Why This Guide Exists
Most people using AI for business are doing it wrong. They type a vague request like "write me an email about our product" and wonder why the output is generic and useless. The difference between mediocre AI output and genuinely useful AI output is in the prompt — and most people are writing prompts that leave 80% of the potential on the table.
This guide gives you battle-tested prompts across the business functions that matter most. Each one is written to be specific, actionable, and copy-paste ready. Use them with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or any AI assistant.
1. Marketing Prompts
Ad Copy Generation
Write 3 variations of a Facebook ad for [PRODUCT/SERVICE]. Each variation should: target [AUDIENCE], emphasize [KEY BENEFIT], include a clear call-to-action, and be under 125 characters. Format as a numbered list.
Content Calendar Planning
Create a 4-week social media content calendar for [TOPIC/INDUSTRY]. Include: post type (reel, story, static, carousel), platform, caption framework (hook, body, CTA), and posting day/time. Focus on [GOAL — brand awareness / lead gen / engagement].
2. Sales Prompts
Cold Outreach Templates
Write 5 cold email variants for [INDUSTRY] prospects. Each should: open with a personalized hook (avoid generic "I hope you're doing well"), make a specific observation or ask a relevant question, introduce [YOUR SOLUTION] as a fit for their [SPECIFIC PAIN POINT], and close with a specific next step. Vary the length and tone across the 5.
Follow-up Sequence After No Response
Write a 3-email follow-up sequence for someone who didn't respond to my initial outreach about [PRODUCT/SERVICE]. Email 1 should re-engage with new value (a stat, insight, or relevant case study). Email 2 should ask a simple qualifying question. Email 3 should be short, direct, and offer to close the loop. Keep each under 100 words.
3. Operations Prompts
SOP Creation
Create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for [TASK/PROCESS]. Include: step-by-step instructions numbered 1-N, decision points where judgment is required, tools/scripts to use at each step, quality checklist, and what to do if something goes wrong. Format as a numbered procedure.
Project Planning
Break down the project "[PROJECT NAME]" into a task list with: task name, priority (high/medium/low), estimated time, dependencies (which tasks must come first), and who owns it (if team). Organize by phase or milestone. Include a risk/concern column for items that could derail the project.
4. Customer Service Prompts
Response Templates for Common Complaints
Write response templates for these [3-5 SCENARIOS, e.g., "late delivery, billing error, product not matching description"]. Each response should: acknowledge the issue without being defensive, apologize sincerely, explain what you're doing to fix it, and set a clear expectation for next steps. Keep tone warm but professional. Format as [Scenario]: [Response].
5. Finance & Reporting Prompts
Weekly Reporting Summary
Analyze this week's metrics: [PASTE DATA]. Write a 200-word executive summary covering: top 3 wins, biggest challenge, 2 areas that need attention, and recommended action for next week. Use a confident, direct tone — no hedging language.
6. HR & Hiring Prompts
Job Description Writing
Write a job description for [ROLE] at [COMPANY TYPE]. Include: compelling 2-sentence intro about the role and why it matters, must-have requirements (3-5 bullet points), nice-to-have skills (2-3 bullets), day-to-day responsibilities (4-6 bullets), what makes this role special (1-2 sentences), and a strong CTA directing to [APPLICATION LINK].
7. Product & Design Prompts
Feature Prioritization
Help me prioritize these feature requests: [LIST 8-15 ITEMS]. Score each on two dimensions: user impact (1-5) and effort to build (1-5). Create a 2x2 matrix (quick wins, big bets, fill-ins, avoid) and recommend the top 3 to build next. Explain the reasoning.
8. Content Creation Prompts
Blog Post Outline from Keyword
Create a detailed blog post outline for the keyword "[KEYWORD]". Include: SEO title (under 60 chars), meta description (under 155 chars), intro hook (2-3 sentences), H2 headers (6-8 sections), key points under each H2 (2-3 bullets each), and a conclusion with CTA. Write for [TARGET AUDIENCE]. Target [WORD COUNT] words.
Email Newsletter Draft
Write a weekly newsletter email for [INDUSTRY/NICHE] subscribers. Format: subject line, preview text (under 90 chars), opening hook (one sentence that creates curiosity), 3 value sections with headers, one soft promotion, and a closing CTA. Tone: [WARM/CASUAL/PROFESSIONAL — pick one]. About [WORD COUNT] words total.
9. Strategy & Competitive Analysis Prompts
Competitor Comparison Framework
Create a competitive comparison table for [YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE] vs [COMPETITOR 1] and [COMPETITOR 2]. Compare on: pricing, key features, target customer, strengths, weaknesses, and customer reviews (pull themes from common complaints/praise). Use a table format and include a "where we win" summary at the bottom.
10. Research & Learning Prompts
Summarize Long Content for Quick Reading
Summarize this article/video transcript in: (1) 3-sentence overview, (2) 5 key takeaways as numbered bullets, (3) the most surprising or counterintuitive insight, (4) 1 action I should take as a result. Focus on实用性 (practical takeaways I can apply). [PASTE TEXT OR LINK]
11. Email Writing Prompts
Meeting Request That Gets a Response
Write a short meeting request email to [PERSON — name, title, company]. I've never contacted them before but [REASON WHY THEY'RE RELEVANT TO THEM SPECIFICALLY — e.g., they wrote about X, their company does Y, we share a connection in Z]. My ask is: [SPECIFIC ASK — 30 min call, coffee meeting, intro to their team]. Give me 2 versions: one formal, one more casual and conversational.
12. Social Media Prompts
Thread Outline from a Key Insight
Create a Twitter/X thread outline for the insight: "[YOUR INSIGHT]". The thread should have: an engaging hook tweet (first tweet, no "thread" mention), 6-8 supporting tweets building the argument, a call-to-action at the end (follow for more, link to something, question to drive replies). Keep each tweet under 250 characters. Include suggested visuals or formatting notes in brackets.
13. Data Analysis Prompts
Interpret Survey or Feedback Data
Analyze this feedback data: [PASTE DATA]. Identify: top 3 themes (positive and negative), biggest opportunities (things people want but don't currently get), 2-3 specific quotes that illustrate key themes, and recommendations for next steps. Format as a structured report with sections.
14. Client Communication Prompts
Proposal Introduction
Write an introduction for a client proposal for [CLIENT NAME] at [COMPANY]. This proposal covers [WHAT YOU'RE PROPOSING]. The client is focused on [THEIR STATED GOALS]. Open with why this proposal is specifically relevant to them (not generic), highlight 2-3 key differentiators of your approach, and set clear expectations for the next step. Tone: professional, confident, not salesy.
15. Time Management Prompts
Weekly Planning and Prioritization
Help me plan my week. Here are my priorities: [LIST 5-8 ITEMS]. Here are my constraints: [DEADLINES, MEETINGS, PERSONAL COMMITMENTS]. I have approximately [X] hours of productive time. Prioritize the list, identify the 2-3 MITs (Most Important Tasks) that will move the needle most, block time on my calendar for deep work, and flag any items that need to be delegated or cut.
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