. Pass to family
5. IPO (probably not realistic — explain why)
6. Wind down gracefully
For each option:
- When to start preparing
- What I need to have in place
- Likely valuation range
- Time to close
Tip: Start planning your exit 2-3 years before you want to leave. Last-minute exits always leave money on the table.
Follow-up: What 3 things should I do THIS year to keep my exit options open?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 20 prompts
20 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Write a winning proposal
Prompt:
I want to submit a proposal for this freelance gig.
Job posting:
[PASTE JOB POSTING]
My relevant experience: [DESCRIBE]
My proposed approach: [DESCRIBE]
My rate: $[AMOUNT]/hour or $[AMOUNT] fixed
Timeline I can deliver: [DESCRIBE]
Write a proposal that:
1. Opens by rephrasing their problem (shows I read it)
2. References 1 specific thing from their posting
3. Describes my approach in 2-3 sentences (not generic)
4. Shows relevant past work (1 example, not 5)
5. Asks 1-2 clarifying questions
6. States timeline and rate confidently
7. Closes with next steps
Under 200 words. No 'Dear Sir/Madam', no 'I am interested in this position'.
Tip: Clients skim proposals in 10 seconds. The first sentence determines if they read the rest. Show you read their posting.
Follow-up: What 2 clarifying questions should I ask to show expertise?
Goal: Set my freelance rate
Prompt:
I need to set my freelance rate for [SERVICE].
Service: [DESCRIBE]
My experience: [DESCRIBE — years, types of clients]
My skill level: [BEGINNER / INTERMEDIATE / EXPERT]
Location: [DESCRIBE]
Target clients: [DESCRIBE — small business, enterprise, startups]
Market rates I know: [DESCRIBE OR 'NONE']
Help me:
1. Calculate my minimum rate (covering costs + taxes + benefits)
2. Calculate my market rate (what others charge)
3. Calculate my value-based rate (what clients save/earn from my work)
4. Suggest a tiered pricing structure (3 tiers)
5. Decide between hourly vs project-based vs retainer
6. Plan how to communicate rates confidently
7. Plan when and how to raise rates
Output: a rate card I can use in proposals.
Tip: Freelancers underprice themselves 80% of the time. Your rate should feel slightly uncomfortable to say out loud.
Follow-up: What would let me charge 2x my current rate?
Goal: Write a client onboarding sequence
Prompt:
I just won a new client. Help me onboard them professionally.
Service: [DESCRIBE]
Client type: [DESCRIBE]
Project scope: [DESCRIBE]
Duration: [DURATION]
Design an onboarding sequence:
1. Welcome email (sent within 24h of winning) — what to include
2. Onboarding questionnaire (5-7 questions to gather info)
3. Kickoff meeting agenda (30 min)
4. Project brief template (1 page, signed by both)
5. Communication plan (tools, frequency, response times)
6. Milestone schedule
7. Invoice and payment terms setup
8. File sharing and access setup
9. Feedback loop (how they give feedback)
Then write the welcome email.
Tip: Onboarding sets the tone for the whole project. A messy start guarantees a messy project.
Follow-up: What 3 things should I clarify before starting work?
Goal: Handle scope creep
Prompt:
My client keeps asking for more work outside the original scope.
Original scope: [DESCRIBE]
New requests: [LIST]
My relationship with client: [DESCRIBE — good/tense]
My financial impact: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Decide which requests to include (goodwill) vs charge for
2. Write a friendly but firm message addressing scope
3. Propose a change order process (for future requests)
4. Suggest a fair price for the additional work
5. Identify what NOT to say (don't apologize for charging)
6. Plan the conversation (script)
7. Plan contingency if client pushes back or threatens to leave
Tip: Scope creep is the #1 killer of freelance profitability. Setting boundaries early earns respect, not conflict.
Follow-up: How do I prevent scope creep on my NEXT project?
Goal: Send a late payment reminder
Prompt:
A client is [N] days late paying my invoice.
Invoice amount: $[AMOUNT]
Due date: [DATE]
Days late: [N]
Previous relationship: [DESCRIBE]
Reason for delay (if known): [DESCRIBE]
Write a payment reminder appropriate for the delay:
- 1-7 days late: friendly nudge
- 8-14 days late: firmer, with late fee reminder
- 15-30 days late: serious, with consequences
- 30+ days: final notice
For my situation, write:
1. The email (under 150 words)
2. What to attach (invoice copy, contract)
3. Next steps if they don't respond
4. How to maintain the relationship while getting paid
5. What to do if they say they can't pay
Tone: professional, firm, not angry.
Tip: Most late payments are administrative, not malicious. Start friendly, escalate only if needed.
Follow-up: Should I keep working for them before this invoice is paid?
Goal: Find freelance clients
Prompt:
I need to find new freelance clients for [SERVICE].
Service: [DESCRIBE]
My niche: [DESCRIBE]
Current clients: [DESCRIBE — how many, type]
Time available for marketing: [HOURS/WEEK]
Budget for marketing: $[AMOUNT/month]
Help me build a 30-day client acquisition plan:
1. Identify 5 channels (ranked by likely ROI for my niche)
2. For each: specific weekly actions
3. Write a cold outreach template (under 100 words)
4. Suggest 3 portfolio pieces to feature (or create)
5. Identify 3 communities to join (Slack, Discord, LinkedIn groups)
6. Plan referral requests to existing clients
7. Plan content marketing (1 piece per week)
8. Set weekly KPIs (outreach sent, calls booked)
Then help me write my first cold outreach message.
Tip: The best freelancers spend 20% of their time on marketing, always. Feast-or-famine cycles happen when you stop marketing during feast.
Follow-up: What 1 action should I take TODAY?
Goal: Write a freelance contract
Prompt:
I need a contract for a freelance project.
Service: [DESCRIBE]
Client: [DESCRIBE — individual/business, location]
Project scope: [DESCRIBE]
Total fee: $[AMOUNT]
Timeline: [START → END]
Payment terms: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 50% upfront, 50% on delivery]
Draft a contract covering:
1. Parties and contact info
2. Scope of work (very specific — prevents scope creep)
3. Deliverables and timeline
4. Payment terms (amount, schedule, late fees)
5. Revision policy (how many rounds, scope of revisions)
6. IP ownership (when does it transfer?)
7. Confidentiality
8. Termination clause (how either party can end)
9. Liability limitation
10. Dispute resolution
Plain English, not legalese. 2-3 pages max.
Note: I will have a lawyer review before signing.
Tip: A good contract protects both you and the client. Clients who refuse to sign one are red flags.
Follow-up: What 3 clauses should I never agree to remove?
Goal: Manage multiple projects
Prompt:
I'm juggling [N] freelance projects. Help me manage them.
Projects:
- [PROJECT 1: client, deadline, status, hours/week]
- [PROJECT 2: details]
- [PROJECT 3: details]
Total weekly hours available: [HOURS]
Help me:
1. Identify which projects are at risk
2. Prioritize this week's tasks across projects
3. Time-block my calendar (deep work, comms, admin)
4. Set up a tracking system (Notion? Trello? Spreadsheet?)
5. Plan client communication (frequency per project)
6. Identify what to outsource or delegate
7. Plan buffer time for unexpected issues
8. Identify when to say no to new work
Output: a weekly schedule + tracking template.
Tip: Freelancers die from context-switching, not from too much work. Batch similar tasks; protect deep work blocks.
Follow-up: What 1 thing should I stop doing to free up 5 hours/week?
Goal: Ask for a testimonial
Prompt:
I just finished a project with [CLIENT]. Help me ask for a testimonial.
Project: [DESCRIBE]
Outcome: [DESCRIBE — ideally with metrics]
Client relationship: [DESCRIBE]
Where I want the testimonial: [WEBSITE / LINKEDIN / UPWORK / ELSEWHERE]
Write a request that:
1. Is sent within 1 week of project completion (while they're happy)
2. Makes it easy (offer to draft it for them to edit)
3. Asks specific questions (not 'can you write a testimonial?')
4. Gives them an out (no pressure)
5. Specifies where it will be used
6. Offers to reciprocate (LinkedIn recommendation, etc.)
Then write a draft testimonial they can edit.
Tip: Clients are happy to give testimonials but hate writing from scratch. Do 80% of the work for them.
Follow-up: How do I ask if they'd be a reference for future prospects?
Goal: Raise my rates with existing clients
Prompt:
I want to raise rates for existing clients.
Current rate: $[AMOUNT]
Proposed new rate: $[AMOUNT]
% increase: [X%]
Clients affected: [LIST with how long I've worked with each]
Reason: [DESCRIBE — inflation, skill growth, market rate]
Help me:
1. Decide on timing (when to announce, when effective)
2. Decide on amount (typical increases are 10-20%)
3. Write the announcement email
4. Anticipate responses (accept, pushback, leave)
5. Plan how to handle pushback (negotiation, phase-in, walk-away)
6. Identify which clients to grandfather at old rate (if any)
7. Plan for client turnover (some will leave — that's OK)
Tone: confident, professional, not apologetic.
Tip: Annual rate increases are normal. Clients expect them. Surprising clients with a 50% increase is not OK; a 15% increase with notice is fine.
Follow-up: What 3 things justify my new rate?
Goal: Decide between hourly and project-based pricing
Prompt:
I'm pricing a new project. Should I charge hourly or project-based?
Project: [DESCRIBE]
Estimated hours: [N]
My hourly rate: $[AMOUNT]
Client type: [DESCRIBE]
Risk of scope creep: [LOW/MEDIUM/HIGH]
My experience with similar projects: [DESCRIBE]
Help me decide:
1. Pros and cons of hourly for this project
2. Pros and cons of project-based for this project
3. Calculate equivalent project-based price (with risk buffer)
4. Identify which approach the client likely prefers
5. Suggest a hybrid (e.g., project-based with hourly for revisions)
6. Recommend one with rationale
7. Plan how to communicate the chosen pricing
Tip: Project-based pricing rewards efficiency; hourly rewards slowness. For well-defined projects, project-based is usually better.
Follow-up: What 3 things would make me switch to hourly mid-project?
Goal: Handle a difficult client
Prompt:
I have a client who [DESCRIBE DIFFICULT BEHAVIOR — e.g., 'never
responds on time', 'micromanages', 'changes their mind constantly',
'asks for free work'].
My financial dependence on them: [HIGH/MEDIUM/LOW]
Contract terms: [DESCRIBE OR 'NONE']
Relationship history: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Identify the root cause of their behavior (often not about me)
2. Decide if the relationship is worth saving
3. Write a message addressing the behavior (specific, not accusatory)
4. Propose a process change (e.g., weekly check-ins, clearer scope)
5. Set boundaries (what I will/won't do)
6. Identify when to fire the client
7. Plan how to fire them gracefully if needed
Tip: Difficult clients cost more than they pay. The mental tax and opportunity cost often exceed the invoice amount.
Follow-up: What 3 signs should make me fire this client immediately?
Goal: Plan my freelance finances
Prompt:
I'm a freelancer and need to get my finances in order.
Annual revenue: $[AMOUNT]
Business expenses: $[AMOUNT]
Personal expenses: $[AMOUNT]/month
Tax rate: [X%]
Retirement savings: $[AMOUNT or 'NONE']
Emergency fund: $[AMOUNT or 'NONE']
Help me:
1. Calculate my real take-home pay (after taxes, expenses)
2. Set up a tax savings system (what % to set aside)
3. Plan an emergency fund (3-6 months of expenses)
4. Plan retirement contributions (SEP-IRA, Solo 401k, etc.)
5. Decide on business structure (LLC, S-Corp, sole prop)
6. Track expenses properly (categories, tools)
7. Plan for slow months (reserve fund)
8. Identify insurance needs (health, liability, disability)
Output: a monthly money flow plan.
Tip: Freelancers must be their own HR, finance, and benefits departments. Set up systems early — don't wait until tax season.
Follow-up: What 3 expenses should I track that I'm probably forgetting?
Goal: Build a freelance portfolio
Prompt:
I need to build a portfolio for my freelance business.
Service: [DESCRIBE — design, writing, dev, consulting, etc.]
Target clients: [DESCRIBE]
Past work: [LIST 5-10 projects]
Platform: [WEBSITE / NOTION / BEHANCE / GITHUB / YOUR SUGGESTION]
Help me:
1. Choose 3-5 projects to feature (criteria: relevance, impact, recency, visual)
2. For each: structure (client problem, my approach, outcome, testimonial)
3. Write an 'about me' page that sells (not bio)
4. Write a 'services' page (what I do, who I help, outcomes)
5. Decide what to cut (portfolio is only as strong as weakest piece)
6. Plan visual presentation (screenshots, before/after, metrics)
7. Add social proof (logos, testimonials, metrics)
8. Plan a clear CTA (contact, book a call)
Then suggest a domain name and tagline.
Tip: Your portfolio is your salesperson. It should answer: who you help, what you do, why you're different, how to hire you.
Follow-up: What 1 project should I add that I don't have yet?
Goal: Get referrals from happy clients
Prompt:
I want to get more referrals from existing happy clients.
My service: [DESCRIBE]
My current clients: [DESCRIBE — how many, type, satisfaction]
My referral incentive: [DESCRIBE OR 'NONE']
Help me:
1. Identify the right moment to ask (after delivery, after positive feedback)
2. Write a referral request message (under 100 words)
3. Make it easy (specify the type of client I'm looking for)
4. Decide on incentive (discount, gift, cash, or none)
5. Plan follow-up if they say yes (intro message template)
6. Plan follow-up if they say no or don't respond
7. Set up a system to ask regularly (quarterly check-ins)
Then write a referral request I can send to my top 3 clients.
Tip: Referred clients close faster, pay better, and stay longer. Referrals are the highest-ROI marketing for freelancers.
Follow-up: How do I ask without sounding desperate?
Goal: Decide whether to take a project
Prompt:
A potential client wants to hire me for [DESCRIBE PROJECT].
Project scope: [DESCRIBE]
Budget: $[AMOUNT]
Timeline: [DESCRIBE]
Client type: [DESCRIBE — industry, size, personality fit]
My current workload: [DESCRIBE]
My financial need: [DESCRIBE]
Help me decide:
1. Is the budget fair for the scope? (calculate effective hourly rate)
2. Is the timeline realistic? (will it burn me out?)
3. Is the client a good fit? (red flags, communication style)
4. Does this fit my strategic direction? (or is it a distraction?)
5. Opportunity cost (what am I saying no to?)
6. Risk assessment (payment, scope, reputation)
7. Negotiation opportunities (rate, scope, timeline)
Then make a recommendation: take, negotiate, or pass.
Tip: Saying yes to the wrong project costs you twice: the time you spend on it, and the better projects you can't take.
Follow-up: What 1 thing would make me say yes if changed?
Goal: Write a project brief
Prompt:
I just landed a project. Help me write a brief that keeps it on track.
Project: [DESCRIBE]
Client: [DESCRIBE]
Scope: [DESCRIBE]
Deliverables: [LIST]
Timeline: [START → END with milestones]
Budget: $[AMOUNT]
Create a 1-page project brief:
1. Project overview (2 sentences — what and why)
2. Objectives (what success looks like, measurable)
3. Scope (in AND out — what I'm NOT doing)
4. Deliverables (specific, with formats)
5. Timeline (milestones with dates)
6. Roles (who does what on client side and my side)
7. Communication plan (tools, frequency, response times)
8. Payment schedule
9. Revision policy
10. Sign-off process
Format: a doc I can send to the client for sign-off.
Tip: A signed brief prevents 80% of project conflicts. Don't start work without one.
Follow-up: What 3 things should I clarify with the client before sending this?
Goal: Create a service catalog
Prompt:
I want to productize my freelance services.
My current services: [DESCRIBE — what I do, ad hoc]
My best clients: [DESCRIBE]
My strengths: [LIST]
Help me create a service catalog:
1. Identify 3-5 service packages (not just 'hourly')
2. For each: name, what's included, what's not, price, timeline
3. Create 3 tiers (good/better/best) for at least 1 service
4. Identify which service is my 'entry' offer (low-risk for new clients)
5. Identify which is my 'premium' offer (high-margin)
6. Plan add-ons (small extras that increase average project value)
7. Plan how to communicate the catalog (PDF, webpage, proposal)
Output: a 1-page service catalog I can send to prospects.
Tip: Productized services = predictable revenue and faster sales cycles. Clients buy outcomes, not hours.
Follow-up: Which service should I retire because it's not profitable?
Goal: Handle client feedback I disagree with
Prompt:
A client gave me feedback I disagree with.
Feedback: [DESCRIBE]
My professional opinion: [DESCRIBE — why I think they're wrong]
Client relationship: [DESCRIBE]
Project stage: [DESCRIBE]
My leverage: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Decide if this is a battle worth fighting (often it isn't)
2. Identify what's behind their feedback (often a deeper concern)
3. Write a response that acknowledges their concern
4. Explain my professional recommendation with evidence
5. Offer a compromise (if appropriate)
6. Decide when to defer to the client (they're paying)
7. Decide when to push back firmly (reputation, ethics)
Tone: respectful, confident, not defensive.
Tip: Clients hire you for expertise, then sometimes ignore it. Pick your battles — defer on taste, push back on strategy.
Follow-up: How do I document this in case it goes wrong?
Goal: Plan my freelance business growth
Prompt:
I want to grow my freelance business over the next 12 months.
Current state:
- Revenue: $[AMOUNT]/year
- Clients: [N] active
- Hours/week: [N]
- Services: [DESCRIBE]
Goals (12 months):
- Revenue target: $[AMOUNT]
- Hours/week target: [N] (often LOWER)
- Services to add/cut: [DESCRIBE]
Help me build a growth plan:
1. Identify 3 growth strategies (ranked by fit and ROI)
2. For each: specific actions, timeline, expected impact
3. Identify what to STOP doing (free up time)
4. Plan hiring/outsourcing (what to delegate first)
5. Plan systems to build (CRM, proposals, onboarding)
6. Plan financial milestones (monthly revenue targets)
7. Identify risks and mitigations
8. Plan quarterly reviews
Output: a 12-month roadmap.
Tip: Freelance growth often means working LESS, not more. The goal is leverage — higher rates, productized services, delegation.
Follow-up: What 1 thing should I do this month to move toward my goal?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 20 prompts
22 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Tailor my resume for a specific job
Prompt:
Tailor my resume for this job.
Job description:
[PASTE JD]
My current resume:
[PASTE RESUME]
Help me:
1. Identify the 5 most important keywords in the JD (for ATS)
2. Suggest 3-5 bullet point rewrites that better match the JD
3. Identify experience I should emphasize more
4. Identify experience I should de-emphasize
5. Suggest a summary/objective line tailored to this role
6. Flag anything in my resume that doesn't serve this application
Don't fabricate experience — only reframe what I have.
Tip: Most resumes are rejected in 6 seconds. Tailoring for each application is non-negotiable.
Follow-up: What 3 things would make a recruiter skip my resume?
Goal: Write a cover letter that doesn't suck
Prompt:
Write a cover letter for [JOB TITLE] at [COMPANY].
Job description: [PASTE OR SUMMARIZE]
My relevant experience: [DESCRIBE]
Why I want THIS company (specific): [DESCRIBE]
My one unique selling point: [DESCRIBE]
Write a cover letter (under 300 words) that:
1. Opens with something specific (not 'I am writing to apply for...')
2. Shows I researched the company
3. Tells one concrete story that demonstrates fit
4. Quantifies an achievement
5. Closes with confidence (not 'I hope to hear from you')
Avoid: 'I am passionate about', 'team player', 'hard worker'.
Provide 2 versions: formal and conversational.
Tip: Cover letters matter less than resumes, but a great one can tip the scale. A bad one definitely hurts.
Follow-up: Help me write a 1-line email version for when applying via email.
Goal: Prepare for a behavioral interview
Prompt:
I have a behavioral interview for [ROLE] at [COMPANY].
Job description: [PASTE OR SUMMARIZE]
My resume: [PASTE OR SUMMARIZE]
Anticipate 10 likely behavioral questions based on the JD, including:
- 'Tell me about a time you...'
- Leadership questions
- Conflict questions
- Failure questions
- Strengths/weaknesses
For each question:
1. Why they're asking (what they want to assess)
2. STAR framework structure (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
3. A specific story from my experience I should use
4. Key points to hit
5. What NOT to say
Then suggest 3 questions I should ask them.
Tip: Behavioral interviews reward preparation. Practice your top 5 stories out loud until they're natural.
Follow-up: Role-play the interview. You be the interviewer, I'll practice my answers.
Goal: Prepare for a technical interview
Prompt:
I have a technical interview for [ROLE] at [COMPANY].
Tech stack: [LIST]
My experience level: [DESCRIBE]
Interview format: [LIVE CODING / TAKE-HOME / SYSTEM DESIGN / DEBUGGING]
Time: [DURATION]
Help me prepare:
1. 10 likely technical questions (specific to the stack)
2. 3 coding problems I should practice (with approach, not full solution)
3. 1 system design question (if applicable) with framework
4. Common mistakes candidates make in this type of interview
5. What to do when I don't know the answer
6. Questions to ask the interviewer
7. How to handle nerves
Then simulate a 5-minute technical question with me.
Tip: Interviewers care more about how you think than whether you get the right answer. Think out loud.
Follow-up: What 3 concepts should I review the night before?
Goal: Negotiate a job offer
Prompt:
I got an offer for [ROLE] at [COMPANY].
Offer details:
- Base salary: $[AMOUNT]
- Bonus: [DESCRIBE]
- Equity: [DESCRIBE]
- Benefits: [DESCRIBE]
- Start date: [DATE]
Market data I have: [DESCRIBE OR 'NONE']
My leverage: [DESCRIBE — other offers, unique skills, etc.]
My target: [DESCRIBE — what would make me say yes immediately]
Help me:
1. Identify what's negotiable (often more than just salary)
2. Identify my BATNA (other offers, current job)
3. Write a negotiation email (under 200 words, specific ask, professional)
4. Anticipate 3 responses, with my reply
5. Identify non-cash things to ask for (signing bonus, PTO, remote work)
6. Plan the phone conversation if they call
7. Decide my walk-away point
Tip: Always negotiate. Even a 5% increase compounds to 6-figures over a career. The first offer is rarely the best.
Follow-up: If they say 'this is our final offer', what should I ask for instead?
Goal: Decide between multiple job offers
Prompt:
I have [N] job offers. Help me decide.
Offer 1: [COMPANY, ROLE, COMPENSATION, LOCATION, PROS, CONS]
Offer 2: [DETAILS]
Offer 3: [DETAILS]
My priorities (ranked):
- [PRIORITY 1, e.g., compensation]
- [PRIORITY 2, e.g., growth]
- [PRIORITY 3, e.g., work-life balance]
My career goal (5 years): [DESCRIBE]
My life situation: [DESCRIBE — family, location preferences, etc.]
Help me:
1. Score each offer against my priorities (1-10 matrix)
2. Identify non-obvious factors (manager quality, team culture, commute)
3. Identify which offer is best for 2-year vs 5-year horizon
4. Suggest questions to ask each company before deciding
5. Identify what I'd regret about each choice
6. Apply a decision framework
7. Make a recommendation
Tip: Most people overoptimize for compensation and underweight manager quality. Your manager shapes your daily life more than your salary.
Follow-up: What's the smallest experiment I could run to test my top choice before accepting?
Goal: Network for hidden jobs
Prompt:
I want to find jobs that aren't publicly posted.
My target: [ROLE] at [TYPE OF COMPANY]
My network: [DESCRIBE — strong/weak, industry]
My LinkedIn: [DESCRIBE — strong/weak]
Help me:
1. Identify 5 types of people to reach out to (not just recruiters)
2. Write a cold outreach message template (under 100 words)
3. Suggest 3 questions to ask in informational interviews
4. Plan a 4-week networking sprint (specific daily actions)
5. Identify 3 communities (Slack, Discord, professional orgs) to join
6. Plan how to follow up without being annoying
7. Track my networking (what to log)
Then help me write my first 3 outreach messages.
Tip: 70-80% of jobs are never publicly posted. Networking isn't optional — it's how the job market actually works.
Follow-up: What 1 action should I take TODAY to start?
Goal: Build a LinkedIn profile that gets noticed
Prompt:
Audit and improve my LinkedIn profile.
My current profile:
- Headline: [PASTE]
- About: [PASTE OR 'NONE']
- Experience: [DESCRIBE]
- Skills: [LIST]
My target role: [DESCRIBE]
Help me rewrite:
1. Headline (under 220 chars — specific, keyword-rich, not just 'looking for work')
2. About section (3 paragraphs — story, skills, what I'm looking for)
3. Most recent experience bullets (rewrite for impact, quantify)
4. Skills section (top 5 to feature)
5. Featured section (what to add — project, post, certification)
6. Recommendations (who to ask, what to ask for)
Then suggest 3 posts I could write to attract recruiters.
Tip: Recruiters search LinkedIn by keyword. Your headline should include the role you want, not your current situation.
Follow-up: Help me write a connection request message to a recruiter at my target company.
Goal: Explain a gap in my resume
Prompt:
I have a gap in my resume from [DATE] to [DATE].
Reason for gap: [DESCRIBE — layoff, health, caregiving, travel, study, etc.]
My comfort level discussing it: [HIGH/MEDIUM/LOW]
Target role: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Decide whether to address the gap on resume, cover letter, or interview
2. Write a 2-sentence explanation that's honest but doesn't overshare
3. Identify what I DID during the gap (learning, volunteering, projects)
4. Reframe the gap as a positive (without lying)
5. Anticipate the interviewer's concern, with my response
6. Identify what NOT to say
7. Practice the explanation out loud
Tip: Gaps are common. Interviewers care more about how you frame it than the gap itself. Confidence beats defensiveness.
Follow-up: How do I handle it if they keep pressing for more detail?
Goal: Write a thank-you email after an interview
Prompt:
I just finished an interview for [ROLE] at [COMPANY].
Interviewer: [NAME, TITLE]
Interview format: [PHONE / VIDEO / IN-PERSON]
Key topics discussed: [LIST]
Something specific I want to reference: [DESCRIBE]
My timeline for hearing back: [DESCRIBE]
Write a thank-you email that:
1. Is sent within 24 hours of the interview
2. References something specific from our conversation
3. Reinforces one key qualification
4. Addresses any concern that came up
5. Reiterates my interest
6. Is professional but warm
7. Is under 150 words
Provide 2 versions: formal and slightly casual.
Tip: Thank-you emails rarely change a 'no' to a 'yes', but they can tip a 'maybe' to a 'yes'. Always send one.
Follow-up: Should I send separate emails to each interviewer, or one group email?
Goal: Prepare for a case interview
Prompt:
I have a case interview for [CONSULTING/PM/ANALYST] role at [COMPANY].
Case type: [MARKET SIZING / PROFITABILITY / MARKET ENTRY / M&A / OTHER]
My experience with cases: [NONE / SOME / LOTS]
Time: [DURATION]
Help me prepare:
1. Framework for this case type (steps to follow)
2. 5 clarifying questions I should ask upfront
3. How to structure my approach (MECE — Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive)
4. Common math I'll need to do (mental math tips)
5. How to handle information I don't have (make assumptions, state them)
6. How to synthesize a recommendation
7. Common mistakes candidates make
Then walk me through a practice case.
Tip: Case interviews test structured thinking, not knowledge. Talk through your reasoning — silence is the enemy.
Follow-up: What 3 frameworks should I have memorized?
Goal: Transition to a new career
Prompt:
I want to transition from [CURRENT CAREER] to [NEW CAREER].
My transferable skills: [LIST]
My gaps: [LIST — skills, experience, network]
Time horizon: [DURATION]
Financial runway: [DESCRIBE]
Risk tolerance: [LOW/MEDIUM/HIGH]
Help me build a transition plan:
1. Identify 3 viable paths (linear, sideways, hybrid)
2. For each: skills to build, experiences to seek, timeline
3. Identify bridge roles (jobs that move me toward target)
4. Suggest 1 certification or course that would help most
5. Plan financial runway (how long can I afford the transition?)
6. Identify 3 people to informational-interview
7. Plan a 6-month action plan with milestones
8. Identify what to STOP doing to make room
Tip: Career transitions take 12-24 months on average. Don't quit your job to 'figure it out' — build the bridge while employed.
Follow-up: What's the smallest step I can take THIS month?
Goal: Handle a layoff
Prompt:
I was just laid off. Help me plan my next 30 days.
Situation: [DESCRIBE — severance, notice period, etc.]
Financial runway: [DESCRIBE]
Industry: [DESCRIBE]
My network strength: [STRONG/MEDIUM/WEAK]
My emotional state: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Process the layoff (it's normal to feel awful — give yourself 3-5 days)
2. Handle logistics (severance negotiation, unemployment, healthcare)
3. Update resume and LinkedIn (without sounding desperate)
4. Reach out to network (specific message templates)
5. Apply for unemployment benefits (if applicable)
6. Set a daily routine (job searching is a marathon)
7. Plan financial triage (what to cut, what to keep)
8. Identify 3 things to do that aren't job searching (mental health)
Then help me write the LinkedIn post announcing I'm looking.
Tip: Layoffs are common and not your fault. Most people look back and say the layoff led to something better. Trust that.
Follow-up: How do I explain the layoff in interviews without sounding bitter?
Goal: Write an executive resume
Prompt:
I need an executive-level resume for [C-LEVEL/VP/DIRECTOR] roles.
Current role: [TITLE] at [COMPANY]
Years of experience: [N]
Key achievements: [LIST — with metrics]
P&L responsibility: $[AMOUNT]
Team size: [N]
Help me structure an executive resume:
1. Executive summary (3-4 lines — strategic narrative, not job history)
2. Core competencies (6-8 keywords for ATS)
3. Professional experience (focus on impact, not tasks)
4. For each role: scope (P&L, team), 3-4 quantified achievements, scope of influence
5. Board/advisory roles
6. Education and certifications
7. Speaking/published work (if relevant)
Format: 2 pages max. Senior tone, no buzzwords.
Tip: Executive resumes tell a strategic narrative. Each role should show increasing scope, impact, and leadership.
Follow-up: What 3 numbers should be on page 1?
Goal: Prepare for a salary review
Prompt:
I have a salary review coming up at [COMPANY].
Current role: [TITLE]
Current salary: $[AMOUNT]
Time in role: [DURATION]
Market rate (if known): $[AMOUNT]
Recent achievements: [LIST WITH METRICS]
Help me:
1. Build a case for a raise (data-driven, not emotional)
2. Identify 3-5 specific achievements to highlight
3. Reference market data without sounding like I'm job-hunting
4. Suggest a specific ask (number or range)
5. Anticipate objections (budget, timing, performance)
6. Plan the conversation (script)
7. Plan follow-up if answer is 'no' or 'maybe'
8. Identify non-cash things to ask for if cash is tight
Tip: Salary reviews reward preparation. Walking in with a specific number and evidence doubles your odds of getting it.
Follow-up: What 1 question should I ask that shifts the conversation in my favor?
Goal: Build a portfolio that gets hired
Prompt:
I want to build a portfolio for [ROLE — designer, developer, writer, PM, etc.].
My work: [DESCRIBE — what I've done, what I'm proud of]
Target role: [DESCRIBE]
Target companies: [DESCRIBE]
Format: [WEBSITE / NOTION / GITHUB / BEHANCE / YOUR SUGGESTION]
Help me:
1. Choose 3-5 projects to feature (criteria: relevance, impact, recency)
2. For each project: structure (problem, approach, outcome, what I learned)
3. Write a 1-paragraph 'about me' that's specific, not generic
4. Decide what to cut (your portfolio is only as strong as its weakest piece)
5. Plan visual presentation (screenshots, diagrams, demos)
6. Suggest a 'case study' format that tells a story
7. Plan how to share the portfolio (link in resume, LinkedIn, cold outreach)
Tip: Hiring managers spend 2-3 minutes on a portfolio. Make your top 2 projects impossible to miss.
Follow-up: What 1 project should I add that I don't have yet? Build it in 2 weeks.
Goal: Ace a panel interview
Prompt:
I have a panel interview (multiple interviewers) for [ROLE].
Panel composition: [DESCRIBE — roles, levels]
Duration: [TIME]
Format: [SEQUENTIAL / ALL-AT-ONCE]
Help me:
1. Plan how to engage multiple interviewers (eye contact, names)
2. Identify likely differing concerns (engineer vs PM vs manager)
3. Prepare answers that satisfy different stakeholders
4. Plan questions for each panelist (tailored to their role)
5. Handle disagreements between panelists (don't take sides)
6. Manage time (don't let one person dominate)
7. Close strongly with all panelists
Then simulate a 5-minute panel segment with me.
Tip: Panels test how you handle group dynamics, not just your answers. Engage everyone, even the quiet one.
Follow-up: What 1 question should I ask that impresses the whole panel?
Goal: Follow up without being annoying
Prompt:
I interviewed [TIME AGO] and haven't heard back. Help me follow up.
Role: [DESCRIBE]
Company: [DESCRIBE]
Interview date: [DATE]
Promised response by: [DATE]
My emotional state: [ANXIOUS/NEUTRAL/PATIENT]
Help me:
1. Decide if it's too soon to follow up (typical timelines)
2. Write a follow-up email (under 100 words, no pressure, no desperation)
3. Plan what to do if they don't respond to this follow-up
4. Identify when to give up and move on
5. Plan how to maintain my mental health while waiting
6. Identify 3 other opportunities to pursue in parallel
Tone: confident, polite, treating this as one of many options.
Tip: Silence usually means 'no' or 'we're slow'. Either way, your best move is to keep pursuing other options.
Follow-up: Should I send a different kind of message (LinkedIn, recruiter) if email doesn't work?
Goal: Write a referral request
Prompt:
I want to ask [CONNECTION] for a referral to [COMPANY] for [ROLE].
My relationship with them: [DESCRIBE — close colleague, acquaintance, etc.]
Their role at the company: [DESCRIBE]
The job: [DESCRIBE OR LINK]
My relevant qualifications: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Decide if it's appropriate to ask this person (rules of thumb)
2. Write a referral request message (under 150 words)
3. Make it easy for them to refer (attach resume, summarize fit)
4. Give them an easy out (don't pressure)
5. Plan follow-up if they say yes, no, or don't respond
6. Plan how to thank them regardless of outcome
7. Plan how to pay it forward in future
Tip: Referrals are 5-10x more likely to result in an interview than cold applications. But asking badly can damage the relationship.
Follow-up: If they say yes but I don't get the job, how do I follow up with them?
Goal: Negotiate a promotion
Prompt:
I want to be promoted from [CURRENT TITLE] to [TARGET TITLE].
Time in current role: [DURATION]
My case: [LIST — achievements, expanded scope, market data]
Manager relationship: [DESCRIBE]
Company context: [DESCRIBE — growth, budget, restructuring]
Help me:
1. Build a promotion business case (1 page)
2. Identify 3-5 specific achievements that show next-level impact
3. Reference the company's promotion criteria (if formal)
4. Plan the conversation with my manager (script)
5. Anticipate objections (timing, budget, 'next cycle')
6. Identify what to do if answer is 'not yet' (concrete milestones)
7. Identify what to do if answer is 'no' (when to leave)
8. Plan timeline (promotion cycles, budget cycles)
Tip: Promotions are earned over 12+ months, not in one conversation. The conversation is the culmination, not the start.
Follow-up: What 1 thing should I start doing THIS quarter to position for promotion next year?
Goal: Decide if a startup offer is good
Prompt:
I have an offer from a startup. Help me evaluate.
Offer:
- Base salary: $[AMOUNT] (likely below market)
- Equity: [N] options / [X]% (vesting schedule?)
- Title: [DESCRIBE]
- Role: [DESCRIBE]
Company:
- Stage: [SEED / SERIES A / B / C / LATER]
- Valuation: $[AMOUNT] (if known)
- Employees: [N]
- Runway: [MONTHS]
- Last funding round: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Evaluate the equity (is it actually worth anything?)
2. Estimate likely scenarios (startup fails, exits small, exits big)
3. Compare to a Big Tech offer in total expected value
4. Identify red flags (board structure, founder track record, etc.)
5. Questions to ask before signing
6. Negotiable items (base, equity, title, start date)
7. Personal fit (risk tolerance, career stage, learning goals)
Tip: Startup equity is worth $0 until it's not. Treat it as a lottery ticket, not compensation. Make sure base salary is enough to live on.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should I ask the founder before accepting?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 22 prompts
22 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Write ad copy that converts
Prompt:
Write ad copy for [PRODUCT] targeting [AUDIENCE].
Platform: [GOOGLE / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / LINKEDIN / TIKTOK]
Format: [HEADLINE + BODY / SINGLE IMAGE / VIDEO SCRIPT]
Goal: [CLICKS / LEADS / SALES / AWARENESS]
Key benefit: [DESCRIBE]
CTA: [DESCRIBE]
Generate 5 different angles:
1. Pain-point focused
2. Aspirational
3. Social proof
4. Urgency/scarcity
5. Curiosity
For each: headline (under 40 chars), body (under 125 chars), CTA.
Mark which you'd test first and why.
Tip: Test 3-5 angles with small budget before scaling the winner. Never assume which angle will win.
Follow-up: Which 2 would you A/B test first, and what's the hypothesis?
Goal: Build a content calendar
Prompt:
Create a 30-day content calendar for [BRAND].
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Channels: [LIST]
Brand voice: [DESCRIBE — examples: witty, authoritative, warm]
Goal: [AWARENESS / ENGAGEMENT / LEADS / SALES]
Posting frequency: [DAILY / 3x/WEEK / WEEKLY]
For each day, suggest:
- Topic
- Format (carousel, video, blog, story, etc.)
- Channel(s)
- Hook (first line)
- CTA
Group content into themes (e.g., 'Monday motivation', 'Wednesday tips').
Include 1 'hero' piece per week (higher production value).
Tip: Theme days reduce decision fatigue and help your audience know what to expect.
Follow-up: Help me batch-produce the first week's content in 4 hours.
Goal: Analyze competitor marketing
Prompt:
Analyze the marketing strategy of [COMPETITOR].
Their website: [URL]
Their social: [LIST]
What I know: [DESCRIBE]
Help me reverse-engineer:
1. Their positioning (what they claim to be)
2. Their target customer (who they're really talking to)
3. Their content pillars (3-5 themes)
4. Their funnel (how they convert)
5. Their pricing strategy
6. 3 things they do well (worth learning from)
7. 3 gaps I could exploit
8. Their likely monthly ad spend (estimate)
Tip: Don't copy competitors — learn from their wins and exploit their gaps. The goal is to be different, not better at being them.
Follow-up: What's the one thing they're NOT doing that I should test?
Goal: Optimize a landing page
Prompt:
I need to optimize this landing page for conversions.
Current conversion rate: [X%]
Goal: [Y%]
Traffic source: [DESCRIBE — Google ads, social, email]
Page content:
[PASTE OR DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Score the page on: clarity, relevance, value prop, friction, CTA
2. Identify the 3 highest-impact changes (in order)
3. Rewrite the headline (3 options)
4. Rewrite the CTA (3 options)
5. Suggest 1 element to remove
6. Suggest 1 element to add
7. Plan an A/B test (variable, hypothesis, sample size)
Tip: Most CRO wins come from removing things, not adding them. Friction is the enemy of conversion.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should I ask in user testing to find friction?
Goal: Write a press release
Prompt:
Write a press release for [ANNOUNCEMENT].
Announcement: [DESCRIBE — funding, product launch, partnership, hire]
Key facts: [LIST]
Quotes available from: [PEOPLE]
Embargo: [DATE/TIME OR NONE]
Format (inverted pyramid):
- Headline (under 100 chars, includes the news)
- Subhead (expands on headline)
- Dateline
- Lede paragraph (who, what, when, where, why — in 30 words)
- Quote 1 (CEO/founder)
- Body (context, details)
- Quote 2 (customer/partner/investor)
- Boilerplate (about the company)
- Media contact
Under 500 words. Newsworthy, not promotional.
Tip: Journalists get 100+ pitches a day. The headline and first sentence determine if they read further.
Follow-up: Help me write a 3-line pitch email to send this to a specific journalist.
Goal: Build a customer persona
Prompt:
Help me build 3 customer personas for [PRODUCT/SERVICE].
