Issue #47: 40+ Prompts for Copywriting and Buying Psychology

Good morning.

At this point, to get the best possible outputs from ChatGPT, Claude, or any other model…

You should include knowledge files in your chats, and ideally, set up either a custom GPT (ChatGPT), Project (Claude), or Bot (using Poe).

They’re all the same: upload knowledge files, set a system prompt/instruction, and now you’ve given these models the context about your stuff that it needs.

Today, I’m going to quickly cover some of this.

And then provide you with ideas for prompts you can use to “chat” with your knowledge files and context.

It’s the easiest, best way to get any marketing and copywriting jobs done—exactly the way they need to be, and in the voice and style required.

Let’s get into it.

—Sam

Primer on Using GPTs, Projects, or Bots.

Back when ChatGPT was released (November, 2022) and for a while across all models, the biggest issue was lack of context (for the models) that would produce good output. 

If you needed emails, social posts, sales pages, etc. written the way you wanted, then you’d need to provide the information on audience, offer, voice/style, and everything else.

To achieve this, you’d either have to have a long conversation where you provided details, or you’d provide context in chunks via very long prompts. 

Some would call this “mega prompts”, which I find funny. 

Because there was nothing special about those prompts. They were a temporary solution to fix a problem: lack of data, information, and context for the model to use.

On their own, they weren’t anything special. And, most of the time, these very long prompts would eat up the context window (tokens) so you’d still not get good output. 

Anyway, there are a ton of reasons why “mega prompts” aren’t all they’re cracked up to be—and why they’re actually more likely to screw up your output than make it better.

Most of all? If you’ve done any kind of testing and evaluation of prompts, you know that “mega prompts” often fail evaluation and benchmarks.

Out of the 1,000 words in your “mega prompt”, only maybe 250 of them actually make a difference.

They’re not any better (but often worse) than simply having a longer conversation with ChatGPT or any other model. 

So, what’s the best way to work with ChatGPT, Claude, or other models at this point?

You solve the context problem (data, information, etc.) by simply uploading files to these tools and having a conversation.

Or you set up something like a GPT, Project, or a Bot. 

GPT is what OpenAI calls it (ChatGPT). 

Anthropic, the company behind Claude, calls them Projects. 

If you’re using Poe, they call them Bots.

They’re all the same thing, doing the same job. Picking one is largely preference.

I mostly use Claude 3.5 Sonnet for writing but some prefer GPT-4o. Whatever floats your boat.

On the more technical side, they’re similar to Vector Search Databases or Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) systems but far less capable. They’re like a very light version with more limitations.

Which means for some tasks, you actually should use a legit RAG setup. But for most marketing and copywriting tasks, a GPT, Project, or Bot will do.

All you need is a System Prompt/Instruction that specifically describes the role, function, tasks, etc. that you want your GPT to perform.

And then you upload the Knowledge Files (data) required. 

If you want emails done, you should upload great examples of emails, examples of the voice and style of the writing, etc.

Same thing for any marketing job or task you can think of. 

Easy peasy.

When you have all that, and your own GPT, Project, or Bot humming along…

Now you can start exploring, thinking, and having fun with prompts.

Let me say that again:

When you’ve provided enough of the right context inside a GPT, Project, or Bot…

Now you can start exploring, thinking, and having fun with prompts.

Psychological Framework Prompts

With your GPT, Project, or Bot loaded up, start using these prompts to explore, expand, and level-up your use of psychology in your marketing.

These prompts are meant as starting points and are not exhaustive. If you look at these prompts and think: “I need to repeat these exactly, word for word”, then you’re missing the point.

Look at the first example: 

Strategize a Google Ads campaign using the Reciprocity Bias approach to instill a sense of obligation in [ideal customer persona] to engage with our [product/service]. Offer bonuses, free resources, or value-adds, and ask for a small commitment or action in return to trigger the reciprocity effect.

You can ask for an Reciprocity Bias framework in 100 different ways and for more specific things, like an email lead nurture campaign. 

It’s your task to modify these to fit your needs. 

I’m just trying to show you what’s possible. 

Oh, and the brackets around terms are only there as examples too. Remove the brackets when prompting (not the words inside them, just the brackets).

When you see them, ask yourself: 

Did I upload these as knowledge files? Did I provide information about my offer/product/service? Did I provide information about my ideal customer persona/avatar? Did I upload testimonials or case studies? 

Make sense? 

I’m hoping enough of you reading this take this as a place to start, so you can think for yourself and take this further. 

In the Age of AI, your success is determined by your ability to adapt, improvise, act in uncertainty, and experiment. Explorers are rewarded.

Here are some prompts:

Using the Attribution Bias method, develop an ad campaign that links the success or effectiveness of our [product/service] to its internal features. Highlight the specific attributes that make it a reliable tool for [ideal customer persona] to reach their goals.

Create a lead capture campaign based on the Anchoring Bias principle to shape [ideal customer persona]'s perception of our [product/service]. Present the most crucial or favorable information upfront and use it as an anchor to guide their decision-making process.

Develop a lead nurture campaign using the Self-Handicapping framework to address any potential barriers or doubts [ideal customer persona] might have about using our [product/service]. Provide resources and reassurance to help overcome these challenges and underscore the strengths of the product.

Strategize an ad campaign utilizing Confirmation Bias to resonate with [ideal customer persona]'s preexisting views and beliefs about [subject]. Present information in a way that aligns with their values and encourage action by reinforcing their current mindset with persuasive messaging.

Create a lead nurture campaign following the Self-Serve Bias strategy to spotlight the achievements customers can experience with our [product/service] and downplay the influence of external factors. Showcase how our product enables [ideal customer persona] to succeed, featuring strong testimonials from satisfied users.

