Prompt Engineering: 7 Tips for Better AI Outputs

ai
Written By Enisa Glavovic

AI is only as effective as the instructions it receives.

Whether you're using AI for marketing content, operational planning, documentation, or research, the quality of your prompt determines the quality of the output. Prompt engineering isn’t technical - it’s strategic. Below are seven practical ways to dramatically improve your AI results.

1. Assign a Clear Role

Tell the AI who it is. Instead of: “Write a blog post about process improvement.”

Try: “Act as an operations consultant writing for mid-sized service businesses. Write a blog post about process improvement.”

Defining a role sharpens tone, structure, and relevance.

2. Add Context, Not Just a Task

AI performs better when it understands the environment. Include:

  • Industry

  • Audience

  • Business size or stage

  • Objective of the output

For example: “This is for a B2B consultancy targeting founders of scaling tech companies.”

Context reduces generic responses.

3. Specify the Output Format

If you don’t define structure, you’ll get randomness. Clarify:

  • Length

  • Tone

  • Headings or sections

  • Bullet points vs paragraphs

  • Tables, frameworks, or steps

For example: “Provide 5 actionable tips with short explanations under each subheading.”

Structured prompts create structured thinking.

4. Set Guardrails

Be explicit about constraints. Include instructions like:

  • “Avoid jargon.”

  • “Do not exaggerate claims.”

  • “Base this on practical application.”

  • “Keep the tone professional but approachable.”

Guardrails improve quality and reduce hallucinations.

5. Ask for Depth, Not Just Content

If you want strategic insight, say so.

Instead of: “Explain AI governance.”

Try: “Explain AI governance and include practical implementation steps for leadership teams.”

AI will only go as deep as you instruct it to.

6. Refine in Iterations

Strong outputs rarely come from a single prompt.

Treat prompting as a collaboration:

  • Ask for revisions

  • Request examples

  • Adjust tone

  • Expand sections

Iteration is part of the process - not a failure of it.

7. Always Review and Own the Output

AI accelerates work - it does not replace accountability.

Always:

  • Fact-check key claims

  • Align messaging to your brand voice

  • Ensure accuracy and compliance

  • Apply human judgment

AI is a productivity tool - not a decision-maker.

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Enisa Glavovic
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