What I sell: [DESCRIBE]
Current customers: [DESCRIBE WHO BUYS NOW]
Target customers: [DESCRIBE WHO I WANT]
For each persona, include:
- Name and 1-line description
- Demographics (age, location, income, education)
- Psychographics (values, interests, lifestyle)
- Goals (what they're trying to achieve)
- Pain points (what's stopping them)
- Information sources (where they learn)
- Buying triggers (what makes them purchase)
- Objections (what stops them)
- Quote (in their voice)
Then identify which persona to target first and why.
Tip: Personas are most useful when they're specific. 'Sarah, 32, marketing manager who hates spreadsheets' beats 'women 25-45'.
Follow-up: What 3 messages would resonate with each persona?
Goal: Write a brand style guide
Prompt:
Help me create a 1-page brand style guide for [BRAND].
Brand personality: [3 ADJECTIVES]
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Industry: [DESCRIBE]
Include:
1. Brand voice description (with examples of 'yes' and 'no' phrasings)
2. 5 brand voice rules (e.g., 'Use contractions', 'Avoid jargon')
3. Vocabulary list (words we use, words we don't)
4. Tone examples (how we sound in: social post, customer email, error message)
5. Emoji policy
6. Hashtag conventions
7. Visual style summary (colors, fonts, imagery)
Tip: A style guide prevents brand drift as your team grows. Even a 1-page guide beats nothing.
Follow-up: Help me write 3 sample social posts that demonstrate this voice.
Goal: Plan a product launch
Prompt:
I'm launching [PRODUCT] on [DATE].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Price: $[AMOUNT]
Goal: [N SALES / N SIGNUPS / $N REVENUE]
Budget: $[AMOUNT]
Timeline: [WEEKS]
Create a launch plan with 3 phases:
Pre-launch (T-30 to T-1):
- Teaser content
- Waitlist building
- Early access for select customers
- Press/influencer outreach
Launch (T-0 to T-7):
- Launch day content
- Email sequence
- Paid amplification
- Community engagement
Post-launch (T+8 to T+30):
- Social proof amplification
- Iterate based on feedback
- Case studies
- Plan v2
For each phase, list specific tactics, owners, and metrics.
Tip: The launch is the easy part. The pre-launch work is what determines success.
Follow-up: What 3 things will likely go wrong, and what's my contingency for each?
Goal: Run a social media audit
Prompt:
Audit my brand's presence on [CHANNELS].
Current state:
- Followers: [N] on each channel
- Posting frequency: [DESCRIBE]
- Engagement rate: [X%]
- Top performing post: [DESCRIBE]
- Worst performing post: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Identify what's working (do more of)
2. Identify what's not working (stop doing)
3. Benchmark against [COMPETITOR]
4. Suggest 3 quick wins (this week)
5. Suggest 3 strategic shifts (this quarter)
6. Recommend 1 channel to focus on, 1 to maintain, 1 to drop
Tip: Most brands spread too thin across channels. Better to dominate 1 channel than be mediocre on 5.
Follow-up: What does a winning 30-day plan look like for my priority channel?
Goal: Write email subject lines that get opened
Prompt:
Write 10 email subject lines for [EMAIL TYPE — newsletter, promo,
transactional] targeting [AUDIENCE].
Email content: [DESCRIBE]
Goal: [OPENS / CLICKS / REPLY]
Generate 10 options across these approaches:
1. Curiosity gap
2. Number list
3. Question
4. Personalization ([FIRST NAME])
5. Urgency
6. Benefit-driven
7. Story tease
8. Pattern interrupt (unusual format)
9. Controversial take
10. Plain and direct
For each: subject line + predicted open rate (high/medium/low).
Recommend which 3 to A/B test.
Tip: Subject lines matter more than email content. Most recipients decide to open in under 1 second.
Follow-up: Help me write the preview text (the snippet that shows after the subject line).
Goal: Create a referral program
Prompt:
I want to build a referral program for [BUSINESS].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Price: $[AMOUNT]
Customer LTV: $[AMOUNT]
Budget for referrals: $[AMOUNT] per successful referral
Help me design:
1. Program structure (one-sided? two-sided? tiered?)
2. Reward options (cash, credit, product, charity)
3. Reward amounts (for referrer and referee)
4. Eligibility rules (when does reward trigger?)
5. Anti-fraud measures
6. Promotion plan (how customers learn about it)
7. Tracking and payout process
8. Success metrics
Reference: Dropbox, Tesla, Airbnb referral programs.
Tip: Two-sided referrals (both sides get something) outperform one-sided 3:1. The reward to the new customer reduces friction.
Follow-up: Help me write the email announcing this program to existing customers.
Goal: Write a blog post that ranks
Prompt:
Write an SEO-optimized blog post on [TOPIC].
Target keyword: [KEYWORD]
Search intent: [INFORMATIONAL / COMMERCIAL / TRANSACTIONAL]
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Length: [WORDS]
Structure:
1. Title (under 60 chars, includes keyword)
2. Meta description (under 160 chars)
3. H1 (the title)
4. Intro (hook + promise + transition, 100 words)
5. H2 sections (5-7, each addressing a sub-topic)
6. Each section: 150-300 words, with example or data
7. Internal link suggestions (3 places)
8. External link suggestions (2 authoritative sources)
9. CTA at end
10. FAQ section (3 questions, for rich snippets)
Tip: Write for humans first, optimize for Google second. Keyword stuffing gets you penalized.
Follow-up: What 5 related keywords should I include naturally?
Goal: Build a paid ads funnel
Prompt:
Design a paid ads funnel for [PRODUCT/SERVICE].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Price: $[AMOUNT]
Customer LTV: $[AMOUNT]
Daily budget: $[AMOUNT]
Platform: [GOOGLE / META / LINKEDIN / TIKTOK]
Design a 3-stage funnel:
Stage 1: TOF (Top of Funnel) — Cold audience
- Ad format
- Targeting
- Hook
- Landing page (lead magnet or education)
- KPI
Stage 2: MOF (Middle) — Warm audience (engaged with TOF)
- Ad format
- Retargeting setup
- Offer
- Landing page
- KPI
Stage 3: BOF (Bottom) — Hot audience (considered purchase)
- Ad format
- Offer (discount? bonus? urgency?)
- Landing page
- KPI
For each stage: estimated CPC, CTR, conversion rate, CPA.
Tip: Most businesses only run TOF ads and wonder why they don't convert. The money is in retargeting.
Follow-up: What 3 audiences should I exclude from my campaigns to reduce waste?
Goal: Measure marketing ROI
Prompt:
Help me measure ROI for my marketing channels.
Channels I use: [LIST]
Monthly spend per channel: [LIST]
Monthly revenue per channel: [LIST or 'UNKNOWN']
Sales cycle length: [DAYS]
Customer LTV: $[AMOUNT]
Help me:
1. Calculate CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost) per channel
2. Calculate LTV:CAC ratio per channel
3. Identify which channels to scale
4. Identify which to cut
5. Suggest attribution model (first-touch, last-touch, multi-touch)
6. Identify what data I'm missing
7. Suggest 1 experiment to run this month
Output as a dashboard table.
Tip: Most marketing metrics are vanity. The only numbers that matter: revenue, CAC, LTV, and payback period.
Follow-up: What 3 numbers should I report to my CEO monthly?
Goal: Run an influencer campaign
Prompt:
I want to work with influencers to promote [PRODUCT].
Budget: $[AMOUNT]
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Goal: [AWARENESS / SALES / CONTENT]
Help me:
1. Decide between micro (1K-10K) vs macro (10K-100K) vs mega (100K+) influencers
2. Identify 5 ideal influencer profiles (not specific names — the type)
3. Write an outreach DM template
4. Design 3 campaign concepts (different angles)
5. Suggest compensation models (flat fee, affiliate, gifting, content trade)
6. Set performance metrics (engagement rate minimum, CPM target)
7. Plan FTC disclosure compliance
8. Plan content usage rights (can I reuse their content?)
Tip: Micro-influencers often outperform mega-influencers on conversion. Engagement rate matters more than follower count.
Follow-up: Help me write the brief I'll send to selected influencers.
Goal: Write a customer case study
Prompt:
Create a case study featuring [CUSTOMER].
Customer: [DESCRIBE — company, role, size]
Problem they had: [DESCRIBE]
Solution we provided: [DESCRIBE]
Results: [DESCRIBE WITH METRICS]
Quote from customer: [PASTE OR 'NEED TO GET']
Structure the case study as:
1. Title (benefit-driven, includes metric)
2. Customer snapshot (1 paragraph)
3. The challenge (1-2 paragraphs, in customer's words)
4. Why they chose us (1 paragraph)
5. The solution (1-2 paragraphs, what we did)
6. The results (1-2 paragraphs, with metrics)
7. Customer quote
8. What's next (1 paragraph)
9. CTA
Under 800 words. Read like a story, not a sales pitch.
Tip: Specific numbers beat vague claims. 'Cut onboarding time by 63%' beats 'saved time'.
Follow-up: Help me write a 3-line summary I can use on social and sales decks.
Goal: Plan a webinar
Prompt:
I'm hosting a webinar on [TOPIC] in [WEEKS].
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Goal: [LEADS / THOUGHT LEADERSHIP / SALES]
Expected attendance: [N]
Platform: [ZOOM / LINKEDIN LIVE / YOUTUBE]
Create a webinar plan:
1. Title (compelling, benefit-driven)
2. Abstract (100 words)
3. Pre-webinar promo plan (3-week sequence)
4. Slide outline (10-15 slides)
5. Interactive elements (polls, Q&A, chat)
6. Speaker prep checklist
7. Day-of run-of-show
8. Post-webinar follow-up sequence (3 emails)
9. Repurposing plan (blog, social, video clips)
Tip: Webinars without a follow-up sequence waste 80% of their value. The money is in the nurture.
Follow-up: Help me write the reminder email series (24h before, 1h before, 5 min before).
Goal: Run a customer survey
Prompt:
I want to survey my customers about [TOPIC].
Customer base: [N]
Goal: [FEEDBACK / POSITIONING / PRICING / NPS]
Response rate target: [X%]
Incentive: [DESCRIBE OR NONE]
Help me design:
1. Survey length (max 7 questions)
2. Question types (avoid leading questions)
3. Specific questions (under each: rationale)
4. Open-ended question at end
5. Distribution plan (email, in-app, post-purchase)
6. Incentive strategy
7. Analysis plan (how to synthesize responses)
8. Follow-up plan (what to do with the data)
Tip: Survey design is hard. Each question should map to a decision you'll make based on the answer. No 'nice to know' questions.
Follow-up: Help me write the email inviting customers to take this survey.
Goal: Create a brand positioning statement
Prompt:
Help me write a brand positioning statement for [BRAND].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Target customer: [DESCRIBE]
Category: [DESCRIBE]
Key differentiator: [DESCRIBE]
Reason to believe: [DESCRIBE]
Use this template:
'For [target customer] who [need/opportunity], [brand name] is a [category]
that [key benefit] because [reason to believe].'
Generate 5 variations. Then critique each.
Then suggest the strongest, with rationale.
Tip: A positioning statement is internal. It guides everything external (website, ads, sales pitch). Don't skip this step.
Follow-up: How does this positioning translate into a 5-word tagline?
Goal: Re-engage churned customers
Prompt:
I want to win back customers who churned in the last [TIME PERIOD].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Churn reason (if known): [DESCRIBE OR 'UNKNOWN']
Number of churned customers: [N]
New improvements since they left: [LIST]
Budget for win-back: $[AMOUNT]
Design a win-back campaign:
1. Segment churned customers (voluntary vs involuntary, recent vs old)
2. Write 3 email sequences (one per segment)
3. Offer strategy (discount? new feature access? free month?)
4. Subject lines that get opened by ex-customers
5. Landing page messaging
6. Follow-up for non-responders
7. Success metric (re-activation rate)
Tip: Acknowledge why they left before pitching why they should return. Empathy beats discounting.
Follow-up: Help me write a survey for churned customers who don't respond to win-back emails.
Goal: Build a marketing dashboard
Prompt:
Help me build a weekly marketing dashboard for [BUSINESS].
Channels: [LIST]
Goals: [DESCRIBE]
Audience: [CEO / CMO / MARKETING TEAM]
Design a 1-page dashboard with:
1. Top 3 metrics (the 'pulse')
2. Channel-by-channel performance
3. Funnel metrics (impressions → clicks → leads → customers)
4. Financial metrics (CAC, LTV, ROI)
5. Trends (week-over-week, month-over-month)
6. Alerts (what triggers action?)
Format: a table I can recreate in Google Sheets or Notion.
For each metric, note: source, frequency, owner.
Tip: If a metric doesn't drive a decision, remove it. Dashboards rot when they have too many vanity metrics.
Follow-up: Help me write a Slack template for sharing this dashboard weekly with the team.
Goal: Write a video script
Prompt:
Write a [DURATION]-second video script for [PURPOSE].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Platform: [YOUTUBE / TIKTOK / INSTAGRAM REEL / LINKEDIN]
Goal: [AWARENESS / ENGAGEMENT / SALES]
Structure:
- Hook (first 3 seconds — must grab attention)
- Problem (5-10 seconds)
- Solution (10-30 seconds)
- Proof (10 seconds — testimonial or demo)
- CTA (5 seconds)
Write:
1. Visual direction (what's on screen)
2. Voiceover script
3. On-screen text
4. Music/sound cues
5. Caption suggestions
Provide 2 versions: 30-second and 60-second.
Tip: The first 3 seconds determine if anyone watches the rest. Spend half your time on the hook.
Follow-up: Help me write 5 thumbnail options for the YouTube version.
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 22 prompts
22 copy-paste prompts for office workers, managers, and anyone building a career.
Goal: Write a clear status update email
Prompt:
Write a weekly status update email to my [MANAGER/TEAM].
Projects I worked on this week:
- [PROJECT 1]: [PROGRESS, e.g., '90% complete, on track']
- [PROJECT 2]: [PROGRESS]
- [PROJECT 3]: [PROGRESS]
Blockers:
- [BLOCKER 1]
- [BLOCKER 2]
Next week's priorities:
- [PRIORITY 1]
- [PRIORITY 2]
Format: scannable bullet points, no fluff. Under 150 words.
Tone: confident, specific, no hedging.
Tip: Managers skim status emails in 30 seconds. Put the most important thing first, not last.
Follow-up: Now write a 1-line Slack version of this update for the team channel.
Goal: Summarize a long document
Prompt:
Summarize this [LENGTH] document for my [MANAGER/TEAM/CLIENT].
Audience needs to know: [WHAT THEY CARE ABOUT]
Audience already knows: [CONTEXT]
Time to read summary: [2 MINUTES].
Document:
[PASTE OR UPLOAD]
Format the summary as:
1. Bottom line (1 sentence)
2. Key findings (3 bullets)
3. Implications for us (2 bullets)
4. Open questions (2 bullets)
No jargon. No filler.
Tip: Specify what your audience cares about — a summary without audience context is just a shorter document.
Follow-up: What 3 questions is my manager likely to ask after reading this?
Goal: Prepare for a 1:1 with my manager
Prompt:
I have a 30-minute 1:1 with my manager tomorrow.
My goals for the meeting:
- [GOAL 1, e.g., 'get feedback on Q2 project']
- [GOAL 2, e.g., 'discuss promotion timeline']
- [GOAL 3, e.g., 'flag risk on Q3 deliverable']
Recent wins: [LIST]
Recent challenges: [LIST]
Questions I have: [LIST]
Help me:
1. Create a meeting agenda (with timing)
2. Phrase each goal as a specific ask
3. Anticipate 3 things my manager might say, with my response
4. Identify what NOT to bring up in this 1:1
5. Suggest a follow-up email template
Tip: Don't try to cover 5 topics in 30 minutes. Pick 2 max. Depth beats breadth in 1:1s.
Follow-up: Role-play the conversation. You be my manager, I'll practice my asks.
Goal: Draft a project brief
Prompt:
I'm starting a new project. Help me write a project brief.
Project: [NAME]
Goal: [WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO ACHIEVE — business outcome, not deliverable]
Why now: [TIMING/URGENCY]
Sponsor: [WHO'S PAYING/CARING]
Team: [ROLES]
Timeline: [START → END]
Budget: [$ AMOUNT]
Constraints: [LIST]
Create a 1-page brief with:
1. Executive summary (2 sentences)
2. Problem statement
3. Proposed solution
4. Success metrics
5. Key milestones
6. Risks and mitigations
7. Open questions
Tip: The brief is the single most important project document. A fuzzy brief guarantees a fuzzy project.
Follow-up: What 3 things should I clarify with my sponsor before sharing this brief?
Goal: Write a difficult email
Prompt:
I need to send a difficult email to [STAKEHOLDER].
Situation: [DESCRIBE]
My goal: [WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE]
My constraints: [WHAT I CAN'T SAY OR DO]
Their likely reaction: [PREDICT]
Write an email that:
1. Opens with the bottom line (no burying the lede)
2. Explains the 'why' in 2-3 sentences
3. Offers a specific path forward
4. Acknowledges their perspective without conceding
5. Closes with clear next steps
Tone: firm, professional, empathetic. Under 200 words.
Then give me 3 alternative versions: more direct, more diplomatic, more firm.
Tip: Write the email, then wait 24 hours before sending. Re-read with fresh eyes — you'll almost always edit.
Follow-up: If they respond with [PREDICTED REACTION], draft my reply.
Goal: Prepare for a performance review
Prompt:
My performance review is in [DAYS] days.
I'm in role: [TITLE]
Tenure: [TIME IN ROLE]
My goals from last year: [LIST]
My achievements this year: [LIST WITH METRICS]
Things that didn't go well: [LIST]
My goals for next year: [LIST]
Help me prepare:
1. A self-assessment narrative (300 words)
2. 3 specific examples to highlight, with impact statements
3. How to frame what didn't go well (without being defensive)
4. Compensation ask (with market data references)
5. Promotion ask (if applicable)
6. Questions to ask my reviewer
Tip: Use the STAR framework for achievements: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Result with numbers is what reviewers remember.
Follow-up: What evidence (emails, metrics, peer feedback) should I gather before the review meeting?
Goal: Run an effective meeting
Prompt:
I'm running a [DURATION] meeting with [N] people about [TOPIC].
Meeting goal: [DECISION/ALIGNMENT/UPDATE]
Attendees: [LIST WITH ROLES]
Help me:
1. Decide if this meeting is even necessary (criteria)
2. Write a 1-paragraph pre-read to send 24h before
3. Create an agenda with timings
4. Suggest a decision-making process (consensus? vote? you-decide?)
5. Identify who might block progress, with mitigation
6. Plan the post-meeting follow-up email
Tip: If the meeting is just to share information, cancel it and send an email instead. Meetings are for decisions and discussion.
Follow-up: Help me write a Slack message declining a meeting I shouldn't be in.
Goal: Negotiate a raise
Prompt:
I want to ask for a raise. Current role: [TITLE].
Current salary: $[AMOUNT]. Target salary: $[AMOUNT].
Time in role: [DURATION]. Last raise: [WHEN].
My case:
- Achievement 1: [DETAILS WITH METRICS]
- Achievement 2: [DETAILS]
- Achievement 3: [DETAILS]
- Market data: [IF YOU HAVE IT]
Help me:
1. Time the ask (when in the year/cycle is best?)
2. Write a script for the conversation
3. Anticipate 3 objections, with responses
4. Identify my walk-away point
5. Identify non-cash things I could ask for (if cash is tight)
6. Plan the follow-up email
Tip: Practice the conversation out loud 3 times. The words matter less than your delivery — calm, specific, confident.
Follow-up: If my manager says 'let me think about it', what's my 2-week follow-up email?
Goal: Prioritize my week
Prompt:
Here's my todo list for this week (15 items):
[PASTE LIST OR WRITE ITEMS]
Constraints:
- I work [HOURS] per day
- [RECURRING COMMITMENTS]
- Energy is highest in [MORNING/AFTERNOON]
Help me:
1. Identify the 3 highest-leverage items (Pareto principle)
2. Identify items I can delegate, defer, or delete
3. Time-block my calendar (with energy matching)
4. Build in 1 hour/day for deep work
5. Build in 30 min/day for inbox/Slack
6. Plan a weekly review for Friday afternoon
Output as a day-by-day schedule table.
Tip: Most professionals have 15-20 'priorities' but only complete 3-5 meaningful things per week. Forcing a top-3 is liberating.
Follow-up: Help me write a Slack message to my team setting expectations for what I won't get to this week.
Goal: Write a project post-mortem
Prompt:
We just finished [PROJECT]. Help me write a post-mortem.
Project goal: [DESCRIBE]
Outcome: [SUCCESS/PARTIAL/FAILURE]
Key metrics: [RESULTS]
Timeline: [PLANNED VS ACTUAL]
Budget: [PLANNED VS ACTUAL]
Help me structure a post-mortem with:
1. Executive summary (3 sentences)
2. What went well (3 specific things)
3. What didn't go well (3 specific things)
4. What we learned (3 lessons)
5. What we'll do differently next time (3 actions, with owners)
6. Appendices: timeline, budget, key decisions
Tone: honest, blameless, learning-focused.
Tip: Blameless post-mortems build learning cultures. If people fear blame, they hide mistakes — and you can't learn from hidden mistakes.
Follow-up: Help me write a 3-line Slack message to the team sharing the post-mortem doc.
Goal: Draft a technical spec
Prompt:
I need to write a technical spec for [FEATURE/SYSTEM].
Problem we're solving: [DESCRIBE]
Users affected: [N]
Current solution: [DESCRIBE OR 'NONE']
Constraints: [LIST — tech, time, budget, compliance]
Create a spec with these sections:
1. Background
2. Goals and non-goals
3. Proposed solution (high-level)
4. Detailed design (data models, API, UI)
5. Alternatives considered
6. Security and privacy considerations
7. Rollout plan
8. Open questions
9. Timeline
Format: Markdown, ready to share in a wiki.
Tip: Non-goals are as important as goals. Stating what you're NOT building prevents scope creep.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should I expect from a senior engineer reviewing this spec?
Goal: Onboard a new team member
Prompt:
A new team member starts in [DAYS]. Role: [TITLE].
Team context: [SIZE, FUNCTION].
Help me build a 30-60-90 day onboarding plan:
30 days: Learn
- 5 things to read
- 5 people to meet (with intro email drafts)
- 3 small wins to target
60 days: Contribute
- 3 deliverables to own
- 1 cross-functional relationship to build
- Feedback check-in agenda
90 days: Lead
- 1 initiative to lead
- Metrics for success
- Long-term growth conversation
Also: a 'first day' agenda and a 'first week' checklist.
Tip: The first 2 weeks set the tone for the next 2 years. Invest disproportionate time in onboarding.
Follow-up: Help me write a Slack message to the team announcing the new hire.
Goal: Make a decision under uncertainty
Prompt:
I need to decide between:
Option A: [DESCRIBE]
- Pros: [LIST]
- Cons: [LIST]
- Cost: [DETAILS]
- Probability of success: [ESTIMATE]
Option B: [DESCRIBE]
- Pros: [LIST]
- Cons: [LIST]
- Cost: [DETAILS]
- Probability of success: [ESTIMATE]
Help me:
1. Frame the decision clearly (what are we really deciding?)
2. Identify what info I'm missing
3. Apply a simple decision framework (cost-benefit, expected value, etc.)
4. Identify the reversibility of each option
5. Identify what would make me regret each choice
6. Make a recommendation
Then tell me what I'm probably overthinking.
Tip: Reversible decisions should be made fast; irreversible decisions should be made slowly. Most decisions are more reversible than they feel.
Follow-up: What's the smallest experiment I could run before fully committing?
Goal: Write a resignation letter
Prompt:
I'm resigning from my role as [TITLE] at [COMPANY].
Last day will be: [DATE — usually 2 weeks from now].
Reason (optional to share): [DESCRIBE OR 'PERSONAL']
Tone I want: [WARM/NEUTRAL/BRIEF]
Write a resignation letter with:
1. Clear statement of resignation and last day
2. Brief thanks (1-2 sentences)
3. Offer to help with transition
4. No negativity, no explaining why
Under 150 words. Then give me a Slack message version to send to close colleagues.
Tip: Resign with grace. The professional world is small — you'll cross paths with these people again.
Follow-up: Help me write a 1-on-1 script for telling my manager before I send the letter.
Goal: Ask for feedback on my work
Prompt:
I want feedback on [WORK PRODUCT] from [STAKEHOLDER].
My goals for this feedback:
- [GOAL 1, e.g., 'is the argument convincing?']
- [GOAL 2, e.g., 'is the tone appropriate?']
Draft a feedback request email that:
1. Is specific about what I want feedback on
2. Asks 3-5 specific questions (not 'any thoughts?')
3. Gives a deadline (1 week max)
4. Makes it easy to say no
5. Offers to reciprocate
Then suggest 5 specific feedback questions I could ask.
Tip: Specific questions get specific feedback. 'Any thoughts?' gets silence or generic praise.
Follow-up: How should I follow up if they don't respond in 5 days?
Goal: Manage up to a busy executive
Prompt:
I need to communicate [ISSUE/UPDATE] to [EXECUTIVE NAME/TITLE].
They are: extremely busy, decisive, prefer data over narrative.
I have: [TIME — e.g., '15 minutes in their next 1:1' or 'an email they'll skim in 30 seconds']
Help me:
1. Distill the issue to a 1-sentence BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)
2. Identify the 3 things they need to know
3. Identify what I want from them (decision? advice? awareness only?)
4. Suggest a format (email? doc? verbal?)
5. Draft the communication in that format
6. Anticipate 3 questions they'll ask
Tip: Executives' time is the scarcest resource in any company. Treat it like gold — every interaction should have a clear ask.
Follow-up: What 3 numbers should I have memorized before this conversation?
Goal: Write a meeting agenda that doesn't waste time
Prompt:
I'm hosting a [DURATION] meeting on [TOPIC] for [N] people.
Meeting type: [DECISION/BRAINSTORM/UPDATE/PLANNING]
Desired outcome: [SPECIFIC RESULT]
Create an agenda with:
- Pre-read to send 24h before (what it should contain)
- Time-blocked agenda (every minute accounted for)
- Decision points clearly marked
- Discussion vs reporting segments separated
- Owner for each agenda item
- 'Parking lot' process for off-topic items
- Last 5 minutes for action items recap
Then tell me what NOT to include.
Tip: If you can't write the desired outcome in 1 sentence, you don't need a meeting — you need to think more.
Follow-up: Help me write a Slack reminder to send 1 hour before the meeting.
Goal: Build a personal knowledge management system
Prompt:
I'm overwhelmed by information. I want a system to capture, organize,
and retrieve knowledge for my work.
My context:
- Role: [TITLE]
- Tools I already use: [LIST]
- Main knowledge sources: [LIST]
- Pain points: [LIST]
Help me design:
1. A capture system (where new info goes immediately)
2. An organization system (how to tag/categorize)
3. A review system (weekly/monthly)
4. A retrieval system (how to find things later)
5. A maintenance system (how to keep it from rotting)
Recommend 1 simple tool stack (not 10 tools).
Tip: The best system is the one you'll actually use. A simple system you maintain beats a perfect system you abandon.
Follow-up: What's a 5-minute daily habit that would make this system work?
Goal: Network without being awkward
Prompt:
I want to reach out to [PERSON] who [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'works at a company I'm interested in' or 'has a role I want to learn about'].
Context: [HOW I FOUND THEM / WHY I'M REACHING OUT]
My goal: [INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW / MENTORSHIP / JOB LEAD]
Help me write:
1. A cold outreach email (under 100 words, with a clear ask)
2. 5 questions to ask if they say yes
3. How to end the conversation gracefully
4. A follow-up email template (for 24h after)
5. A 3-month check-in template
Tone: warm, specific, not transactional.
Tip: People help people they remember. Send a specific compliment or reference to their work — it shows you actually looked.
Follow-up: What should I NOT ask in an informational interview?
Goal: Prepare for a difficult conversation
Prompt:
I need to have a difficult conversation with [PERSON] about [TOPIC].
My role: [DESCRIBE]
Their role: [DESCRIBE]
History: [BRIEF CONTEXT]
My goal: [WHAT I WANT]
Their likely goal: [WHAT THEY WANT]
Best case: [DESCRIBE]
Worst case: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Plan the opening (30 seconds, non-confrontational)
2. Identify 3 things I want to say, in order
3. Identify 3 things I should NOT say
4. Anticipate 3 responses, with my reply to each
5. Identify my walk-away point
6. Plan the closing (mutual next steps)
Then role-play the conversation with me.
Tip: Difficult conversations go better when you've rehearsed. The words matter less than your calm, specific delivery.
Follow-up: What 1 thing should I do after this conversation to maintain the relationship?
Goal: Build a personal brand on LinkedIn
Prompt:
I want to build my professional presence on LinkedIn.
My role: [TITLE]
Expertise: [LIST 3 AREAS]
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Goals: [CAREER GROWTH / THOUGHT LEADERSHIP / CLIENT ACQUISITION]
Time commitment: [HOURS/WEEK]
Help me:
1. Rewrite my LinkedIn headline (under 220 chars)
2. Rewrite my LinkedIn about section (3 paragraphs)
3. Suggest 5 post ideas for the next 2 weeks
4. Identify 10 accounts I should engage with
5. Create a weekly LinkedIn routine (15 min/day)
6. Suggest 1 'pillar' content piece per month (longer post, article, or video)
Tip: Consistency beats virality. Posting once a week for a year beats posting daily for 2 weeks then burning out.
Follow-up: Help me write my first post — a 'why I'm starting to write here' introduction.
Goal: Plan my career path
Prompt:
I'm in role: [TITLE] at [COMPANY/INDUSTRY].
Years of experience: [N].
Current salary: $[AMOUNT].
Where I want to be in 5 years:
- Role: [TARGET ROLE]
- Industry: [TARGET INDUSTRY]
- Compensation: $[TARGET]
- Lifestyle: [DESCRIBE — remote? travel? hours?]
Help me:
1. Identify 2-3 realistic paths to get there
2. For each path: skills to build, experiences to seek, people to meet
3. Identify skills I'm missing
4. Suggest 1 role/industry pivot to consider
5. Suggest 1 thing to STOP doing
6. Create a 12-month action plan with quarterly milestones
Tip: Careers are built over decades, not months. Optimize for learning and network — compensation follows.
Follow-up: What 2 books and 2 communities should I engage with this year?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 22 prompts
18 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Find relevant literature
Prompt:
I'm researching [TOPIC]. Help me find relevant literature.
My research question: [DESCRIBE]
Discipline: [DESCRIBE]
My level: [UNDERGRAD / GRAD / POSTDOC / FACULTY]
Time period of interest: [DESCRIBE OR 'ANY']
Suggest:
1. 5-10 seminal papers I should read first (with rationale for each)
2. 3-5 recent (last 2 years) papers
3. 2-3 key journals/conferences in this area
4. 3-5 search terms I should use (beyond obvious ones)
5. 2-3 'adjacent' fields I should check
6. Authors who repeatedly publish in this area
7. Important controversies or debates
Note: I will verify all citations — please flag any you're uncertain about.
Tip: AI can hallucinate citations. ALWAYS verify every paper exists and the claims attributed to it are accurate.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should I ask in my literature review?
Goal: Summarize a research paper
Prompt:
Summarize this paper for [AUDIENCE — peers / students / general].
[PASTE ABSTRACT OR UPLOAD PDF]
Provide:
1. One-sentence summary (the contribution)
2. Research question
3. Method (1 paragraph)
4. Key findings (3-5 bullets)
5. Limitations acknowledged by authors
6. Limitations NOT acknowledged (your critique)
7. Implications for [MY RESEARCH/FIELD]
8. 3 questions this paper raises
9. 3 papers I should read next
Honest assessment: is this paper's contribution significant?
Tip: Reading the abstract is not enough. Read the method section — that's where weaknesses hide.
Follow-up: What's the one experiment that would convince me this paper is wrong?
Goal: Write a literature review
Prompt:
I'm writing a literature review on [TOPIC].
My thesis: [DESCRIBE — what argument am I making?]
Key papers: [LIST 5-10]
Length: [WORDS]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Help me structure the review:
1. Organization (chronological? thematic? methodological?)
2. Section outline (3-5 sections)
3. For each section: which papers, what argument
4. Synthesis (what's the pattern across papers?)
5. Gaps in the literature (what's missing?)
6. My contribution (how my work fits)
7. Transitions between sections
Then help me write the opening paragraph.
Tip: A literature review is not a summary of papers — it's an argument built on papers. Know your argument first.
Follow-up: What 3 papers disagree with my thesis? I need to address them.
Goal: Design an experiment
Prompt:
I'm designing an experiment to test [HYPOTHESIS].
Hypothesis: [DESCRIBE]
Field: [DESCRIBE]
Available resources: [DESCRIBE — equipment, time, budget]
Sample availability: [DESCRIBE]
Help me design:
1. Experimental design (RCT? quasi-experimental? observational?)
2. Independent variable(s) and how to manipulate
3. Dependent variable(s) and how to measure
4. Control variables
5. Sample size (with power analysis approach)
6. Randomization procedure
7. Blinding (single? double?)
8. Statistical analysis plan
9. Potential confounds
10. Ethical considerations
Also: what's the strongest possible version of this experiment?
Tip: Pre-register your analysis plan. Otherwise, you'll be tempted to p-hack when results are ambiguous.
Follow-up: What's a cheaper version of this experiment that would give me 80% of the insight?
Goal: Analyze qualitative data
Prompt:
I have qualitative data from [SOURCE — interviews, focus groups, observations].
Research question: [DESCRIBE]
Sample: [DESCRIBE — N, demographics]
Data format: [TRANSCRIPTS / NOTES / AUDIO]
Help me:
1. Choose an analysis approach (thematic? grounded theory? IPA?)
2. Plan a coding strategy (deductive? inductive? hybrid?)
3. Suggest an initial codebook (5-10 codes)
4. Plan inter-coder reliability (if applicable)
5. Identify 3 themes likely to emerge
6. Suggest software (NVivo, ATLAS.ti, Dedoose, manual)
7. Plan how to write up findings
8. Identify validity threats and mitigations
Tip: Qualitative research is most rigorous when you document every analytical decision. Audit trail > polish.
Follow-up: What's the most surprising finding I should look for?
Goal: Write a research question
Prompt:
I'm developing a research question for [PROJECT — thesis, paper, grant].
Broad area: [DESCRIBE]
My interest: [DESCRIBE]
My constraints: [DESCRIBE — time, resources, access]
My level: [UNDERGRAD / GRAD / POSTDOC]
Help me refine:
1. Identify 5 candidate research questions
2. For each: test for FINER (Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, Relevant)
3. Identify which is strongest and why
4. Sharpen the chosen question (specificity, measurability)
5. Identify the type of question (descriptive, explanatory, evaluative)
6. Identify what data I'd need
7. Suggest 2 alternative phrasings
Then help me write a 1-paragraph justification.
Tip: A weak research question dooms the project. Spend disproportionate time here — it's the foundation.
Follow-up: What's the simplest version of this question I could answer in 6 months?
Goal: Plan a survey
Prompt:
I'm designing a survey on [TOPIC].
Population: [DESCRIBE]
Sample size: [N OR 'HELP ME DECIDE']
Mode: [ONLINE / PHONE / IN-PERSON]
Length: [N QUESTIONS / N MINUTES]
Goal: [DESCRIBE — what decision will this inform?]
Help me:
1. Identify 5-7 key constructs to measure
2. Suggest validated scales for each (don't reinvent)
3. Order questions (warm-up → main → demographics → sensitive last)
4. Write 3 sample questions per construct
5. Identify question types (Likert, multiple choice, open-ended)
6. Plan attention checks (for online surveys)
7. Pilot test plan
8. Sample size justification
9. Analysis plan
Tip: Use validated scales whenever possible. Self-written questions often fail to measure what you think they measure.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should I cut to reduce survey length?
Goal: Run a statistical analysis
Prompt:
I have data and need to analyze it.
Research question: [DESCRIBE]
Hypothesis: [DESCRIBE]
Data: [DESCRIBE — N observations, variables, format]
Software: [R / PYTHON / SPSS / STATA]
Help me:
1. Identify the appropriate statistical test (with rationale)
2. Check assumptions (normality, homogeneity, independence)
3. Write the analysis code (R or Python)
4. Interpret typical output (what to look for)
5. Calculate effect size (not just p-value)
6. Plan robustness checks
7. Plan visualization
8. Identify what could go wrong
Note: I will verify all statistical decisions with a statistician.
Tip: P-values are necessary but not sufficient. Always report effect sizes and confidence intervals.
Follow-up: What's the weakest assumption in my analysis, and how could I test it?
Goal: Write an abstract
Prompt:
Write an abstract for [PAPER/POSTER/TALK].
Format: [STRUCTURED / UNSTRUCTURED]
Length: [WORDS — typically 150-250]
Paper details:
- Background: [DESCRIBE]
- Methods: [DESCRIBE]
- Results: [DESCRIBE — include key numbers]
- Conclusion: [DESCRIBE]
Write 3 versions:
1. Structured (Background/Methods/Results/Conclusions headers)
2. Unstructured narrative
3. Lay summary (for general audience)
For each: under [WORD LIMIT], specific, no jargon in version 3.
Then identify the strongest version for [TARGET VENUE].
Tip: The abstract is the only part many people read. Spend disproportionate time on it.
Follow-up: Help me write the title to match this abstract.
Goal: Respond to peer review
Prompt:
I got peer reviews back. Help me respond.
Reviewer comments:
[PASTE COMMENTS]
My paper: [DESCRIBE — what was the main contribution?]
My stance on each comment: [DESCRIBE — agree/disagree/partially]
Help me structure the response:
1. General thank-you to reviewers
2. Point-by-point response (for each comment):
- Quote the comment
- Acknowledge what's valid
- Describe what we changed (with page/line numbers)
- Politely push back where appropriate (with evidence)
3. Summary of all changes
Tone: grateful, specific, not defensive. Even when reviewers are wrong.
Tip: Reviewers are usually right about the problem, even if their solution is wrong. Acknowledge the problem, propose your own fix.
Follow-up: How do I handle a reviewer who clearly didn't read the paper?
Goal: Write a grant proposal
Prompt:
I'm applying for [GRANT] from [FUNDER].
Research topic: [DESCRIBE]
Funding amount: $[AMOUNT]
Duration: [MONTHS/YEARS]
My role: [PI / CO-I / POSTDOC]
Help me structure the proposal:
1. Specific aims (1 page — 2-3 aims, each with hypothesis)
2. Background and significance (2 pages)
3. Preliminary data (1-2 pages)
4. Research design and methods (3-5 pages)
5. Timeline (Gantt chart description)
6. Budget justification
7. Broader impacts
8. Dissemination plan
For each section: what reviewers look for, common pitfalls, and
a sample paragraph in my voice.
Tip: Grant writing is a different skill from paper writing. Reviewers have 20 proposals to read — clarity beats depth.
Follow-up: What 3 things would make a reviewer reject this proposal?
Goal: Synthesize conflicting findings
Prompt:
I'm reading literature on [TOPIC] and findings conflict.
Studies finding [FINDING A]:
- [LIST 3-5 STUDIES]
Studies finding [FINDING B]:
- [LIST 3-5 STUDIES]
Help me:
1. Identify methodological differences that might explain conflict
2. Identify sample/population differences
3. Identify measurement differences
4. Identify contextual/temporal factors
5. Suggest moderators (what conditions flip the result?)
6. Identify what study would resolve the conflict
7. Suggest how I should write about this in my lit review
Avoid false balance — if one side has stronger evidence, say so.
Tip: Conflicting findings are where the most interesting research questions live. Don't paper over the conflict — dig into it.
Follow-up: What's the meta-analysis I should run if I had the data?
Goal: Write a methodology section
Prompt:
I'm writing the methodology section for [PAPER/THESIS].
