Mastering the Basics of AI Prompting
AI tools like ChatGPT are only as good as the prompts you give them. For small business owners, this is empowering—because you don’t need to be a tech expert to get great results. You need to learn how to ask more thoughtful questions.
Think of prompts as instructions to an assistant. If you say “help with marketing”, you’ll get a vague answer. But if you say “write three catchy email subject lines for a home services business targeting busy parents”, you’ll get helpful, targeted results you can put to work immediately.
Why prompts matter
Every AI response is shaped by:
The data on which the model was trained
The AI’s underlying architecture
Most importantly: the prompt you type in
That means you’re in control. A clear prompt can save you hours, while a weak one leads to generic fluff.
The simple 5-step prompting process
To get better results, follow this easy loop:
Define your goal – Decide what you actually want from the AI.
Write your first draft prompt – Don’t overthink it, just start.
Test it in ChatGPT – See what comes back.
Evaluate the output – Is it specific and valuable, or vague and generic?
Refine and repeat – Add details, adjust tone, or narrow the task.
This isn’t about perfection on the first try. It’s about treating prompts like drafts you can improve.
A quick example
Weak prompt: “Give me marketing ideas.”
Better prompt: “Act as a marketing consultant. Suggest three low-cost campaign ideas for a Melbourne café looking to increase weekday foot traffic. Keep the ideas under $200 and explain why each one works.”
The second version sets a role, gives context, and sets boundaries—making the AI’s answer sharper and more actionable.
Try it today
Open ChatGPT and write down a problem in your business right now. Use the 5-step process above and refine your question until the output feels useful. With practice, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your prompts improve.
👉 Want ready-to-use prompts for marketing, planning, and customer service? Check out the SBPS Prompt Library and start saving time today.
