For a while, I was deep into collecting AI prompt samples, searching for the perfect prompt formula to get optimal results from various AI models. I spent hours tweaking phrasing, experimenting with structure, and trying to crack the code of prompt engineering. The idea was that, with the right prompt, the AI would give me exactly what I needed in one go.

But over time, I realized something important: there are only a handful of core templates that work consistently across different use cases. Even better, the emerging best practice is to simply ask the AI itself to generate a custom prompt tailored to your specific needs. Here’s why I stopped collecting samples—and how you can use this approach effectively.

Core AI Prompt Templates That Work

After testing countless variations, I found that most use cases fall under just 3-5 common templates. These can be adapted to almost any scenario, from technical instructions to creative brainstorming. Let me walk you through the core templates that have proven most effective for me.

1. Descriptive Writing Prompt Template

Example: “Write a 200-word description of a serene forest, emphasizing the sights and sounds of nature.”

Fillable template: “Write a []-word description of [], emphasizing [__].”

2. Problem-Solving Prompt Template

Example: “Generate a step-by-step solution to solve data corruption in a database, taking into account low storage capacity.”

Fillable template: “Generate a step-by-step solution to solve [], taking into account [].”

3. Creative Brainstorming Prompt Template

Example: “List 10 ideas for an innovative marketing campaign, considering a budget of under $10,000.”

Fillable template: “List [] ideas for [], considering [__].”

4. Summary and Analysis Prompt Template

Example: “Summarize the key points of the latest cybersecurity report, focusing on potential threats to small businesses.”

Fillable template: “Summarize the key points of [], focusing on [].”

5. Instructional Guide Prompt Template

Example: “Explain how to install a WordPress plugin in five steps, suitable for a non-technical audience.”

Fillable template: “Explain how to complete [] in [] steps, suitable for a [__].”

Why the Emerging Best Practice Is to Ask the AI for a Custom Prompt

The real breakthrough in working with AI prompts has come from an unexpected source: asking the AI itself to generate a custom prompt for your needs. At first, this approach seemed almost too simplistic. After all, wasn’t the whole point of prompt engineering to manually craft the perfect prompt? But as I experimented, I discovered that this method works astonishingly well.

Here’s a simple template you can use to get the AI to design the perfect prompt:

AI-Generated Custom Prompt Template

Example: “Create a prompt that will help me generate an email campaign for a new product launch, considering our target audience is mostly millennial professionals.”

Fillable template: “Create a prompt that will help me [], considering [].”

Conclusion

Rather than endlessly collecting and refining prompt samples, I’ve discovered that a few reliable templates can cover most use cases. If you’ve ever found yourself bogged down by the intricacies of prompt engineering, take a step back. Focus on these core templates, and when in doubt, ask the AI for a custom solution. It’s faster, more efficient, and often more precise than trying to come up with the “perfect” prompt on your own.

Give it a try the next time you need a prompt tailored to your specific needs. You might just find that the AI knows better than we do—and that’s a good thing.

 

 

* AI tools were used as a research assistant for this content.