Research design: [DESCRIBE]
Sample: [DESCRIBE — N, demographics, how recruited]
Data collection: [DESCRIBE]
Analysis: [DESCRIBE]
Help me structure the methodology:
1. Research design (rationale for choice)
2. Participants (sampling, recruitment, demographics)
3. Materials/measures (with validation info)
4. Procedure (step-by-step, replicable)
5. Analysis plan (statistical tests, software)
6. Ethical considerations (IRB, consent)
7. Reproducibility (data/code availability)
Write each section with enough detail that another researcher
could replicate the study.
Tip: Methodology is where reviewers look for weaknesses. Be brutally specific — vague methods invite rejection.
Follow-up: What 3 things would a skeptic question about my methodology?
Goal: Plan a research interview
Prompt:
I'm conducting a research interview with [TYPE OF PARTICIPANT] about [TOPIC].
Research question: [DESCRIBE]
Interview type: [STRUCTURED / SEMI-STRUCTURED / UNSTRUCTURED]
Duration: [MINUTES]
Help me:
1. Write the interview guide (under [N] main questions)
2. Order questions (warm-up → main → sensitive → closing)
3. Write probes for each main question
4. Identify what NOT to ask (leading, double-barreled)
5. Plan consent process
6. Plan recording and transcription
7. Plan field notes
8. Plan member checking (sharing findings with participant)
For semi-structured: include the main questions, but note that
follow-ups will be flexible.
Tip: Pilot the interview with a colleague first. You'll find 3 questions that don't work.
Follow-up: What's the one question I most want answered, and how do I make sure to get to it?
Goal: Choose a research method
Prompt:
I'm deciding on a research method for [PROJECT].
Research question: [DESCRIBE]
Epistemological stance: [DESCRIBE OR 'NOT SURE']
Available time: [DURATION]
Available resources: [DESCRIBE]
My skills: [DESCRIBE]
Compare these methods for my question:
1. Quantitative survey
2. Qualitative interviews
3. Ethnography/observation
4. Experiment
5. Mixed methods
6. Case study
7. Document/archival analysis
8. Meta-analysis
For each: what it would tell me, what it wouldn't, time/cost, skill required.
Then recommend one with rationale.
Tip: Method choice should follow the research question, not the other way around. Don't pick a method because you're comfortable with it.
Follow-up: What's the smallest study that would actually answer my question?
Goal: Write a thesis chapter
Prompt:
I'm writing [CHAPTER] of my [UNDERGRAD / MASTERS / PHD] thesis.
Chapter purpose: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'lit review', 'methodology', 'results']
Length: [WORDS]
My field: [DESCRIBE]
My supervisor's preferences: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Outline the chapter (sections and sub-sections)
2. For each section: word count target, key argument, sources
3. Write the opening paragraph
4. Write the closing paragraph (transition to next chapter)
5. Identify what to cut if I'm over length
6. Identify what's missing
7. Plan figures/tables
Then write a 1-paragraph summary of the chapter for my supervisor.
Tip: Thesis chapters are longer than journal articles but follow the same logic: argument → evidence → synthesis.
Follow-up: What 3 questions will my committee ask about this chapter?
Goal: Plan data management
Prompt:
I need a data management plan for [PROJECT].
Funder: [DESCRIBE — many require DMPs]
Data types: [DESCRIBE — surveys, interviews, sensors, etc.]
Data volume: [DESCRIBE]
Sensitive data? [YES/NO — describe]
Help me write a DMP covering:
1. Data collection (what, how much, formats)
2. Data organization (file naming, folder structure)
3. Documentation (metadata standards, codebook)
4. Storage and backup (where, how often, redundant?)
5. Security (access controls, encryption)
6. Privacy and ethics (consent, anonymization)
7. Preservation (long-term storage, formats)
8. Sharing (when, where, under what license)
9. Roles and responsibilities
10. Budget for data management
Tip: A DMP isn't bureaucracy — it's a gift to your future self. Following it saves months of pain later.
Follow-up: What 3 things will I regret in 2 years if I don't plan now?
Goal: Write a conference presentation
Prompt:
I'm presenting at [CONFERENCE]. Format: [TALK / POSTER].
Duration: [MINUTES — typically 15-20 for talks]
Audience: [DESCRIBE — specialist / generalist]
My paper: [DESCRIBE — what's the contribution?]
Help me structure the talk:
1. Title slide
2. Hook (1 slide — why care?)
3. Background (2 slides — minimal, audience knows basics)
4. Research question (1 slide — crystal clear)
5. Method (2-3 slides — focus on what's novel)
6. Results (3-5 slides — visuals, not text)
7. Discussion (1-2 slides — what does it mean?)
8. Limitations (1 slide — builds credibility)
9. Conclusion + future work (1 slide)
10. Q&A prep (anticipate 5 questions)
For each slide: title, key visual, what I'll say (1-2 sentences).
Pacing: 1 slide per minute.
Tip: Audiences remember 3 things from a talk. Choose which 3 they'll remember — don't leave it to chance.
Follow-up: Help me design the title slide to grab attention in the first 5 seconds.
Goal: Cite sources correctly
Prompt:
Help me cite these sources in [APA/MLA/CHICAGO/HARVARD/VANCOUVER] style.
Sources:
- [SOURCE 1 — author, title, journal, year, volume, pages]
- [SOURCE 2 — author, title, book, publisher, year]
- [SOURCE 3 — author, title, website, URL, date accessed]
- [SOURCE 4 — author, title, conference, year, location]
For each:
1. In-text citation (and alternative for narrative vs parenthetical)
2. Full reference list entry
3. Format quirks (multiple authors, edited volume, etc.)
Also: how to cite [SPECIFIC TRICKY SOURCE — e.g., 'a tweet', 'a podcast',
'an AI tool'].
Tip: Citation managers (Zotero, Mendeley) handle most cases automatically. Use them — manual citation is error-prone.
Follow-up: What's the most common citation mistake in my discipline?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 18 prompts
25 copy-paste prompts for school, college, and university students.
Goal: Get a complex topic explained at your level.
Prompt:
I am a [GRADE LEVEL] student studying [TOPIC]. I'm stuck on
[SPECIFIC CONCEPT]. Explain it to me in 3 ways:
1. Like I'm 10 years old
2. Like I'm 15 years old
3. Like I'm a college student
Then give me a real-world example I would actually see in my daily life.
Tip: Replace [GRADE LEVEL] and [TOPIC] precisely. The 3-tier explanation forces the AI to find the simplest possible framing.
Follow-up: "Now quiz me with 5 questions, starting easy and getting harder."
Goal: Create a custom practice quiz before an exam.
Prompt:
I have an exam on [SUBJECT] in [DAYS] days. The topics are:
- [TOPIC 1]
- [TOPIC 2]
- [TOPIC 3]
Generate 10 practice questions: 4 easy recall, 4 medium application,
2 hard analysis. Don't give me the answers yet — I'll try first,
then ask you to grade me.
Tip: Holding back the answers forces active recall, the most evidence-backed study technique.
Follow-up: "Here are my answers: [paste]. Grade each one, explain what I got wrong, and give me 2 more questions on my weakest topic."
Goal: Turn a 40-page chapter into a 1-page study sheet.
Prompt:
[PASTE CHAPTER TEXT — or upload the PDF]
Create a study sheet with:
- 5 key terms with definitions
- 3 main ideas in one sentence each
- 2 common exam questions on this material
- 1 mnemonic to remember the key terms
- 1 real-world example that ties it all together
Tip: If using ChatGPT Plus, Claude, or Gemini, upload the PDF directly. For free ChatGPT, paste text in chunks under 2000 words.
Follow-up: "Now make a 10-question multiple choice quiz from this material."
Goal: Get specific, actionable feedback on a draft.
Prompt:
Here is my essay draft for [CLASS]. The assignment was:
"[ORIGINAL ASSIGNMENT]"
My draft:
[PASTE DRAFT]
Give me feedback in this exact format:
1. Strengths (3 specific things I did well)
2. Weaknesses (3 specific things to fix, with the line numbers)
3. Structural suggestions (reorder? cut? expand?)
4. One example of how you would rewrite my weakest paragraph
Do NOT rewrite the whole essay. I want to learn, not have it done for me.
Tip: The "don't rewrite it for me" line is critical — without it, AI will hand you a finished essay that teaches you nothing.
Follow-up: "Now suggest 3 specific edits to my introduction."
Goal: Plan exam prep across multiple subjects.
Prompt:
I have these exams coming up:
- [SUBJECT 1] in [DAYS] days — I'm at [CONFIDENCE 1-10]
- [SUBJECT 2] in [DAYS] days — I'm at [CONFIDENCE 1-10]
- [SUBJECT 3] in [DAYS] days — I'm at [CONFIDENCE 1-10]
I can study [HOURS] hours per day, [DAYS] days per week.
I learn best by [READING / DOING / WATCHING / MIX].
Build me a day-by-day study schedule that:
- Front-loads my weakest subject
- Includes active recall (quizzing) every day
- Includes one full practice exam per subject
- Includes rest days
Output as a table.
Tip: Be honest about confidence levels — AI will allocate time accordingly.
Follow-up: "Today is [DAY]. What exactly should I study in the next 2 hours?"
Goal: Convert lecture audio or rough notes into structured notes.
Prompt:
Below are my rough notes from a lecture on [TOPIC]. Please restructure them:
[PASTE ROUGH NOTES]
Output as:
- Main topic and 3 sub-topics
- Key definitions (with the term bolded)
- 5 most important points
- 2 questions I should ask the professor
- 1 connection to a previous lecture
Tip: If you have an audio recording, transcribe it first with Otter.ai or Whisper, then paste the transcript.
Follow-up: "Now create 5 flashcards from this material, in a Q&A format."
Goal: Understand the method, not just get the answer.
Prompt:
I'm stuck on this math problem:
[PROBLEM]
I'm in [GRADE/COURSE]. Don't just give me the answer — walk me through
the solution step by step, explaining the reasoning at each step.
After you solve it, give me 2 similar practice problems with answers
hidden, so I can try myself.
Tip: Ask AI to "use Python" if the calculation is complex — modern ChatGPT/Claude can execute code.
Follow-up: "I got [different answer]. Where did I go wrong?"
Goal: Memorize new words with mnemonics.
Prompt:
Help me learn these [LANGUAGE] vocabulary words:
[WORD 1]
[WORD 2]
[WORD 3]
...
For each word:
1. Definition in plain English
2. Pronunciation guide
3. Etymology (where the word comes from — helps memory)
4. A mnemonic connecting the word to its meaning
5. Example sentence using the word
Then give me a 5-question quiz at the end.
Tip: Etymology is a powerful memory anchor — words make more sense when you know their origin.
Follow-up: "Now use all these words in a short story."
Goal: Structure and practice a class presentation.
Prompt:
I have a [DURATION]-minute class presentation on [TOPIC] for [CLASS/AUDIENCE].
My current knowledge level is [BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED].
Help me:
1. Outline the presentation (intro, 3 main points, conclusion)
2. Suggest a memorable opening line
3. Suggest a memorable closing line
4. Give me 3 questions the audience might ask, with suggested answers
5. Tell me what to cut if I run out of time
Tip: Practice out loud at least 3 times. AI can also role-play as your audience.
Follow-up: "Role-play as a skeptical classmate. Ask me tough questions about my presentation."
Goal: Structure a science lab report properly.
Prompt:
I need to write a lab report for [EXPERIMENT]. Here are my notes:
[PASTE NOTES]
Structure the report as:
1. Title and objective
2. Hypothesis
3. Materials and methods
4. Data (table format)
5. Analysis
6. Sources of error
7. Conclusion
Use formal scientific tone. Suggest 2 improvements to my method.
Tip: Be honest about sources of error — graders respect intellectual honesty more than perfect results.
Follow-up: "What additional experiment would strengthen my conclusion?"
Goal: Understand history through comparison.
Prompt:
Compare [EVENT A] and [EVENT B]. Create a table with these rows:
- Causes
- Key figures
- Duration
- Major turning points
- Outcomes
- Long-term impact
- Historiographical debate
Then give me a 3-sentence thesis I could defend in an essay.
Tip: "Historiographical debate" means how historians disagree about interpretation — this impresses graders.
Follow-up: "What primary sources should I read to deepen my understanding?"
Goal: Get past surface-level reading.
Prompt:
Here is a poem/passage I'm studying:
[PASTE TEXT]
Please:
1. Identify the form (sonnet, free verse, prose, etc.)
2. Paraphrase it line by line in plain language
3. Identify literary devices used (metaphor, imagery, alliteration, etc.) with examples
4. Discuss the theme in 2 paragraphs
5. Give me 3 essay prompts this text could answer
Tip: Always read the text yourself first, then use AI to deepen — not replace — your reading.
Follow-up: "What's a counter-interpretation of this poem that a critic might argue?"
Goal: Structure a research paper before writing.
Prompt:
I'm writing a research paper on [TOPIC] for [CLASS].
My tentative thesis is: [THESIS]
Length: [WORDS] words.
Help me:
1. Refine my thesis to be more specific and arguable
2. Outline the paper (introduction, 3-5 body sections, conclusion)
3. For each body section, give me 2-3 sub-points
4. Suggest 5 keywords I should search for in academic databases
5. Identify 2 potential counter-arguments I should address
Tip: A weak thesis is the #1 reason research papers get low grades. Spend extra time on step 1.
Follow-up: "Suggest a specific primary source for each body section."
Goal: Run a group project without the usual chaos.
Prompt:
I'm in a group project with [N] people. Our topic is [TOPIC].
We have [DAYS] until the deadline. One member is [DIFFICULT BEHAVIOR].
Help me:
1. Divide the work into [N] clear roles
2. Suggest a project timeline with milestones
3. Write a friendly but firm message to the difficult member
4. Suggest a fair peer-evaluation rubric
5. Plan a contingency if one member drops out
Tip: Document everything in writing. AI can also draft the "accountability message" you've been avoiding.
Follow-up: "Draft a 3-line Slack message reminding everyone of our next milestone."
Goal: Stand out in a competitive application.
Prompt:
I'm applying for the [SCHOLARSHIP NAME]. The prompt is:
"[PROMPT]"
About me:
- Background: [BRIEF BIO]
- Achievement: [KEY ACHIEVEMENT]
- Challenge: [OBSTACLE OVERCOME]
- Goal: [FUTURE GOAL]
Help me:
1. Find a unique angle that avoids clichés (overcoming hardship, wanting to help people, etc.)
2. Write a compelling 250-word opening
3. Suggest 3 structures for the full essay
4. Identify what to cut
5. Give me a final polishing checklist
Tip: Scholarship readers see thousands of "I want to help people" essays. Specificity wins.
Follow-up: "Read this draft and tell me which 2 sentences to cut for impact."
Goal: Understand code, not just copy-paste it.
Prompt:
I'm learning [PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE] and stuck on [CONCEPT].
My current code:
[PASTE CODE]
Please:
1. Explain the concept in plain English (no jargon)
2. Point out what's wrong with my code
3. Show me the corrected code with comments explaining each line
4. Give me 2 simple exercises to practice
5. Tell me the most common mistake beginners make here
Tip: Type out the corrected code yourself, don't copy-paste. Muscle memory matters in programming.
Follow-up: "Give me a harder exercise that builds on this concept."
Goal: Understand a text in a language you're learning.
Prompt:
Here is a text in [LANGUAGE]:
[PASTE TEXT]
Please:
1. Translate it to English literally (word for word)
2. Translate it naturally (how a native speaker would say it)
3. Identify grammar points I should learn from this text
4. List 5 vocabulary words with definitions and example sentences
5. Suggest 1 follow-up exercise to practice this grammar
Tip: Literal vs. natural translation shows you the language's structure, which accelerates learning.
Follow-up: "Write a 100-word response in [LANGUAGE] I could send back."
Goal: Find a project that's actually feasible.
Prompt:
I need a science fair project. Constraints:
- Grade level: [GRADE]
- Budget: $[AMOUNT]
- Time: [DAYS] until fair
- Materials I have access to: [LIST]
- My interests: [SUBJECTS]
Suggest 3 project ideas:
1. A safe, well-understood project (low risk)
2. A creative project (medium risk, more interesting)
3. An ambitious project (higher risk, high reward)
For each: hypothesis, materials list, method outline, expected result.
Tip: Choose the medium-risk project — safe projects bore judges, ambitious projects often fail.
Follow-up: "Help me write a 1-paragraph abstract for project #2."
Goal: Format citations without losing your mind.
Prompt:
Format these sources in [APA/MLA/CHICAGO/HARVARD] style:
Source 1: [AUTHOR, TITLE, PUBLISHER, YEAR, URL]
Source 2: [AUTHOR, TITLE, JOURNAL, VOLUME, ISSUE, PAGES, YEAR]
Source 3: [AUTHOR, TITLE, WEBSITE, DATE ACCESSED, URL]
Also create the in-text citation for each. Then show me how each
appears in a bibliography/works cited page.
Tip: Always verify citations against your school's official style guide. AI makes small formatting errors.
Follow-up: "How do I cite a YouTube video in this style?"
Goal: Use AI to feel calmer and more prepared.
Prompt:
I have a big exam in [DAYS] days on [SUBJECT]. I'm feeling
[ANXIOUS/OVERWHELMED/UNPREPARED]. I've studied [AMOUNT] so far.
Help me:
1. Make a realistic, calm study plan for the remaining days
2. Identify the 5 most important topics to focus on (Pareto principle)
3. Suggest 3 evidence-based techniques to reduce test anxiety
4. Write me a 3-sentence confidence boost I can read on exam morning
5. Tell me what to do the night before and morning of the exam
Tip: AI is not a therapist, but it can help with practical anxiety management. For serious anxiety, talk to a counselor.
Follow-up: "Role-play as my exam proctor. Walk me through the first 5 minutes of the exam calmly."
Goal: Make a big decision with structure.
Prompt:
I'm deciding between these college majors:
1. [MAJOR 1]
2. [MAJOR 2]
3. [MAJOR 3]
About me:
- Subjects I enjoy: [LIST]
- Subjects I struggle with: [LIST]
- Career interests: [LIST]
- Values (money, impact, creativity, stability): [LIST]
For each major, give me:
- What I'd actually study
- Career paths it opens
- Career paths it closes
- 5-year outlook
- One question I should ask myself
Then suggest a decision framework.
Tip: Most students change majors at least once. Optimise for keeping doors open, not locking in early.
Follow-up: "What double-major or minor combinations make sense with my top choice?"
Goal: Build relationships that matter.
Prompt:
I want to send a thank-you email to my [SUBJECT] teacher, [NAME].
They specifically helped me by [SPECIFIC ACTION].
I'm in their [CLASS NAME] class.
Write a 100-word thank-you email that:
- Is specific (not "thanks for everything")
- Mentions what I learned from them
- Is professional but warm
- Doesn't ask for anything
Give me 2 versions: one slightly formal, one slightly casual.
Tip: Teachers remember specific thank-yous for years. This matters for recommendations.
Follow-up: "Now help me write a follow-up email asking for a letter of recommendation."
Goal: Find a topic you'll actually enjoy writing about.
Prompt:
I have an open-ended assignment for [CLASS]: [ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION].
Length: [WORDS] words.
About me:
- I'm interested in: [LIST 5 THINGS]
- I want to avoid: [LIST]
- I want the topic to be: [UNIQUE/SURPRISING/PERSONAL]
Suggest 7 topic ideas that:
- Are specific enough to cover in [WORDS] words
- Have an arguable thesis
- Aren't the topics everyone else will pick
- Connect to my interests
For each, give me a one-sentence potential thesis.
Tip: Graders read 30+ essays on the same prompt. A unique angle is half the battle.
Follow-up: "For topic #3, suggest 3 specific primary sources I could use."
Goal: See the structure of a topic visually.
Prompt:
Create a text-based mind map for the topic: [TOPIC].
Structure it as:
[CENTRAL TOPIC]
├── [MAIN BRANCH 1]
│ ├── [Sub-branch 1a]
│ ├── [Sub-branch 1b]
│ └── [Sub-branch 1c]
├── [MAIN BRANCH 2]
│ ├── [Sub-branch 2a]
│ └── [Sub-branch 2b]
└── [MAIN BRANCH 3]
Make it comprehensive enough to use as a study guide.
For each branch, add a one-line explanation.
Tip: Print the mind map and stick it on your wall while studying.
Follow-up: "Quiz me on 5 random branches of this map."
Goal: Consolidate learning through reflection.
Prompt:
This semester I studied:
- [COURSE 1]
- [COURSE 2]
- [COURSE 3]
Help me reflect on:
1. The 3 most valuable things I learned (one per course)
2. A skill I developed that I didn't have before
3. A mistake I made and what I learned from it
4. A topic I want to explore further
5. How this semester changed my thinking
Format as a journal entry I'll want to read again in 5 years.
Tip: Reflection is the most underused learning technique. 15 minutes of it beats 2 hours of re-reading notes.
Follow-up: "Based on this reflection, suggest 3 books to read this summer."
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 25 prompts
22 copy-paste prompts for teachers at any level — lesson planning, grading, parent communication, and professional development.
Goal: Structure a complete lesson with engagement built in.
Prompt:
I'm teaching [GRADE LEVEL] [SUBJECT]. Topic: [TOPIC].
Duration: 45 minutes. Class size: [N] students.
Create a lesson plan with:
- Learning objective (1 measurable outcome)
- Hook (3-minute opening to grab attention)
- Direct instruction (10 minutes)
- Guided practice (15 minutes)
- Independent practice (12 minutes)
- Closure (5 minutes)
- 2 differentiation strategies (for struggling and advanced students)
- 1 formative assessment I can do during the lesson
Tip: Specify your class size and student needs — AI tailors activities to realistic constraints.
Goal: Differentiate a lesson for diverse learners
Prompt:
Adapt this lesson plan for students with these needs:
- [SPECIFIC NEED 1, e.g., ADHD]
- [SPECIFIC NEED 2, e.g., visual impairment]
- [SPECIFIC NEED 3, e.g., ELL/English Language Learner]
Original lesson: [PASTE LESSON]
For each need, suggest:
1. A specific accommodation
2. A modified activity
3. A way to assess understanding that doesn't penalize the need
Tip: Reference your school's IEP/504 documentation for legally required accommodations — AI suggestions complement, not replace, those.
Follow-up: How can I help peers without these needs also benefit from these accommodations?
Goal: Create a rubric for an assignment
Prompt:
Create a rubric for [ASSIGNMENT TYPE] in [GRADE/SUBJECT].
Assignment: [DESCRIBE ASSIGNMENT]
Length/Scope: [DETAILS]
Format as a 4-level rubric (Exemplary / Proficient / Developing / Beginning)
with these criteria:
- Content understanding
- Organization
- Use of evidence
- Writing quality
- Creativity/originality
For each cell, write specific, observable descriptors
(not just 'good' or 'needs work').
Tip: Specific descriptors make grading faster and reduce student arguments. 'Cites 3+ relevant sources' beats 'uses evidence well'.
Follow-up: Now convert this rubric into a 1-page student-friendly self-assessment checklist.
Goal: Generate discussion questions
Prompt:
I'm teaching [TEXT/TOPIC] to [GRADE/SUBJECT]. Generate 15 discussion questions organized by Bloom's Taxonomy:
- 3 Remembering questions
- 3 Understanding questions
- 3 Applying questions
- 3 Analyzing questions
- 2 Evaluating questions
- 1 Creating question
For each, suggest a 'follow-up probe' to use if students give short answers.
Tip: Bloom's Taxonomy ensures you're not just asking recall questions. The top 3 levels (Analyze, Evaluate, Create) are where real learning happens.
Follow-up: Pick the 3 best questions and turn them into a Think-Pair-Share activity.
Goal: Write a parent newsletter
Prompt:
Write a monthly newsletter to parents of my [GRADE] [SUBJECT] class.
This month we covered: [TOPICS]
Next month we'll cover: [TOPICS]
Special events: [EVENTS]
Class celebration: [SPECIFIC WIN]
Format:
- Warm opening (2 sentences)
- 'What we learned' (bullet list, parent-friendly language)
- 'What's coming' (bullet list)
- 'How you can help at home' (3 specific, easy ideas)
- 'Celebration' (spotlight 1 student or class achievement)
- Warm closing
Tone: warm, professional, jargon-free.
Under 250 words.
Tip: Avoid educational jargon. Parents don't know what 'scaffolding' or 'formative assessment' means — translate to 'step-by-step support' and 'check-ins during learning'.
Follow-up: Now translate this newsletter into [LANGUAGE] for multilingual families.
Goal: Grade an essay with constructive feedback
Prompt:
Here is a student essay. The assignment was: [PROMPT].
Rubric: [PASTE OR DESCRIBE RUBRIC]
Essay:
[PASTE ESSAY]
Provide feedback in this format:
1. Two specific strengths (quote the student's words)
2. Two specific areas to improve (quote the student's words, suggest a fix)
3. One question to push their thinking
4. Suggested grade with justification
5. A 2-sentence note I can write at the end of the essay
Tone: warm, specific, growth-oriented. No vague praise like 'good job'.
Tip: Always lead with strengths. Students who feel seen are more open to critique.
Follow-up: Now write a 1-sentence comment for my grade book summarizing this student's overall progress.
Goal: Create a sub plan
Prompt:
I'll be absent [DATE]. Class: [GRADE] [SUBJECT].
Current unit: [TOPIC]. Sub's familiarity with subject: [LOW/MEDIUM/HIGH].
Create a sub plan with:
- Lesson summary (3 sentences for the sub)
- Step-by-step instructions (timing for each step)
- All materials needed (with where to find them in my classroom)
- 2 backup activities if main lesson finishes early
- Clear behavior expectations
- What to collect at end of class
- How to reach me (or not) during the day
Tip: Subs appreciate over-preparation. When in doubt, write more detail, not less.
Follow-up: Help me write a 3-line note to the sub thanking them and asking for a quick report on how the day went.
Goal: Make a complex topic age-appropriate
Prompt:
I need to teach [COMPLEX TOPIC] to [GRADE LEVEL] students.
The topic is complex because: [WHY IT'S HARD]
My students are familiar with: [PRIOR KNOWLEDGE]
Help me:
1. Find an age-appropriate analogy they'll relate to
2. Identify the 3 core ideas they MUST understand
3. Identify what to leave out (too complex for now)
4. Suggest a hands-on activity that makes it concrete
5. Predict 2 misconceptions they'll have, with corrections
Tip: Saying less is better than saying more. Three ideas deeply understood beats ten ideas shallowly mentioned.
Follow-up: Give me a 2-sentence explanation I can write on the board as our 'big idea' for the lesson.
Goal: Build a formative assessment
Prompt:
I'm teaching [TOPIC] to [GRADE]. I need a quick formative assessment
I can use MID-LESSON (under 5 minutes) to check if students are getting it.
Constraints:
- No grading required
- Works for class size of [N]
- Students of varying ability levels
Suggest 5 different formative assessment ideas. For each:
- What it is
- How to set it up (under 2 minutes)
- How to execute (under 3 minutes)
- What to look for in responses
- What to do if responses show confusion
Tip: Formative assessments are for learning, not of learning. The point is to adjust your teaching, not to grade.
Follow-up: Pick the best one and turn it into a 1-page printable I can hand out.
Goal: Write a letter of recommendation
Prompt:
I'm writing a letter of recommendation for [STUDENT NAME],
a [GRADE LEVEL] student in my [SUBJECT] class.
About the student:
- Performance in my class: [DETAILS]
- Specific project/assignment they excelled at: [DETAILS]
- Personal qualities: [LIST]
- Outside-of-class context I know: [DETAILS]
- What they're applying for: [COLLEGE/SCHOLARSHIP/JOB]
Write a 350-word letter that:
- Opens with a specific, memorable anecdote
- Backs every claim with evidence
- Avoids clichés ('hardworking', 'passionate')
- Distinguishes this student from peers
- Closes with a confident endorsement
Tip: Specific anecdotes beat generic praise. One story about the student's behavior is worth 10 adjectives.
Follow-up: Suggest 3 questions I should ask the student to help me write a stronger letter.
Goal: Manage a difficult student conversation
Prompt:
I need to talk to a student who [DESCRIBE BEHAVIOR].
This is the [FIRST/SECOND/THIRD] time I'm addressing this.
My goal is [WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE].
Help me:
1. Plan the opening (1-2 sentences, non-confrontational)
2. List 3 questions to ask the student (open-ended, not leading)
3. Anticipate 3 responses they might give, with my reply to each
4. Identify what I should NOT say
5. Plan a closing that leaves the door open
Tone: firm, warm, curious (not accusatory).
Tip: Private conversations beat public corrections every time. Pull them aside after class, not during.
Follow-up: Role-play this conversation with me. You be the student, I'll be the teacher.
Goal: Create a study guide for an upcoming test
Prompt:
I'm giving a test on [TOPIC] in [DAYS] days to [GRADE] [SUBJECT].
Test format: [MCQ / SHORT ANSWER / ESSAY / MIX]
Test length: [DURATION]
Key topics covered: [LIST]
Create a study guide for students with:
1. Test overview (format, length, what to bring)
2. Key vocabulary list (10-15 terms)
3. Top 5 concepts to master (with 1-line explanations)
4. 10 practice questions (mix of types)
5. 3 common mistakes to avoid
6. Study strategies specific to this material
7. What to do the night before
Tip: Study guides level the playing field — students with stronger support systems would otherwise have an advantage.
Follow-up: Create a 1-page 'cheat sheet' version for quick review.
Goal: Respond to a parent email professionally
Prompt:
Here is an email from a parent. I want to respond professionally
without escalating.
Parent's email:
[PASTE EMAIL]
Context I know: [BACKGROUND]
My goal: [WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE]
Write a reply that:
1. Acknowledges their concern without defensiveness
2. States facts (not opinions)
3. Offers a specific next step
4. Doesn't promise anything I can't deliver
5. Leaves the door open for a phone call if needed
Tone: warm, professional, solution-focused. Under 150 words.
Tip: Never respond to an angry parent email in the same hour you received it. Sleep on it, then respond.
Follow-up: If this escalates, what should I document and share with my admin?
Goal: Plan a field trip
Prompt:
I'm planning a field trip for [GRADE] [SUBJECT] to [DESTINATION].
Class size: [N]. Duration: [HOURS]. Budget per student: $[AMOUNT].
Help me plan:
1. Pre-trip preparation (3 activities for class)
2. Permission slip key elements
3. Chaperone briefing (what they need to know)
4. Itinerary with timing
5. On-site student worksheet (5 questions/tasks)
6. Post-trip reflection activity
7. Contingency plan for weather/transportation issues
Tip: The learning happens in pre-trip prep and post-trip reflection, not just on the trip itself.
Follow-up: Help me write a 2-paragraph proposal to my admin justifying this trip's educational value.
Goal: Build an engaging warm-up routine
Prompt:
I teach [GRADE] [SUBJECT] first period (8am).
Students are [GROGGY/DISTRACED/LOW ENERGY].
Suggest 10 different 5-minute warm-up routines that:
- Require no prep (or prep I can do once and reuse)
- Get students talking to each other
- Connect to my subject
- Work for diverse ability levels
- Are fun, not 'quiz-like'
For each: name, 1-line description, why it works.
Tip: Predictable routines reduce cognitive load — students know what to expect, which frees brainpower for learning.
Follow-up: Help me build a weekly schedule that rotates through 5 of these.
Goal: Write an IEP/504 goal
Prompt:
I'm writing an IEP goal for a [GRADE] student with [DISABILITY/NEED].
Current performance: [BASELINE DATA]
Annual goal focus: [SKILL/AREA]
Write a SMART goal (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
that includes:
- The skill (specific, observable)
- The condition (when/where)
- The criterion (how measured)
- The timeframe
Then suggest 3 short-term objectives (benchmarks) leading to the annual goal.
Tip: Reference your district's IEP template and special education laws. AI suggestions are a starting point for the IEP team, not a final document.
Follow-up: What data should I collect quarterly to show progress on this goal?
Goal: Plan professional development
Prompt:
I have [DOLLARS/HOURS] for professional development this year.
My goals: [LIST 2-3 GOALS]
My interests: [LIST]
My school's priorities: [LIST]
Suggest a PD plan with:
1. One conference or workshop (with rationale)
2. One book to read
3. One online course
4. One peer observation target
5. One thing I can do monthly to reflect on my practice
6. Total estimated cost and time
Then help me write a 1-page proposal to my admin.
Tip: PD with peer accountability is 5x more likely to actually change your practice. Find a colleague to do it with you.
Follow-up: What's one thing I can stop doing this year to make room for this PD?
Goal: Create a classroom management plan
Prompt:
I'm setting up my classroom for [GRADE] [SUBJECT].
Class size: [N]. Students: [GENERAL DESCRIPTION].
My style: [WARM/STRUCTURED/FLEXIBLE].
Help me create a classroom management plan:
1. 3-5 core rules (positively framed)
2. Daily routine (start to end of class)
3. Attention-getting signals (3 options)
4. Tiered consequences (warning → conversation → parent contact → office)
5. Positive reinforcement system
6. What to do in the first week to establish norms
Tip: Rules should be few, clear, and teachable. 'Respect' is too vague; 'Use kind words, listening ears, and gentle hands' is teachable.
Follow-up: Help me draft a 1-page 'Classroom Expectations' handout for students and parents.
Goal: Analyze student assessment data
Prompt:
Here are assessment results from my [GRADE] [SUBJECT] class.
Class size: [N]. Assessment: [DESCRIBE].
Data:
[PASTE DATA — could be scores, item analysis, or qualitative observations]
Help me analyze:
1. Overall class performance (mean, median, range)
2. Topics where the class struggled (less than 60% correct)
3. Topics where the class excelled (more than 85% correct)
4. Students who need individual support
5. Students who need extension
6. What I should re-teach and how
7. What's working well that I should keep doing
Tip: Look for patterns, not just individual scores. If 70% of students missed question 4, that's a teaching problem, not a student problem.
Follow-up: Draft a 3-paragraph email to my department head summarizing these results and my plan.
Goal: Write a grant for classroom supplies
Prompt:
I'm applying for a [DOLLAR AMOUNT] grant from [ORGANIZATION].
I want to buy: [ITEMS].
Why: [REASON].
Student impact: [N] students per year.
Help me write a grant proposal with:
1. Project title (catchy, specific)
2. Need statement (1 paragraph, with data)
3. Project description (1 paragraph, concrete activities)
4. Budget table
5. Evaluation plan (how I'll know it worked)
6. Sustainability (what happens when grant money runs out)
Under 500 words total.
Tip: Specifics win grants. 'I need 30 tablets' loses. 'I need 30 tablets to help English Language Learners access grade-level texts, projected to improve reading scores by 15%' wins.
Follow-up: What photos or visuals should I include with this grant?
Goal: Handle a parent-teacher conference
Prompt:
I have a parent-teacher conference for [STUDENT NAME] in [GRADE] [SUBJECT].
The student is [STRUGGLING/EXCELLING/MIXED].
Key points I want to make: [LIST]
Parents' likely concerns: [LIST]
Help me plan:
1. Conference agenda (15 minutes total)
2. Opening line (warm, specific, positive)
3. Order of points (sandwich feedback)
4. 3 questions to ask the parents
5. Specific next steps for teacher, student, and parents
6. Closing line (warm, forward-looking)
Tip: Always start with a specific positive. 'Maya drew an incredible diagram of the water cycle last week' beats 'Maya is a sweet girl'.
Follow-up: Help me write a 3-line follow-up email to send after the conference.
Goal: End-of-year reflection
Prompt:
It's the end of the school year. Help me reflect.
This year I taught: [COURSES/GRADES]
Biggest success: [DESCRIBE]
Biggest failure: [DESCRIBE]
Something I tried for the first time: [DESCRIBE]
Something I want to stop doing: [DESCRIBE]
Help me reflect on:
1. What worked well (3 specific things)
2. What didn't work (3 specific things)
3. What I learned about teaching
4. What I learned about myself
5. 3 goals for next year (specific, not vague)
6. 1 thing to let go of
Format as a letter to myself, to read next August.
Tip: End-of-year reflection is when real professional growth happens. 30 minutes of it beats 5 hours of PD workshops.
Follow-up: Help me write a 1-page 'start of year' letter to my future self.
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 22 prompts
24 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Brainstorm article ideas
Prompt:
I write about [TOPIC/BEAT]. My audience is [DESCRIBE].
I want 15 article ideas that:
- Are specific (not 'the future of X')
- Have a clear angle or argument
- Are timely but not news-dependent
- Serve my audience's actual interests
For each idea:
- Working title (under 60 chars)
- 1-sentence angle (what's the argument?)
- Why this audience cares
- 1 source I should interview or read
Then rank them by: originality, audience interest, and writeability.
Tip: Specificity beats generality. 'How 3 indie authors use Substack to bypass publishers' beats 'the future of publishing'.
Follow-up: Pick the top idea and outline it.
Goal: Outline a long-form article
Prompt:
Help me outline an article.
Working title: [TITLE]
Thesis: [1-SENTENCE ARGUMENT]
Length: [WORDS]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
My research so far: [LIST SOURCES/INTERVIEWS]
Create an outline with:
1. Hook (1-paragraph opening that grabs attention)
2. Nut graph (1 paragraph explaining why this matters now)
3. 3-5 main sections (each with: argument, evidence, transition)
4. Counter-arguments to address
5. Conclusion (NOT a summary — a synthesis or call to action)
For each section: word count target, key sources, and the one thing it must accomplish.
Tip: The outline is where the article is won or lost. Spend more time on the outline than on the writing.
Follow-up: What 3 quotes or data points am I missing?
Goal: Write a compelling opening
Prompt:
I'm writing [ARTICLE/ESSAY/STORY] about [TOPIC].
My angle: [DESCRIBE]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Tone: [DESCRIBE — e.g., authoritative, personal, investigative]
Write 5 different openings (under 150 words each):
1. Anecdotal (start with a specific scene)
2. Surprising statistic
3. Question or provocation
4. Historical or comparative context
5. Direct address to the reader ('You...')
For each: explain why it works and what kind of reader it attracts.
Then recommend the strongest.
Tip: Your first paragraph is a promise. The rest of the piece has to deliver on it — so make a promise you can keep.
Follow-up: Help me transition from the opening to the body of the piece.
Goal: Improve a draft
Prompt:
Here is my draft. Please critique it.
[PASTE DRAFT]
Provide feedback in this format:
1. What's working (3 specific things, with quotes)
2. What's not working (3 specific things, with line numbers)
3. Structural issues (ordering, pacing, missing pieces)
4. Sentence-level issues (3 specific examples with rewrites)
5. Voice/tone consistency (where does it drift?)
6. The single highest-impact change I can make
Do NOT rewrite the whole piece. I want to learn to edit myself.
Tip: The best editors ask questions instead of giving answers. 'What are you really trying to say here?' beats 'rewrite this'.
Follow-up: Help me write a 1-line summary of what this piece is really about.
Goal: Edit for clarity and concision
Prompt:
Edit this passage for clarity and concision.
Keep my voice — don't make it sound like AI wrote it.
[PASTE PASSAGE]
Show me:
1. The edited version (track changes style — show what you cut)
2. List of specific edits made (with rationale)
3. Sentences that are too long (over 25 words) — break them
4. Adverbs and adjectives I overuse
5. Passive voice (convert to active where it helps)
6. The single sentence that should be cut entirely
Tip: Cut adverbs first. Then cut qualifiers ('really', 'very', 'quite'). Then cut sentences that don't advance the argument.
Follow-up: What's my writing 'tic' in this piece? (a phrase or pattern I repeat)
Goal: Write a personal essay
Prompt:
Help me write a personal essay about [EXPERIENCE/THEME].
What happened: [DESCRIBE]
How I felt then: [DESCRIBE]
How I feel now: [DESCRIBE]
What I learned: [DESCRIBE]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Length: [WORDS]
Structure the essay:
1. Opening scene (specific moment, sensory details)
2. Context (what the reader needs to know)
3. The complication (what made this hard)
4. The turn (what changed)
5. Reflection (what it means now)
6. Closing image (return to the opening, transformed)
Tone: vulnerable, specific, not preachy. Avoid 'I learned that life is precious' clichés.
Tip: Personal essays work when the specific becomes universal. Don't try to be universal — be hyper-specific.
Follow-up: What's the one detail only I could have noticed? Lead with that.
