AI Writing Prompts That Actually Work (Copy/Paste Templates)

I used to think prompts were this mystical thing. Like, if you just found the right “magic words”, the AI would suddenly write a perfect blog post and your life would be easy.

And then I actually tried it.

What I got was… fine. Lots of “In today’s fast paced digital world” energy. A bunch of filler. Weird confidence about facts it clearly did not know. And the worst part is that you can feel it. You can feel the AI “shape” underneath the sentences.

So yeah. Prompts matter. But not in the way people usually sell them.

A good prompt is less like a spell and more like a briefing you would give a real writer. Specific. Opinionated. With guardrails. With examples. And honestly with some gentle threats like “do not use fluff”.

Below are the copy/paste templates I actually use when I need the output to be clean, human, and usable without 45 minutes of rewriting.

If you want to run these prompts inside a tool that already has structured writing workflows and editing built in, you can use WritingTools.ai. It’s basically made for this kind of thing.

Alright. Prompts.

The 80/20 of prompts (the part people skip)

Before the templates, here’s the tiny framework that makes them work:

1. Give the AI a role. Not “you are a helpful assistant”. More like “you’re a conversion copywriter” or “you’re a technical editor”.
2. Define the audience and context. Who is reading. Where. What do they already believe.
3. Define constraints. Word count, format, tone, banned phrases, what not to do.
4. Force clarification. Either “ask me 3 questions first” or “list assumptions, then write”.
5. Add a quality checklist. You’re basically making the AI self edit.

That’s it. Most “prompt packs” are just variations of this.

Now, the templates.

Template 1: The “write like a real person” blog post prompt

Copy/paste this when you want a blog post that doesn’t sound like a corporate brochure.

Prompt:

You are a human blogger and editor with strong opinions and a casual writing voice.
Write a blog post about: [TOPIC]

Audience: [WHO]
Their goal: [WHAT THEY WANT]
Their frustration: [WHAT THEY ARE TIRED OF]

Style rules:

• Simple English, short paragraphs, natural pacing. Some sentence fragments are OK.
• No motivational fluff. No “in today’s world” type lines.
• Be specific. Use practical examples, mini scenarios, or quick frameworks.
• If you’re not sure a fact is correct, do not guess. Either omit it or flag it as a thing to verify.

Structure:

1. Short hook (2 to 4 lines)
2. The real problem (why most advice fails)
3. The solution (step by step)
4. Common mistakes
5. Quick checklist / summary
6. Closing that feels human, not salesy

Before writing: ask me 3 clarifying questions that would change your output.

If you’re writing inside a tool that supports long form structure, you can drop this into an editor like AI Writing Assistant and keep iterating without losing the outline.

However, if you're looking to streamline your blogging process and avoid generic fluff, consider exploring how to use AI to write blog posts without generic fluff. This approach can help maintain your unique voice while also enhancing productivity.

Template 2: The “outline first, then draft” prompt (my default)

This is the one that saves me the most time. It reduces rambling.

Prompt:

You are an expert writer. Topic: [TOPIC]

Step 1: Create 3 different outlines (each with H2 and H3 headings), with a one sentence angle for each outline.
Step 2: Ask me which outline to use.
Step 3: Write the full draft using the chosen outline.

Constraints:

• Write for [AUDIENCE]
• Tone: [CALM / BOLD / FRIENDLY / DIRECT]
• Avoid generic claims. Every claim should have a reason, example, or specific detail.
• Include a short “what to do next” section at the end.

In case you need help with brainstorming ideas, consider using a brainstorming ideas generator.

Template 3: SEO blog post prompt (without sounding like SEO)

This one keeps the content search friendly while still reading like a person wrote it.

Prompt:

You are an SEO content writer who prioritizes clarity and usefulness over keyword stuffing.
Primary keyword: [KEYWORD]
Secondary keywords: [KW2], [KW3], [KW4]

Write a blog post targeting the search intent: [INFORMATIONAL / COMMERCIAL / COMPARISON / HOW TO]
Audience: [WHO]

Requirements:

• Use the primary keyword in the title and first 100 words, naturally.
• Use secondary keywords where they fit, but never force them.
• Add an FAQ section with 5 questions people actually ask.
• Include a simple step by step process and a quick checklist.
• Add a meta title (max 60 chars) and meta description (max 155 chars).

Style: short paragraphs, no fluff, no robotic transitions.

If you mention stats, tools, or studies, either cite a credible source or label it “needs verification”.

If you’re using WritingTools.ai’s workflow features, this is where its SEO oriented templates can help, but still, the prompt is what keeps the output from turning into oatmeal.

Template 4: The “rewrite this like me” prompt (voice cloning, minus the cringe)

Most people do this wrong. They say “rewrite in a conversational tone”. That’s not a voice.

Use this instead.

Prompt:

You are my editor. Your job is to rewrite my draft so it sounds like me, not like AI.

Here are 10 lines of my writing that represent my voice:
[PASTE 10 LINES]

Here is the draft to rewrite:
[PASTE DRAFT]

Rules:

• Keep meaning the same. Do not add new claims.
• Make sentences tighter. Remove filler.
• Keep my rhythm. Some short lines. Some longer ones. Natural breaks.
• If a sentence feels fake or over polished, rewrite it.

Output:

1. Rewritten draft
2. A bullet list of the 7 biggest changes you made and why

If you need the output to feel less “AI smooth” after rewriting, run the final version through an actual humanizing pass like AI Humanizer. Not to hide anything. Just to knock off the weird edges.

Template 5: High converting ad copy prompt (with variations)

Ad copy is where generic AI output really dies. You need angles and testing. To overcome this challenge, you can use AI to write marketing copy that converts.

