How to Give AI Better Instructions for Blog Posts

Most people give AI vague instructions and wonder why they get vague output. "Write a blog post about SEO" produces generic content because the instruction gave no direction.

Learning how to give AI better instructions transforms AI from a random content generator into a useful collaborator. Better inputs create better outputs.

Why instructions matter

AI does what you ask - literally. If your instructions are vague, the output will be vague.

AI has no context

AI doesn't know your audience, your goals, your voice, or your topic expertise. Without that context, it defaults to generic assumptions.

Providing context in your instructions helps AI write something closer to what you actually need.

AI follows patterns

AI predicts what comes next based on patterns. Good instructions create patterns that lead toward useful output. Bad instructions leave too much to chance.

You get what you ask for

"Write something good" is subjective and unhelpful. "Write a direct, practical guide using short paragraphs" is actionable.

The more specific your requirements, the closer AI gets to meeting them.

How to give AI better instructions

These techniques consistently improve AI output for blog posts.

Specify your audience

Tell AI who you're writing for. Their knowledge level, their goals, their context.

Vague: "Write about email marketing." Better: "Write about email marketing for small business owners who are just getting started and have limited time for marketing."

Understanding search intent and audience context shapes tone, depth, and examples.

Define the format

Be explicit about structure and length.

Vague: "Write a blog post." Better: "Write a 1,200-word blog post with 5 H2 sections, each 200-250 words, with a 100-word introduction."

This prevents AI from generating a 3,000-word essay when you wanted a focused overview.

Describe your voice

Give AI examples of how you want the writing to sound.

Vague: "Make it professional." Better: "Write in a direct, conversational tone. Use short sentences. Avoid jargon. Sound like a knowledgeable friend, not a textbook."

Voice descriptions help AI match your style.

Specify what to include

List specific elements you want covered.

Vague: "Cover everything about headlines." Better: "Cover why headlines matter for clicks, three headline formulas that work, common headline mistakes, and how to test headlines."

Explicit requirements ensure the draft covers what you need.

Specify what to avoid

AI has predictable patterns. Tell it what not to do.

Example instructions to add:

• "Don't start with 'In today's digital landscape' or similar clichés"
• "Avoid using 'leverage,' 'crucial,' 'game-changer,' or other empty buzzwords"
• "Don't include a generic 'In conclusion' section"
• "No bullet points of more than 6 items"

Knowing what to avoid is as helpful as knowing what to include.

Provide examples

If you have content you like - from your own site or others - reference the style.

"Write in a style similar to [example post] - direct, practical, with specific examples rather than abstract advice."

Examples give AI concrete patterns to follow.

Instruction templates that work

Use these as starting points.

For how-to posts

"Write a 1,200-word guide on [topic] for [audience]. Structure with a strong opening hook (no 'in this article' starts), 4-5 H2 sections covering [specific subtopics], and a conclusion with a clear next step. Use direct, conversational language. Include specific examples. Avoid buzzwords and generic advice."

For opinion pieces

"Write an 800-word opinion piece arguing [position] on [topic]. Start with the core argument immediately - no buildup. Support with 2-3 specific reasons. Acknowledge the strongest counterargument. End with a memorable final point. Write confidently and directly."

For glossary terms

"Write a 500-word explanation of [term] for bloggers who are new to SEO. Start with a clear one-sentence definition. Explain why it matters. Cover how it works. Give a practical example. Link naturally to related terms: [list]. Avoid jargon or explain terms when used."

Iterating on instructions

Your first prompt won't be perfect. Refine based on what you get.

Identify patterns in bad output

If AI keeps doing something you don't want, add instructions to prevent it.

Test variations

Try different approaches to the same post. Different structures, angles, or voice descriptions. See what works better for your needs.

Build a prompt library

Save instructions that work well. Adapt them for future posts rather than starting from scratch.

The limits of instructions

Better instructions improve output, but they don't fix fundamental limitations.

AI still can't add your experience

No prompt makes AI able to share stories from your career, insights from your specific work, or lessons learned from your mistakes.

AI still needs fact-checking

Better prompts don't make AI more accurate. Verify all claims regardless of prompt quality.

Editing is still required

Better instructions reduce editing time. They don't eliminate it. See our guide on editing AI writing.

For more on effective AI use, see our guides on using AI without losing voice, why AI drafts need work, and AI workflow for bloggers.

Good prompt engineering takes practice. Garbage in, garbage out. Invest time in good instructions and you'll spend less time fixing bad output.