Goal: Write a product review
Prompt:
I'm reviewing [PRODUCT].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
My experience: [DURATION]
Who it's for: [DESCRIBE]
Who it's NOT for: [DESCRIBE]
Price: $[AMOUNT]
Alternatives I've tried: [LIST]
Structure the review:
1. Verdict up front (recommend / conditional / don't recommend)
2. Who this is for
3. What's in the box / what you get
4. Setup and first impressions
5. 3 strengths (with specific examples)
6. 3 weaknesses (with specific examples)
7. Comparison to top alternative
8. Value for money
9. Bottom line (1 paragraph)
Honest, specific, no marketing language.
Tip: Reviews are most valuable when they say what's wrong. A 5-star review is useless; a 3-star review with specifics is gold.
Follow-up: What 3 photos should I include to make this review more useful?
Goal: Write a newsletter
Prompt:
Write a newsletter issue for [AUDIENCE].
Newsletter topic: [DESCRIBE]
This issue's theme: [DESCRIBE]
Length: 500-700 words
Tone: [DESCRIBE — examples: warm, witty, authoritative]
Structure:
1. Personal opening (1 short paragraph — what I'm thinking about)
2. Main piece (the meat — 300-400 words)
3. 'Thing I'm reading/watching/using' (1 paragraph recommendation)
4. Question for readers (to drive replies)
5. Sign-off
Voice: like a letter to a smart friend, not a corporate broadcast.
Tip: Newsletters win on personality. People subscribe for YOU, not for the information (they can get that anywhere).
Follow-up: Help me write 3 subject line options for this issue.
Goal: Write a short story
Prompt:
Write a short story based on this prompt:
[DESCRIBE PREMISE — e.g., 'A librarian discovers a book that wasn't
there yesterday']
Constraints:
- Length: [WORDS]
- Tone: [DESCRIBE]
- POV: [FIRST PERSON / THIRD LIMITED / OMNISCIENT]
- Setting: [DESCRIBE]
Include:
- A protagonist with a specific want
- An inciting incident in the first paragraph
- Rising action with at least 2 complications
- A climax that costs the protagonist something
- A resolution that's earned, not convenient
Show, don't tell. Sensory details. Specific nouns.
Tip: Specificity is the soul of narrative. 'A 1973 Volvo station wagon' beats 'an old car'.
Follow-up: Now help me cut 10% of the words without losing the story.
Goal: Write a poem
Prompt:
Write a poem about [SUBJECT/FEELING].
Form: [FREE VERSE / SONNET / HAIKU / VILLANELLE / YOUR CHOICE]
Length: [LINES]
Tone: [DESCRIBE]
Imagery: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'urban', 'natural', 'domestic']
Constraints:
- Avoid abstractions (love, hope, time) — use concrete images instead
- Each line should advance or complicate the previous
- The ending should reframe the beginning
Write 3 different versions, each with a different tonal approach.
Then explain which you prefer and why.
Tip: Poetry lives in concrete images and the spaces between them. Show the feeling; don't name it.
Follow-up: Help me find the strongest image in each version and build around it.
Goal: Write a script for a video
Prompt:
Write a script for a [DURATION]-minute video on [TOPIC].
Format: [YOUTUBE ESSAY / EXPLAINER / TIKTOK / DOCUMENTARY]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Tone: [DESCRIBE]
Key points to cover: [LIST]
Script format:
- Two columns: VISUAL | AUDIO
- Each row = 1 shot (5-15 seconds)
- Include b-roll suggestions
- Include text overlays
- Include music/sound cues
- Open with a hook in first 5 seconds
- Close with a CTA
Pacing: 130-150 words per minute of narration.
Tip: Video scripts are denser than they look. Cut 20% of what you think you need.
Follow-up: Help me write a YouTube title and thumbnail concept that matches this script.
Goal: Write a memoir chapter
Prompt:
I'm writing a memoir about [THEME/PERIOD OF LIFE].
This chapter covers: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'the summer my father left']
My age at the time: [AGE]
Key people: [LIST]
Key events: [LIST]
What I understand now that I didn't then: [DESCRIBE]
Help me structure this chapter:
1. Opening scene (specific moment, present-tense narration)
2. Background (only what's needed)
3. Rising action (the complication)
4. Climax (the moment everything changed)
5. Falling action (immediate aftermath)
6. Reflection (looking back — past tense)
Tone: honest, specific, no neat bows. Real life is messy.
Tip: Memoir is not autobiography. You're not telling your whole life — you're telling the part that illuminates a universal truth.
Follow-up: What's the one scene I should expand? What's the one I should cut?
Goal: Write a speech
Prompt:
Write a [DURATION]-minute speech for [OCCASION].
Occasion: [DESCRIBE — wedding, graduation, keynote, eulogy]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Speaker: [DESCRIBE — relationship to occasion]
Key message: [DESCRIBE]
Tone: [DESCRIBE]
Structure:
1. Opening that grabs attention (story, question, or quote)
2. Why we're here (acknowledge the occasion)
3. Main message (1 idea, repeated and developed)
4. 1-2 stories that illustrate the message
5. Call to action or reflection
6. Memorable closing line
Pacing: 130 words/minute. So a 10-min speech = ~1300 words.
Include stage directions: [PAUSE], [LOOK AT AUDIENCE], etc.
Tip: Speeches are heard, not read. Use short sentences, repetition, and concrete images. Read it aloud to test.
Follow-up: Help me practice — predict 3 places the audience might laugh or tear up.
Goal: Write a podcast script
Prompt:
Write a script for a [DURATION]-minute podcast episode on [TOPIC].
Format: [SOLO / INTERVIEW / NARRATIVE]
Host: [DESCRIBE — name, persona]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Tone: [DESCRIBE]
Script structure:
1. Cold open (15 seconds — hook or teaser)
2. Intro music + show ID (15 seconds)
3. Welcome and topic intro (1 minute)
4. Main segment (bulk of episode)
5. Mid-roll break (if applicable)
6. Second segment
7. Recap and call to action
8. Outro music
Format as a two-column script: AUDIO | NOTES.
Word count for solo: 130 words/min × duration.
Tip: Podcast listeners tune in for the host's personality. Write like you speak, not like you write.
Follow-up: Help me write 3 episode title options that would make someone click.
Goal: Pitch an article to an editor
Prompt:
I want to pitch an article to [PUBLICATION].
Publication: [DESCRIBE — audience, tone, typical length]
My article idea: [DESCRIBE]
My qualifications: [DESCRIBE]
My published work: [LIST OR 'NONE YET']
Write a pitch email with:
1. Subject line (under 60 chars — specific, not cute)
2. Opening (1 sentence — why this, why now, why them)
3. The pitch (3-4 sentences — what the piece is, what it argues, why their readers care)
4. Why me (1 sentence — relevant expertise or access)
5. Sample links (1-2 published pieces, or 'happy to send a draft')
6. Word count and timeline
7. Sign-off
Under 200 words. Confident, specific, not begging.
Tip: Editors get 100+ pitches a day. The first sentence determines if they read further. Show you read their publication.
Follow-up: If they say yes, what 3 things should I clarify before I start writing?
Goal: Write a book proposal
Prompt:
I'm writing a nonfiction book about [TOPIC].
Working title: [TITLE]
My argument/thesis: [DESCRIBE]
My platform: [DESCRIBE — audience size, credentials]
Comparable books: [LIST 3-5]
Why I'm the right author: [DESCRIBE]
Help me draft a book proposal with:
1. Concept (1-page overview)
2. Table of contents (10-15 chapters with 1-line descriptions)
3. Sample chapter outline
4. Audience analysis (who buys this, why)
5. Competitive analysis (what's out there, why this is different)
6. Author platform
7. Marketing plan
8. Word count and timeline
Then write a 1-paragraph query letter to an agent.
Tip: Books are sold on concept and platform, not on writing quality (yet). Your concept must be defensible in 1 sentence.
Follow-up: What 3 chapters would an editor cut to tighten this book?
Goal: Generate character ideas
Prompt:
I'm developing characters for a [NOVEL / SHORT STORY / SCREENPLAY].
Setting: [DESCRIBE]
Theme: [DESCRIBE]
Protagonist's flaw: [DESCRIBE OR 'HELP ME FIND ONE']
Generate 5 character concepts. For each:
1. Name and 1-line description
2. Want (what they're chasing)
3. Need (what they actually need, often opposite of want)
4. Wound (the past hurt driving them)
5. Secret (something they're hiding)
6. Contradiction (something that makes them feel real)
7. Voice sample (1 paragraph of their dialogue)
Then suggest how 2 of these characters could be in conflict.
Tip: Characters become real through contradiction. The kindly teacher who is cruel to his dog. The greedy CEO who anonymously funds orphanages.
Follow-up: Pick one character and write a 200-word 'day in the life' scene.
Goal: Write dialogue that sounds real
Prompt:
Help me write dialogue for a scene between [CHARACTER A] and [CHARACTER B].
Context: [DESCRIBE — what just happened, where they are]
A's goal in this scene: [DESCRIBE]
B's goal in this scene: [DESCRIBE]
Underlying tension: [DESCRIBE]
Length: [WORDS]
Rules for the dialogue:
- People rarely say what they mean directly
- Use subtext (the real conversation is underneath)
- Vary sentence length — real speech is choppy
- Use interruption and overlap
- Include physical action beats
- Avoid 'said' synonyms — 'said' is invisible
- Cut the pleasantries ('Hi, how are you?')
Show me 2 versions: one with too much exposition (so I see what to avoid),
and one with strong subtext.
Tip: Read dialogue aloud. If it doesn't sound like something a real person would say, it isn't.
Follow-up: What's the one line in this dialogue that should be cut?
Goal: Write a query letter for a novel
Prompt:
I've written a [GENRE] novel and need to query agents.
Title: [TITLE]
Word count: [N]
Genre: [DESCRIBE]
Comparables: [2-3 recent books]
Logline: [1-SENTENCE SUMMARY]
My bio: [DESCRIBE]
Write a query letter with:
1. Personalization to the agent (1 sentence — why them)
2. Hook (1-2 sentences — what makes this story compelling)
3. Body (3-4 sentences — protagonist, conflict, stakes)
4. Genre and word count
5. Comparables (1 sentence)
6. Bio (1-2 sentences — relevant credentials only)
7. Sign-off
Under 300 words. Specific, confident, no begging.
Tip: Query letters are about the book, not about you. 80% of the letter should be the story.
Follow-up: What 3 agents should I research first, and how do I personalize each query?
Goal: Convert a blog post to other formats
Prompt:
I want to repurpose this blog post into other formats.
Original post:
[PASTE OR LINK]
Help me convert it into:
1. A Twitter/X thread (8-12 tweets, hook first)
2. A LinkedIn post (under 1300 chars, with formatting)
3. An email newsletter (under 400 words, with personal framing)
4. A 60-second video script (with visual cues)
5. 5 standalone social posts (one key idea each)
6. An infographic outline (5 sections)
For each format:
- What to keep, what to cut
- The hook (first line)
- The CTA
Preserve my voice across all formats.
Tip: One piece of content can become 6+ pieces if you repurpose strategically. Most creators leave 80% of value on the table.
Follow-up: Which 2 of these formats should I do first, given my audience?
Goal: Write a tagline
Prompt:
I need a tagline for [BRAND / PRODUCT / PERSONAL BRAND].
What it is: [DESCRIBE]
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Key benefit: [DESCRIBE]
Personality: [DESCRIBE — e.g., playful, serious, bold]
Generate 20 taglines across these approaches:
- Benefit-driven (4)
- Aspirational (4)
- Curiosity gap (4)
- Pattern interrupt (4)
- Pure emotion (4)
For each: under 6 words, no clichés ('unleash your potential'),
specific to this brand.
Then rank the top 5 with rationale.
Tip: A great tagline is a trap for attention — it makes you want to know more. A bad tagline is a summary.
Follow-up: Help me A/B test the top 2 — what would I measure?
Goal: Write an obituary
Prompt:
I need to write an obituary for [PERSON].
Who they were: [DESCRIBE — relationship to you, role in community]
Key life facts: [BORN, FAMILY, CAREER]
What they loved: [LIST]
What they'll be remembered for: [DESCRIBE]
A specific story that captures them: [DESCRIBE]
Service details: [DESCRIBE]
Length: [WORDS]
Write an obituary that:
- Opens with a specific moment or detail (not 'passed away peacefully')
- Includes the biographical facts (in middle, not opening)
- Captures their personality (through a story or quote)
- Mentions who they're survived by
- Notes service/memorial details
- Closes with what they'd want us to remember
Tone: warm, specific, dignified. Not generic.
Tip: The best obituaries read like a person, not a resume. Find the one specific detail that captures them.
Follow-up: Help me write a 2-sentence version for the funeral program.
Goal: Edit my own work
Prompt:
I want to learn to edit my own writing better. Here's a draft:
[PASTE DRAFT]
Walk me through an editing process:
1. First pass: structural (does the argument flow? what's missing?)
2. Second pass: paragraph-level (does each paragraph do one job?)
3. Third pass: sentence-level (clarity, concision, rhythm)
4. Fourth pass: word-level (verbs, adjectives, clichés)
5. Fifth pass: read aloud (where do I stumble?)
For each pass, show me 3 specific edits you'd make with rationale.
Then teach me the principle behind each edit so I learn the skill.
Tip: Editing is where writing happens. The first draft is just clay; the edit is the sculpture.
Follow-up: What's my most common writing weakness, based on this draft?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 24 prompts
200+ copy-paste prompts for every audience. Browse by persona, copy a prompt, paste it into ChatGPT/Claude/Gemini, and replace the [BRACKETED] parts with your specifics.
[BRACKETED] parts with your specifics.Every prompt in this library follows this structure:
[BRACKETED] placeholders)| Audience | # of prompts | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 🎓 Students | 25 | for-students.md |
| 👩🏫 Teachers | 22 | for-teachers.md |
| 💼 Professionals | 22 | for-professionals.md |
| 🚀 Entrepreneurs | 20 | for-entrepreneurs.md |
| 📣 Marketers | 22 | for-marketers.md |
| ✍️ Writers | 24 | for-writers.md |
| 💻 Developers | 20 | for-developers.md |
| 🔬 Researchers | 18 | for-researchers.md |
| 💼 Job seekers | 22 | for-job-seekers.md |
| 🌐 Freelancers | 20 | for-freelancers.md |
| 🎨 Content creators | 24 | for-content-creators.md |
Total: 239 prompts
For the underlying skills behind good prompts, see:
Have a prompt that works well for you? Add it to the relevant audience file — see CONTRIBUTING.md.
MIT — use these prompts freely, including commercially.
Last reviewed: 2026-08
24 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Generate 30 video ideas
Prompt:
I make content about [TOPIC] for [AUDIENCE] on [PLATFORM].
My niche: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'productivity for ADHD adults']
My format: [DESCRIBE — short-form, long-form, podcast, etc.]
Generate 30 video ideas organized by category:
How-to / Tutorial (8 ideas)
Listicle (6 ideas)
Myth-busting (4 ideas)
Personal story (4 ideas)
Reaction / Commentary (4 ideas)
Challenge / Experiment (4 ideas)
For each idea:
- Working title (under 60 chars, hook-y)
- 1-sentence premise
- Why my audience cares
- Estimated format/length
Then rank the top 5 I should make first.
Tip: Quantity beats quality in idea generation. 30 ideas → 5 great ones is better than trying to think of 5 great ones directly.
Follow-up: Help me batch these into a 4-week production schedule.
Goal: Write a YouTube script
Prompt:
Write a script for a [DURATION]-minute YouTube video.
Topic: [DESCRIBE]
Title: [DESCRIBE OR 'HELP ME WRITE']
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
My channel vibe: [DESCRIBE — examples: educational, entertaining, raw]
Structure:
1. Hook (first 15 seconds — must grab attention)
2. Intro (15-30 seconds — what's this video, who am I, why listen)
3. Title sequence (5 seconds)
4. Main content (bulk — broken into 3-5 segments)
5. Mid-video CTA (subscribe, watch another video)
6. Climax/payoff (the thing they came for)
7. Summary (30 seconds — recap key points)
8. End screen CTA (next video to watch)
Format: two columns — VISUAL | AUDIO.
Word count: ~130 words per minute of video.
Tip: The first 15 seconds determine if anyone watches the rest. Spend 30% of your time on the hook.
Follow-up: Help me design the thumbnail concept that matches this script.
Goal: Write a TikTok/Reel script
Prompt:
Write a script for a [DURATION]-second short-form video.
Topic: [DESCRIBE]
Hook type: [PATTERN INTERRUPT / QUESTION / SHOCKING STAT / STORY]
Platform: [TIKTOK / INSTAGRAM REEL / YOUTUBE SHORTS]
My niche: [DESCRIBE]
Structure (optimized for retention):
- Hook (0-3 seconds — visual + audio)
- Setup (3-7 seconds — context)
- Value/Story (7-45 seconds — main content)
- Payoff (45-55 seconds — the thing they waited for)
- CTA (55-60 seconds — follow, comment, share)
Write:
1. Visual direction (what's on screen, camera angles, text overlays)
2. Voiceover script (conversational, punchy)
3. On-screen text (key phrases, captions)
4. Music/sound cues
5. Caption for the post
6. 3 hashtag sets (broad, niche, trending)
Provide 3 hook variations for A/B testing.
Tip: Short-form rewards the first 3 seconds. If they don't stop scrolling, nothing else matters.
Follow-up: What's the most controversial take I could include to drive comments?
Goal: Plan a content calendar
Prompt:
I want to plan my content for the next [DURATION].
Platforms: [LIST — YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, podcast, blog, newsletter]
Posting frequency per platform: [DESCRIBE]
My niche: [DESCRIBE]
My themes: [LIST 3-5 content pillars]
Create a content calendar with:
1. Weekly theme rotation (so each pillar gets coverage)
2. For each day: platform, topic, format, hook
3. Cross-platform repurposing plan (1 piece → 3 formats)
4. Production schedule (when to film/write/edit)
5. Batch creation plan (film 4 videos in 1 day, etc.)
6. Rest days (prevent burnout)
7. Monthly review checkpoint
Output: a 4-week calendar table I can drop into Notion.
Tip: Consistency beats intensity. Better to post 3x/week for a year than daily for 2 weeks then nothing.
Follow-up: What 1 piece of content should be my 'hero' this month?
Goal: Write a video description
Prompt:
Write a YouTube video description for [VIDEO].
Video title: [DESCRIBE]
Video content: [DESCRIBE]
Key timestamps: [LIST OR 'HELP ME IDENTIFY']
Links to include: [LIST — social, website, products]
Write a description with:
1. First 2 lines (visible before 'show more') — hook + SEO keywords
2. Brief summary of video (2-3 sentences)
3. Timestamps (chapters) — for key moments
4. Resources/links mentioned in video
5. Subscribe CTA
6. Social media links
7. SEO keywords (natural, not stuffed)
Also: 3 thumbnail concepts (visual description + text overlay).
Tip: The first 2 lines of your description show in search results. Optimize them for click-through, not just SEO.
Follow-up: What 5 tags should I add to this video?
Goal: Generate Instagram captions
Prompt:
Write 5 caption options for an Instagram post about [TOPIC].
Post format: [SINGLE IMAGE / CAROUSEL / REEL / STORY]
Image content: [DESCRIBE]
My brand voice: [DESCRIBE — examples: witty, inspirational, educational]
Goal: [ENGAGEMENT / SAVES / SHARES / PROFILE VISITS]
For each caption:
1. Hook (first line — must make them tap 'more')
2. Body (3-5 lines, scannable, line breaks)
3. CTA (specific — 'save this', 'tag a friend', 'comment X')
4. Hashtag strategy (mix of broad, niche, branded)
5. Length (vary — short, medium, long)
Tone variety:
- Caption 1: educational
- Caption 2: inspirational
- Caption 3: witty/relatable
- Caption 4: controversial/provocative
- Caption 5: personal/vulnerable
Tip: Instagram rewards saves and shares more than likes. Optimize for those.
Follow-up: What 3 hashtags should I always use?
Goal: Repurpose one piece of content
Prompt:
I have this [BLOG POST / VIDEO / PODCAST EPISODE]. Help me repurpose it.
Original content:
[PASTE OR SUMMARIZE]
Convert into:
1. Twitter/X thread (8-12 tweets, hook first)
2. LinkedIn post (under 1300 chars, formatted)
3. Instagram carousel (8-10 slides, visual)
4. TikTok/Reel script (60 seconds)
5. Email newsletter (under 400 words)
6. 5 standalone social posts (one idea each)
7. Podcast snippet (1-minute audio clip script)
For each:
- What to keep, what to cut
- The hook (first line)
- The CTA
- Visual direction (if applicable)
Preserve my voice across all formats.
Tip: One piece of content can become 7+ pieces. Most creators leave 80% of value on the table by posting once and moving on.
Follow-up: Which 2 formats should I prioritize first?
Goal: Optimize a video for SEO
Prompt:
Help me optimize my YouTube video for search.
Video topic: [DESCRIBE]
Current title: [DESCRIBE]
Current description: [DESCRIBE OR 'NONE']
My channel size: [N SUBSCRIBERS]
Help me optimize:
1. Title (under 60 chars, includes keyword, compelling)
2. Description (first 2 lines optimized for CTR, full description for SEO)
3. Tags (10-15, mix of broad and specific)
4. Thumbnail concept (visual + text overlay, high contrast)
5. Chapters/timestamps (improves retention + SEO)
6. End screen (suggest next video)
7. Cards (when to add, what to link)
8. Playlist addition (existing or new?)
Also: identify the search intent (informational? commercial?)
and the top 3 competing videos I should outperform.
Tip: YouTube SEO matters, but CTR (click-through rate) and retention matter more. A perfectly SEO'd video nobody clicks fails.
Follow-up: What's the one change that would most improve CTR?
Goal: Write a newsletter that gets read
Prompt:
Write a newsletter issue for my subscribers.
Newsletter topic: [DESCRIBE]
This issue's theme: [DESCRIBE]
My voice: [DESCRIBE — examples: warm, witty, authoritative]
Subscriber count: [N]
Average open rate: [X%]
Length target: [WORDS — usually 500-800]
Structure:
1. Personal opening (1 short paragraph — what I'm thinking about)
2. Main piece (the meat — 300-500 words)
3. 'Thing I'm reading/using/listening to' (1 paragraph recommendation)
4. Question for readers (to drive replies)
5. Sign-off
Voice: like a letter to a smart friend, not a corporate broadcast.
Also: 3 subject line options (under 50 chars each).
Tip: Newsletters win on personality. People subscribe for YOU, not for the information (they can get that anywhere).
Follow-up: What 1 thing in this issue will make readers forward it?
Goal: Brainstorm monetization ideas
Prompt:
I'm a content creator with [N] followers on [PLATFORM].
I want to monetize beyond ads/sponsorships.
My niche: [DESCRIBE]
My audience: [DESCRIBE — demographics, interests, spending power]
My strengths: [LIST — skills, knowledge, network]
My content format: [DESCRIBE]
My values: [DESCRIBE — what I won't do]
Suggest 10 monetization ideas across categories:
1. Digital products (courses, ebooks, templates)
2. Physical products (merch, books)
3. Services (consulting, coaching, freelance)
4. Memberships/community (Patreon, Discord, Substack paid)
5. Affiliate (what products my audience uses)
6. Sponsorships/brand deals (what brands fit)
7. Live events (workshops, meetups)
8. Licensing/syndication
For each: effort, revenue potential, fit with my brand.
Rank top 3 to start with.
Tip: Diversified income protects you from platform changes. Don't rely solely on YouTube ad revenue or Instagram sponsorships.
Follow-up: What's the smallest digital product I could launch in 30 days?
Goal: Handle a sponsorship outreach
Prompt:
I want to pitch myself for sponsorships to [BRAND TYPE].
My niche: [DESCRIBE]
My audience: [DESCRIBE — size, demographics, engagement]
My past sponsors: [LIST OR 'NONE']
My content style: [DESCRIBE]
Brands I'd love to work with: [LIST 5]
Help me:
1. Identify the right person to contact at each brand (role title)
2. Write a sponsorship pitch email (under 200 words)
3. Include: who I am, who my audience is, why this brand fits, what I can offer
4. Suggest 3 package options (e.g., dedicated video, integration, social posts)
5. Suggest price ranges (based on audience size and engagement)
6. Plan follow-up if no response
7. Plan negotiation if they say yes
Then write a media kit outline (1 page).
Tip: Brands care about engagement and audience fit, not just follower count. A 10K-engaged audience beats 100K-passive.
Follow-up: What 3 brands should I pitch first, and why?
Goal: Write a podcast episode
Prompt:
Plan a podcast episode on [TOPIC].
Format: [SOLO / INTERVIEW / CO-HOSTED / NARRATIVE]
Duration: [MINUTES]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
My podcast vibe: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Write the episode title (under 60 chars, hook-y)
2. Write the cold open (30 seconds — teaser of best moment)
3. Write the intro (1 minute — who am I, what's this episode, why listen)
4. Outline the main content (3-5 segments with timing)
5. Plan mid-roll break (if applicable) and ad reads
6. Write the closing (1 minute — recap, CTA, next episode tease)
7. Suggest 5 questions to ask the audience (for engagement)
8. Write show notes (3-paragraph summary + resources + CTA)
9. Plan 3 social promo posts
Word count target: ~130 words/minute × duration.
Tip: Podcasts reward consistency and intimacy. Show up regularly; let listeners feel like they know you.
Follow-up: What's the one moment in this episode I should clip for social?
Goal: Create a thumbnail concept
Prompt:
Help me design a YouTube thumbnail for [VIDEO].
Video title: [DESCRIBE]
Video topic: [DESCRIBE]
My channel vibe: [DESCRIBE]
Generate 5 thumbnail concepts. For each:
1. Visual description (what's in the frame)
2. Text overlay (under 5 words, big font)
3. Color scheme (high contrast, on-brand)
4. Facial expression (if I'm in it)
5. Why it would get clicks
6. Potential downsides (what could mislead viewers)
Then recommend the strongest concept.
Also: identify what NOT to do (thumbnail sins to avoid).
Tip: Thumbnails matter more than titles. A great thumbnail with a bad title beats a bad thumbnail with a great title.
Follow-up: What emotion should the thumbnail evoke?
Goal: Analyze my channel performance
Prompt:
Audit my content performance and suggest improvements.
My channel: [DESCRIBE — platform, niche, size]
Recent content (last 30 days):
[List 5-10 pieces with views/engagement]
My metrics:
- Average views: [N]
- Average watch time: [X%]
- Subscriber growth: [N/month]
- Top performing piece: [DESCRIBE]
- Worst performing piece: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Identify what's working (do more of)
2. Identify what's not working (stop or fix)
3. Identify patterns (length, topic, format, posting time)
4. Suggest 3 quick wins (this week)
5. Suggest 3 strategic shifts (this quarter)
6. Identify my 'unfair advantage' (what I do that others can't)
7. Recommend 1 thing to STOP doing
Tip: Most creators spread too thin. Better to dominate 1 format/topic than be mediocre at 5.
Follow-up: What does a winning 30-day plan look like?
Goal: Write a hook that grabs attention
Prompt:
I need a hook for [CONTENT TYPE — video, post, email, blog].
Topic: [DESCRIBE]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Tone: [DESCRIBE]
Goal: [ATTENTION / CURIOUSITY / SHOCK / EMPATHY]
Generate 10 hooks across these approaches:
1. Question (provocative)
2. Surprising statistic
3. Bold claim
4. Personal confession
5. Pattern interrupt (unusual format)
6. Contrarian take
7. Story tease
8. Direct address ('You...')
9. List tease ('3 things...')
10. Negative framing ('Stop doing X')
For each: the hook + why it works + what audience it attracts.
Then rank the top 3.
Tip: The hook is 80% of the work. If they don't stop scrolling, nothing else matters.
Follow-up: Which 2 hooks should I A/B test first?
Goal: Plan a content series
Prompt:
I want to create a content series on [TOPIC].
Series concept: [DESCRIBE]
Number of episodes: [N]
Platform: [DESCRIBE]
My audience: [DESCRIBE]
Help me plan the series:
1. Series title (memorable, searchable)
2. Episode list (with title and 1-line premise for each)
3. Episode order (what comes first, what's the climax)
4. Through-line (what connects all episodes?)
5. Cross-promotion plan (how each episode teases the next)
6. Production schedule (batch or weekly?)
7. Repurposing plan (each episode → social posts, newsletter)
8. Launch plan (how to build anticipation)
9. Success metrics (what defines a 'win'?)
Then write the trailer/announcement post.
Tip: Series build anticipation and binge-watching. Better than 5 random videos, a 5-part series creates momentum.
Follow-up: What's the one episode that will define the series?
Goal: Handle negative comments
Prompt:
I'm getting negative comments on my content. Help me respond.
Comment type: [DESCRIBE — constructive criticism, trolling, hate, disagreement]
Comment content: [PASTE OR SUMMARIZE]
My emotional state: [DESCRIBE]
My audience: [DESCRIBE]
My brand: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Decide if I should respond at all (often: don't feed trolls)
2. For constructive criticism: write a grateful, learning response
3. For disagreement: write a respectful, 'here's my thinking' response
4. For trolling/hate: plan to ignore, hide, or block (criteria for each)
5. Identify when negative comments are actually engagement (algorithm loves it)
6. Plan my mental health response (don't read comments before bed)
7. Plan when to disable comments entirely
Then help me write a response to [SPECIFIC COMMENT].
Tip: Engagement is engagement to the algorithm. Sometimes negative comments boost your reach. Don't take it personally.
Follow-up: What 3 signs mean I should turn off comments for my mental health?
Goal: Build a content team
Prompt:
I want to scale my content creation by building a team.
Current state: I do everything myself (research, write, film, edit, post).
Monthly content output: [DESCRIBE]
Monthly revenue: $[AMOUNT]
Budget for team: $[AMOUNT/month]
Help me:
1. Identify what to delegate first (rank by ease of delegation vs impact)
2. Suggest roles to hire: editor, writer, VA, manager, etc.
3. For each role: what they do, what skills, what to pay
4. Decide between freelancer vs employee vs agency
5. Write a job description for the first hire
6. Plan onboarding (how to hand off work without quality dropping)
7. Plan systems and SOPs (so the work doesn't depend on me)
8. Plan financial runway (when does the team pay for itself?)
Then suggest the first hire I should make.
Tip: Most creators wait too long to hire. The right first hire (usually an editor or VA) can 2-3x your output.
Follow-up: What 1 task do I hate that I should delegate first?
Goal: Write a brand story
Prompt:
Help me write my brand story for [USE — about page, sponsorship pitch, speaking bio].
My background: [DESCRIBE — who I was before content]
Why I started: [DESCRIBE — the moment or reason]
What I believe: [DESCRIBE — my values, perspective]
Who I serve: [DESCRIBE — my audience]
My vision: [DESCRIBE — where I'm going]
Structure the story:
1. Origin moment (specific — when did this start?)
2. The struggle (what was hard about starting?)
3. The pivot (what changed?)
4. The mission (what do I stand for now?)
5. The invitation (who is this for?)
Length: [WORDS — typically 200-400].
Tone: authentic, specific, not heroic. Real stories beat polished ones.
Tip: People connect with vulnerability, not perfection. The messy origin story is more compelling than the polished resume.
Follow-up: What's the one detail only I could share? Lead with that.
Goal: Plan a launch for a digital product
Prompt:
I'm launching [PRODUCT] on [DATE].
Product: [DESCRIBE — course, ebook, template pack, etc.]
Price: $[AMOUNT]
Audience: [DESCRIBE — size, platform]
Goal: [N SALES / $N REVENUE]
Launch window: [DURATION]
Create a launch plan with 3 phases:
Pre-launch (T-30 to T-1):
- Teaser content (3-5 pieces)
- Waitlist building (incentive? just FOMO?)
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Early bird list
Launch (T-0 to T-7):
- Launch day announcement
- Email sequence (5 emails)
- Social proof collection
- Live Q&A or webinar
- Daily content about the product
Post-launch (T+8 to T+30):
- Case studies from early buyers
- Iterate based on feedback
- Evergreen content plan
- Plan v2 or next product
For each phase: specific tactics, content ideas, metrics.
Tip: Launches are won in pre-launch. Build the waitlist BEFORE you have something to sell.
Follow-up: What 3 things will likely go wrong, and what's my contingency for each?
Goal: Set up a content workflow
Prompt:
I want to systematize my content creation.
Current state: I create content ad hoc, often missing my posting schedule.
Platforms: [LIST]
Posting frequency: [DESCRIBE]
My pain points: [LIST — ideation, filming, editing, posting]
Help me design a content workflow:
1. Ideation system (how to capture and develop ideas)
2. Production system (batch filming, writing sprints)
3. Editing system (tools, templates, outsourcing)
4. Publishing system (scheduling tools, checklists)
5. Promotion system (cross-posting, repurposing)
6. Review system (what worked, what to repeat)
7. Tools for each stage (recommend a simple stack)
8. Weekly workflow (Mon: ideation, Tue: filming, etc.)
9. Monthly workflow (1st: review last month, plan next)
Output: a 1-page workflow I can stick to.
Tip: Systems beat willpower. If your content depends on 'feeling inspired', you'll burn out. Build the system.
Follow-up: What 1 tool would most reduce my friction?
Goal: Write a video title that gets clicks
Prompt:
Help me write a YouTube title for [VIDEO].
Video content: [DESCRIBE]
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Search keywords: [LIST]
My channel vibe: [DESCRIBE]
Generate 15 titles across these approaches:
1. Question (provokes curiosity)
2. Number list ('5 things...')
3. How-to
4. Bold claim
5. Story tease
6. Negative framing ('Don't do X')
7. Time-bound ('in 30 days')
8. Comparison ('X vs Y')
9. Mistake-focused ('Mistakes I made')
10. Transformation ('From X to Y')
For each: under 60 chars, compelling, not clickbait (must deliver).
Then rank top 5 and recommend the strongest.
Tip: Titles and thumbnails determine CTR. Spend as much time on the title as on the first minute of the video.
Follow-up: What title would make ME click?
Goal: Analyze my competitor's content
Prompt:
Analyze the content strategy of [COMPETITOR/CREATOR].
Their channel/platform: [DESCRIBE]
Their audience: [DESCRIBE]
Their content: [DESCRIBE — topics, formats, frequency]
Their growth: [DESCRIBE — subscriber count, growth rate]
Help me reverse-engineer:
1. Their niche and positioning
2. Their content pillars (3-5 themes)
3. Their format strategy (what works for them)
4. Their posting cadence and timing
5. Their monetization strategy
6. Their engagement tactics (CTAs, comments, community)
7. 3 things they do well (worth learning from)
8. 3 gaps I could exploit
9. What I should NOT copy (their unique advantages I don't have)
Then suggest how I can differentiate, not imitate.
Tip: Don't copy competitors — learn from their wins and exploit their gaps. The goal is to be different, not better at being them.
Follow-up: What's the one thing they're NOT doing that I should test?
Goal: Plan a collaboration
Prompt:
I want to collaborate with [CREATOR/BRAND].
My niche: [DESCRIBE]
Their niche: [DESCRIBE]
My audience: [DESCRIBE — size, type]
Their audience: [DESCRIBE]
My goal: [AUDIENCE GROWTH / CONTENT QUALITY / MONETIZATION / RELATIONSHIP]
Help me:
1. Decide if this collaboration makes sense (audience overlap, value exchange)
2. Identify 3 collaboration formats (interview, joint video, takeover, etc.)
3. Write an outreach message (under 150 words)
4. Propose specific ideas (not 'wanna collab?')
5. Plan the logistics (who films, who edits, who posts)
6. Plan promotion (both sides cross-promote)
7. Plan what success looks like (metrics)
8. Plan follow-up (thank you, future collabs)
Then write the outreach message.
Tip: Collaborations work best when audiences overlap but aren't identical. You want new eyeballs, not the same ones.
Follow-up: What 3 creators should I reach out to first?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 24 prompts
20 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Explain unfamiliar code
Prompt:
Explain this code to me. I'm a [BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED] developer.
[PASTE CODE]
Provide:
1. High-level summary (1 paragraph — what does this do?)
2. Line-by-line explanation for the confusing parts
3. Design pattern or idiom used (if any)
4. Why the author likely wrote it this way
5. Potential bugs or gotchas
6. How I'd test this
7. 2 ways to improve it
Tip: Understanding other people's code is 80% of professional development. Don't skip the 'why' part.
Follow-up: What 3 things should I Google to deepen my understanding?
Goal: Debug an error message
Prompt:
I'm getting this error:
[ERROR MESSAGE]
Context:
- Language: [LANGUAGE]
- Framework: [FRAMEWORK]
- What I was trying to do: [DESCRIBE]
- What I expected: [DESCRIBE]
- What I've already tried: [LIST]
Help me:
1. Translate the error message to plain English
2. Identify the 3 most likely causes
3. For each cause: how to verify if it's the issue
4. Suggest a debugging approach (not just a fix)
5. Tell me what to add (logging, print statements) to gather more info
6. After fix: how to prevent this in future
Tip: Don't ask AI to fix the error — ask it to help you understand the error. You'll learn the pattern.
Follow-up: What's the underlying concept I should learn to avoid this class of error?
Goal: Write a function
Prompt:
Write a function in [LANGUAGE] that [DESCRIBE WHAT IT SHOULD DO].
Inputs: [DESCRIBE]
Outputs: [DESCRIBE]
Edge cases to handle: [LIST]
Style: [FUNCTIONAL / OOP / WHATEVER'S IDIOMATIC]
Requirements:
- Include docstring/comment explaining what it does
- Handle edge cases explicitly
- Use clear variable names
- Add type hints if the language supports them
- Show 3 test cases (input → expected output)
- Note any performance considerations
Then suggest 2 alternative implementations with trade-offs.
Tip: Specifying edge cases upfront prevents AI from writing code that 'works for the happy path, breaks for everything else'.
Follow-up: What's the worst input someone could give this function?
Goal: Refactor code
Prompt:
Refactor this code for [READABILITY / PERFORMANCE / MAINTAINABILITY].
Current code:
[PASTE CODE]
Constraints:
- Keep the public API the same
- Don't add new dependencies
- Preserve all existing behavior
Show me:
1. The refactored code
2. List of specific changes (with rationale for each)
3. Before/after for the most impactful change
4. What patterns you applied
5. What you deliberately did NOT change (and why)
6. 3 test cases to verify behavior is preserved
Tip: Refactoring without tests is flying blind. If there are no tests, write tests first.
Follow-up: What's the next refactor I should do after this one?
Goal: Write unit tests
Prompt:
Write unit tests for this function.
[PASTE FUNCTION]
Framework: [JEST / PYTEST / GO TEST / RSPEC / YOUR CHOICE]
Coverage target: [100% / 80% / PRAGMATIC]
Tests to write:
- Happy path (2-3 cases)
- Edge cases (empty input, boundary values)
- Error cases (invalid input, failures)
- Property-based tests (if applicable)
For each test:
- Descriptive name (what + why)
- Arrange-Act-Assert structure
- Clear assertions
- Comments where the test is non-obvious
Then identify what's hard to test and why.
Tip: Tests are documentation that can't lie. Name them like sentences: 'returns_empty_array_when_input_is_null'.
Follow-up: What 1 test would catch the most future bugs?
Goal: Write a regular expression
Prompt:
Write a regex for [LANGUAGE/ENGINE] that matches [DESCRIBE].
What should match:
- [EXAMPLE 1]
- [EXAMPLE 2]
- [EXAMPLE 3]
What should NOT match:
- [EXAMPLE 1]
- [EXAMPLE 2]
Provide:
1. The regex
2. Explanation of each component
3. Test cases (matching and non-matching)
4. Common pitfalls with this regex
5. A simpler alternative if the regex is complex
6. Performance considerations (catastrophic backtracking?)
Tip: Regex is write-only code. Always document what each part does — future you will thank you.
Follow-up: What's a non-regex solution that might be clearer?
