AI Prompt Checklist: The Plan Before The Prompt

Ever open ChatGPT, type a prompt, and feel completely underwhelmed by the response?

It’s usually not the tool - it’s the input.
AI is only as good as the info you give it… and that starts before the prompt.

This is the exact checklist I run through (and give to clients) before writing any content prompt - whether it’s for a caption, carousel, blog post, or Reel.

If you want faster, better AI results that actually sound like you and speak to your audience, start here.

✅ Why a Pre-Prompt Checklist Matters

Skipping this step leads to:

• Flat or generic outputs

• Rewrites and wasted time

• Posts that don’t connect or convert

Prepping your prompt is like briefing a new assistant. If you want good work, you need to be clear - before you ask.

✅ The Pre-Prompt Checklist

Before you type your prompt, jot down the following:

1. Who You Are & Who You Help

This keeps content aligned with your brand and ideal client.

📝 Example:
“I’m a social media manager helping small business owners show up confidently online.”

2. What You’re Creating

Caption? Carousel? Reel? Email? Knowing this helps AI structure the content properly.

📝 Example:
“I want to write a short Instagram carousel caption with a strong hook.”

3. What You Want to Say

Drop in your messy idea, draft, voice note, or half-thought. It doesn’t need to be perfect - just clear enough for AI to work with.

📝 Example:
“I want to talk about how posting daily isn’t necessary to grow - consistency matters more than frequency.”

4. Your Tone of Voice

Are you casual? Direct? Funny? Empowering?

📝 Example:
“My tone is friendly and clear, with a bit of a witty tone. I use short sentences and a confident vibe.”

5. The Goal of the Post

Educate? Start a convo? Promote your offer?

📝 Example:
“I want this post to build trust and gently invite readers to book a call.”

✅ Then Use This AI Prompt Framework

💬 Prompt Template:

“I’m a [your role] helping [your audience].
I want to write a [type of post] about: [your idea].

My tone is [your tone], and my goal is to [your goal].
Please write the post in my voice with a scroll-stopping hook, short sentences, and a clear CTA.”

It’s a tiny bit more work up front - but saves you hours in editing or tweaking.

🔧 Tool of the Day

Google Docs - Create a reusable “Pre-Prompt Template” doc where you can fill in these 5 elements before sending any prompt to AI.

📣 Want Me to Build You Plug-and-Play Prompts?

I help business owners craft prompts and templates that create content in your voice - without needing to rewrite every time. If you want faster, better AI results, let’s make it easy. 📩 Let’s work together