What's the Buzz? Better AI Answers Start with Better IRL prompts
July 15, 2025
Better AI Prompts for Better Marketing Results
If you’re using tools like ChatGPT to speed up your marketing work, you’re not alone. If you’ve ever been frustrated by boring or off-the-mark responses, it’s probably not the tool—it’s the prompt.
At Apis Creative, we work with nonprofits, small businesses, universities, and public agencies across Morgantown and beyond. And when we use AI in our projects (yes, we do!), we get the best results when we give it a little more guidance upfront.
Think of AI as a Super-Smart Intern
AI can write, rewrite, summarize, and brainstorm—but only if you tell it what you need. Vague prompts lead to vague responses. Specific prompts get you what you actually want, faster.
Here are three ways to level up your AI prompts.
Add Context
- Who is this for?
- Where will it be published?
- What are you trying to accomplish?
Define the Tone
Whether you're going for polished and professional or casual and fun, AI responds well to tone guidance.
For example: Write a short welcome email that sounds upbeat, friendly, and clear.
Specify the Format
Tell AI exactly what you want back: a headline, a bulleted list, a meta description, or a tweet-length blurb.
For example: Turn this paragraph into a LinkedIn caption with a hook and a call to action.
Three Real-World Scenarios
Nonprofit Director "We have an annual report and want to break it into smaller posts." Prompt: Turn this section into a 3-post LinkedIn series using a professional tone. Include stats as bullet points.
Small Business Owner "We need new bio copy for our About page." Prompt: Write a 150-word team bio for our locally owned print shop in Morgantown, WV. Tone should be warm, capable, and community-focused. Use our website, morgantownprintshop.com, for content.
University Program Manager "I want to send an email campaign but hate writing the first draft." Prompt: Draft a short introductory email with two follow-up emails inviting students to apply for our summer research program (see attached information). Keep it student-friendly and exciting.
Want to Get Better? Practice.
The more you practice, the easier it gets—and the faster you'll move from "hmm" to "done." Here are some flexible prompt templates to help you get started.
- General Messaging Prompt
- Template: I’m writing for [audience] and need a [type of content] that sounds [tone] and helps them [goal]. Can you help?
- Example: I’m writing for prospective donors and need a short email that sounds warm and confident and helps them feel inspired to give.
- Repurposing Prompt
- Template: Take this [existing content type] and turn it into [new format] for [platform]. Use a [tone] and keep it under [length].
- Example: Take this blog post and turn it into a caption for Instagram. Use a conversational tone and keep it under 100 words.
- Clarification + Audience Reframe Prompt
- Template: Rewrite this content to be clearer for [new audience]. Keep the meaning, but simplify the language. Use a tone that’s [tone descriptor].
- Example: Rewrite this FAQ section to be clearer for parents of high school students. Keep the meaning but simplify the language. Use a supportive, professional tone.
- Goal-Focused Prompt
- Template: Based on this content, suggest ways to [achieve specific goal] for [audience]. Format the response as [preferred format].
- Example: Based on this event summary, suggest ways to drive engagement among local business owners. Format as 3 short email subject lines and 2 social post ideas.
See You Next Week!
Every week in our What’s the Buzz
blog and newsletter series, we share one quick tip that helps you get sharper, faster, and stronger in your communication work. This month is all about AI. Check back next week for our next AI marketing win—or
sign up to get it by email. See you then!
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