Goal: Choose between libraries
Prompt:
I'm choosing between these libraries for [PURPOSE]:
- [LIBRARY 1]
- [LIBRARY 2]
- [LIBRARY 3]
My context:
- Language: [LANGUAGE]
- Project type: [DESCRIBE]
- Team size: [N]
- Maintenance budget: [LOW/MEDIUM/HIGH]
- Performance needs: [DESCRIBE]
Compare on:
1. Popularity (GitHub stars, downloads)
2. Maintenance activity (last commit, release cadence)
3. Documentation quality
4. API ergonomics
5. Performance benchmarks
6. Bundle size / dependencies
7. License
8. Community / ecosystem
9. Learning curve
Then recommend one with rationale, and identify deal-breakers.
Tip: The best library is the one your team can maintain. Popularity matters less than documentation quality.
Follow-up: What's a 'build it ourselves' option, and when would it make sense?
Goal: Write a technical design doc
Prompt:
I'm designing [SYSTEM/FEATURE]. Help me write a design doc.
Problem: [DESCRIBE]
Goals: [LIST]
Non-goals: [LIST]
Constraints: [LIST]
Create a design doc with these sections:
1. Context and scope
2. Goals and non-goals
3. High-level design (with diagram description)
4. Detailed design (data models, APIs, key algorithms)
5. Alternatives considered (at least 2)
6. Privacy and security considerations
7. Rollout plan (feature flags? staged?)
8. Observability (metrics, logs, alerts)
9. Open questions
10. Timeline
Format as Markdown, ready to share in a wiki.
Tip: Non-goals are critical. Stating what you're NOT building prevents scope creep and clarifies priorities.
Follow-up: What 3 questions would a senior engineer ask in review?
Goal: Write a SQL query
Prompt:
Write a SQL query for [DESCRIBE WHAT YOU WANT].
Database: [POSTGRES / MYSQL / SQLITE / SQL SERVER]
Schema:
[DESCRIBE TABLES AND COLUMNS, OR PASTE DDL]
Sample data:
[OPTIONAL — SHOW A FEW ROWS]
Requirements:
- Handle NULLs explicitly
- Performance considerations (index usage)
- Return columns: [LIST]
- Sort by: [COLUMN]
- Limit: [N] if applicable
Provide:
1. The query
2. Explanation of each clause
3. Expected output (a few rows)
4. Alternative way to write it
5. Performance notes (which indexes would help?)
Tip: Writing SQL? Always think about what happens when tables grow 10x. A query that works on 1000 rows might lock the table at 10M rows.
Follow-up: What index would speed up this query?
Goal: Write a git commit message
Prompt:
Help me write a git commit message for this change.
Files changed: [LIST]
Diff summary: [DESCRIBE WHAT CHANGED AND WHY]
Type of change: [FEATURE / BUGFIX / REFACTOR / DOCS / TEST]
Breaking change? [YES/NO]
Write 3 commit message options following Conventional Commits:
- format: type(scope): subject
- subject under 50 chars, imperative mood
- body explaining what and why (not how)
- footer for breaking changes or issue references
Then recommend the best one.
Tip: Future you will search commit messages by 'why', not 'what'. Always include the why.
Follow-up: Help me write the PR description to match this commit.
Goal: Explain a design pattern
Prompt:
Explain the [PATTERN NAME] design pattern to me.
My level: [BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE]
Language I use: [LANGUAGE]
Provide:
1. Plain-English explanation (what problem does it solve?)
2. When to use it
3. When NOT to use it
4. Simple code example (under 30 lines)
5. Real-world analogy
6. Common misuse
7. Related patterns
8. Trade-offs
Tip: Patterns are tools, not rules. Using a pattern where it doesn't fit is worse than not knowing the pattern.
Follow-up: Show me a real example of this pattern in [LANGUAGE]'s standard library or popular framework.
Goal: Set up a CI/CD pipeline
Prompt:
I need to set up CI/CD for [PROJECT TYPE] in [LANGUAGE].
Repository: [GITHUB / GITLAB / BITBUCKET]
Deployment target: [AWS / VERCEL / GCP / SELF-HOSTED]
Team size: [N]
Release cadence: [DESCRIBE]
Design a CI/CD pipeline with:
1. Stages (lint → test → build → deploy)
2. Specific actions/workflows for each stage
3. Environment strategy (dev / staging / prod)
4. Branch protection rules
5. Deployment strategy (blue-green, canary, etc.)
6. Rollback plan
7. Secrets management
8. Notifications (Slack, email)
Provide example config file (e.g., .github/workflows/ci.yml).
Include comments explaining each step.
Tip: Start simple. A 5-step pipeline that runs is better than a 20-step pipeline that's never finished.
Follow-up: What's the minimum CI I should set up THIS week?
Goal: Write documentation
Prompt:
Write documentation for [CODE/API/FEATURE].
Audience: [BEGINNERS / EXPERIENCED DEVELOPERS / END USERS]
Format: [README / API REFERENCE / TUTORIAL / EXPLAINER]
Source material:
[PASTE CODE OR DESCRIBE]
Create documentation with:
1. TL;DR (1-paragraph summary)
2. Installation / setup
3. Quick start (5-minute example)
4. Common use cases (3-5)
5. API reference (if applicable)
6. Configuration options
7. Troubleshooting
8. FAQ
9. Migration notes (if replacing old version)
10. Contributing guidelines link
Use code examples generously. Assume the reader is smart but uninformed.
Tip: Documentation is not an afterthought — it's part of the product. Code without docs is unfinished.
Follow-up: What 3 screenshots or diagrams would make this clearer?
Goal: Review a pull request
Prompt:
Help me review this PR. Be thorough but constructive.
PR description: [PASTE]
Diff:
[PASTE OR DESCRIBE]
Review on these dimensions:
1. Correctness (does it do what it claims?)
2. Tests (are they adequate? what's missing?)
3. Performance (any obvious issues?)
4. Security (any concerns?)
5. Readability (is the code clear?)
6. Architecture (does it fit the existing design?)
7. Documentation (was it updated?)
8. Backward compatibility
For each issue found:
- Severity: [BLOCKING / SHOULD FIX / NICE TO HAVE]
- Specific file and line
- Suggested fix
- Why it matters
End with: should this be merged, requested-for-changes, or rejected?
Tip: Code review is a gift. Be specific, kind, and assume the author did their best.
Follow-up: Help me write a friendly comment summarizing the review for the author.
Goal: Optimize slow code
Prompt:
This code is slow. Help me optimize.
[PASTE CODE]
Current performance: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'takes 5s for 10K items']
Target performance: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'under 500ms']
Language: [LANGUAGE]
Constraints: [LIST — can't change API, can't add deps, etc.]
Help me:
1. Identify the bottleneck (what's actually slow?)
2. Suggest 3 optimization strategies (ranked by impact)
3. For each: expected speedup, code change, trade-off
4. Recommend benchmarking approach
5. Identify premature optimizations to avoid
6. Show the optimized code
Also: is the slowness actually a problem? Sometimes the answer is 'good enough'.
Tip: Profile before optimizing. 80% of optimizations target code that wasn't the bottleneck.
Follow-up: What's the algorithmic complexity (Big-O) of the original vs optimized?
Goal: Write a Dockerfile
Prompt:
Write a Dockerfile for [APPLICATION].
App: [DESCRIBE — language, framework]
Dependencies: [LIST OR 'SEE PACKAGE FILE']
Runtime requirements: [DESCRIBE]
Deployment target: [DESCRIBE]
Dockerfile requirements:
1. Multi-stage build (small final image)
2. Use official base images with version pinning
3. Non-root user for security
4. .dockerignore recommendations
5. Health check
6. Environment variables (with defaults)
7. Exposed ports
8. Volume mounts (if applicable)
9. Optimized for caching (frequently-changing layers last)
Provide the Dockerfile + .dockerignore + build instructions.
Estimate final image size.
Tip: Smaller images = faster deploys and fewer vulnerabilities. Multi-stage builds are non-negotiable.
Follow-up: What 3 environment variables should I never bake into the image?
Goal: Mentor a junior developer
Prompt:
I'm mentoring a junior developer who is [DESCRIBE SITUATION —
e.g., 'struggling with imposter syndrome' or 'ready for more responsibility'].
Their level: [DESCRIBE]
Their goal: [DESCRIBE]
Time horizon: [DURATION]
My time commitment: [HOURS/WEEK]
Help me:
1. Set clear expectations (what they can expect from me, what I expect from them)
2. Create a 90-day growth plan with specific milestones
3. Identify 3 skills to focus on (not 10)
4. Suggest 1 stretch project that builds confidence
5. Plan weekly 1:1 agenda (30 min)
6. Identify 3 things to NOT do (common mentoring mistakes)
7. Plan how to give honest feedback kindly
Tip: The best mentoring is asking good questions, not giving answers. 'What have you tried?' beats 'You should...'
Follow-up: Help me write a Slack message inviting them to our first 1:1.
Goal: Set up local dev environment
Prompt:
I'm setting up a local dev environment for [PROJECT].
OS: [MACOS / LINUX / WINDOWS]
Project type: [DESCRIBE — language, framework]
Team size: [N]
Existing onboarding docs: [NONE / OUTDATED / GOOD]
Create an onboarding guide:
1. Prerequisites (what to install before starting)
2. Step-by-step setup (clone, install deps, configure)
3. Common issues and fixes
4. How to run the app locally
5. How to run tests
6. How to debug
7. Editor/IDE recommendations
8. Useful scripts and shortcuts
9. Where to ask for help
Format as Markdown, ready to drop into the repo as ONBOARDING.md.
Test each step mentally — assume the reader has zero context.
Tip: Onboarding docs are the highest-ROI documentation. Save every new hire 2 days = save the company $2K+ per hire.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should the onboarding doc answer that aren't obvious?
Goal: Write a postmortem
Prompt:
We had an incident. Help me write a postmortem.
Incident: [DESCRIBE — what happened]
Impact: [DESCRIBE — users affected, downtime, $ cost]
Duration: [START TIME → END TIME]
Root cause (if known): [DESCRIBE OR 'STILL INVESTIGATING']
Create a blameless postmortem with:
1. Summary (3 sentences — what, impact, duration)
2. Timeline (5-10 events with timestamps)
3. Impact (users, revenue, SLA violations)
4. Root cause analysis (5 whys)
5. What went well (3 things)
6. What didn't go well (3 things)
7. Where we got lucky (3 things)
8. Action items (specific, with owners and due dates)
9. Lessons learned
Tone: blameless, learning-focused, honest.
Tip: Blameless postmortems build learning cultures. If people fear blame, they hide incidents — and you can't learn from hidden incidents.
Follow-up: What 3 monitoring improvements would have caught this earlier?
Goal: Choose a database
Prompt:
I'm choosing a database for [APPLICATION].
App: [DESCRIBE]
Expected data volume: [DESCRIBE]
Expected read/write ratio: [DESCRIBE]
Query patterns: [DESCRIBE]
Consistency needs: [STRONG / EVENTUAL]
Team experience: [DESCRIBE]
Budget: [DESCRIBE]
Compare options across these database types:
1. Relational (Postgres, MySQL)
2. Document (MongoDB, DynamoDB)
3. Key-value (Redis, etcd)
4. Graph (Neo4j)
5. Search (Elasticsearch)
6. Time-series (InfluxDB, TimescaleDB)
For the 3 most relevant:
- Pros and cons for my use case
- Cost at scale
- Operational complexity
- Migration difficulty
Then recommend one with rationale.
Tip: Start with Postgres. It's almost always the right answer, and you can move to a specialized DB later if needed.
Follow-up: What's the #1 sign I'd need to switch databases in 2 years?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 20 prompts
20 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Validate a business idea
Prompt:
I have a business idea: [DESCRIBE]
Target customer: [DESCRIBE]
My hypothesis: [WHY THEY'D BUY]
Help me validate this idea before building anything:
1. Identify 3 assumptions I'm making (that could be wrong)
2. For each, suggest a cheap experiment to test it (under $100)
3. List 5 questions to ask potential customers in interviews
4. Suggest 3 'false positive' signals to watch out for
5. Identify 1 thing that would kill this idea — and how to test it fast
Tip: Most startups die from indigestion (building too much) not starvation. Validate before building.
Follow-up: What's the smallest version of this I could sell next week?
Goal: Write a one-page business plan
Prompt:
Help me write a 1-page business plan for [BUSINESS IDEA].
Format using the Lean Canvas:
1. Problem (top 3 problems)
2. Customer segments (target + early adopters)
3. Unique value proposition (1 sentence)
4. Solution (top 3 features)
5. Channels (how to reach customers)
6. Revenue streams (how we make money)
7. Cost structure (top 3 costs)
8. Key metrics (how we measure success)
9. Unfair advantage (what can't be copied)
Keep it real — no vague words like 'excellent service' or 'best quality'.
Tip: If you can't fit your plan on 1 page, you don't understand it well enough yet.
Follow-up: What 3 numbers would tell me monthly if this business is healthy?
Goal: Calculate break-even
Prompt:
Help me calculate break-even for [PRODUCT/SERVICE].
Unit price: $[AMOUNT]
Variable cost per unit: $[AMOUNT]
Fixed monthly costs: $[AMOUNT]
Calculate:
1. Contribution margin per unit
2. Break-even point in units
3. Break-even point in revenue
4. Units needed to make $[TARGET] profit
5. What happens if price drops 10%?
6. What happens if variable cost rises 15%?
Show the math step by step.
Tip: Break-even is the most important number for a new business. If you don't know it, you're flying blind.
Follow-up: What price would I need to charge to break even at half the volume?
Goal: Pitch my business in 60 seconds
Prompt:
Help me craft a 60-second pitch for [BUSINESS].
Audience: [INVESTORS / CUSTOMERS / PARTNERS]
Key facts: [DESCRIBE BUSINESS, MARKET, TRACTION]
Structure the pitch as:
1. Hook (10 sec — surprising fact or question)
2. Problem (10 sec — pain your customer feels)
3. Solution (15 sec — what you do, simply)
4. Traction (10 sec — proof people want it)
5. Market (5 sec — size and opportunity)
6. Ask (10 sec — what you want from this audience)
Write 3 versions: investor-focused, customer-focused, partner-focused.
Tip: Practice until you can deliver it without notes. The pitch is you, not the slides.
Follow-up: Anticipate the 5 toughest questions this audience would ask.
Goal: Find my first 10 customers
Prompt:
I'm launching [PRODUCT/SERVICE]. I have no customers yet.
Budget for customer acquisition: $[AMOUNT] (could be $0)
Time available: [HOURS/WEEK]
My network: [DESCRIBE]
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Suggest 5 strategies to get my first 10 paying customers, ranked by
likelihood of success given my constraints. For each:
- What it is
- Step-by-step execution
- Expected cost (time + money)
- What 'success' looks like
- Common mistake to avoid
Tip: First 10 customers come from your network. Customers 10-100 come from referrals. Customers 100+ come from marketing.
Follow-up: Help me write a personal outreach message to send to 20 people in my network.
Goal: Write a marketing email campaign
Prompt:
I'm launching [PRODUCT] to my email list of [N] subscribers.
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Price: $[AMOUNT]
Launch date: [DATE]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Design a 5-email sequence:
1. Teaser (7 days before) — curiosity, no product mention
2. Announcement (launch day) — the reveal
3. Story (day 2) — why I built this
4. Social proof (day 4) — early customer results
5. Last chance (day 6) — deadline urgency
For each email:
- Subject line (2 options)
- Opening line (the hook)
- Body structure (3-5 sentences)
- CTA (specific action)
- Send time recommendation
Tip: Email still has the highest ROI of any marketing channel for small businesses. Build your list before you need it.
Follow-up: Help me write a 1-line social post driving sign-ups to this email list.
Goal: Make a go/no-go decision
Prompt:
I'm deciding whether to [DECISION — e.g., 'launch this feature' / 'hire this person' / 'raise prices 20%'].
Context: [DESCRIBE]
Financial implications: [DETAILS]
Time pressure: [DETAILS]
My gut says: [YES/NO/UNSURE]
Help me:
1. Frame the decision clearly (what am I really deciding?)
2. List 3 reasons to go
3. List 3 reasons to not go
4. Identify what info I'm missing
5. Identify the reversibility (can I undo this?)
6. Apply a simple framework (10/10/10 rule, regret minimization)
7. Make a recommendation
Tip: Reversible decisions: move fast. Irreversible decisions: think slowly. Most decisions are more reversible than they feel.
Follow-up: What's the smallest experiment I could run to learn before fully committing?
Goal: Price my product
Prompt:
I need to price [PRODUCT/SERVICE].
Cost to produce: $[AMOUNT]
Closest competitor price: $[AMOUNT]
Target customer: [DESCRIBE]
Value delivered: [DESCRIBE — time saved, money earned, etc.]
Help me:
1. Calculate cost-plus pricing
2. Estimate value-based pricing (what's it worth to customer?)
3. Suggest 3 pricing tiers (good/better/best)
4. Identify psychological pricing considerations
5. Suggest a launch discount strategy
6. Identify when to raise prices (signals)
7. Plan how to communicate the price
Tip: Price signals value. Pricing too low can hurt more than pricing too high — customers assume cheap = bad.
Follow-up: What 3 things would let me charge 2x my current price?
Goal: Hire my first employee
Prompt:
I'm hiring my first employee for [ROLE] at [COMPANY].
Budget: $[SALARY]/year
Stage: [DESCRIBE — pre-revenue / profitable / funded]
Culture: [DESCRIBE]
Must-have skills: [LIST]
Nice-to-have skills: [LIST]
Help me:
1. Write a job description (under 300 words)
2. Identify 5 interview questions that reveal skill, not just likability
3. Design a paid work sample (1-2 hours, $[AMOUNT])
4. Create a 30-60-90 day onboarding plan
5. Suggest a compensation structure (salary + equity if applicable)
6. Plan the offer conversation
Tip: First hire sets the culture for the next 10 hires. Hire for character and learning ability, not just current skill.
Follow-up: What 3 red flags should disqualify a candidate regardless of skill?
Goal: Write a co-founder agreement
Prompt:
I'm starting a company with [CO-FOUNDER]. We need to align on key terms
before incorporating.
Help me draft a co-founder agreement covering:
1. Equity split ([X]/[Y]) and rationale
2. Vesting schedule (4-year, 1-year cliff?)
3. Roles and decision-making (who decides what?)
4. Time commitment (full-time? side project?)
5. Capital contributions ($ from each)
6. IP assignment (all work belongs to company)
7. What happens if someone leaves?
8. What happens if someone is underperforming?
9. Dispute resolution
10. Exit scenarios (sale, IPO, shutdown)
Tip: Dispute these terms when you love each other, not when you're fighting. Most co-founder lawsuits come from unclear early agreements.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should we discuss before signing anything?
Goal: Build a simple financial model
Prompt:
Help me build a 12-month financial model for [BUSINESS].
Revenue model: [SUBSCRIPTION / ONE-TIME / MIX]
Avg revenue per customer: $[AMOUNT]
Customer acquisition cost: $[AMOUNT]
Monthly fixed costs: $[AMOUNT]
Variable cost per unit: $[AMOUNT]
Starting cash: $[AMOUNT]
Create a monthly model showing:
- New customers
- Total customers
- Revenue
- Costs (fixed + variable)
- Net profit/loss
- Cash balance
Identify: break-even month, runway (when cash runs out),
and the 3 assumptions that most affect the outcome.
Tip: Your model will be wrong. The point is to know which assumptions matter most, so you can validate them.
Follow-up: What would have to be true for this business to make $[TARGET] profit in year 1?
Goal: Decide whether to raise funding
Prompt:
I'm considering raising funding for [BUSINESS].
Stage: [DESCRIBE — idea/MVP/revenue/scaling]
Current monthly revenue: $[AMOUNT]
Burn rate: $[AMOUNT]/month
Funding target: $[AMOUNT]
Use of funds: [DESCRIBE]
Help me think through:
1. Do I actually need funding? (vs bootstrapping)
2. What type of funding? (friends/family, angel, VC, revenue-based, loan)
3. What am I giving up? (equity, control, optionality)
4. What's the dilution math at different valuations?
5. What milestones would this funding help me hit?
6. What's the 'default alive' alternative?
7. What questions will investors ask that I can't answer yet?
Tip: Raising VC funding is rarely the best path for most businesses. Bootstrapped = total control + slower growth. Funded = faster growth + pressure to exit.
Follow-up: What would my business look like in 3 years if I never raised funding?
Goal: Run a customer interview
Prompt:
I'm interviewing [TYPE OF CUSTOMER] about [PROBLEM/PRODUCT].
Stage: [DISCOVERY / VALIDATION / FEEDBACK]
Time available: 30 minutes
Help me:
1. Write an interview script (under 30 min)
2. Group questions: warm-up, problem exploration, solution reaction, closing
3. Identify what to NOT ask (leading questions, hypothetical futures)
4. Suggest 3 'silent probe' techniques (when they say something interesting)
5. Plan note-taking approach
6. Plan follow-up (thank you, sharing results, next steps)
Focus on past behavior, not future predictions.
Tip: Customers lie about future intentions. 'Would you buy this?' gets optimistic answers. 'When did you last solve this problem?' gets truth.
Follow-up: How do I synthesize insights across 10 interviews?
Goal: Create a content marketing calendar
Prompt:
I want to do content marketing for [BUSINESS] for the next 90 days.
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Channels: [BLOG / LINKEDIN / TWITTER / YOUTUBE / TIKTOK / PODCAST]
Time available: [HOURS/WEEK]
Goals: [AWARENESS / LEADS / THOUGHT LEADERSHIP]
Help me:
1. Choose 3 content pillars (themes I'll consistently cover)
2. Plan 12 pieces of content (1/week for 12 weeks)
3. For each: title, format, channel, key takeaway
4. Identify 1 'hero' piece per month (longer, more polished)
5. Create a weekly production workflow
6. Suggest 1 repurposing strategy (1 piece → 3 formats)
Tip: Consistency beats quality at the start. Better to ship 12 'good enough' pieces than 4 'perfect' ones.
Follow-up: Help me write the first piece — a 500-word blog post introducing my perspective.
Goal: Handle a PR crisis
Prompt:
My business is facing: [DESCRIBE CRISIS — bad review, product failure,
founder controversy, data breach, etc.]
Affected stakeholders: [CUSTOMERS / EMPLOYEES / INVESTORS / PUBLIC]
Current media coverage: [DESCRIBE]
Time since incident: [HOURS/DAYS]
Help me:
1. Write a public statement (under 200 words, honest, no corporate speak)
2. Identify what to apologize for (and what NOT to apologize for)
3. List 3 concrete actions I'm taking
4. Plan internal comms (to team, in order of who hears first)
5. Plan customer comms (template for inbound questions)
6. Identify 3 things to NOT do (defensive tweets, deleting comments, etc.)
7. Plan the 30-day follow-up (how to rebuild trust)
Tip: Speed beats perfection in a crisis. A 7/10 response in 2 hours beats a 9/10 response in 24 hours.
Follow-up: What should I say in tomorrow's all-hands meeting with my team?
Goal: Find product-market fit
Prompt:
I've been working on [PRODUCT] for [TIME].
Current state: [DESCRIBE TRACTION — users, revenue, retention].
I'm not sure if I have product-market fit.
Help me:
1. Define what PMF looks like for my stage (concrete signals)
2. Suggest the Sean Ellis test (would be very disappointed without product?)
3. Identify 3 leading indicators of PMF (vs trailing indicators like revenue)
4. Identify 3 signs I DON'T have PMF yet
5. Suggest experiments to find PMF faster
6. Identify which customer segment is showing strongest signal
7. Help me decide: pivot, persevere, or perish?
Tip: If you have to ask whether you have PMF, you don't. PMF feels like the market is pulling product out of your hands.
Follow-up: What's the smallest change I could make this week to test PMF signals?
Goal: Negotiate a B2B contract
Prompt:
I'm negotiating a contract with [CUSTOMER/PARTNER] for [SCOPE].
Deal size: $[AMOUNT]
My ideal terms: [LIST — payment schedule, IP, term length, etc.]
Their likely terms: [LIST]
My walk-away point: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Identify my BATNA (Best Alternative To Negotiated Agreement)
2. Identify their BATNA
3. List 5 terms I care about, ranked
4. Suggest 3 things I can trade (cheap for me, valuable to them)
5. Write an opening offer script
6. Anticipate 3 counter-offers, with my response
7. Plan the closing (don't let it drag)
Tip: Never negotiate without knowing your walk-away. Without it, you'll concede on everything.
Follow-up: What 3 things should be in the contract that aren't about money?
Goal: Build an advisory board
Prompt:
I want to build an advisory board for [BUSINESS].
Stage: [DESCRIBE]
Gaps in my expertise: [LIST — e.g., finance, sales, industry domain]
Budget for advisors: $[AMOUNT/month] or equity [X%]
Help me:
1. Define what an advisor does (and doesn't do) at my stage
2. Identify 3 types of advisors I need
3. Write an outreach message to a potential advisor
4. Suggest compensation structures (equity, retainer, per-meeting)
5. Suggest a written advisor agreement template (expectations, time, IP)
6. Plan the first meeting agenda
7. Plan how I'll use advisors monthly/quarterly
Tip: Advisors are most valuable when they tell you what you don't want to hear. Choose advisors who'll challenge you, not cheerleaders.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should I ask a potential advisor to know if they're right?
Goal: Write a founder's letter
Prompt:
I'm writing a 'founder's letter' for [OCCASION — website about page,
fundraising deck, year-end update, etc.].
Business: [DESCRIBE]
My personal story: [DESCRIBE WHY I STARTED THIS]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Length: [WORDS]
Help me write a letter that:
1. Opens with a specific moment (not 'I've always been passionate about...')
2. Connects my personal story to the business
3. States the problem I saw and why it mattered
4. Describes what we're building and why it's different
5. Acknowledges what we don't know yet
6. Invites the reader in (customers, investors, team)
Tone: honest, specific, no buzzwords.
Tip: The best founder letters read like a letter to a friend, not a press release. Read Patagonia's or Berkshire Hathaway's for inspiration.
Follow-up: What 2 sentences should I cut for maximum impact?
Goal: Plan my exit strategy
Prompt:
I'm thinking about eventually exiting [BUSINESS].
Current state: [DESCRIBE — revenue, stage, ownership]
Time horizon: [YEARS]
Goal: [MAXIMIZE CASH / CONTINUE MISSION / RETIRE / START SOMETHING NEW]
Help me understand my options:
1. Sell to a strategic acquirer (who? why?)
2. Sell to private equity (what they look for)
3. Sell to employees (ESOP)
4. Pass to family
5. IPO (probably not realistic — explain why)
6. Wind down gracefully
For each option:
- When to start preparing
- What I need to have in place
- Likely valuation range
- Time to close
Tip: Start planning your exit 2-3 years before you want to leave. Last-minute exits always leave money on the table.
Follow-up: What 3 things should I do THIS year to keep my exit options open?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 20 prompts
20 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Write a winning proposal
Prompt:
I want to submit a proposal for this freelance gig.
Job posting:
[PASTE JOB POSTING]
My relevant experience: [DESCRIBE]
My proposed approach: [DESCRIBE]
My rate: $[AMOUNT]/hour or $[AMOUNT] fixed
Timeline I can deliver: [DESCRIBE]
Write a proposal that:
1. Opens by rephrasing their problem (shows I read it)
2. References 1 specific thing from their posting
3. Describes my approach in 2-3 sentences (not generic)
4. Shows relevant past work (1 example, not 5)
5. Asks 1-2 clarifying questions
6. States timeline and rate confidently
7. Closes with next steps
Under 200 words. No 'Dear Sir/Madam', no 'I am interested in this position'.
Tip: Clients skim proposals in 10 seconds. The first sentence determines if they read the rest. Show you read their posting.
Follow-up: What 2 clarifying questions should I ask to show expertise?
Goal: Set my freelance rate
Prompt:
I need to set my freelance rate for [SERVICE].
Service: [DESCRIBE]
My experience: [DESCRIBE — years, types of clients]
My skill level: [BEGINNER / INTERMEDIATE / EXPERT]
Location: [DESCRIBE]
Target clients: [DESCRIBE — small business, enterprise, startups]
Market rates I know: [DESCRIBE OR 'NONE']
Help me:
1. Calculate my minimum rate (covering costs + taxes + benefits)
2. Calculate my market rate (what others charge)
3. Calculate my value-based rate (what clients save/earn from my work)
4. Suggest a tiered pricing structure (3 tiers)
5. Decide between hourly vs project-based vs retainer
6. Plan how to communicate rates confidently
7. Plan when and how to raise rates
Output: a rate card I can use in proposals.
Tip: Freelancers underprice themselves 80% of the time. Your rate should feel slightly uncomfortable to say out loud.
Follow-up: What would let me charge 2x my current rate?
Goal: Write a client onboarding sequence
Prompt:
I just won a new client. Help me onboard them professionally.
Service: [DESCRIBE]
Client type: [DESCRIBE]
Project scope: [DESCRIBE]
Duration: [DURATION]
Design an onboarding sequence:
1. Welcome email (sent within 24h of winning) — what to include
2. Onboarding questionnaire (5-7 questions to gather info)
3. Kickoff meeting agenda (30 min)
4. Project brief template (1 page, signed by both)
5. Communication plan (tools, frequency, response times)
6. Milestone schedule
7. Invoice and payment terms setup
8. File sharing and access setup
9. Feedback loop (how they give feedback)
Then write the welcome email.
Tip: Onboarding sets the tone for the whole project. A messy start guarantees a messy project.
Follow-up: What 3 things should I clarify before starting work?
Goal: Handle scope creep
Prompt:
My client keeps asking for more work outside the original scope.
Original scope: [DESCRIBE]
New requests: [LIST]
My relationship with client: [DESCRIBE — good/tense]
My financial impact: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Decide which requests to include (goodwill) vs charge for
2. Write a friendly but firm message addressing scope
3. Propose a change order process (for future requests)
4. Suggest a fair price for the additional work
5. Identify what NOT to say (don't apologize for charging)
6. Plan the conversation (script)
7. Plan contingency if client pushes back or threatens to leave
Tip: Scope creep is the #1 killer of freelance profitability. Setting boundaries early earns respect, not conflict.
Follow-up: How do I prevent scope creep on my NEXT project?
Goal: Send a late payment reminder
Prompt:
A client is [N] days late paying my invoice.
Invoice amount: $[AMOUNT]
Due date: [DATE]
Days late: [N]
Previous relationship: [DESCRIBE]
Reason for delay (if known): [DESCRIBE]
Write a payment reminder appropriate for the delay:
- 1-7 days late: friendly nudge
- 8-14 days late: firmer, with late fee reminder
- 15-30 days late: serious, with consequences
- 30+ days: final notice
For my situation, write:
1. The email (under 150 words)
2. What to attach (invoice copy, contract)
3. Next steps if they don't respond
4. How to maintain the relationship while getting paid
5. What to do if they say they can't pay
Tone: professional, firm, not angry.
Tip: Most late payments are administrative, not malicious. Start friendly, escalate only if needed.
Follow-up: Should I keep working for them before this invoice is paid?
Goal: Find freelance clients
Prompt:
I need to find new freelance clients for [SERVICE].
Service: [DESCRIBE]
My niche: [DESCRIBE]
Current clients: [DESCRIBE — how many, type]
Time available for marketing: [HOURS/WEEK]
Budget for marketing: $[AMOUNT/month]
Help me build a 30-day client acquisition plan:
1. Identify 5 channels (ranked by likely ROI for my niche)
2. For each: specific weekly actions
3. Write a cold outreach template (under 100 words)
4. Suggest 3 portfolio pieces to feature (or create)
5. Identify 3 communities to join (Slack, Discord, LinkedIn groups)
6. Plan referral requests to existing clients
7. Plan content marketing (1 piece per week)
8. Set weekly KPIs (outreach sent, calls booked)
Then help me write my first cold outreach message.
Tip: The best freelancers spend 20% of their time on marketing, always. Feast-or-famine cycles happen when you stop marketing during feast.
Follow-up: What 1 action should I take TODAY?
Goal: Write a freelance contract
Prompt:
I need a contract for a freelance project.
Service: [DESCRIBE]
Client: [DESCRIBE — individual/business, location]
Project scope: [DESCRIBE]
Total fee: $[AMOUNT]
Timeline: [START → END]
Payment terms: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 50% upfront, 50% on delivery]
Draft a contract covering:
1. Parties and contact info
2. Scope of work (very specific — prevents scope creep)
3. Deliverables and timeline
4. Payment terms (amount, schedule, late fees)
5. Revision policy (how many rounds, scope of revisions)
6. IP ownership (when does it transfer?)
7. Confidentiality
8. Termination clause (how either party can end)
9. Liability limitation
10. Dispute resolution
Plain English, not legalese. 2-3 pages max.
Note: I will have a lawyer review before signing.
Tip: A good contract protects both you and the client. Clients who refuse to sign one are red flags.
Follow-up: What 3 clauses should I never agree to remove?
Goal: Manage multiple projects
Prompt:
I'm juggling [N] freelance projects. Help me manage them.
Projects:
- [PROJECT 1: client, deadline, status, hours/week]
- [PROJECT 2: details]
- [PROJECT 3: details]
Total weekly hours available: [HOURS]
Help me:
1. Identify which projects are at risk
2. Prioritize this week's tasks across projects
3. Time-block my calendar (deep work, comms, admin)
4. Set up a tracking system (Notion? Trello? Spreadsheet?)
5. Plan client communication (frequency per project)
6. Identify what to outsource or delegate
7. Plan buffer time for unexpected issues
8. Identify when to say no to new work
Output: a weekly schedule + tracking template.
Tip: Freelancers die from context-switching, not from too much work. Batch similar tasks; protect deep work blocks.
Follow-up: What 1 thing should I stop doing to free up 5 hours/week?
Goal: Ask for a testimonial
Prompt:
I just finished a project with [CLIENT]. Help me ask for a testimonial.
Project: [DESCRIBE]
Outcome: [DESCRIBE — ideally with metrics]
Client relationship: [DESCRIBE]
Where I want the testimonial: [WEBSITE / LINKEDIN / UPWORK / ELSEWHERE]
Write a request that:
1. Is sent within 1 week of project completion (while they're happy)
2. Makes it easy (offer to draft it for them to edit)
3. Asks specific questions (not 'can you write a testimonial?')
4. Gives them an out (no pressure)
5. Specifies where it will be used
6. Offers to reciprocate (LinkedIn recommendation, etc.)
Then write a draft testimonial they can edit.
Tip: Clients are happy to give testimonials but hate writing from scratch. Do 80% of the work for them.
Follow-up: How do I ask if they'd be a reference for future prospects?
Goal: Raise my rates with existing clients
Prompt:
I want to raise rates for existing clients.
Current rate: $[AMOUNT]
Proposed new rate: $[AMOUNT]
% increase: [X%]
Clients affected: [LIST with how long I've worked with each]
Reason: [DESCRIBE — inflation, skill growth, market rate]
Help me:
1. Decide on timing (when to announce, when effective)
2. Decide on amount (typical increases are 10-20%)
3. Write the announcement email
4. Anticipate responses (accept, pushback, leave)
5. Plan how to handle pushback (negotiation, phase-in, walk-away)
6. Identify which clients to grandfather at old rate (if any)
7. Plan for client turnover (some will leave — that's OK)
Tone: confident, professional, not apologetic.
Tip: Annual rate increases are normal. Clients expect them. Surprising clients with a 50% increase is not OK; a 15% increase with notice is fine.
Follow-up: What 3 things justify my new rate?
Goal: Decide between hourly and project-based pricing
Prompt:
I'm pricing a new project. Should I charge hourly or project-based?
Project: [DESCRIBE]
Estimated hours: [N]
My hourly rate: $[AMOUNT]
Client type: [DESCRIBE]
Risk of scope creep: [LOW/MEDIUM/HIGH]
My experience with similar projects: [DESCRIBE]
Help me decide:
1. Pros and cons of hourly for this project
2. Pros and cons of project-based for this project
3. Calculate equivalent project-based price (with risk buffer)
4. Identify which approach the client likely prefers
5. Suggest a hybrid (e.g., project-based with hourly for revisions)
6. Recommend one with rationale
7. Plan how to communicate the chosen pricing
Tip: Project-based pricing rewards efficiency; hourly rewards slowness. For well-defined projects, project-based is usually better.
Follow-up: What 3 things would make me switch to hourly mid-project?
Goal: Handle a difficult client
Prompt:
I have a client who [DESCRIBE DIFFICULT BEHAVIOR — e.g., 'never
responds on time', 'micromanages', 'changes their mind constantly',
'asks for free work'].
My financial dependence on them: [HIGH/MEDIUM/LOW]
Contract terms: [DESCRIBE OR 'NONE']
Relationship history: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Identify the root cause of their behavior (often not about me)
2. Decide if the relationship is worth saving
3. Write a message addressing the behavior (specific, not accusatory)
4. Propose a process change (e.g., weekly check-ins, clearer scope)
5. Set boundaries (what I will/won't do)
6. Identify when to fire the client
7. Plan how to fire them gracefully if needed
Tip: Difficult clients cost more than they pay. The mental tax and opportunity cost often exceed the invoice amount.
Follow-up: What 3 signs should make me fire this client immediately?
Goal: Plan my freelance finances
Prompt:
I'm a freelancer and need to get my finances in order.
Annual revenue: $[AMOUNT]
Business expenses: $[AMOUNT]
Personal expenses: $[AMOUNT]/month
Tax rate: [X%]
Retirement savings: $[AMOUNT or 'NONE']
Emergency fund: $[AMOUNT or 'NONE']
Help me:
1. Calculate my real take-home pay (after taxes, expenses)
2. Set up a tax savings system (what % to set aside)
3. Plan an emergency fund (3-6 months of expenses)
4. Plan retirement contributions (SEP-IRA, Solo 401k, etc.)
5. Decide on business structure (LLC, S-Corp, sole prop)
6. Track expenses properly (categories, tools)
7. Plan for slow months (reserve fund)
8. Identify insurance needs (health, liability, disability)
Output: a monthly money flow plan.
Tip: Freelancers must be their own HR, finance, and benefits departments. Set up systems early — don't wait until tax season.
Follow-up: What 3 expenses should I track that I'm probably forgetting?
Goal: Build a freelance portfolio
Prompt:
I need to build a portfolio for my freelance business.
Service: [DESCRIBE — design, writing, dev, consulting, etc.]
Target clients: [DESCRIBE]
Past work: [LIST 5-10 projects]
Platform: [WEBSITE / NOTION / BEHANCE / GITHUB / YOUR SUGGESTION]
Help me:
1. Choose 3-5 projects to feature (criteria: relevance, impact, recency, visual)
2. For each: structure (client problem, my approach, outcome, testimonial)
3. Write an 'about me' page that sells (not bio)
4. Write a 'services' page (what I do, who I help, outcomes)
5. Decide what to cut (portfolio is only as strong as weakest piece)
6. Plan visual presentation (screenshots, before/after, metrics)
7. Add social proof (logos, testimonials, metrics)
8. Plan a clear CTA (contact, book a call)
Then suggest a domain name and tagline.
Tip: Your portfolio is your salesperson. It should answer: who you help, what you do, why you're different, how to hire you.
Follow-up: What 1 project should I add that I don't have yet?
Goal: Get referrals from happy clients
Prompt:
I want to get more referrals from existing happy clients.
My service: [DESCRIBE]
My current clients: [DESCRIBE — how many, type, satisfaction]
My referral incentive: [DESCRIBE OR 'NONE']
Help me:
1. Identify the right moment to ask (after delivery, after positive feedback)
2. Write a referral request message (under 100 words)
3. Make it easy (specify the type of client I'm looking for)
4. Decide on incentive (discount, gift, cash, or none)
5. Plan follow-up if they say yes (intro message template)
6. Plan follow-up if they say no or don't respond
7. Set up a system to ask regularly (quarterly check-ins)
Then write a referral request I can send to my top 3 clients.
Tip: Referred clients close faster, pay better, and stay longer. Referrals are the highest-ROI marketing for freelancers.
Follow-up: How do I ask without sounding desperate?
Goal: Decide whether to take a project
Prompt:
A potential client wants to hire me for [DESCRIBE PROJECT].