Prompt:

You are a direct response copywriter. Create ad copy for: [PRODUCT]
Audience: [WHO]
Offer: [DISCOUNT / FREE TRIAL / BONUS]
Landing page promise in one sentence: [PROMISE]

Give me:

• 12 hooks (each with a different angle: pain, curiosity, proof, simplicity, speed, contrarian, comparison, social proof, objection handling, “before/after”, identity, urgency)
• For the best 5 hooks, write 3 ad variations each (short, medium, long)
• 10 headlines (max 35 characters)
• 6 CTAs that do not sound like “Buy Now”

Constraints:

• No hype words like “revolutionary” or “game changing”.
• No fake numbers. If you need proof, write a placeholder like [INSERT REAL RESULT].
• Make it skimmable.

Template 6: Email campaign prompt (welcome sequence that doesn’t feel automated)

Welcome sequences usually sound like they were written by an HR department. This prompt keeps it human.

Prompt:

You are an email copywriter. Write a [3/5/7] email welcome sequence for [PRODUCT/NEWSLETTER].
Audience: [WHO]
Voice: friendly, direct, slightly informal. No corporate language.

Sequence goal: [TRIAL TO PAID / BOOK A CALL / READ BLOGS / DOWNLOAD RESOURCE]

For each email include:

• Subject line (5 options, one curiosity based, one ultra simple)
• Preview text
• Body (short paragraphs, one clear CTA)
• A P.S. that feels real

Constraints:

• Each email should have one main idea.
• Avoid spammy words.
• Do not over explain.

Before we proceed further with the email campaign structure, it's crucial to identify the #1 objection people have before converting. This insight will guide the tone and content of the emails. If you're looking for a structured tool that already expects specific email inputs for better engagement and higher response rates, consider using this AI Email Generator. This tool is designed to help you create emails that people actually reply to, significantly improving your chances of conversion.

Template 7: Product description prompt (benefits without lying)

This is for ecommerce, SaaS, digital products. Anything.

Prompt:

You are writing product descriptions that sound like a helpful salesperson, not a catalog.
Product: [NAME]
What it is: [1 SENTENCE]
Who it’s for: [AUDIENCE]
Top 5 features: [LIST]
Top 5 benefits (real outcomes): [LIST]
Tone: [PREMIUM / PLAYFUL / PRACTICAL / MINIMAL]

Deliver:

1. One punchy short description (40 to 60 words)
2. One full description (150 to 250 words)
3. 8 bullet points (mix features and benefits)
4. 3 microcopy lines for buttons or callouts

Rules: no exaggeration, no fake “best in class”. If a claim needs proof, add [PROOF NEEDED].

Template 8: Resume bullet prompt (results, not responsibilities)

This one is simple but it works. It turns bland job duties into outcome bullets.

Prompt:

You are a resume writer. Turn my raw notes into strong resume bullets with metrics and impact.
Role: [JOB TITLE]
Industry: [INDUSTRY]
Seniority: [LEVEL]

Raw notes (messy is fine):
[PASTE NOTES]

Output:

• 12 bullet points max
• Each bullet starts with a strong verb
• Add metrics where possible, but do not invent them. If missing, write [ADD METRIC] placeholder
• Keep each bullet to 1 line if possible

Then: suggest 6 keywords likely used in ATS for this role.

If you’re doing this often, or building a full resume fast, use a dedicated builder like AI Resume Builder.

Template 9: YouTube script prompt (watchable, not robotic)

A lot of AI scripts sound like a textbook that learned to talk. This one helps.

Prompt:

You are a YouTube scriptwriter. Video topic: [TOPIC]
Target length: [6-8 / 8-12 / 12-15] minutes
Audience: [WHO]

Requirements:

• Cold open hook (10 to 20 seconds) that creates curiosity
• Quick credibility line (no bragging)
• Clear structure with sections and smooth transitions
• Include 2 pattern interrupts (questions, quick story, unexpected example)
• End with a simple call to action that fits the video

Style: conversational, slightly messy in a human way. Short lines. Some emphasis. No TED Talk vibe.

Before writing: list 5 possible hooks. I will pick one.

If you want a tool that’s already built around this format, there’s AI Script Generator.

Template 10: The “fact check and tighten” editor prompt (saves bad drafts)

This is what I run after I get a decent draft but it’s still a little… puffy.

Prompt:

You are a ruthless editor. Improve the draft below without changing the meaning.

Draft: [PASTE]

Do these passes in order:

1. Remove fluff and repeated ideas.
2. Identify any claims that need a source. List them under “Needs verification”.
3. Tighten sentences for clarity and rhythm.
4. Make headings more specific and less generic.

Output:

• Final edited draft
• “Needs verification” list
• 10 alternative titles

The tiny tweak that makes any prompt better

Add this one line near the end of any template:

If you start sounding generic, stop and rewrite the last paragraph in a simpler, more human way.

It sounds silly. But it works. You’re basically giving the model permission to self-correct.

How I use these in real life (fast workflow)

1. Start with Template 2 (outline first).
2. Draft with Template 1 or 3 depending on whether it’s SEO.
3. Run Template 10 to tighten and catch sketchy claims.
4. If it still feels “AI clean”, do the voice rewrite (Template 4).

If you want one place to do all of that without juggling tabs, that’s kind of the point of WritingTools.ai. Generate, rewrite, and edit in the same flow. The prompts still do the heavy lifting, but the platform makes the process less annoying.

How to Save Hours with an AI Writing Workflow

Most AI prompts fail because they’re vague. They ask for “a blog post” and hope the model reads your mind. However, by adopting a structured approach to your AI writing workflow, you can significantly save hours.

The templates above work because they do what a good brief does: define role, audience, constraints, structure, then a self-edit pass.

Copy them. Adjust two or three lines. Save your favorites. And treat prompts like living documents, not sacred text. That part matters more than people admit.