What is an AI prompt? Why do many users not get the prompts they want?

An AI prompt is a command or instruction you give to an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to request a specific task. For example, when you write an AI prompt to generate blog content or advertising ideas, the results depend up to 80% on the quality of the prompt. If the prompt lacks context, has a vague goal, or does not specify an output format, the AI will respond in a general, long-winded manner that is difficult to apply to SEO or Ads.

The problem is not that the AI is "weak", but that the brief is unclear. Many marketers often overlook this element when writing AI prompts, resulting in content that is not keyword-optimized, lacks structure, or is not appropriate for the audience. As a result, you spend time editing, or even have to start over. Understanding how to write an AI prompt will help you better control the output, increasing work efficiency.

Basic components of an effective AI content prompt

When writing an AI prompt, you don't always need to use all the components, but mastering them will help your prompt be clearer:

• Instruction (Requirements): Determine what the AI needs to do, who it is for, and what its goals are. For example: "Write a blog post about prompt AI to guide beginner marketers."
• Context: Provide background information such as product, market, customer persona, USP (Unique Selling Point), and brand standards.
• Input Data: Specific document, piece of content, question, or problem to solve.
• Output: Specify desired format, such as length, structure (H2/H3, table, checklist), tone, or file type.

Formula for writing prompt AI content standard

A simple formula for writing an AI prompt: [Role] + [Task] + [Context/Data] + [Constraints/Normal] + [Output Format] + [Voice tone].

Example: "You are an SEO expert. Task: Suggest 10 blog topics about AI prompts. Context: Vietnamese marketers, focus on how to write AI prompts for content. Constraints: Each topic must have main keywords. Output: Table with columns [Topic] [Keywords]. Voice: Professional, easy to understand."

This formula helps your AI prompt to be concise but complete, reducing the risk of "not being as intended".

How to write content with AI at the top

To write an effective AI prompt, you need to focus on clarifying your requirements, context and desires so that AI can give the most accurate answer. Here are some tips:

Write clearly in the command

Wrong: “Write an advertisement about natural cosmetics”

Correct: “Write 3 Facebook ads for a natural cosmetics shop, targeting women aged 25–35, focusing on the benefits of ‘safe beauty’, less than 100 words long, with a clear CTA clear.”

Tip: Always visualize the output you want to provide accurate information.

Personalize AI by role

You can ask AI to play a role. For example:

“You are a copywriter who specializes in writing Facebook ads. Create 5 attractive headlines for anti-aging serum products, under 30 characters long.”

This helps the AI “take over” and create more realistic content.

Give a sample example

Giving an example helps the AI understand exactly what style you want.

For example: “Write an 800-word blog post about how to choose a laptop for students. The writing style should be like the example below: ‘Short, friendly, with lots of real-life examples’.”

Break down the big request

Instead of asking AI to write a 3,000-word article right away, break it down into smaller ideas like this:

Step 1: “Write a detailed outline for the blog post…”

Step 2: “Write the introduction according to the above outline…”

Step 3: “Write each H2 in detail…”

This method helps the content to be coherent, logical, and not rambling.

Confirm and re-evaluate

One thing that many of you overlook is not asking AI to re-check the answer, let AI re-check it according to the criteria you give.

For example: “Check again to see if the article follows the title ‘SEO strategy for online shops’, is logical, Is it coherent, and engaging? If not, please edit it again.”

Some limits and notes when Prompting AI

To write an effective AI prompt, you need to understand the limits of AI.

• Context window limit: Do not cram too much information into one go. With large content, divide it into many small parts so that AI can answer more accurately. When you need to remind, briefly summarize old data.
• Temporary memory limit: Long chats, AI can forget details. After 5-6 rounds, repeat the core request in 2-3 lines.
• The “hallucination/guessing” situation: Ask AI "Only use the information I provide. If unsure, answer “There is not enough data to confirm”. For facts that need to be verified, ask for a source or a way to check.

Practical application: Create a standard SEO blog post from A-Z by writing Prompt AI (Copy & use immediately)

Here is a sample workflow to create a blog post about "mini coffee maker" using prompt AI.

Step 1: Research topics & keywords: "You are an SEO expert. Goal: Build a 90-day blog topic outline for the niche "mini coffee maker". Output: Table 5 columns [Topic] [Main KW] [Sub KW] [Search intent] [Priority: High/Medium/Low]. Target audience: Male/female 22–35, like to make coffee at home, budget 2–5 million."

Step 2: Detailed outline for an article: "Create a detailed outline for the article "How to choose a mini coffee maker for a small apartment". Requirements: 1 intro (120-150 words), 5-7 H2s, each H2 has 1-2 H3s, 1 conclusion + CTA. Add a 5-sentence FAQ list according to People Also Ask."

Step 3: Write each section (break it down): "Write an Introduction section of 120-150 words, neutral-friendly tone, avoid clichés, have a hook in the first sentence." Then write each H2 like "Write H2.1 (200-250 words): "Determine usage needs". Have a situation example (1 person, 2 people), frequency of use, suitable coffee type ."

Step 4: Optimize on-page SEO: "Create Meta Title (≤60 characters), Meta Description (≤160 characters), Slug URL, TL;DR 2 sentences. Insert the main keyword 3-4 times naturally; Add 5 sub-keywords in H2/H3."

Step 5: Self-check & edit: "Grade your own paper according to 5 criteria: Usefulness, depth, clear structure, smoothness, credibility (1-5). Suggest 5 high-priority edits to improve your score. Then apply it to the final version."

FAQ - Frequently asked questions when learning how to write AI Prompt

1. Is a long AI Prompt better? No. The important thing is to have a clear goal + enough context + specific output.
2. How to make AI "the right brand voice"? Provide a writing style template (2–3 paragraphs), rules guide, words to use/not to use.
3. How is an AI Prompt for SEO different from a prompt for Ads? SEO needs depth & structure, Ads need to be short–sharp–test variations.
4. How to reduce “illusion” when writing AI prompts? Requests should not be fabricated, require sources/verification, and limit questions that are too vague.
5. Should one AI prompt do everything? Should it be broken down into stages (research → outline → write → optimize → proofread).

By applying the above tips, you will write more effective AI prompts, help your SEO content stand out, and achieve the desired results. If you are having difficulty with AI prompts, try the sample workflow today!

Conclusion

Using AI effectively is not about the tool, but about how you prompt. A good prompt will turn AI into a real partner to help you create quality SEO content, ads, emails or social posts.

Try this checklist for your work right now. You will see that AI not only saves time but also improves the quality of content, thereby helping you increase traffic, conversion rates and revenue.