Project scope: [DESCRIBE]
Budget: $[AMOUNT]
Timeline: [DESCRIBE]
Client type: [DESCRIBE — industry, size, personality fit]
My current workload: [DESCRIBE]
My financial need: [DESCRIBE]
Help me decide:
1. Is the budget fair for the scope? (calculate effective hourly rate)
2. Is the timeline realistic? (will it burn me out?)
3. Is the client a good fit? (red flags, communication style)
4. Does this fit my strategic direction? (or is it a distraction?)
5. Opportunity cost (what am I saying no to?)
6. Risk assessment (payment, scope, reputation)
7. Negotiation opportunities (rate, scope, timeline)
Then make a recommendation: take, negotiate, or pass.
Tip: Saying yes to the wrong project costs you twice: the time you spend on it, and the better projects you can't take.
Follow-up: What 1 thing would make me say yes if changed?
Goal: Write a project brief
Prompt:
I just landed a project. Help me write a brief that keeps it on track.
Project: [DESCRIBE]
Client: [DESCRIBE]
Scope: [DESCRIBE]
Deliverables: [LIST]
Timeline: [START → END with milestones]
Budget: $[AMOUNT]
Create a 1-page project brief:
1. Project overview (2 sentences — what and why)
2. Objectives (what success looks like, measurable)
3. Scope (in AND out — what I'm NOT doing)
4. Deliverables (specific, with formats)
5. Timeline (milestones with dates)
6. Roles (who does what on client side and my side)
7. Communication plan (tools, frequency, response times)
8. Payment schedule
9. Revision policy
10. Sign-off process
Format: a doc I can send to the client for sign-off.
Tip: A signed brief prevents 80% of project conflicts. Don't start work without one.
Follow-up: What 3 things should I clarify with the client before sending this?
Goal: Create a service catalog
Prompt:
I want to productize my freelance services.
My current services: [DESCRIBE — what I do, ad hoc]
My best clients: [DESCRIBE]
My strengths: [LIST]
Help me create a service catalog:
1. Identify 3-5 service packages (not just 'hourly')
2. For each: name, what's included, what's not, price, timeline
3. Create 3 tiers (good/better/best) for at least 1 service
4. Identify which service is my 'entry' offer (low-risk for new clients)
5. Identify which is my 'premium' offer (high-margin)
6. Plan add-ons (small extras that increase average project value)
7. Plan how to communicate the catalog (PDF, webpage, proposal)
Output: a 1-page service catalog I can send to prospects.
Tip: Productized services = predictable revenue and faster sales cycles. Clients buy outcomes, not hours.
Follow-up: Which service should I retire because it's not profitable?
Goal: Handle client feedback I disagree with
Prompt:
A client gave me feedback I disagree with.
Feedback: [DESCRIBE]
My professional opinion: [DESCRIBE — why I think they're wrong]
Client relationship: [DESCRIBE]
Project stage: [DESCRIBE]
My leverage: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Decide if this is a battle worth fighting (often it isn't)
2. Identify what's behind their feedback (often a deeper concern)
3. Write a response that acknowledges their concern
4. Explain my professional recommendation with evidence
5. Offer a compromise (if appropriate)
6. Decide when to defer to the client (they're paying)
7. Decide when to push back firmly (reputation, ethics)
Tone: respectful, confident, not defensive.
Tip: Clients hire you for expertise, then sometimes ignore it. Pick your battles — defer on taste, push back on strategy.
Follow-up: How do I document this in case it goes wrong?
Goal: Plan my freelance business growth
Prompt:
I want to grow my freelance business over the next 12 months.
Current state:
- Revenue: $[AMOUNT]/year
- Clients: [N] active
- Hours/week: [N]
- Services: [DESCRIBE]
Goals (12 months):
- Revenue target: $[AMOUNT]
- Hours/week target: [N] (often LOWER)
- Services to add/cut: [DESCRIBE]
Help me build a growth plan:
1. Identify 3 growth strategies (ranked by fit and ROI)
2. For each: specific actions, timeline, expected impact
3. Identify what to STOP doing (free up time)
4. Plan hiring/outsourcing (what to delegate first)
5. Plan systems to build (CRM, proposals, onboarding)
6. Plan financial milestones (monthly revenue targets)
7. Identify risks and mitigations
8. Plan quarterly reviews
Output: a 12-month roadmap.
Tip: Freelance growth often means working LESS, not more. The goal is leverage — higher rates, productized services, delegation.
Follow-up: What 1 thing should I do this month to move toward my goal?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 20 prompts
22 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Tailor my resume for a specific job
Prompt:
Tailor my resume for this job.
Job description:
[PASTE JD]
My current resume:
[PASTE RESUME]
Help me:
1. Identify the 5 most important keywords in the JD (for ATS)
2. Suggest 3-5 bullet point rewrites that better match the JD
3. Identify experience I should emphasize more
4. Identify experience I should de-emphasize
5. Suggest a summary/objective line tailored to this role
6. Flag anything in my resume that doesn't serve this application
Don't fabricate experience — only reframe what I have.
Tip: Most resumes are rejected in 6 seconds. Tailoring for each application is non-negotiable.
Follow-up: What 3 things would make a recruiter skip my resume?
Goal: Write a cover letter that doesn't suck
Prompt:
Write a cover letter for [JOB TITLE] at [COMPANY].
Job description: [PASTE OR SUMMARIZE]
My relevant experience: [DESCRIBE]
Why I want THIS company (specific): [DESCRIBE]
My one unique selling point: [DESCRIBE]
Write a cover letter (under 300 words) that:
1. Opens with something specific (not 'I am writing to apply for...')
2. Shows I researched the company
3. Tells one concrete story that demonstrates fit
4. Quantifies an achievement
5. Closes with confidence (not 'I hope to hear from you')
Avoid: 'I am passionate about', 'team player', 'hard worker'.
Provide 2 versions: formal and conversational.
Tip: Cover letters matter less than resumes, but a great one can tip the scale. A bad one definitely hurts.
Follow-up: Help me write a 1-line email version for when applying via email.
Goal: Prepare for a behavioral interview
Prompt:
I have a behavioral interview for [ROLE] at [COMPANY].
Job description: [PASTE OR SUMMARIZE]
My resume: [PASTE OR SUMMARIZE]
Anticipate 10 likely behavioral questions based on the JD, including:
- 'Tell me about a time you...'
- Leadership questions
- Conflict questions
- Failure questions
- Strengths/weaknesses
For each question:
1. Why they're asking (what they want to assess)
2. STAR framework structure (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
3. A specific story from my experience I should use
4. Key points to hit
5. What NOT to say
Then suggest 3 questions I should ask them.
Tip: Behavioral interviews reward preparation. Practice your top 5 stories out loud until they're natural.
Follow-up: Role-play the interview. You be the interviewer, I'll practice my answers.
Goal: Prepare for a technical interview
Prompt:
I have a technical interview for [ROLE] at [COMPANY].
Tech stack: [LIST]
My experience level: [DESCRIBE]
Interview format: [LIVE CODING / TAKE-HOME / SYSTEM DESIGN / DEBUGGING]
Time: [DURATION]
Help me prepare:
1. 10 likely technical questions (specific to the stack)
2. 3 coding problems I should practice (with approach, not full solution)
3. 1 system design question (if applicable) with framework
4. Common mistakes candidates make in this type of interview
5. What to do when I don't know the answer
6. Questions to ask the interviewer
7. How to handle nerves
Then simulate a 5-minute technical question with me.
Tip: Interviewers care more about how you think than whether you get the right answer. Think out loud.
Follow-up: What 3 concepts should I review the night before?
Goal: Negotiate a job offer
Prompt:
I got an offer for [ROLE] at [COMPANY].
Offer details:
- Base salary: $[AMOUNT]
- Bonus: [DESCRIBE]
- Equity: [DESCRIBE]
- Benefits: [DESCRIBE]
- Start date: [DATE]
Market data I have: [DESCRIBE OR 'NONE']
My leverage: [DESCRIBE — other offers, unique skills, etc.]
My target: [DESCRIBE — what would make me say yes immediately]
Help me:
1. Identify what's negotiable (often more than just salary)
2. Identify my BATNA (other offers, current job)
3. Write a negotiation email (under 200 words, specific ask, professional)
4. Anticipate 3 responses, with my reply
5. Identify non-cash things to ask for (signing bonus, PTO, remote work)
6. Plan the phone conversation if they call
7. Decide my walk-away point
Tip: Always negotiate. Even a 5% increase compounds to 6-figures over a career. The first offer is rarely the best.
Follow-up: If they say 'this is our final offer', what should I ask for instead?
Goal: Decide between multiple job offers
Prompt:
I have [N] job offers. Help me decide.
Offer 1: [COMPANY, ROLE, COMPENSATION, LOCATION, PROS, CONS]
Offer 2: [DETAILS]
Offer 3: [DETAILS]
My priorities (ranked):
- [PRIORITY 1, e.g., compensation]
- [PRIORITY 2, e.g., growth]
- [PRIORITY 3, e.g., work-life balance]
My career goal (5 years): [DESCRIBE]
My life situation: [DESCRIBE — family, location preferences, etc.]
Help me:
1. Score each offer against my priorities (1-10 matrix)
2. Identify non-obvious factors (manager quality, team culture, commute)
3. Identify which offer is best for 2-year vs 5-year horizon
4. Suggest questions to ask each company before deciding
5. Identify what I'd regret about each choice
6. Apply a decision framework
7. Make a recommendation
Tip: Most people overoptimize for compensation and underweight manager quality. Your manager shapes your daily life more than your salary.
Follow-up: What's the smallest experiment I could run to test my top choice before accepting?
Goal: Network for hidden jobs
Prompt:
I want to find jobs that aren't publicly posted.
My target: [ROLE] at [TYPE OF COMPANY]
My network: [DESCRIBE — strong/weak, industry]
My LinkedIn: [DESCRIBE — strong/weak]
Help me:
1. Identify 5 types of people to reach out to (not just recruiters)
2. Write a cold outreach message template (under 100 words)
3. Suggest 3 questions to ask in informational interviews
4. Plan a 4-week networking sprint (specific daily actions)
5. Identify 3 communities (Slack, Discord, professional orgs) to join
6. Plan how to follow up without being annoying
7. Track my networking (what to log)
Then help me write my first 3 outreach messages.
Tip: 70-80% of jobs are never publicly posted. Networking isn't optional — it's how the job market actually works.
Follow-up: What 1 action should I take TODAY to start?
Goal: Build a LinkedIn profile that gets noticed
Prompt:
Audit and improve my LinkedIn profile.
My current profile:
- Headline: [PASTE]
- About: [PASTE OR 'NONE']
- Experience: [DESCRIBE]
- Skills: [LIST]
My target role: [DESCRIBE]
Help me rewrite:
1. Headline (under 220 chars — specific, keyword-rich, not just 'looking for work')
2. About section (3 paragraphs — story, skills, what I'm looking for)
3. Most recent experience bullets (rewrite for impact, quantify)
4. Skills section (top 5 to feature)
5. Featured section (what to add — project, post, certification)
6. Recommendations (who to ask, what to ask for)
Then suggest 3 posts I could write to attract recruiters.
Tip: Recruiters search LinkedIn by keyword. Your headline should include the role you want, not your current situation.
Follow-up: Help me write a connection request message to a recruiter at my target company.
Goal: Explain a gap in my resume
Prompt:
I have a gap in my resume from [DATE] to [DATE].
Reason for gap: [DESCRIBE — layoff, health, caregiving, travel, study, etc.]
My comfort level discussing it: [HIGH/MEDIUM/LOW]
Target role: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Decide whether to address the gap on resume, cover letter, or interview
2. Write a 2-sentence explanation that's honest but doesn't overshare
3. Identify what I DID during the gap (learning, volunteering, projects)
4. Reframe the gap as a positive (without lying)
5. Anticipate the interviewer's concern, with my response
6. Identify what NOT to say
7. Practice the explanation out loud
Tip: Gaps are common. Interviewers care more about how you frame it than the gap itself. Confidence beats defensiveness.
Follow-up: How do I handle it if they keep pressing for more detail?
Goal: Write a thank-you email after an interview
Prompt:
I just finished an interview for [ROLE] at [COMPANY].
Interviewer: [NAME, TITLE]
Interview format: [PHONE / VIDEO / IN-PERSON]
Key topics discussed: [LIST]
Something specific I want to reference: [DESCRIBE]
My timeline for hearing back: [DESCRIBE]
Write a thank-you email that:
1. Is sent within 24 hours of the interview
2. References something specific from our conversation
3. Reinforces one key qualification
4. Addresses any concern that came up
5. Reiterates my interest
6. Is professional but warm
7. Is under 150 words
Provide 2 versions: formal and slightly casual.
Tip: Thank-you emails rarely change a 'no' to a 'yes', but they can tip a 'maybe' to a 'yes'. Always send one.
Follow-up: Should I send separate emails to each interviewer, or one group email?
Goal: Prepare for a case interview
Prompt:
I have a case interview for [CONSULTING/PM/ANALYST] role at [COMPANY].
Case type: [MARKET SIZING / PROFITABILITY / MARKET ENTRY / M&A / OTHER]
My experience with cases: [NONE / SOME / LOTS]
Time: [DURATION]
Help me prepare:
1. Framework for this case type (steps to follow)
2. 5 clarifying questions I should ask upfront
3. How to structure my approach (MECE — Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive)
4. Common math I'll need to do (mental math tips)
5. How to handle information I don't have (make assumptions, state them)
6. How to synthesize a recommendation
7. Common mistakes candidates make
Then walk me through a practice case.
Tip: Case interviews test structured thinking, not knowledge. Talk through your reasoning — silence is the enemy.
Follow-up: What 3 frameworks should I have memorized?
Goal: Transition to a new career
Prompt:
I want to transition from [CURRENT CAREER] to [NEW CAREER].
My transferable skills: [LIST]
My gaps: [LIST — skills, experience, network]
Time horizon: [DURATION]
Financial runway: [DESCRIBE]
Risk tolerance: [LOW/MEDIUM/HIGH]
Help me build a transition plan:
1. Identify 3 viable paths (linear, sideways, hybrid)
2. For each: skills to build, experiences to seek, timeline
3. Identify bridge roles (jobs that move me toward target)
4. Suggest 1 certification or course that would help most
5. Plan financial runway (how long can I afford the transition?)
6. Identify 3 people to informational-interview
7. Plan a 6-month action plan with milestones
8. Identify what to STOP doing to make room
Tip: Career transitions take 12-24 months on average. Don't quit your job to 'figure it out' — build the bridge while employed.
Follow-up: What's the smallest step I can take THIS month?
Goal: Handle a layoff
Prompt:
I was just laid off. Help me plan my next 30 days.
Situation: [DESCRIBE — severance, notice period, etc.]
Financial runway: [DESCRIBE]
Industry: [DESCRIBE]
My network strength: [STRONG/MEDIUM/WEAK]
My emotional state: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Process the layoff (it's normal to feel awful — give yourself 3-5 days)
2. Handle logistics (severance negotiation, unemployment, healthcare)
3. Update resume and LinkedIn (without sounding desperate)
4. Reach out to network (specific message templates)
5. Apply for unemployment benefits (if applicable)
6. Set a daily routine (job searching is a marathon)
7. Plan financial triage (what to cut, what to keep)
8. Identify 3 things to do that aren't job searching (mental health)
Then help me write the LinkedIn post announcing I'm looking.
Tip: Layoffs are common and not your fault. Most people look back and say the layoff led to something better. Trust that.
Follow-up: How do I explain the layoff in interviews without sounding bitter?
Goal: Write an executive resume
Prompt:
I need an executive-level resume for [C-LEVEL/VP/DIRECTOR] roles.
Current role: [TITLE] at [COMPANY]
Years of experience: [N]
Key achievements: [LIST — with metrics]
P&L responsibility: $[AMOUNT]
Team size: [N]
Help me structure an executive resume:
1. Executive summary (3-4 lines — strategic narrative, not job history)
2. Core competencies (6-8 keywords for ATS)
3. Professional experience (focus on impact, not tasks)
4. For each role: scope (P&L, team), 3-4 quantified achievements, scope of influence
5. Board/advisory roles
6. Education and certifications
7. Speaking/published work (if relevant)
Format: 2 pages max. Senior tone, no buzzwords.
Tip: Executive resumes tell a strategic narrative. Each role should show increasing scope, impact, and leadership.
Follow-up: What 3 numbers should be on page 1?
Goal: Prepare for a salary review
Prompt:
I have a salary review coming up at [COMPANY].
Current role: [TITLE]
Current salary: $[AMOUNT]
Time in role: [DURATION]
Market rate (if known): $[AMOUNT]
Recent achievements: [LIST WITH METRICS]
Help me:
1. Build a case for a raise (data-driven, not emotional)
2. Identify 3-5 specific achievements to highlight
3. Reference market data without sounding like I'm job-hunting
4. Suggest a specific ask (number or range)
5. Anticipate objections (budget, timing, performance)
6. Plan the conversation (script)
7. Plan follow-up if answer is 'no' or 'maybe'
8. Identify non-cash things to ask for if cash is tight
Tip: Salary reviews reward preparation. Walking in with a specific number and evidence doubles your odds of getting it.
Follow-up: What 1 question should I ask that shifts the conversation in my favor?
Goal: Build a portfolio that gets hired
Prompt:
I want to build a portfolio for [ROLE — designer, developer, writer, PM, etc.].
My work: [DESCRIBE — what I've done, what I'm proud of]
Target role: [DESCRIBE]
Target companies: [DESCRIBE]
Format: [WEBSITE / NOTION / GITHUB / BEHANCE / YOUR SUGGESTION]
Help me:
1. Choose 3-5 projects to feature (criteria: relevance, impact, recency)
2. For each project: structure (problem, approach, outcome, what I learned)
3. Write a 1-paragraph 'about me' that's specific, not generic
4. Decide what to cut (your portfolio is only as strong as its weakest piece)
5. Plan visual presentation (screenshots, diagrams, demos)
6. Suggest a 'case study' format that tells a story
7. Plan how to share the portfolio (link in resume, LinkedIn, cold outreach)
Tip: Hiring managers spend 2-3 minutes on a portfolio. Make your top 2 projects impossible to miss.
Follow-up: What 1 project should I add that I don't have yet? Build it in 2 weeks.
Goal: Ace a panel interview
Prompt:
I have a panel interview (multiple interviewers) for [ROLE].
Panel composition: [DESCRIBE — roles, levels]
Duration: [TIME]
Format: [SEQUENTIAL / ALL-AT-ONCE]
Help me:
1. Plan how to engage multiple interviewers (eye contact, names)
2. Identify likely differing concerns (engineer vs PM vs manager)
3. Prepare answers that satisfy different stakeholders
4. Plan questions for each panelist (tailored to their role)
5. Handle disagreements between panelists (don't take sides)
6. Manage time (don't let one person dominate)
7. Close strongly with all panelists
Then simulate a 5-minute panel segment with me.
Tip: Panels test how you handle group dynamics, not just your answers. Engage everyone, even the quiet one.
Follow-up: What 1 question should I ask that impresses the whole panel?
Goal: Follow up without being annoying
Prompt:
I interviewed [TIME AGO] and haven't heard back. Help me follow up.
Role: [DESCRIBE]
Company: [DESCRIBE]
Interview date: [DATE]
Promised response by: [DATE]
My emotional state: [ANXIOUS/NEUTRAL/PATIENT]
Help me:
1. Decide if it's too soon to follow up (typical timelines)
2. Write a follow-up email (under 100 words, no pressure, no desperation)
3. Plan what to do if they don't respond to this follow-up
4. Identify when to give up and move on
5. Plan how to maintain my mental health while waiting
6. Identify 3 other opportunities to pursue in parallel
Tone: confident, polite, treating this as one of many options.
Tip: Silence usually means 'no' or 'we're slow'. Either way, your best move is to keep pursuing other options.
Follow-up: Should I send a different kind of message (LinkedIn, recruiter) if email doesn't work?
Goal: Write a referral request
Prompt:
I want to ask [CONNECTION] for a referral to [COMPANY] for [ROLE].
My relationship with them: [DESCRIBE — close colleague, acquaintance, etc.]
Their role at the company: [DESCRIBE]
The job: [DESCRIBE OR LINK]
My relevant qualifications: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Decide if it's appropriate to ask this person (rules of thumb)
2. Write a referral request message (under 150 words)
3. Make it easy for them to refer (attach resume, summarize fit)
4. Give them an easy out (don't pressure)
5. Plan follow-up if they say yes, no, or don't respond
6. Plan how to thank them regardless of outcome
7. Plan how to pay it forward in future
Tip: Referrals are 5-10x more likely to result in an interview than cold applications. But asking badly can damage the relationship.
Follow-up: If they say yes but I don't get the job, how do I follow up with them?
Goal: Negotiate a promotion
Prompt:
I want to be promoted from [CURRENT TITLE] to [TARGET TITLE].
Time in current role: [DURATION]
My case: [LIST — achievements, expanded scope, market data]
Manager relationship: [DESCRIBE]
Company context: [DESCRIBE — growth, budget, restructuring]
Help me:
1. Build a promotion business case (1 page)
2. Identify 3-5 specific achievements that show next-level impact
3. Reference the company's promotion criteria (if formal)
4. Plan the conversation with my manager (script)
5. Anticipate objections (timing, budget, 'next cycle')
6. Identify what to do if answer is 'not yet' (concrete milestones)
7. Identify what to do if answer is 'no' (when to leave)
8. Plan timeline (promotion cycles, budget cycles)
Tip: Promotions are earned over 12+ months, not in one conversation. The conversation is the culmination, not the start.
Follow-up: What 1 thing should I start doing THIS quarter to position for promotion next year?
Goal: Decide if a startup offer is good
Prompt:
I have an offer from a startup. Help me evaluate.
Offer:
- Base salary: $[AMOUNT] (likely below market)
- Equity: [N] options / [X]% (vesting schedule?)
- Title: [DESCRIBE]
- Role: [DESCRIBE]
Company:
- Stage: [SEED / SERIES A / B / C / LATER]
- Valuation: $[AMOUNT] (if known)
- Employees: [N]
- Runway: [MONTHS]
- Last funding round: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Evaluate the equity (is it actually worth anything?)
2. Estimate likely scenarios (startup fails, exits small, exits big)
3. Compare to a Big Tech offer in total expected value
4. Identify red flags (board structure, founder track record, etc.)
5. Questions to ask before signing
6. Negotiable items (base, equity, title, start date)
7. Personal fit (risk tolerance, career stage, learning goals)
Tip: Startup equity is worth $0 until it's not. Treat it as a lottery ticket, not compensation. Make sure base salary is enough to live on.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should I ask the founder before accepting?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 22 prompts
22 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Write ad copy that converts
Prompt:
Write ad copy for [PRODUCT] targeting [AUDIENCE].
Platform: [GOOGLE / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / LINKEDIN / TIKTOK]
Format: [HEADLINE + BODY / SINGLE IMAGE / VIDEO SCRIPT]
Goal: [CLICKS / LEADS / SALES / AWARENESS]
Key benefit: [DESCRIBE]
CTA: [DESCRIBE]
Generate 5 different angles:
1. Pain-point focused
2. Aspirational
3. Social proof
4. Urgency/scarcity
5. Curiosity
For each: headline (under 40 chars), body (under 125 chars), CTA.
Mark which you'd test first and why.
Tip: Test 3-5 angles with small budget before scaling the winner. Never assume which angle will win.
Follow-up: Which 2 would you A/B test first, and what's the hypothesis?
Goal: Build a content calendar
Prompt:
Create a 30-day content calendar for [BRAND].
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Channels: [LIST]
Brand voice: [DESCRIBE — examples: witty, authoritative, warm]
Goal: [AWARENESS / ENGAGEMENT / LEADS / SALES]
Posting frequency: [DAILY / 3x/WEEK / WEEKLY]
For each day, suggest:
- Topic
- Format (carousel, video, blog, story, etc.)
- Channel(s)
- Hook (first line)
- CTA
Group content into themes (e.g., 'Monday motivation', 'Wednesday tips').
Include 1 'hero' piece per week (higher production value).
Tip: Theme days reduce decision fatigue and help your audience know what to expect.
Follow-up: Help me batch-produce the first week's content in 4 hours.
Goal: Analyze competitor marketing
Prompt:
Analyze the marketing strategy of [COMPETITOR].
Their website: [URL]
Their social: [LIST]
What I know: [DESCRIBE]
Help me reverse-engineer:
1. Their positioning (what they claim to be)
2. Their target customer (who they're really talking to)
3. Their content pillars (3-5 themes)
4. Their funnel (how they convert)
5. Their pricing strategy
6. 3 things they do well (worth learning from)
7. 3 gaps I could exploit
8. Their likely monthly ad spend (estimate)
Tip: Don't copy competitors — learn from their wins and exploit their gaps. The goal is to be different, not better at being them.
Follow-up: What's the one thing they're NOT doing that I should test?
Goal: Optimize a landing page
Prompt:
I need to optimize this landing page for conversions.
Current conversion rate: [X%]
Goal: [Y%]
Traffic source: [DESCRIBE — Google ads, social, email]
Page content:
[PASTE OR DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Score the page on: clarity, relevance, value prop, friction, CTA
2. Identify the 3 highest-impact changes (in order)
3. Rewrite the headline (3 options)
4. Rewrite the CTA (3 options)
5. Suggest 1 element to remove
6. Suggest 1 element to add
7. Plan an A/B test (variable, hypothesis, sample size)
Tip: Most CRO wins come from removing things, not adding them. Friction is the enemy of conversion.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should I ask in user testing to find friction?
Goal: Write a press release
Prompt:
Write a press release for [ANNOUNCEMENT].
Announcement: [DESCRIBE — funding, product launch, partnership, hire]
Key facts: [LIST]
Quotes available from: [PEOPLE]
Embargo: [DATE/TIME OR NONE]
Format (inverted pyramid):
- Headline (under 100 chars, includes the news)
- Subhead (expands on headline)
- Dateline
- Lede paragraph (who, what, when, where, why — in 30 words)
- Quote 1 (CEO/founder)
- Body (context, details)
- Quote 2 (customer/partner/investor)
- Boilerplate (about the company)
- Media contact
Under 500 words. Newsworthy, not promotional.
Tip: Journalists get 100+ pitches a day. The headline and first sentence determine if they read further.
Follow-up: Help me write a 3-line pitch email to send this to a specific journalist.
Goal: Build a customer persona
Prompt:
Help me build 3 customer personas for [PRODUCT/SERVICE].
What I sell: [DESCRIBE]
Current customers: [DESCRIBE WHO BUYS NOW]
Target customers: [DESCRIBE WHO I WANT]
For each persona, include:
- Name and 1-line description
- Demographics (age, location, income, education)
- Psychographics (values, interests, lifestyle)
- Goals (what they're trying to achieve)
- Pain points (what's stopping them)
- Information sources (where they learn)
- Buying triggers (what makes them purchase)
- Objections (what stops them)
- Quote (in their voice)
Then identify which persona to target first and why.
Tip: Personas are most useful when they're specific. 'Sarah, 32, marketing manager who hates spreadsheets' beats 'women 25-45'.
Follow-up: What 3 messages would resonate with each persona?
Goal: Write a brand style guide
Prompt:
Help me create a 1-page brand style guide for [BRAND].
Brand personality: [3 ADJECTIVES]
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Industry: [DESCRIBE]
Include:
1. Brand voice description (with examples of 'yes' and 'no' phrasings)
2. 5 brand voice rules (e.g., 'Use contractions', 'Avoid jargon')
3. Vocabulary list (words we use, words we don't)
4. Tone examples (how we sound in: social post, customer email, error message)
5. Emoji policy
6. Hashtag conventions
7. Visual style summary (colors, fonts, imagery)
Tip: A style guide prevents brand drift as your team grows. Even a 1-page guide beats nothing.
Follow-up: Help me write 3 sample social posts that demonstrate this voice.
Goal: Plan a product launch
Prompt:
I'm launching [PRODUCT] on [DATE].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Price: $[AMOUNT]
Goal: [N SALES / N SIGNUPS / $N REVENUE]
Budget: $[AMOUNT]
Timeline: [WEEKS]
Create a launch plan with 3 phases:
Pre-launch (T-30 to T-1):
- Teaser content
- Waitlist building
- Early access for select customers
- Press/influencer outreach
Launch (T-0 to T-7):
- Launch day content
- Email sequence
- Paid amplification
- Community engagement
Post-launch (T+8 to T+30):
- Social proof amplification
- Iterate based on feedback
- Case studies
- Plan v2
For each phase, list specific tactics, owners, and metrics.
Tip: The launch is the easy part. The pre-launch work is what determines success.
Follow-up: What 3 things will likely go wrong, and what's my contingency for each?
Goal: Run a social media audit
Prompt:
Audit my brand's presence on [CHANNELS].
Current state:
- Followers: [N] on each channel
- Posting frequency: [DESCRIBE]
- Engagement rate: [X%]
- Top performing post: [DESCRIBE]
- Worst performing post: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Identify what's working (do more of)
2. Identify what's not working (stop doing)
3. Benchmark against [COMPETITOR]
4. Suggest 3 quick wins (this week)
5. Suggest 3 strategic shifts (this quarter)
6. Recommend 1 channel to focus on, 1 to maintain, 1 to drop
Tip: Most brands spread too thin across channels. Better to dominate 1 channel than be mediocre on 5.
Follow-up: What does a winning 30-day plan look like for my priority channel?
Goal: Write email subject lines that get opened
Prompt:
Write 10 email subject lines for [EMAIL TYPE — newsletter, promo,
transactional] targeting [AUDIENCE].
Email content: [DESCRIBE]
Goal: [OPENS / CLICKS / REPLY]
Generate 10 options across these approaches:
1. Curiosity gap
2. Number list
3. Question
4. Personalization ([FIRST NAME])
5. Urgency
6. Benefit-driven
7. Story tease
8. Pattern interrupt (unusual format)
9. Controversial take
10. Plain and direct
For each: subject line + predicted open rate (high/medium/low).
Recommend which 3 to A/B test.
Tip: Subject lines matter more than email content. Most recipients decide to open in under 1 second.
Follow-up: Help me write the preview text (the snippet that shows after the subject line).
Goal: Create a referral program
Prompt:
I want to build a referral program for [BUSINESS].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Price: $[AMOUNT]
Customer LTV: $[AMOUNT]
Budget for referrals: $[AMOUNT] per successful referral
Help me design:
1. Program structure (one-sided? two-sided? tiered?)
2. Reward options (cash, credit, product, charity)
3. Reward amounts (for referrer and referee)
4. Eligibility rules (when does reward trigger?)
5. Anti-fraud measures
6. Promotion plan (how customers learn about it)
7. Tracking and payout process
8. Success metrics
Reference: Dropbox, Tesla, Airbnb referral programs.
Tip: Two-sided referrals (both sides get something) outperform one-sided 3:1. The reward to the new customer reduces friction.
Follow-up: Help me write the email announcing this program to existing customers.
Goal: Write a blog post that ranks
Prompt:
Write an SEO-optimized blog post on [TOPIC].
Target keyword: [KEYWORD]
Search intent: [INFORMATIONAL / COMMERCIAL / TRANSACTIONAL]
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Length: [WORDS]
Structure:
1. Title (under 60 chars, includes keyword)
2. Meta description (under 160 chars)
3. H1 (the title)
4. Intro (hook + promise + transition, 100 words)
5. H2 sections (5-7, each addressing a sub-topic)
6. Each section: 150-300 words, with example or data
7. Internal link suggestions (3 places)
8. External link suggestions (2 authoritative sources)
9. CTA at end
10. FAQ section (3 questions, for rich snippets)
Tip: Write for humans first, optimize for Google second. Keyword stuffing gets you penalized.
Follow-up: What 5 related keywords should I include naturally?
Goal: Build a paid ads funnel
Prompt:
Design a paid ads funnel for [PRODUCT/SERVICE].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Price: $[AMOUNT]
Customer LTV: $[AMOUNT]
Daily budget: $[AMOUNT]
Platform: [GOOGLE / META / LINKEDIN / TIKTOK]
Design a 3-stage funnel:
Stage 1: TOF (Top of Funnel) — Cold audience
- Ad format
- Targeting
- Hook
- Landing page (lead magnet or education)
- KPI
Stage 2: MOF (Middle) — Warm audience (engaged with TOF)
- Ad format
- Retargeting setup
- Offer
- Landing page
- KPI
Stage 3: BOF (Bottom) — Hot audience (considered purchase)
- Ad format
- Offer (discount? bonus? urgency?)
- Landing page
- KPI
For each stage: estimated CPC, CTR, conversion rate, CPA.
Tip: Most businesses only run TOF ads and wonder why they don't convert. The money is in retargeting.
Follow-up: What 3 audiences should I exclude from my campaigns to reduce waste?
Goal: Measure marketing ROI
Prompt:
Help me measure ROI for my marketing channels.
Channels I use: [LIST]
Monthly spend per channel: [LIST]
Monthly revenue per channel: [LIST or 'UNKNOWN']
Sales cycle length: [DAYS]
Customer LTV: $[AMOUNT]
Help me:
1. Calculate CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost) per channel
2. Calculate LTV:CAC ratio per channel
3. Identify which channels to scale
4. Identify which to cut
5. Suggest attribution model (first-touch, last-touch, multi-touch)
6. Identify what data I'm missing
7. Suggest 1 experiment to run this month
Output as a dashboard table.
Tip: Most marketing metrics are vanity. The only numbers that matter: revenue, CAC, LTV, and payback period.
Follow-up: What 3 numbers should I report to my CEO monthly?
Goal: Run an influencer campaign
Prompt:
I want to work with influencers to promote [PRODUCT].
Budget: $[AMOUNT]
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Goal: [AWARENESS / SALES / CONTENT]
Help me:
1. Decide between micro (1K-10K) vs macro (10K-100K) vs mega (100K+) influencers
2. Identify 5 ideal influencer profiles (not specific names — the type)
3. Write an outreach DM template
4. Design 3 campaign concepts (different angles)
5. Suggest compensation models (flat fee, affiliate, gifting, content trade)
6. Set performance metrics (engagement rate minimum, CPM target)
7. Plan FTC disclosure compliance
8. Plan content usage rights (can I reuse their content?)
Tip: Micro-influencers often outperform mega-influencers on conversion. Engagement rate matters more than follower count.
Follow-up: Help me write the brief I'll send to selected influencers.
Goal: Write a customer case study
Prompt:
Create a case study featuring [CUSTOMER].
Customer: [DESCRIBE — company, role, size]
Problem they had: [DESCRIBE]
Solution we provided: [DESCRIBE]
Results: [DESCRIBE WITH METRICS]
Quote from customer: [PASTE OR 'NEED TO GET']
Structure the case study as:
1. Title (benefit-driven, includes metric)
2. Customer snapshot (1 paragraph)
3. The challenge (1-2 paragraphs, in customer's words)
4. Why they chose us (1 paragraph)
5. The solution (1-2 paragraphs, what we did)
6. The results (1-2 paragraphs, with metrics)
7. Customer quote
8. What's next (1 paragraph)
9. CTA
Under 800 words. Read like a story, not a sales pitch.
Tip: Specific numbers beat vague claims. 'Cut onboarding time by 63%' beats 'saved time'.
Follow-up: Help me write a 3-line summary I can use on social and sales decks.
Goal: Plan a webinar
Prompt:
I'm hosting a webinar on [TOPIC] in [WEEKS].
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Goal: [LEADS / THOUGHT LEADERSHIP / SALES]
Expected attendance: [N]
Platform: [ZOOM / LINKEDIN LIVE / YOUTUBE]
Create a webinar plan:
1. Title (compelling, benefit-driven)
2. Abstract (100 words)
3. Pre-webinar promo plan (3-week sequence)
4. Slide outline (10-15 slides)
5. Interactive elements (polls, Q&A, chat)
6. Speaker prep checklist
7. Day-of run-of-show
8. Post-webinar follow-up sequence (3 emails)
9. Repurposing plan (blog, social, video clips)
Tip: Webinars without a follow-up sequence waste 80% of their value. The money is in the nurture.
Follow-up: Help me write the reminder email series (24h before, 1h before, 5 min before).
Goal: Run a customer survey
Prompt:
I want to survey my customers about [TOPIC].
Customer base: [N]
Goal: [FEEDBACK / POSITIONING / PRICING / NPS]
Response rate target: [X%]
Incentive: [DESCRIBE OR NONE]
Help me design:
1. Survey length (max 7 questions)
2. Question types (avoid leading questions)
3. Specific questions (under each: rationale)
4. Open-ended question at end
5. Distribution plan (email, in-app, post-purchase)
6. Incentive strategy
7. Analysis plan (how to synthesize responses)
8. Follow-up plan (what to do with the data)
Tip: Survey design is hard. Each question should map to a decision you'll make based on the answer. No 'nice to know' questions.
Follow-up: Help me write the email inviting customers to take this survey.
Goal: Create a brand positioning statement
Prompt:
Help me write a brand positioning statement for [BRAND].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Target customer: [DESCRIBE]
Category: [DESCRIBE]
Key differentiator: [DESCRIBE]
Reason to believe: [DESCRIBE]
Use this template:
'For [target customer] who [need/opportunity], [brand name] is a [category]
that [key benefit] because [reason to believe].'
Generate 5 variations. Then critique each.
Then suggest the strongest, with rationale.
Tip: A positioning statement is internal. It guides everything external (website, ads, sales pitch). Don't skip this step.
Follow-up: How does this positioning translate into a 5-word tagline?
Goal: Re-engage churned customers
Prompt:
I want to win back customers who churned in the last [TIME PERIOD].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Churn reason (if known): [DESCRIBE OR 'UNKNOWN']
Number of churned customers: [N]
New improvements since they left: [LIST]
Budget for win-back: $[AMOUNT]
Design a win-back campaign:
1. Segment churned customers (voluntary vs involuntary, recent vs old)
2. Write 3 email sequences (one per segment)
3. Offer strategy (discount? new feature access? free month?)
4. Subject lines that get opened by ex-customers
5. Landing page messaging
6. Follow-up for non-responders
7. Success metric (re-activation rate)
Tip: Acknowledge why they left before pitching why they should return. Empathy beats discounting.
Follow-up: Help me write a survey for churned customers who don't respond to win-back emails.
Goal: Build a marketing dashboard
Prompt:
Help me build a weekly marketing dashboard for [BUSINESS].
Channels: [LIST]
Goals: [DESCRIBE]
Audience: [CEO / CMO / MARKETING TEAM]
Design a 1-page dashboard with:
1. Top 3 metrics (the 'pulse')
2. Channel-by-channel performance
3. Funnel metrics (impressions → clicks → leads → customers)
4. Financial metrics (CAC, LTV, ROI)
5. Trends (week-over-week, month-over-month)
6. Alerts (what triggers action?)
Format: a table I can recreate in Google Sheets or Notion.
For each metric, note: source, frequency, owner.
Tip: If a metric doesn't drive a decision, remove it. Dashboards rot when they have too many vanity metrics.
Follow-up: Help me write a Slack template for sharing this dashboard weekly with the team.
Goal: Write a video script
Prompt:
Write a [DURATION]-second video script for [PURPOSE].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Platform: [YOUTUBE / TIKTOK / INSTAGRAM REEL / LINKEDIN]
Goal: [AWARENESS / ENGAGEMENT / SALES]
Structure:
- Hook (first 3 seconds — must grab attention)
- Problem (5-10 seconds)
- Solution (10-30 seconds)
- Proof (10 seconds — testimonial or demo)
- CTA (5 seconds)
Write:
1. Visual direction (what's on screen)
2. Voiceover script
3. On-screen text
4. Music/sound cues
5. Caption suggestions
Provide 2 versions: 30-second and 60-second.
Tip: The first 3 seconds determine if anyone watches the rest. Spend half your time on the hook.
Follow-up: Help me write 5 thumbnail options for the YouTube version.
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 22 prompts
22 copy-paste prompts for office workers, managers, and anyone building a career.
Goal: Write a clear status update email
Prompt:
Write a weekly status update email to my [MANAGER/TEAM].
Projects I worked on this week:
- [PROJECT 1]: [PROGRESS, e.g., '90% complete, on track']
- [PROJECT 2]: [PROGRESS]
- [PROJECT 3]: [PROGRESS]
Blockers:
- [BLOCKER 1]
- [BLOCKER 2]
Next week's priorities:
- [PRIORITY 1]
- [PRIORITY 2]
Format: scannable bullet points, no fluff. Under 150 words.
Tone: confident, specific, no hedging.
Tip: Managers skim status emails in 30 seconds. Put the most important thing first, not last.
Follow-up: Now write a 1-line Slack version of this update for the team channel.
Goal: Summarize a long document
Prompt:
Summarize this [LENGTH] document for my [MANAGER/TEAM/CLIENT].
Audience needs to know: [WHAT THEY CARE ABOUT]
Audience already knows: [CONTEXT]
Time to read summary: [2 MINUTES].
Document:
[PASTE OR UPLOAD]
Format the summary as:
1. Bottom line (1 sentence)
2. Key findings (3 bullets)
3. Implications for us (2 bullets)
4. Open questions (2 bullets)
No jargon. No filler.
Tip: Specify what your audience cares about — a summary without audience context is just a shorter document.
Follow-up: What 3 questions is my manager likely to ask after reading this?
Goal: Prepare for a 1:1 with my manager
Prompt:
I have a 30-minute 1:1 with my manager tomorrow.
My goals for the meeting:
- [GOAL 1, e.g., 'get feedback on Q2 project']
- [GOAL 2, e.g., 'discuss promotion timeline']
- [GOAL 3, e.g., 'flag risk on Q3 deliverable']
Recent wins: [LIST]
Recent challenges: [LIST]
Questions I have: [LIST]
Help me:
1. Create a meeting agenda (with timing)
2. Phrase each goal as a specific ask
3. Anticipate 3 things my manager might say, with my response
4. Identify what NOT to bring up in this 1:1
5. Suggest a follow-up email template
Tip: Don't try to cover 5 topics in 30 minutes. Pick 2 max. Depth beats breadth in 1:1s.
Follow-up: Role-play the conversation. You be my manager, I'll practice my asks.
Goal: Draft a project brief
Prompt:
I'm starting a new project. Help me write a project brief.
Project: [NAME]
Goal: [WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO ACHIEVE — business outcome, not deliverable]
Why now: [TIMING/URGENCY]
Sponsor: [WHO'S PAYING/CARING]
Team: [ROLES]
Timeline: [START → END]
Budget: [$ AMOUNT]
Constraints: [LIST]
Create a 1-page brief with:
1. Executive summary (2 sentences)
2. Problem statement
3. Proposed solution
4. Success metrics
5. Key milestones
6. Risks and mitigations
7. Open questions
Tip: The brief is the single most important project document. A fuzzy brief guarantees a fuzzy project.
Follow-up: What 3 things should I clarify with my sponsor before sharing this brief?
Goal: Write a difficult email
Prompt:
I need to send a difficult email to [STAKEHOLDER].
Situation: [DESCRIBE]
My goal: [WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE]
My constraints: [WHAT I CAN'T SAY OR DO]
Their likely reaction: [PREDICT]
Write an email that:
1. Opens with the bottom line (no burying the lede)
2. Explains the 'why' in 2-3 sentences
3. Offers a specific path forward
4. Acknowledges their perspective without conceding
5. Closes with clear next steps
Tone: firm, professional, empathetic. Under 200 words.
Then give me 3 alternative versions: more direct, more diplomatic, more firm.
Tip: Write the email, then wait 24 hours before sending. Re-read with fresh eyes — you'll almost always edit.
Follow-up: If they respond with [PREDICTED REACTION], draft my reply.
Goal: Prepare for a performance review
Prompt:
My performance review is in [DAYS] days.
I'm in role: [TITLE]
Tenure: [TIME IN ROLE]
My goals from last year: [LIST]
My achievements this year: [LIST WITH METRICS]
Things that didn't go well: [LIST]
My goals for next year: [LIST]
Help me prepare:
1. A self-assessment narrative (300 words)
2. 3 specific examples to highlight, with impact statements
3. How to frame what didn't go well (without being defensive)
4. Compensation ask (with market data references)
5. Promotion ask (if applicable)
6. Questions to ask my reviewer
Tip: Use the STAR framework for achievements: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Result with numbers is what reviewers remember.
Follow-up: What evidence (emails, metrics, peer feedback) should I gather before the review meeting?
Goal: Run an effective meeting
Prompt:
I'm running a [DURATION] meeting with [N] people about [TOPIC].
Meeting goal: [DECISION/ALIGNMENT/UPDATE]
Attendees: [LIST WITH ROLES]
Help me:
1. Decide if this meeting is even necessary (criteria)
2. Write a 1-paragraph pre-read to send 24h before
3. Create an agenda with timings
4. Suggest a decision-making process (consensus? vote? you-decide?)
5. Identify who might block progress, with mitigation
6. Plan the post-meeting follow-up email
Tip: If the meeting is just to share information, cancel it and send an email instead. Meetings are for decisions and discussion.
Follow-up: Help me write a Slack message declining a meeting I shouldn't be in.
Goal: Negotiate a raise
Prompt:
I want to ask for a raise. Current role: [TITLE].
Current salary: $[AMOUNT]. Target salary: $[AMOUNT].
Time in role: [DURATION]. Last raise: [WHEN].
My case:
- Achievement 1: [DETAILS WITH METRICS]
- Achievement 2: [DETAILS]
- Achievement 3: [DETAILS]
- Market data: [IF YOU HAVE IT]
Help me:
1. Time the ask (when in the year/cycle is best?)
2. Write a script for the conversation
3. Anticipate 3 objections, with responses
4. Identify my walk-away point
5. Identify non-cash things I could ask for (if cash is tight)
6. Plan the follow-up email
Tip: Practice the conversation out loud 3 times. The words matter less than your delivery — calm, specific, confident.
Follow-up: If my manager says 'let me think about it', what's my 2-week follow-up email?
Goal: Prioritize my week
Prompt:
Here's my todo list for this week (15 items):
[PASTE LIST OR WRITE ITEMS]
Constraints:
- I work [HOURS] per day
- [RECURRING COMMITMENTS]
- Energy is highest in [MORNING/AFTERNOON]
Help me:
1. Identify the 3 highest-leverage items (Pareto principle)
2. Identify items I can delegate, defer, or delete
3. Time-block my calendar (with energy matching)
4. Build in 1 hour/day for deep work
5. Build in 30 min/day for inbox/Slack
6. Plan a weekly review for Friday afternoon
Output as a day-by-day schedule table.
Tip: Most professionals have 15-20 'priorities' but only complete 3-5 meaningful things per week. Forcing a top-3 is liberating.
Follow-up: Help me write a Slack message to my team setting expectations for what I won't get to this week.
Goal: Write a project post-mortem
Prompt:
We just finished [PROJECT]. Help me write a post-mortem.
Project goal: [DESCRIBE]
Outcome: [SUCCESS/PARTIAL/FAILURE]
Key metrics: [RESULTS]
Timeline: [PLANNED VS ACTUAL]
Budget: [PLANNED VS ACTUAL]
Help me structure a post-mortem with:
1. Executive summary (3 sentences)
2. What went well (3 specific things)
3. What didn't go well (3 specific things)
4. What we learned (3 lessons)
5. What we'll do differently next time (3 actions, with owners)
6. Appendices: timeline, budget, key decisions
Tone: honest, blameless, learning-focused.
Tip: Blameless post-mortems build learning cultures. If people fear blame, they hide mistakes — and you can't learn from hidden mistakes.
Follow-up: Help me write a 3-line Slack message to the team sharing the post-mortem doc.
Goal: Draft a technical spec
Prompt:
I need to write a technical spec for [FEATURE/SYSTEM].
Problem we're solving: [DESCRIBE]
Users affected: [N]
Current solution: [DESCRIBE OR 'NONE']
Constraints: [LIST — tech, time, budget, compliance]
Create a spec with these sections:
1. Background
2. Goals and non-goals
3. Proposed solution (high-level)
4. Detailed design (data models, API, UI)
5. Alternatives considered
6. Security and privacy considerations
7. Rollout plan
8. Open questions
9. Timeline
Format: Markdown, ready to share in a wiki.
Tip: Non-goals are as important as goals. Stating what you're NOT building prevents scope creep.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should I expect from a senior engineer reviewing this spec?
Goal: Onboard a new team member
Prompt:
A new team member starts in [DAYS]. Role: [TITLE].
Team context: [SIZE, FUNCTION].
Help me build a 30-60-90 day onboarding plan:
30 days: Learn
- 5 things to read
- 5 people to meet (with intro email drafts)
- 3 small wins to target
60 days: Contribute
- 3 deliverables to own
- 1 cross-functional relationship to build
- Feedback check-in agenda
90 days: Lead
- 1 initiative to lead
- Metrics for success
- Long-term growth conversation
Also: a 'first day' agenda and a 'first week' checklist.
Tip: The first 2 weeks set the tone for the next 2 years. Invest disproportionate time in onboarding.
Follow-up: Help me write a Slack message to the team announcing the new hire.
Goal: Make a decision under uncertainty
Prompt:
I need to decide between:
Option A: [DESCRIBE]
- Pros: [LIST]
- Cons: [LIST]
- Cost: [DETAILS]
- Probability of success: [ESTIMATE]
Option B: [DESCRIBE]
- Pros: [LIST]
- Cons: [LIST]
- Cost: [DETAILS]
- Probability of success: [ESTIMATE]
Help me:
1. Frame the decision clearly (what are we really deciding?)
2. Identify what info I'm missing
3. Apply a simple decision framework (cost-benefit, expected value, etc.)
4. Identify the reversibility of each option
5. Identify what would make me regret each choice
6. Make a recommendation
Then tell me what I'm probably overthinking.
Tip: Reversible decisions should be made fast; irreversible decisions should be made slowly. Most decisions are more reversible than they feel.
Follow-up: What's the smallest experiment I could run before fully committing?
Goal: Write a resignation letter
Prompt:
I'm resigning from my role as [TITLE] at [COMPANY].
Last day will be: [DATE — usually 2 weeks from now].
Reason (optional to share): [DESCRIBE OR 'PERSONAL']
Tone I want: [WARM/NEUTRAL/BRIEF]
Write a resignation letter with:
1. Clear statement of resignation and last day
2. Brief thanks (1-2 sentences)
3. Offer to help with transition
4. No negativity, no explaining why
Under 150 words. Then give me a Slack message version to send to close colleagues.
Tip: Resign with grace. The professional world is small — you'll cross paths with these people again.
Follow-up: Help me write a 1-on-1 script for telling my manager before I send the letter.
Goal: Ask for feedback on my work
Prompt:
I want feedback on [WORK PRODUCT] from [STAKEHOLDER].
My goals for this feedback:
- [GOAL 1, e.g., 'is the argument convincing?']
- [GOAL 2, e.g., 'is the tone appropriate?']
Draft a feedback request email that:
1. Is specific about what I want feedback on
2. Asks 3-5 specific questions (not 'any thoughts?')
3. Gives a deadline (1 week max)
4. Makes it easy to say no
5. Offers to reciprocate
Then suggest 5 specific feedback questions I could ask.
Tip: Specific questions get specific feedback. 'Any thoughts?' gets silence or generic praise.
Follow-up: How should I follow up if they don't respond in 5 days?
Goal: Manage up to a busy executive
Prompt:
I need to communicate [ISSUE/UPDATE] to [EXECUTIVE NAME/TITLE].
They are: extremely busy, decisive, prefer data over narrative.
I have: [TIME — e.g., '15 minutes in their next 1:1' or 'an email they'll skim in 30 seconds']
Help me:
1. Distill the issue to a 1-sentence BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)
2. Identify the 3 things they need to know
3. Identify what I want from them (decision? advice? awareness only?)
4. Suggest a format (email? doc? verbal?)
5. Draft the communication in that format
6. Anticipate 3 questions they'll ask
Tip: Executives' time is the scarcest resource in any company. Treat it like gold — every interaction should have a clear ask.
Follow-up: What 3 numbers should I have memorized before this conversation?
Goal: Write a meeting agenda that doesn't waste time
Prompt:
I'm hosting a [DURATION] meeting on [TOPIC] for [N] people.
Meeting type: [DECISION/BRAINSTORM/UPDATE/PLANNING]
Desired outcome: [SPECIFIC RESULT]
Create an agenda with:
- Pre-read to send 24h before (what it should contain)
- Time-blocked agenda (every minute accounted for)
- Decision points clearly marked
- Discussion vs reporting segments separated
- Owner for each agenda item
- 'Parking lot' process for off-topic items
- Last 5 minutes for action items recap
Then tell me what NOT to include.
Tip: If you can't write the desired outcome in 1 sentence, you don't need a meeting — you need to think more.
Follow-up: Help me write a Slack reminder to send 1 hour before the meeting.
Goal: Build a personal knowledge management system
Prompt:
I'm overwhelmed by information. I want a system to capture, organize,
and retrieve knowledge for my work.
My context:
- Role: [TITLE]
- Tools I already use: [LIST]
- Main knowledge sources: [LIST]
- Pain points: [LIST]
Help me design:
1. A capture system (where new info goes immediately)
2. An organization system (how to tag/categorize)
3. A review system (weekly/monthly)
4. A retrieval system (how to find things later)
5. A maintenance system (how to keep it from rotting)
Recommend 1 simple tool stack (not 10 tools).
Tip: The best system is the one you'll actually use. A simple system you maintain beats a perfect system you abandon.
Follow-up: What's a 5-minute daily habit that would make this system work?
Goal: Network without being awkward
Prompt:
I want to reach out to [PERSON] who [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'works at a company I'm interested in' or 'has a role I want to learn about'].
Context: [HOW I FOUND THEM / WHY I'M REACHING OUT]
My goal: [INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW / MENTORSHIP / JOB LEAD]
Help me write:
1. A cold outreach email (under 100 words, with a clear ask)
2. 5 questions to ask if they say yes
3. How to end the conversation gracefully
4. A follow-up email template (for 24h after)
5. A 3-month check-in template
Tone: warm, specific, not transactional.
Tip: People help people they remember. Send a specific compliment or reference to their work — it shows you actually looked.
Follow-up: What should I NOT ask in an informational interview?
Goal: Prepare for a difficult conversation
Prompt:
I need to have a difficult conversation with [PERSON] about [TOPIC].
My role: [DESCRIBE]
Their role: [DESCRIBE]
History: [BRIEF CONTEXT]
My goal: [WHAT I WANT]
Their likely goal: [WHAT THEY WANT]
Best case: [DESCRIBE]
Worst case: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Plan the opening (30 seconds, non-confrontational)
2. Identify 3 things I want to say, in order
3. Identify 3 things I should NOT say
4. Anticipate 3 responses, with my reply to each
5. Identify my walk-away point
6. Plan the closing (mutual next steps)
Then role-play the conversation with me.
Tip: Difficult conversations go better when you've rehearsed. The words matter less than your calm, specific delivery.
Follow-up: What 1 thing should I do after this conversation to maintain the relationship?
Goal: Build a personal brand on LinkedIn
Prompt:
I want to build my professional presence on LinkedIn.
My role: [TITLE]
Expertise: [LIST 3 AREAS]
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Goals: [CAREER GROWTH / THOUGHT LEADERSHIP / CLIENT ACQUISITION]
Time commitment: [HOURS/WEEK]
Help me:
1. Rewrite my LinkedIn headline (under 220 chars)
2. Rewrite my LinkedIn about section (3 paragraphs)
3. Suggest 5 post ideas for the next 2 weeks
4. Identify 10 accounts I should engage with
5. Create a weekly LinkedIn routine (15 min/day)
6. Suggest 1 'pillar' content piece per month (longer post, article, or video)
Tip: Consistency beats virality. Posting once a week for a year beats posting daily for 2 weeks then burning out.
Follow-up: Help me write my first post — a 'why I'm starting to write here' introduction.
Goal: Plan my career path
Prompt:
I'm in role: [TITLE] at [COMPANY/INDUSTRY].
Years of experience: [N].
Current salary: $[AMOUNT].
Where I want to be in 5 years:
- Role: [TARGET ROLE]
- Industry: [TARGET INDUSTRY]
- Compensation: $[TARGET]
- Lifestyle: [DESCRIBE — remote? travel? hours?]
Help me:
1. Identify 2-3 realistic paths to get there
2. For each path: skills to build, experiences to seek, people to meet
3. Identify skills I'm missing
4. Suggest 1 role/industry pivot to consider
5. Suggest 1 thing to STOP doing
6. Create a 12-month action plan with quarterly milestones
Tip: Careers are built over decades, not months. Optimize for learning and network — compensation follows.
Follow-up: What 2 books and 2 communities should I engage with this year?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 22 prompts
18 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Find relevant literature
Prompt:
I'm researching [TOPIC]. Help me find relevant literature.
My research question: [DESCRIBE]
Discipline: [DESCRIBE]
My level: [UNDERGRAD / GRAD / POSTDOC / FACULTY]
Time period of interest: [DESCRIBE OR 'ANY']
Suggest:
1. 5-10 seminal papers I should read first (with rationale for each)
2. 3-5 recent (last 2 years) papers
3. 2-3 key journals/conferences in this area
4. 3-5 search terms I should use (beyond obvious ones)
5. 2-3 'adjacent' fields I should check
6. Authors who repeatedly publish in this area
7. Important controversies or debates
Note: I will verify all citations — please flag any you're uncertain about.
Tip: AI can hallucinate citations. ALWAYS verify every paper exists and the claims attributed to it are accurate.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should I ask in my literature review?
Goal: Summarize a research paper
Prompt:
Summarize this paper for [AUDIENCE — peers / students / general].
[PASTE ABSTRACT OR UPLOAD PDF]
Provide:
1. One-sentence summary (the contribution)
2. Research question
3. Method (1 paragraph)
4. Key findings (3-5 bullets)
5. Limitations acknowledged by authors
6. Limitations NOT acknowledged (your critique)
7. Implications for [MY RESEARCH/FIELD]
8. 3 questions this paper raises
9. 3 papers I should read next
Honest assessment: is this paper's contribution significant?
Tip: Reading the abstract is not enough. Read the method section — that's where weaknesses hide.
Follow-up: What's the one experiment that would convince me this paper is wrong?
Goal: Write a literature review
Prompt:
I'm writing a literature review on [TOPIC].
My thesis: [DESCRIBE — what argument am I making?]
Key papers: [LIST 5-10]
Length: [WORDS]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Help me structure the review:
1. Organization (chronological? thematic? methodological?)
2. Section outline (3-5 sections)
3. For each section: which papers, what argument
4. Synthesis (what's the pattern across papers?)
5. Gaps in the literature (what's missing?)
6. My contribution (how my work fits)
7. Transitions between sections
Then help me write the opening paragraph.
Tip: A literature review is not a summary of papers — it's an argument built on papers. Know your argument first.
Follow-up: What 3 papers disagree with my thesis? I need to address them.
Goal: Design an experiment
Prompt:
I'm designing an experiment to test [HYPOTHESIS].
Hypothesis: [DESCRIBE]
Field: [DESCRIBE]
Available resources: [DESCRIBE — equipment, time, budget]
Sample availability: [DESCRIBE]
Help me design:
1. Experimental design (RCT? quasi-experimental? observational?)
2. Independent variable(s) and how to manipulate
3. Dependent variable(s) and how to measure
4. Control variables
5. Sample size (with power analysis approach)
6. Randomization procedure
7. Blinding (single? double?)
8. Statistical analysis plan
9. Potential confounds
10. Ethical considerations
Also: what's the strongest possible version of this experiment?
Tip: Pre-register your analysis plan. Otherwise, you'll be tempted to p-hack when results are ambiguous.
Follow-up: What's a cheaper version of this experiment that would give me 80% of the insight?
Goal: Analyze qualitative data
Prompt:
I have qualitative data from [SOURCE — interviews, focus groups, observations].
Research question: [DESCRIBE]
Sample: [DESCRIBE — N, demographics]
Data format: [TRANSCRIPTS / NOTES / AUDIO]
Help me:
1. Choose an analysis approach (thematic? grounded theory? IPA?)
2. Plan a coding strategy (deductive? inductive? hybrid?)
3. Suggest an initial codebook (5-10 codes)
4. Plan inter-coder reliability (if applicable)
5. Identify 3 themes likely to emerge
6. Suggest software (NVivo, ATLAS.ti, Dedoose, manual)
7. Plan how to write up findings
8. Identify validity threats and mitigations
Tip: Qualitative research is most rigorous when you document every analytical decision. Audit trail > polish.
Follow-up: What's the most surprising finding I should look for?
Goal: Write a research question
Prompt:
I'm developing a research question for [PROJECT — thesis, paper, grant].
Broad area: [DESCRIBE]
My interest: [DESCRIBE]
My constraints: [DESCRIBE — time, resources, access]
My level: [UNDERGRAD / GRAD / POSTDOC]
Help me refine:
1. Identify 5 candidate research questions
2. For each: test for FINER (Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, Relevant)
3. Identify which is strongest and why
4. Sharpen the chosen question (specificity, measurability)
5. Identify the type of question (descriptive, explanatory, evaluative)
6. Identify what data I'd need
7. Suggest 2 alternative phrasings
Then help me write a 1-paragraph justification.
Tip: A weak research question dooms the project. Spend disproportionate time here — it's the foundation.
Follow-up: What's the simplest version of this question I could answer in 6 months?
Goal: Plan a survey
Prompt:
I'm designing a survey on [TOPIC].
Population: [DESCRIBE]
Sample size: [N OR 'HELP ME DECIDE']
Mode: [ONLINE / PHONE / IN-PERSON]
Length: [N QUESTIONS / N MINUTES]
Goal: [DESCRIBE — what decision will this inform?]
Help me:
1. Identify 5-7 key constructs to measure
2. Suggest validated scales for each (don't reinvent)
3. Order questions (warm-up → main → demographics → sensitive last)
4. Write 3 sample questions per construct
5. Identify question types (Likert, multiple choice, open-ended)
6. Plan attention checks (for online surveys)
7. Pilot test plan
8. Sample size justification
9. Analysis plan
Tip: Use validated scales whenever possible. Self-written questions often fail to measure what you think they measure.
Follow-up: What 3 questions should I cut to reduce survey length?
Goal: Run a statistical analysis
Prompt:
I have data and need to analyze it.
Research question: [DESCRIBE]
Hypothesis: [DESCRIBE]
Data: [DESCRIBE — N observations, variables, format]
Software: [R / PYTHON / SPSS / STATA]
Help me:
1. Identify the appropriate statistical test (with rationale)
2. Check assumptions (normality, homogeneity, independence)
3. Write the analysis code (R or Python)
4. Interpret typical output (what to look for)
5. Calculate effect size (not just p-value)
6. Plan robustness checks
7. Plan visualization
8. Identify what could go wrong
Note: I will verify all statistical decisions with a statistician.
Tip: P-values are necessary but not sufficient. Always report effect sizes and confidence intervals.
Follow-up: What's the weakest assumption in my analysis, and how could I test it?
Goal: Write an abstract
Prompt:
Write an abstract for [PAPER/POSTER/TALK].
Format: [STRUCTURED / UNSTRUCTURED]
Length: [WORDS — typically 150-250]
Paper details:
- Background: [DESCRIBE]
- Methods: [DESCRIBE]
- Results: [DESCRIBE — include key numbers]
- Conclusion: [DESCRIBE]
Write 3 versions:
1. Structured (Background/Methods/Results/Conclusions headers)
2. Unstructured narrative
3. Lay summary (for general audience)
For each: under [WORD LIMIT], specific, no jargon in version 3.
Then identify the strongest version for [TARGET VENUE].
Tip: The abstract is the only part many people read. Spend disproportionate time on it.
Follow-up: Help me write the title to match this abstract.
Goal: Respond to peer review
Prompt:
I got peer reviews back. Help me respond.
Reviewer comments:
[PASTE COMMENTS]
My paper: [DESCRIBE — what was the main contribution?]
My stance on each comment: [DESCRIBE — agree/disagree/partially]
Help me structure the response:
1. General thank-you to reviewers
2. Point-by-point response (for each comment):
- Quote the comment
- Acknowledge what's valid
- Describe what we changed (with page/line numbers)
- Politely push back where appropriate (with evidence)
3. Summary of all changes
Tone: grateful, specific, not defensive. Even when reviewers are wrong.
Tip: Reviewers are usually right about the problem, even if their solution is wrong. Acknowledge the problem, propose your own fix.
Follow-up: How do I handle a reviewer who clearly didn't read the paper?
Goal: Write a grant proposal
Prompt:
I'm applying for [GRANT] from [FUNDER].
Research topic: [DESCRIBE]
Funding amount: $[AMOUNT]
Duration: [MONTHS/YEARS]
My role: [PI / CO-I / POSTDOC]
Help me structure the proposal:
1. Specific aims (1 page — 2-3 aims, each with hypothesis)
2. Background and significance (2 pages)
3. Preliminary data (1-2 pages)
4. Research design and methods (3-5 pages)
5. Timeline (Gantt chart description)
6. Budget justification
7. Broader impacts
8. Dissemination plan
For each section: what reviewers look for, common pitfalls, and
a sample paragraph in my voice.
Tip: Grant writing is a different skill from paper writing. Reviewers have 20 proposals to read — clarity beats depth.
Follow-up: What 3 things would make a reviewer reject this proposal?
Goal: Synthesize conflicting findings
Prompt:
I'm reading literature on [TOPIC] and findings conflict.
Studies finding [FINDING A]:
- [LIST 3-5 STUDIES]
Studies finding [FINDING B]:
- [LIST 3-5 STUDIES]
Help me:
1. Identify methodological differences that might explain conflict
2. Identify sample/population differences
3. Identify measurement differences
4. Identify contextual/temporal factors
5. Suggest moderators (what conditions flip the result?)
6. Identify what study would resolve the conflict
7. Suggest how I should write about this in my lit review
Avoid false balance — if one side has stronger evidence, say so.
Tip: Conflicting findings are where the most interesting research questions live. Don't paper over the conflict — dig into it.
Follow-up: What's the meta-analysis I should run if I had the data?
Goal: Write a methodology section
Prompt:
I'm writing the methodology section for [PAPER/THESIS].
Research design: [DESCRIBE]
Sample: [DESCRIBE — N, demographics, how recruited]
Data collection: [DESCRIBE]
Analysis: [DESCRIBE]
Help me structure the methodology:
1. Research design (rationale for choice)
2. Participants (sampling, recruitment, demographics)
3. Materials/measures (with validation info)
4. Procedure (step-by-step, replicable)
5. Analysis plan (statistical tests, software)
6. Ethical considerations (IRB, consent)
7. Reproducibility (data/code availability)
Write each section with enough detail that another researcher
could replicate the study.
Tip: Methodology is where reviewers look for weaknesses. Be brutally specific — vague methods invite rejection.
Follow-up: What 3 things would a skeptic question about my methodology?
Goal: Plan a research interview
Prompt:
I'm conducting a research interview with [TYPE OF PARTICIPANT] about [TOPIC].
Research question: [DESCRIBE]
Interview type: [STRUCTURED / SEMI-STRUCTURED / UNSTRUCTURED]
Duration: [MINUTES]
Help me:
1. Write the interview guide (under [N] main questions)
2. Order questions (warm-up → main → sensitive → closing)
3. Write probes for each main question
4. Identify what NOT to ask (leading, double-barreled)
5. Plan consent process
6. Plan recording and transcription
7. Plan field notes
8. Plan member checking (sharing findings with participant)
For semi-structured: include the main questions, but note that
follow-ups will be flexible.
Tip: Pilot the interview with a colleague first. You'll find 3 questions that don't work.
Follow-up: What's the one question I most want answered, and how do I make sure to get to it?
Goal: Choose a research method
Prompt:
I'm deciding on a research method for [PROJECT].
Research question: [DESCRIBE]
Epistemological stance: [DESCRIBE OR 'NOT SURE']
Available time: [DURATION]
Available resources: [DESCRIBE]
My skills: [DESCRIBE]
Compare these methods for my question:
1. Quantitative survey
2. Qualitative interviews
3. Ethnography/observation
4. Experiment
5. Mixed methods
6. Case study
7. Document/archival analysis
8. Meta-analysis
For each: what it would tell me, what it wouldn't, time/cost, skill required.
Then recommend one with rationale.
Tip: Method choice should follow the research question, not the other way around. Don't pick a method because you're comfortable with it.
Follow-up: What's the smallest study that would actually answer my question?
Goal: Write a thesis chapter
Prompt:
I'm writing [CHAPTER] of my [UNDERGRAD / MASTERS / PHD] thesis.
Chapter purpose: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'lit review', 'methodology', 'results']
Length: [WORDS]
My field: [DESCRIBE]
My supervisor's preferences: [DESCRIBE]
Help me:
1. Outline the chapter (sections and sub-sections)
2. For each section: word count target, key argument, sources
3. Write the opening paragraph
4. Write the closing paragraph (transition to next chapter)
5. Identify what to cut if I'm over length
6. Identify what's missing
7. Plan figures/tables
Then write a 1-paragraph summary of the chapter for my supervisor.
Tip: Thesis chapters are longer than journal articles but follow the same logic: argument → evidence → synthesis.
Follow-up: What 3 questions will my committee ask about this chapter?
Goal: Plan data management
Prompt:
I need a data management plan for [PROJECT].
Funder: [DESCRIBE — many require DMPs]
Data types: [DESCRIBE — surveys, interviews, sensors, etc.]
Data volume: [DESCRIBE]
Sensitive data? [YES/NO — describe]
Help me write a DMP covering:
1. Data collection (what, how much, formats)
2. Data organization (file naming, folder structure)
3. Documentation (metadata standards, codebook)
4. Storage and backup (where, how often, redundant?)
5. Security (access controls, encryption)
6. Privacy and ethics (consent, anonymization)
7. Preservation (long-term storage, formats)
8. Sharing (when, where, under what license)
9. Roles and responsibilities
10. Budget for data management
Tip: A DMP isn't bureaucracy — it's a gift to your future self. Following it saves months of pain later.
Follow-up: What 3 things will I regret in 2 years if I don't plan now?
Goal: Write a conference presentation
Prompt:
I'm presenting at [CONFERENCE]. Format: [TALK / POSTER].
Duration: [MINUTES — typically 15-20 for talks]
Audience: [DESCRIBE — specialist / generalist]
My paper: [DESCRIBE — what's the contribution?]
Help me structure the talk:
1. Title slide
2. Hook (1 slide — why care?)
3. Background (2 slides — minimal, audience knows basics)
4. Research question (1 slide — crystal clear)
5. Method (2-3 slides — focus on what's novel)
6. Results (3-5 slides — visuals, not text)
7. Discussion (1-2 slides — what does it mean?)
8. Limitations (1 slide — builds credibility)
9. Conclusion + future work (1 slide)
10. Q&A prep (anticipate 5 questions)
For each slide: title, key visual, what I'll say (1-2 sentences).
Pacing: 1 slide per minute.
Tip: Audiences remember 3 things from a talk. Choose which 3 they'll remember — don't leave it to chance.
Follow-up: Help me design the title slide to grab attention in the first 5 seconds.
Goal: Cite sources correctly
Prompt:
Help me cite these sources in [APA/MLA/CHICAGO/HARVARD/VANCOUVER] style.
Sources:
- [SOURCE 1 — author, title, journal, year, volume, pages]
- [SOURCE 2 — author, title, book, publisher, year]
- [SOURCE 3 — author, title, website, URL, date accessed]
- [SOURCE 4 — author, title, conference, year, location]
For each:
1. In-text citation (and alternative for narrative vs parenthetical)
2. Full reference list entry
3. Format quirks (multiple authors, edited volume, etc.)
Also: how to cite [SPECIFIC TRICKY SOURCE — e.g., 'a tweet', 'a podcast',
'an AI tool'].
Tip: Citation managers (Zotero, Mendeley) handle most cases automatically. Use them — manual citation is error-prone.
Follow-up: What's the most common citation mistake in my discipline?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 18 prompts
25 copy-paste prompts for school, college, and university students.
Goal: Get a complex topic explained at your level.
Prompt:
I am a [GRADE LEVEL] student studying [TOPIC]. I'm stuck on
[SPECIFIC CONCEPT]. Explain it to me in 3 ways:
1. Like I'm 10 years old
2. Like I'm 15 years old
3. Like I'm a college student
Then give me a real-world example I would actually see in my daily life.
Tip: Replace [GRADE LEVEL] and [TOPIC] precisely. The 3-tier explanation forces the AI to find the simplest possible framing.
Follow-up: "Now quiz me with 5 questions, starting easy and getting harder."
Goal: Create a custom practice quiz before an exam.
Prompt:
I have an exam on [SUBJECT] in [DAYS] days. The topics are:
- [TOPIC 1]
- [TOPIC 2]
- [TOPIC 3]
Generate 10 practice questions: 4 easy recall, 4 medium application,
2 hard analysis. Don't give me the answers yet — I'll try first,
then ask you to grade me.
Tip: Holding back the answers forces active recall, the most evidence-backed study technique.
Follow-up: "Here are my answers: [paste]. Grade each one, explain what I got wrong, and give me 2 more questions on my weakest topic."
Goal: Turn a 40-page chapter into a 1-page study sheet.
Prompt:
[PASTE CHAPTER TEXT — or upload the PDF]
Create a study sheet with:
- 5 key terms with definitions
- 3 main ideas in one sentence each
- 2 common exam questions on this material
- 1 mnemonic to remember the key terms
- 1 real-world example that ties it all together
Tip: If using ChatGPT Plus, Claude, or Gemini, upload the PDF directly. For free ChatGPT, paste text in chunks under 2000 words.
Follow-up: "Now make a 10-question multiple choice quiz from this material."
Goal: Get specific, actionable feedback on a draft.
Prompt:
Here is my essay draft for [CLASS]. The assignment was:
"[ORIGINAL ASSIGNMENT]"
My draft:
[PASTE DRAFT]
Give me feedback in this exact format:
1. Strengths (3 specific things I did well)
2. Weaknesses (3 specific things to fix, with the line numbers)
3. Structural suggestions (reorder? cut? expand?)
4. One example of how you would rewrite my weakest paragraph
Do NOT rewrite the whole essay. I want to learn, not have it done for me.
Tip: The "don't rewrite it for me" line is critical — without it, AI will hand you a finished essay that teaches you nothing.
Follow-up: "Now suggest 3 specific edits to my introduction."
Goal: Plan exam prep across multiple subjects.
Prompt:
I have these exams coming up:
- [SUBJECT 1] in [DAYS] days — I'm at [CONFIDENCE 1-10]
- [SUBJECT 2] in [DAYS] days — I'm at [CONFIDENCE 1-10]
- [SUBJECT 3] in [DAYS] days — I'm at [CONFIDENCE 1-10]
I can study [HOURS] hours per day, [DAYS] days per week.
I learn best by [READING / DOING / WATCHING / MIX].
Build me a day-by-day study schedule that:
- Front-loads my weakest subject
- Includes active recall (quizzing) every day
- Includes one full practice exam per subject
- Includes rest days
Output as a table.
Tip: Be honest about confidence levels — AI will allocate time accordingly.
Follow-up: "Today is [DAY]. What exactly should I study in the next 2 hours?"
Goal: Convert lecture audio or rough notes into structured notes.
Prompt:
Below are my rough notes from a lecture on [TOPIC]. Please restructure them:
[PASTE ROUGH NOTES]
Output as:
- Main topic and 3 sub-topics
- Key definitions (with the term bolded)
- 5 most important points
- 2 questions I should ask the professor
- 1 connection to a previous lecture
Tip: If you have an audio recording, transcribe it first with Otter.ai or Whisper, then paste the transcript.
Follow-up: "Now create 5 flashcards from this material, in a Q&A format."
Goal: Understand the method, not just get the answer.
Prompt:
I'm stuck on this math problem:
[PROBLEM]
I'm in [GRADE/COURSE]. Don't just give me the answer — walk me through
the solution step by step, explaining the reasoning at each step.
After you solve it, give me 2 similar practice problems with answers
hidden, so I can try myself.
Tip: Ask AI to "use Python" if the calculation is complex — modern ChatGPT/Claude can execute code.
Follow-up: "I got [different answer]. Where did I go wrong?"
Goal: Memorize new words with mnemonics.
Prompt:
Help me learn these [LANGUAGE] vocabulary words:
[WORD 1]
[WORD 2]
[WORD 3]
...
For each word:
1. Definition in plain English
2. Pronunciation guide
3. Etymology (where the word comes from — helps memory)
4. A mnemonic connecting the word to its meaning
5. Example sentence using the word
Then give me a 5-question quiz at the end.
Tip: Etymology is a powerful memory anchor — words make more sense when you know their origin.
Follow-up: "Now use all these words in a short story."
Goal: Structure and practice a class presentation.
Prompt:
I have a [DURATION]-minute class presentation on [TOPIC] for [CLASS/AUDIENCE].
My current knowledge level is [BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED].
Help me:
1. Outline the presentation (intro, 3 main points, conclusion)
2. Suggest a memorable opening line
3. Suggest a memorable closing line
4. Give me 3 questions the audience might ask, with suggested answers
5. Tell me what to cut if I run out of time
Tip: Practice out loud at least 3 times. AI can also role-play as your audience.
Follow-up: "Role-play as a skeptical classmate. Ask me tough questions about my presentation."
Goal: Structure a science lab report properly.
Prompt:
I need to write a lab report for [EXPERIMENT]. Here are my notes:
[PASTE NOTES]
Structure the report as:
1. Title and objective
2. Hypothesis
3. Materials and methods
4. Data (table format)
5. Analysis
6. Sources of error
7. Conclusion
Use formal scientific tone. Suggest 2 improvements to my method.
Tip: Be honest about sources of error — graders respect intellectual honesty more than perfect results.
Follow-up: "What additional experiment would strengthen my conclusion?"
Goal: Understand history through comparison.
Prompt:
Compare [EVENT A] and [EVENT B]. Create a table with these rows:
- Causes
- Key figures
- Duration
- Major turning points
- Outcomes
- Long-term impact
- Historiographical debate
Then give me a 3-sentence thesis I could defend in an essay.
Tip: "Historiographical debate" means how historians disagree about interpretation — this impresses graders.
Follow-up: "What primary sources should I read to deepen my understanding?"
Goal: Get past surface-level reading.
Prompt:
Here is a poem/passage I'm studying:
[PASTE TEXT]
Please:
1. Identify the form (sonnet, free verse, prose, etc.)
2. Paraphrase it line by line in plain language
3. Identify literary devices used (metaphor, imagery, alliteration, etc.) with examples
4. Discuss the theme in 2 paragraphs
5. Give me 3 essay prompts this text could answer
Tip: Always read the text yourself first, then use AI to deepen — not replace — your reading.
Follow-up: "What's a counter-interpretation of this poem that a critic might argue?"
Goal: Structure a research paper before writing.
Prompt:
I'm writing a research paper on [TOPIC] for [CLASS].
My tentative thesis is: [THESIS]
Length: [WORDS] words.
Help me:
1. Refine my thesis to be more specific and arguable
2. Outline the paper (introduction, 3-5 body sections, conclusion)
3. For each body section, give me 2-3 sub-points
4. Suggest 5 keywords I should search for in academic databases
5. Identify 2 potential counter-arguments I should address
Tip: A weak thesis is the #1 reason research papers get low grades. Spend extra time on step 1.
Follow-up: "Suggest a specific primary source for each body section."
Goal: Run a group project without the usual chaos.
Prompt:
I'm in a group project with [N] people. Our topic is [TOPIC].
We have [DAYS] until the deadline. One member is [DIFFICULT BEHAVIOR].
Help me:
1. Divide the work into [N] clear roles
2. Suggest a project timeline with milestones
3. Write a friendly but firm message to the difficult member
4. Suggest a fair peer-evaluation rubric
5. Plan a contingency if one member drops out
Tip: Document everything in writing. AI can also draft the "accountability message" you've been avoiding.
Follow-up: "Draft a 3-line Slack message reminding everyone of our next milestone."
Goal: Stand out in a competitive application.
Prompt:
I'm applying for the [SCHOLARSHIP NAME]. The prompt is:
"[PROMPT]"
About me:
- Background: [BRIEF BIO]
- Achievement: [KEY ACHIEVEMENT]
- Challenge: [OBSTACLE OVERCOME]
- Goal: [FUTURE GOAL]
Help me:
1. Find a unique angle that avoids clichés (overcoming hardship, wanting to help people, etc.)
2. Write a compelling 250-word opening
3. Suggest 3 structures for the full essay
4. Identify what to cut
5. Give me a final polishing checklist
Tip: Scholarship readers see thousands of "I want to help people" essays. Specificity wins.
Follow-up: "Read this draft and tell me which 2 sentences to cut for impact."
Goal: Understand code, not just copy-paste it.
Prompt:
I'm learning [PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE] and stuck on [CONCEPT].
My current code:
[PASTE CODE]
Please:
1. Explain the concept in plain English (no jargon)
2. Point out what's wrong with my code
3. Show me the corrected code with comments explaining each line
4. Give me 2 simple exercises to practice
5. Tell me the most common mistake beginners make here
Tip: Type out the corrected code yourself, don't copy-paste. Muscle memory matters in programming.
Follow-up: "Give me a harder exercise that builds on this concept."
Goal: Understand a text in a language you're learning.
Prompt:
Here is a text in [LANGUAGE]:
[PASTE TEXT]
Please:
1. Translate it to English literally (word for word)
2. Translate it naturally (how a native speaker would say it)
3. Identify grammar points I should learn from this text
4. List 5 vocabulary words with definitions and example sentences
5. Suggest 1 follow-up exercise to practice this grammar
Tip: Literal vs. natural translation shows you the language's structure, which accelerates learning.
Follow-up: "Write a 100-word response in [LANGUAGE] I could send back."
Goal: Find a project that's actually feasible.
Prompt:
I need a science fair project. Constraints:
- Grade level: [GRADE]
- Budget: $[AMOUNT]
- Time: [DAYS] until fair
- Materials I have access to: [LIST]
- My interests: [SUBJECTS]
Suggest 3 project ideas:
1. A safe, well-understood project (low risk)
2. A creative project (medium risk, more interesting)
3. An ambitious project (higher risk, high reward)
For each: hypothesis, materials list, method outline, expected result.
Tip: Choose the medium-risk project — safe projects bore judges, ambitious projects often fail.
Follow-up: "Help me write a 1-paragraph abstract for project #2."
Goal: Format citations without losing your mind.
Prompt:
Format these sources in [APA/MLA/CHICAGO/HARVARD] style:
Source 1: [AUTHOR, TITLE, PUBLISHER, YEAR, URL]
Source 2: [AUTHOR, TITLE, JOURNAL, VOLUME, ISSUE, PAGES, YEAR]
Source 3: [AUTHOR, TITLE, WEBSITE, DATE ACCESSED, URL]
Also create the in-text citation for each. Then show me how each
appears in a bibliography/works cited page.
Tip: Always verify citations against your school's official style guide. AI makes small formatting errors.
Follow-up: "How do I cite a YouTube video in this style?"
Goal: Use AI to feel calmer and more prepared.
Prompt:
I have a big exam in [DAYS] days on [SUBJECT]. I'm feeling
[ANXIOUS/OVERWHELMED/UNPREPARED]. I've studied [AMOUNT] so far.
Help me:
1. Make a realistic, calm study plan for the remaining days
2. Identify the 5 most important topics to focus on (Pareto principle)
3. Suggest 3 evidence-based techniques to reduce test anxiety
4. Write me a 3-sentence confidence boost I can read on exam morning
5. Tell me what to do the night before and morning of the exam
Tip: AI is not a therapist, but it can help with practical anxiety management. For serious anxiety, talk to a counselor.
Follow-up: "Role-play as my exam proctor. Walk me through the first 5 minutes of the exam calmly."
Goal: Make a big decision with structure.
Prompt:
I'm deciding between these college majors:
1. [MAJOR 1]
2. [MAJOR 2]
3. [MAJOR 3]
About me:
- Subjects I enjoy: [LIST]
- Subjects I struggle with: [LIST]
- Career interests: [LIST]
- Values (money, impact, creativity, stability): [LIST]
For each major, give me:
- What I'd actually study
- Career paths it opens
- Career paths it closes
- 5-year outlook
- One question I should ask myself
Then suggest a decision framework.
Tip: Most students change majors at least once. Optimise for keeping doors open, not locking in early.
Follow-up: "What double-major or minor combinations make sense with my top choice?"
Goal: Build relationships that matter.
Prompt:
I want to send a thank-you email to my [SUBJECT] teacher, [NAME].
They specifically helped me by [SPECIFIC ACTION].
I'm in their [CLASS NAME] class.
Write a 100-word thank-you email that:
- Is specific (not "thanks for everything")
- Mentions what I learned from them
- Is professional but warm
- Doesn't ask for anything
Give me 2 versions: one slightly formal, one slightly casual.
Tip: Teachers remember specific thank-yous for years. This matters for recommendations.
Follow-up: "Now help me write a follow-up email asking for a letter of recommendation."
Goal: Find a topic you'll actually enjoy writing about.
Prompt:
I have an open-ended assignment for [CLASS]: [ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION].
Length: [WORDS] words.
About me:
- I'm interested in: [LIST 5 THINGS]
- I want to avoid: [LIST]
- I want the topic to be: [UNIQUE/SURPRISING/PERSONAL]
Suggest 7 topic ideas that:
- Are specific enough to cover in [WORDS] words
- Have an arguable thesis
- Aren't the topics everyone else will pick
- Connect to my interests
For each, give me a one-sentence potential thesis.
Tip: Graders read 30+ essays on the same prompt. A unique angle is half the battle.
Follow-up: "For topic #3, suggest 3 specific primary sources I could use."
Goal: See the structure of a topic visually.
Prompt:
Create a text-based mind map for the topic: [TOPIC].
Structure it as:
[CENTRAL TOPIC]
├── [MAIN BRANCH 1]
│ ├── [Sub-branch 1a]
│ ├── [Sub-branch 1b]
│ └── [Sub-branch 1c]
├── [MAIN BRANCH 2]
│ ├── [Sub-branch 2a]
│ └── [Sub-branch 2b]
└── [MAIN BRANCH 3]
Make it comprehensive enough to use as a study guide.
For each branch, add a one-line explanation.
Tip: Print the mind map and stick it on your wall while studying.
Follow-up: "Quiz me on 5 random branches of this map."
Goal: Consolidate learning through reflection.
Prompt:
This semester I studied:
- [COURSE 1]
- [COURSE 2]
- [COURSE 3]
Help me reflect on:
1. The 3 most valuable things I learned (one per course)
2. A skill I developed that I didn't have before
3. A mistake I made and what I learned from it
4. A topic I want to explore further
5. How this semester changed my thinking
Format as a journal entry I'll want to read again in 5 years.
Tip: Reflection is the most underused learning technique. 15 minutes of it beats 2 hours of re-reading notes.
Follow-up: "Based on this reflection, suggest 3 books to read this summer."
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 25 prompts
22 copy-paste prompts for teachers at any level — lesson planning, grading, parent communication, and professional development.
Goal: Structure a complete lesson with engagement built in.
Prompt:
I'm teaching [GRADE LEVEL] [SUBJECT]. Topic: [TOPIC].
Duration: 45 minutes. Class size: [N] students.
Create a lesson plan with:
- Learning objective (1 measurable outcome)
- Hook (3-minute opening to grab attention)
- Direct instruction (10 minutes)
- Guided practice (15 minutes)
- Independent practice (12 minutes)
- Closure (5 minutes)
- 2 differentiation strategies (for struggling and advanced students)
- 1 formative assessment I can do during the lesson
Tip: Specify your class size and student needs — AI tailors activities to realistic constraints.
Goal: Differentiate a lesson for diverse learners
Prompt:
Adapt this lesson plan for students with these needs:
- [SPECIFIC NEED 1, e.g., ADHD]
- [SPECIFIC NEED 2, e.g., visual impairment]
- [SPECIFIC NEED 3, e.g., ELL/English Language Learner]
Original lesson: [PASTE LESSON]
For each need, suggest:
1. A specific accommodation
2. A modified activity
3. A way to assess understanding that doesn't penalize the need
Tip: Reference your school's IEP/504 documentation for legally required accommodations — AI suggestions complement, not replace, those.
Follow-up: How can I help peers without these needs also benefit from these accommodations?
Goal: Create a rubric for an assignment
Prompt:
Create a rubric for [ASSIGNMENT TYPE] in [GRADE/SUBJECT].
Assignment: [DESCRIBE ASSIGNMENT]
Length/Scope: [DETAILS]
Format as a 4-level rubric (Exemplary / Proficient / Developing / Beginning)
with these criteria:
- Content understanding
- Organization
- Use of evidence
- Writing quality
- Creativity/originality
For each cell, write specific, observable descriptors
(not just 'good' or 'needs work').
Tip: Specific descriptors make grading faster and reduce student arguments. 'Cites 3+ relevant sources' beats 'uses evidence well'.
Follow-up: Now convert this rubric into a 1-page student-friendly self-assessment checklist.
Goal: Generate discussion questions
Prompt:
I'm teaching [TEXT/TOPIC] to [GRADE/SUBJECT]. Generate 15 discussion questions organized by Bloom's Taxonomy:
- 3 Remembering questions
- 3 Understanding questions
- 3 Applying questions
- 3 Analyzing questions
- 2 Evaluating questions
- 1 Creating question
For each, suggest a 'follow-up probe' to use if students give short answers.
Tip: Bloom's Taxonomy ensures you're not just asking recall questions. The top 3 levels (Analyze, Evaluate, Create) are where real learning happens.
Follow-up: Pick the 3 best questions and turn them into a Think-Pair-Share activity.
Goal: Write a parent newsletter
Prompt:
Write a monthly newsletter to parents of my [GRADE] [SUBJECT] class.
This month we covered: [TOPICS]
Next month we'll cover: [TOPICS]
Special events: [EVENTS]
Class celebration: [SPECIFIC WIN]
Format:
- Warm opening (2 sentences)
- 'What we learned' (bullet list, parent-friendly language)
- 'What's coming' (bullet list)
- 'How you can help at home' (3 specific, easy ideas)
- 'Celebration' (spotlight 1 student or class achievement)
- Warm closing
Tone: warm, professional, jargon-free.
Under 250 words.
Tip: Avoid educational jargon. Parents don't know what 'scaffolding' or 'formative assessment' means — translate to 'step-by-step support' and 'check-ins during learning'.
Follow-up: Now translate this newsletter into [LANGUAGE] for multilingual families.
Goal: Grade an essay with constructive feedback
Prompt:
Here is a student essay. The assignment was: [PROMPT].
Rubric: [PASTE OR DESCRIBE RUBRIC]
Essay:
[PASTE ESSAY]
Provide feedback in this format:
1. Two specific strengths (quote the student's words)
2. Two specific areas to improve (quote the student's words, suggest a fix)
3. One question to push their thinking
4. Suggested grade with justification
5. A 2-sentence note I can write at the end of the essay
Tone: warm, specific, growth-oriented. No vague praise like 'good job'.
Tip: Always lead with strengths. Students who feel seen are more open to critique.
Follow-up: Now write a 1-sentence comment for my grade book summarizing this student's overall progress.
Goal: Create a sub plan
Prompt:
I'll be absent [DATE]. Class: [GRADE] [SUBJECT].
Current unit: [TOPIC]. Sub's familiarity with subject: [LOW/MEDIUM/HIGH].
Create a sub plan with:
- Lesson summary (3 sentences for the sub)
- Step-by-step instructions (timing for each step)
- All materials needed (with where to find them in my classroom)
- 2 backup activities if main lesson finishes early
- Clear behavior expectations
- What to collect at end of class
- How to reach me (or not) during the day
Tip: Subs appreciate over-preparation. When in doubt, write more detail, not less.
Follow-up: Help me write a 3-line note to the sub thanking them and asking for a quick report on how the day went.
Goal: Make a complex topic age-appropriate
Prompt:
I need to teach [COMPLEX TOPIC] to [GRADE LEVEL] students.
The topic is complex because: [WHY IT'S HARD]
My students are familiar with: [PRIOR KNOWLEDGE]
Help me:
1. Find an age-appropriate analogy they'll relate to
2. Identify the 3 core ideas they MUST understand
3. Identify what to leave out (too complex for now)
4. Suggest a hands-on activity that makes it concrete
5. Predict 2 misconceptions they'll have, with corrections
Tip: Saying less is better than saying more. Three ideas deeply understood beats ten ideas shallowly mentioned.
Follow-up: Give me a 2-sentence explanation I can write on the board as our 'big idea' for the lesson.
Goal: Build a formative assessment
Prompt:
I'm teaching [TOPIC] to [GRADE]. I need a quick formative assessment
I can use MID-LESSON (under 5 minutes) to check if students are getting it.
Constraints:
- No grading required
- Works for class size of [N]
- Students of varying ability levels
Suggest 5 different formative assessment ideas. For each:
- What it is
- How to set it up (under 2 minutes)
- How to execute (under 3 minutes)
- What to look for in responses
- What to do if responses show confusion
Tip: Formative assessments are for learning, not of learning. The point is to adjust your teaching, not to grade.
Follow-up: Pick the best one and turn it into a 1-page printable I can hand out.
Goal: Write a letter of recommendation
Prompt:
I'm writing a letter of recommendation for [STUDENT NAME],
a [GRADE LEVEL] student in my [SUBJECT] class.
About the student:
- Performance in my class: [DETAILS]
- Specific project/assignment they excelled at: [DETAILS]
- Personal qualities: [LIST]
- Outside-of-class context I know: [DETAILS]
- What they're applying for: [COLLEGE/SCHOLARSHIP/JOB]
Write a 350-word letter that:
- Opens with a specific, memorable anecdote
- Backs every claim with evidence
- Avoids clichés ('hardworking', 'passionate')
- Distinguishes this student from peers
- Closes with a confident endorsement
Tip: Specific anecdotes beat generic praise. One story about the student's behavior is worth 10 adjectives.
Follow-up: Suggest 3 questions I should ask the student to help me write a stronger letter.
Goal: Manage a difficult student conversation
Prompt:
I need to talk to a student who [DESCRIBE BEHAVIOR].
This is the [FIRST/SECOND/THIRD] time I'm addressing this.
My goal is [WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE].
Help me:
1. Plan the opening (1-2 sentences, non-confrontational)
2. List 3 questions to ask the student (open-ended, not leading)
3. Anticipate 3 responses they might give, with my reply to each
4. Identify what I should NOT say
5. Plan a closing that leaves the door open
Tone: firm, warm, curious (not accusatory).
Tip: Private conversations beat public corrections every time. Pull them aside after class, not during.
Follow-up: Role-play this conversation with me. You be the student, I'll be the teacher.
Goal: Create a study guide for an upcoming test
Prompt:
I'm giving a test on [TOPIC] in [DAYS] days to [GRADE] [SUBJECT].
Test format: [MCQ / SHORT ANSWER / ESSAY / MIX]
Test length: [DURATION]
Key topics covered: [LIST]
Create a study guide for students with:
1. Test overview (format, length, what to bring)
2. Key vocabulary list (10-15 terms)
3. Top 5 concepts to master (with 1-line explanations)
4. 10 practice questions (mix of types)
5. 3 common mistakes to avoid
6. Study strategies specific to this material
7. What to do the night before
Tip: Study guides level the playing field — students with stronger support systems would otherwise have an advantage.
Follow-up: Create a 1-page 'cheat sheet' version for quick review.
Goal: Respond to a parent email professionally
Prompt:
Here is an email from a parent. I want to respond professionally
without escalating.
Parent's email:
[PASTE EMAIL]
Context I know: [BACKGROUND]
My goal: [WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE]
Write a reply that:
1. Acknowledges their concern without defensiveness
2. States facts (not opinions)
3. Offers a specific next step
4. Doesn't promise anything I can't deliver
5. Leaves the door open for a phone call if needed
Tone: warm, professional, solution-focused. Under 150 words.
Tip: Never respond to an angry parent email in the same hour you received it. Sleep on it, then respond.
Follow-up: If this escalates, what should I document and share with my admin?
Goal: Plan a field trip
Prompt:
I'm planning a field trip for [GRADE] [SUBJECT] to [DESTINATION].
Class size: [N]. Duration: [HOURS]. Budget per student: $[AMOUNT].
Help me plan:
1. Pre-trip preparation (3 activities for class)
2. Permission slip key elements
3. Chaperone briefing (what they need to know)
4. Itinerary with timing
5. On-site student worksheet (5 questions/tasks)
6. Post-trip reflection activity
7. Contingency plan for weather/transportation issues
Tip: The learning happens in pre-trip prep and post-trip reflection, not just on the trip itself.
Follow-up: Help me write a 2-paragraph proposal to my admin justifying this trip's educational value.
Goal: Build an engaging warm-up routine
Prompt:
I teach [GRADE] [SUBJECT] first period (8am).
Students are [GROGGY/DISTRACED/LOW ENERGY].
Suggest 10 different 5-minute warm-up routines that:
- Require no prep (or prep I can do once and reuse)
- Get students talking to each other
- Connect to my subject
- Work for diverse ability levels
- Are fun, not 'quiz-like'
For each: name, 1-line description, why it works.
Tip: Predictable routines reduce cognitive load — students know what to expect, which frees brainpower for learning.
Follow-up: Help me build a weekly schedule that rotates through 5 of these.
Goal: Write an IEP/504 goal
Prompt:
I'm writing an IEP goal for a [GRADE] student with [DISABILITY/NEED].
Current performance: [BASELINE DATA]
Annual goal focus: [SKILL/AREA]
Write a SMART goal (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
that includes:
- The skill (specific, observable)
- The condition (when/where)
- The criterion (how measured)
- The timeframe
Then suggest 3 short-term objectives (benchmarks) leading to the annual goal.
Tip: Reference your district's IEP template and special education laws. AI suggestions are a starting point for the IEP team, not a final document.
Follow-up: What data should I collect quarterly to show progress on this goal?
Goal: Plan professional development
Prompt:
I have [DOLLARS/HOURS] for professional development this year.
My goals: [LIST 2-3 GOALS]
My interests: [LIST]
My school's priorities: [LIST]
Suggest a PD plan with:
1. One conference or workshop (with rationale)
2. One book to read
3. One online course
4. One peer observation target
5. One thing I can do monthly to reflect on my practice
6. Total estimated cost and time
Then help me write a 1-page proposal to my admin.
Tip: PD with peer accountability is 5x more likely to actually change your practice. Find a colleague to do it with you.
Follow-up: What's one thing I can stop doing this year to make room for this PD?
Goal: Create a classroom management plan
Prompt:
I'm setting up my classroom for [GRADE] [SUBJECT].
Class size: [N]. Students: [GENERAL DESCRIPTION].
My style: [WARM/STRUCTURED/FLEXIBLE].
Help me create a classroom management plan:
1. 3-5 core rules (positively framed)
2. Daily routine (start to end of class)
3. Attention-getting signals (3 options)
4. Tiered consequences (warning → conversation → parent contact → office)
5. Positive reinforcement system
6. What to do in the first week to establish norms
Tip: Rules should be few, clear, and teachable. 'Respect' is too vague; 'Use kind words, listening ears, and gentle hands' is teachable.
Follow-up: Help me draft a 1-page 'Classroom Expectations' handout for students and parents.
Goal: Analyze student assessment data
Prompt:
Here are assessment results from my [GRADE] [SUBJECT] class.
Class size: [N]. Assessment: [DESCRIBE].
Data:
[PASTE DATA — could be scores, item analysis, or qualitative observations]
Help me analyze:
1. Overall class performance (mean, median, range)
2. Topics where the class struggled (less than 60% correct)
3. Topics where the class excelled (more than 85% correct)
4. Students who need individual support
5. Students who need extension
6. What I should re-teach and how
7. What's working well that I should keep doing
Tip: Look for patterns, not just individual scores. If 70% of students missed question 4, that's a teaching problem, not a student problem.
Follow-up: Draft a 3-paragraph email to my department head summarizing these results and my plan.
Goal: Write a grant for classroom supplies
Prompt:
I'm applying for a [DOLLAR AMOUNT] grant from [ORGANIZATION].
I want to buy: [ITEMS].
Why: [REASON].
Student impact: [N] students per year.
Help me write a grant proposal with:
1. Project title (catchy, specific)
2. Need statement (1 paragraph, with data)
3. Project description (1 paragraph, concrete activities)
4. Budget table
5. Evaluation plan (how I'll know it worked)
6. Sustainability (what happens when grant money runs out)
Under 500 words total.
Tip: Specifics win grants. 'I need 30 tablets' loses. 'I need 30 tablets to help English Language Learners access grade-level texts, projected to improve reading scores by 15%' wins.
Follow-up: What photos or visuals should I include with this grant?
Goal: Handle a parent-teacher conference
Prompt:
I have a parent-teacher conference for [STUDENT NAME] in [GRADE] [SUBJECT].
The student is [STRUGGLING/EXCELLING/MIXED].
Key points I want to make: [LIST]
Parents' likely concerns: [LIST]
Help me plan:
1. Conference agenda (15 minutes total)
2. Opening line (warm, specific, positive)
3. Order of points (sandwich feedback)
4. 3 questions to ask the parents
5. Specific next steps for teacher, student, and parents
6. Closing line (warm, forward-looking)
Tip: Always start with a specific positive. 'Maya drew an incredible diagram of the water cycle last week' beats 'Maya is a sweet girl'.
Follow-up: Help me write a 3-line follow-up email to send after the conference.
Goal: End-of-year reflection
Prompt:
It's the end of the school year. Help me reflect.
This year I taught: [COURSES/GRADES]
Biggest success: [DESCRIBE]
Biggest failure: [DESCRIBE]
Something I tried for the first time: [DESCRIBE]
Something I want to stop doing: [DESCRIBE]
Help me reflect on:
1. What worked well (3 specific things)
2. What didn't work (3 specific things)
3. What I learned about teaching
4. What I learned about myself
5. 3 goals for next year (specific, not vague)
6. 1 thing to let go of
Format as a letter to myself, to read next August.
Tip: End-of-year reflection is when real professional growth happens. 30 minutes of it beats 5 hours of PD workshops.
Follow-up: Help me write a 1-page 'start of year' letter to my future self.
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 22 prompts
24 copy-paste prompts.
Goal: Brainstorm article ideas
Prompt:
I write about [TOPIC/BEAT]. My audience is [DESCRIBE].
I want 15 article ideas that:
- Are specific (not 'the future of X')
- Have a clear angle or argument
- Are timely but not news-dependent
- Serve my audience's actual interests
For each idea:
- Working title (under 60 chars)
- 1-sentence angle (what's the argument?)
- Why this audience cares
- 1 source I should interview or read
Then rank them by: originality, audience interest, and writeability.
Tip: Specificity beats generality. 'How 3 indie authors use Substack to bypass publishers' beats 'the future of publishing'.
Follow-up: Pick the top idea and outline it.
Goal: Outline a long-form article
Prompt:
Help me outline an article.
Working title: [TITLE]
Thesis: [1-SENTENCE ARGUMENT]
Length: [WORDS]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
My research so far: [LIST SOURCES/INTERVIEWS]
Create an outline with:
1. Hook (1-paragraph opening that grabs attention)
2. Nut graph (1 paragraph explaining why this matters now)
3. 3-5 main sections (each with: argument, evidence, transition)
4. Counter-arguments to address
5. Conclusion (NOT a summary — a synthesis or call to action)
For each section: word count target, key sources, and the one thing it must accomplish.
Tip: The outline is where the article is won or lost. Spend more time on the outline than on the writing.
Follow-up: What 3 quotes or data points am I missing?
Goal: Write a compelling opening
Prompt:
I'm writing [ARTICLE/ESSAY/STORY] about [TOPIC].
My angle: [DESCRIBE]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Tone: [DESCRIBE — e.g., authoritative, personal, investigative]
Write 5 different openings (under 150 words each):
1. Anecdotal (start with a specific scene)
2. Surprising statistic
3. Question or provocation
4. Historical or comparative context
5. Direct address to the reader ('You...')
For each: explain why it works and what kind of reader it attracts.
Then recommend the strongest.
Tip: Your first paragraph is a promise. The rest of the piece has to deliver on it — so make a promise you can keep.
Follow-up: Help me transition from the opening to the body of the piece.
Goal: Improve a draft
Prompt:
Here is my draft. Please critique it.
[PASTE DRAFT]
Provide feedback in this format:
1. What's working (3 specific things, with quotes)
2. What's not working (3 specific things, with line numbers)
3. Structural issues (ordering, pacing, missing pieces)
4. Sentence-level issues (3 specific examples with rewrites)
5. Voice/tone consistency (where does it drift?)
6. The single highest-impact change I can make
Do NOT rewrite the whole piece. I want to learn to edit myself.
Tip: The best editors ask questions instead of giving answers. 'What are you really trying to say here?' beats 'rewrite this'.
Follow-up: Help me write a 1-line summary of what this piece is really about.
Goal: Edit for clarity and concision
Prompt:
Edit this passage for clarity and concision.
Keep my voice — don't make it sound like AI wrote it.
[PASTE PASSAGE]
Show me:
1. The edited version (track changes style — show what you cut)
2. List of specific edits made (with rationale)
3. Sentences that are too long (over 25 words) — break them
4. Adverbs and adjectives I overuse
5. Passive voice (convert to active where it helps)
6. The single sentence that should be cut entirely
Tip: Cut adverbs first. Then cut qualifiers ('really', 'very', 'quite'). Then cut sentences that don't advance the argument.
Follow-up: What's my writing 'tic' in this piece? (a phrase or pattern I repeat)
Goal: Write a personal essay
Prompt:
Help me write a personal essay about [EXPERIENCE/THEME].
What happened: [DESCRIBE]
How I felt then: [DESCRIBE]
How I feel now: [DESCRIBE]
What I learned: [DESCRIBE]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Length: [WORDS]
Structure the essay:
1. Opening scene (specific moment, sensory details)
2. Context (what the reader needs to know)
3. The complication (what made this hard)
4. The turn (what changed)
5. Reflection (what it means now)
6. Closing image (return to the opening, transformed)
Tone: vulnerable, specific, not preachy. Avoid 'I learned that life is precious' clichés.
Tip: Personal essays work when the specific becomes universal. Don't try to be universal — be hyper-specific.
Follow-up: What's the one detail only I could have noticed? Lead with that.
Goal: Write a product review
Prompt:
I'm reviewing [PRODUCT].
Product: [DESCRIBE]
My experience: [DURATION]
Who it's for: [DESCRIBE]
Who it's NOT for: [DESCRIBE]
Price: $[AMOUNT]
Alternatives I've tried: [LIST]
Structure the review:
1. Verdict up front (recommend / conditional / don't recommend)
2. Who this is for
3. What's in the box / what you get
4. Setup and first impressions
5. 3 strengths (with specific examples)
6. 3 weaknesses (with specific examples)
7. Comparison to top alternative
8. Value for money
9. Bottom line (1 paragraph)
Honest, specific, no marketing language.
Tip: Reviews are most valuable when they say what's wrong. A 5-star review is useless; a 3-star review with specifics is gold.
Follow-up: What 3 photos should I include to make this review more useful?
Goal: Write a newsletter
Prompt:
Write a newsletter issue for [AUDIENCE].
Newsletter topic: [DESCRIBE]
This issue's theme: [DESCRIBE]
Length: 500-700 words
Tone: [DESCRIBE — examples: warm, witty, authoritative]
Structure:
1. Personal opening (1 short paragraph — what I'm thinking about)
2. Main piece (the meat — 300-400 words)
3. 'Thing I'm reading/watching/using' (1 paragraph recommendation)
4. Question for readers (to drive replies)
5. Sign-off
Voice: like a letter to a smart friend, not a corporate broadcast.
Tip: Newsletters win on personality. People subscribe for YOU, not for the information (they can get that anywhere).
Follow-up: Help me write 3 subject line options for this issue.
Goal: Write a short story
Prompt:
Write a short story based on this prompt:
[DESCRIBE PREMISE — e.g., 'A librarian discovers a book that wasn't
there yesterday']
Constraints:
- Length: [WORDS]
- Tone: [DESCRIBE]
- POV: [FIRST PERSON / THIRD LIMITED / OMNISCIENT]
- Setting: [DESCRIBE]
Include:
- A protagonist with a specific want
- An inciting incident in the first paragraph
- Rising action with at least 2 complications
- A climax that costs the protagonist something
- A resolution that's earned, not convenient
Show, don't tell. Sensory details. Specific nouns.
Tip: Specificity is the soul of narrative. 'A 1973 Volvo station wagon' beats 'an old car'.
Follow-up: Now help me cut 10% of the words without losing the story.
Goal: Write a poem
Prompt:
Write a poem about [SUBJECT/FEELING].
Form: [FREE VERSE / SONNET / HAIKU / VILLANELLE / YOUR CHOICE]
Length: [LINES]
Tone: [DESCRIBE]
Imagery: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'urban', 'natural', 'domestic']
Constraints:
- Avoid abstractions (love, hope, time) — use concrete images instead
- Each line should advance or complicate the previous
- The ending should reframe the beginning
Write 3 different versions, each with a different tonal approach.
Then explain which you prefer and why.
Tip: Poetry lives in concrete images and the spaces between them. Show the feeling; don't name it.
Follow-up: Help me find the strongest image in each version and build around it.
Goal: Write a script for a video
Prompt:
Write a script for a [DURATION]-minute video on [TOPIC].
Format: [YOUTUBE ESSAY / EXPLAINER / TIKTOK / DOCUMENTARY]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Tone: [DESCRIBE]
Key points to cover: [LIST]
Script format:
- Two columns: VISUAL | AUDIO
- Each row = 1 shot (5-15 seconds)
- Include b-roll suggestions
- Include text overlays
- Include music/sound cues
- Open with a hook in first 5 seconds
- Close with a CTA
Pacing: 130-150 words per minute of narration.
Tip: Video scripts are denser than they look. Cut 20% of what you think you need.
Follow-up: Help me write a YouTube title and thumbnail concept that matches this script.
Goal: Write a memoir chapter
Prompt:
I'm writing a memoir about [THEME/PERIOD OF LIFE].
This chapter covers: [DESCRIBE — e.g., 'the summer my father left']
My age at the time: [AGE]
Key people: [LIST]
Key events: [LIST]
What I understand now that I didn't then: [DESCRIBE]
Help me structure this chapter:
1. Opening scene (specific moment, present-tense narration)
2. Background (only what's needed)
3. Rising action (the complication)
4. Climax (the moment everything changed)
5. Falling action (immediate aftermath)
6. Reflection (looking back — past tense)
Tone: honest, specific, no neat bows. Real life is messy.
Tip: Memoir is not autobiography. You're not telling your whole life — you're telling the part that illuminates a universal truth.
Follow-up: What's the one scene I should expand? What's the one I should cut?
Goal: Write a speech
Prompt:
Write a [DURATION]-minute speech for [OCCASION].
Occasion: [DESCRIBE — wedding, graduation, keynote, eulogy]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Speaker: [DESCRIBE — relationship to occasion]
Key message: [DESCRIBE]
Tone: [DESCRIBE]
Structure:
1. Opening that grabs attention (story, question, or quote)
2. Why we're here (acknowledge the occasion)
3. Main message (1 idea, repeated and developed)
4. 1-2 stories that illustrate the message
5. Call to action or reflection
6. Memorable closing line
Pacing: 130 words/minute. So a 10-min speech = ~1300 words.
Include stage directions: [PAUSE], [LOOK AT AUDIENCE], etc.
Tip: Speeches are heard, not read. Use short sentences, repetition, and concrete images. Read it aloud to test.
Follow-up: Help me practice — predict 3 places the audience might laugh or tear up.
Goal: Write a podcast script
Prompt:
Write a script for a [DURATION]-minute podcast episode on [TOPIC].
Format: [SOLO / INTERVIEW / NARRATIVE]
Host: [DESCRIBE — name, persona]
Audience: [DESCRIBE]
Tone: [DESCRIBE]
Script structure:
1. Cold open (15 seconds — hook or teaser)
2. Intro music + show ID (15 seconds)
3. Welcome and topic intro (1 minute)
4. Main segment (bulk of episode)
5. Mid-roll break (if applicable)
6. Second segment
7. Recap and call to action
8. Outro music
Format as a two-column script: AUDIO | NOTES.
Word count for solo: 130 words/min × duration.
Tip: Podcast listeners tune in for the host's personality. Write like you speak, not like you write.
Follow-up: Help me write 3 episode title options that would make someone click.
Goal: Pitch an article to an editor
Prompt:
I want to pitch an article to [PUBLICATION].
Publication: [DESCRIBE — audience, tone, typical length]
My article idea: [DESCRIBE]
My qualifications: [DESCRIBE]
My published work: [LIST OR 'NONE YET']
Write a pitch email with:
1. Subject line (under 60 chars — specific, not cute)
2. Opening (1 sentence — why this, why now, why them)
3. The pitch (3-4 sentences — what the piece is, what it argues, why their readers care)
4. Why me (1 sentence — relevant expertise or access)
5. Sample links (1-2 published pieces, or 'happy to send a draft')
6. Word count and timeline
7. Sign-off
Under 200 words. Confident, specific, not begging.
Tip: Editors get 100+ pitches a day. The first sentence determines if they read further. Show you read their publication.
Follow-up: If they say yes, what 3 things should I clarify before I start writing?
Goal: Write a book proposal
Prompt:
I'm writing a nonfiction book about [TOPIC].
Working title: [TITLE]
My argument/thesis: [DESCRIBE]
My platform: [DESCRIBE — audience size, credentials]
Comparable books: [LIST 3-5]
Why I'm the right author: [DESCRIBE]
Help me draft a book proposal with:
1. Concept (1-page overview)
2. Table of contents (10-15 chapters with 1-line descriptions)
3. Sample chapter outline
4. Audience analysis (who buys this, why)
5. Competitive analysis (what's out there, why this is different)
6. Author platform
7. Marketing plan
8. Word count and timeline
Then write a 1-paragraph query letter to an agent.
Tip: Books are sold on concept and platform, not on writing quality (yet). Your concept must be defensible in 1 sentence.
Follow-up: What 3 chapters would an editor cut to tighten this book?
Goal: Generate character ideas
Prompt:
I'm developing characters for a [NOVEL / SHORT STORY / SCREENPLAY].
Setting: [DESCRIBE]
Theme: [DESCRIBE]
Protagonist's flaw: [DESCRIBE OR 'HELP ME FIND ONE']
Generate 5 character concepts. For each:
1. Name and 1-line description
2. Want (what they're chasing)
3. Need (what they actually need, often opposite of want)
4. Wound (the past hurt driving them)
5. Secret (something they're hiding)
6. Contradiction (something that makes them feel real)
7. Voice sample (1 paragraph of their dialogue)
Then suggest how 2 of these characters could be in conflict.
Tip: Characters become real through contradiction. The kindly teacher who is cruel to his dog. The greedy CEO who anonymously funds orphanages.
Follow-up: Pick one character and write a 200-word 'day in the life' scene.
Goal: Write dialogue that sounds real
Prompt:
Help me write dialogue for a scene between [CHARACTER A] and [CHARACTER B].
Context: [DESCRIBE — what just happened, where they are]
A's goal in this scene: [DESCRIBE]
B's goal in this scene: [DESCRIBE]
Underlying tension: [DESCRIBE]
Length: [WORDS]
Rules for the dialogue:
- People rarely say what they mean directly
- Use subtext (the real conversation is underneath)
- Vary sentence length — real speech is choppy
- Use interruption and overlap
- Include physical action beats
- Avoid 'said' synonyms — 'said' is invisible
- Cut the pleasantries ('Hi, how are you?')
Show me 2 versions: one with too much exposition (so I see what to avoid),
and one with strong subtext.
Tip: Read dialogue aloud. If it doesn't sound like something a real person would say, it isn't.
Follow-up: What's the one line in this dialogue that should be cut?
Goal: Write a query letter for a novel
Prompt:
I've written a [GENRE] novel and need to query agents.
Title: [TITLE]
Word count: [N]
Genre: [DESCRIBE]
Comparables: [2-3 recent books]
Logline: [1-SENTENCE SUMMARY]
My bio: [DESCRIBE]
Write a query letter with:
1. Personalization to the agent (1 sentence — why them)
2. Hook (1-2 sentences — what makes this story compelling)
3. Body (3-4 sentences — protagonist, conflict, stakes)
4. Genre and word count
5. Comparables (1 sentence)
6. Bio (1-2 sentences — relevant credentials only)
7. Sign-off
Under 300 words. Specific, confident, no begging.
Tip: Query letters are about the book, not about you. 80% of the letter should be the story.
Follow-up: What 3 agents should I research first, and how do I personalize each query?
Goal: Convert a blog post to other formats
Prompt:
I want to repurpose this blog post into other formats.
Original post:
[PASTE OR LINK]
Help me convert it into:
1. A Twitter/X thread (8-12 tweets, hook first)
2. A LinkedIn post (under 1300 chars, with formatting)
3. An email newsletter (under 400 words, with personal framing)
4. A 60-second video script (with visual cues)
5. 5 standalone social posts (one key idea each)
6. An infographic outline (5 sections)
For each format:
- What to keep, what to cut
- The hook (first line)
- The CTA
Preserve my voice across all formats.
Tip: One piece of content can become 6+ pieces if you repurpose strategically. Most creators leave 80% of value on the table.
Follow-up: Which 2 of these formats should I do first, given my audience?
Goal: Write a tagline
Prompt:
I need a tagline for [BRAND / PRODUCT / PERSONAL BRAND].
What it is: [DESCRIBE]
Target audience: [DESCRIBE]
Key benefit: [DESCRIBE]
Personality: [DESCRIBE — e.g., playful, serious, bold]
Generate 20 taglines across these approaches:
- Benefit-driven (4)
- Aspirational (4)
- Curiosity gap (4)
- Pattern interrupt (4)
- Pure emotion (4)
For each: under 6 words, no clichés ('unleash your potential'),
specific to this brand.
Then rank the top 5 with rationale.
Tip: A great tagline is a trap for attention — it makes you want to know more. A bad tagline is a summary.
Follow-up: Help me A/B test the top 2 — what would I measure?
Goal: Write an obituary
Prompt:
I need to write an obituary for [PERSON].
Who they were: [DESCRIBE — relationship to you, role in community]
Key life facts: [BORN, FAMILY, CAREER]
What they loved: [LIST]
What they'll be remembered for: [DESCRIBE]
A specific story that captures them: [DESCRIBE]
Service details: [DESCRIBE]
Length: [WORDS]
Write an obituary that:
- Opens with a specific moment or detail (not 'passed away peacefully')
- Includes the biographical facts (in middle, not opening)
- Captures their personality (through a story or quote)
- Mentions who they're survived by
- Notes service/memorial details
- Closes with what they'd want us to remember
Tone: warm, specific, dignified. Not generic.
Tip: The best obituaries read like a person, not a resume. Find the one specific detail that captures them.
Follow-up: Help me write a 2-sentence version for the funeral program.
Goal: Edit my own work
Prompt:
I want to learn to edit my own writing better. Here's a draft:
[PASTE DRAFT]
Walk me through an editing process:
1. First pass: structural (does the argument flow? what's missing?)
2. Second pass: paragraph-level (does each paragraph do one job?)
3. Third pass: sentence-level (clarity, concision, rhythm)
4. Fourth pass: word-level (verbs, adjectives, clichés)
5. Fifth pass: read aloud (where do I stumble?)
For each pass, show me 3 specific edits you'd make with rationale.
Then teach me the principle behind each edit so I learn the skill.
Tip: Editing is where writing happens. The first draft is just clay; the edit is the sculpture.
Follow-up: What's my most common writing weakness, based on this draft?
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · 24 prompts
AI Educator · Open-Source Advocate · Curriculum Designer
On a mission to close the AI literacy gap for non-technical people — students, teachers, freelancers, small business owners, senior citizens — across South Asia and beyond. AI should empower everyone, not just engineers.
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