Develop an ad campaign leveraging the Sunk Cost Fallacy to persuade [ideal customer persona] to continue investing in our [product/service]. Highlight the resources they’ve already invested and emphasize how our product can ensure they see a return on their investment, preventing potential losses.

Create a lead capture campaign based on the Scarcity Principle to create urgency and increase demand for our [product/service] among [ideal customer persona]. Emphasize limited availability or exclusivity, encouraging immediate action before the opportunity passes.

Build an email campaign using the Reactance framework, empowering [ideal customer persona] by acknowledging their autonomy in making decisions. Provide offers that align with their freedom of choice, while subtly guiding them toward the desired outcome without feeling pressured.

Use the Loss Aversion strategy to create a lead nurture campaign that emphasizes the potential losses [ideal customer persona] could face if they don’t take advantage of our [product/service]. Focus on what they stand to lose by inaction, turning this into a motivator for engagement.

Outline an ad campaign using the Framing Effect to present information about our [product/service] in a way that influences [ideal customer persona]'s decision-making. Choose the most favorable angle—whether highlighting gains or avoiding losses—to position our product in the best possible light.

Using the Social Comparison principle, create an email campaign that illustrates the success of others who have used our [product/service]. Demonstrate how [ideal customer persona] can achieve similar results by incorporating relatable testimonials and success stories.

Create a lead capture campaign using the Social Learning framework to demonstrate the advantages and positive outcomes experienced by others using our [product/service]. Encourage [ideal customer persona] to try it for themselves, possibly offering incentives as motivation.

Leverage the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy theory to craft an ad campaign that emphasizes the potential results [ideal customer persona] can achieve by using our [product/service]. Use testimonials to illustrate how others have benefited, helping them envision similar success.

Develop a lead nurture campaign based on the Self-Efficacy Theory to build [ideal customer persona]'s confidence in using our [product/service] to meet their goals. Highlight stories of others who have succeeded and offer additional support or tools to increase their likelihood of success.

Use Self-Perception Theory to craft a lead nurture campaign that persuades [ideal customer persona] to adopt positive beliefs about our [product/service]. Encourage small actions aligned with the desired beliefs, demonstrating how these choices can shape their self-image and lead to positive results.

Create an email campaign using the That's-Not-All Effect, starting with a small request (e.g., signing up for a free resource) and following up with a larger ask (e.g., purchasing or subscribing). Emphasize how the second step will provide greater value and help [ideal customer persona] achieve their goals.

Utilize the Classical Conditioning framework in an email campaign to associate our [product/service] with positive outcomes. Reinforce the connection between our product and the desired behavior (e.g., a purchase) through consistent, repetitive messaging.

Create a lead capture campaign using the Anchoring and Adjustment principle to influence [ideal customer persona]'s decision-making by providing an initial reference point or offer. Guide them toward a favorable outcome by strategically framing the anchor to encourage adjustments in their perception.

Plan a lead capture campaign using Social Identity Theory to resonate with [ideal customer persona]'s sense of identity. Demonstrate how our [product/service] fits with their social group and values, featuring testimonials from others in their community for a stronger sense of belonging.

Using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, create an email campaign that targets the [current need] of [ideal customer persona]. Showcase how our [product/service] can address that need and help them progress toward self-actualization, using language that speaks to their present stage and goals.

Leverage Attachment Theory to craft an email campaign that appeals to the emotional bonds [ideal customer persona] seeks in relationships. Position our [product/service] as a means to enhance those connections, highlighting how it can improve their well-being and relationships through testimonials.

Develop an ad campaign using Cognitive Dissonance Theory to resolve conflicting beliefs [ideal customer persona] might have, ensuring they feel aligned with choosing our [product/service]. Show how the product fits with their values, supported by success stories from similar customers.

Apply Self-Determination Theory to a lead nurture campaign, emphasizing [ideal customer persona]'s autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Showcase how our [product/service] empowers them to achieve their goals while aligning with their intrinsic motivations and values, bolstered by testimonials.

Next, let’s look at copywriting.

Copywriting Framework Prompts

With your GPT, Project, or Bot loaded up, start using these prompts to explore, expand, and enhance your copywriting. 

Same idea as above: modify to fit your needs and outcomes.

Here are some prompts:

Create a lead nurture email using the Emotional Appeal framework to motivate [ideal customer persona] to take action and purchase our [product/service]. Select an emotion like [fear], [happiness], or [guilt] to evoke a strong response and encourage decision-making.

Write a sales page using the Social Proof framework to showcase the effectiveness of our [product/service] to [ideal customer persona]. Incorporate [testimonials], [case studies], and endorsements from [industry experts] as proof of its value.

Craft a LinkedIn post using the Empathy framework that identifies the [needs] and [pain points] of [ideal customer persona]. Show understanding of their challenges and present our [product/service] as the ideal solution to those problems.

Develop a landing page using the Future Pacing technique to help [ideal customer persona] visualize their future success with the help of our [product/service]. Highlight the [benefits] they’ll experience after using the product.

Create a sales email using the Benefits-Features-Proof framework to explain the key [benefits] our [product/service] offers to [ideal customer persona]. Break down the [features] that enable these benefits and provide [proof] to support the claims.

Write a Facebook ad using the Unique Value Proposition framework that pinpoints what makes our [product/service] unique for [ideal customer persona]. Clearly communicate this unique value in the copy to stand out from competitors.

Craft a sales page utilizing the Attention-Interest-Desire-Action framework to capture [ideal customer persona]’s attention with a bold statement, build [interest] with key details, generate [desire] through benefits, and drive them to take action, such as making a purchase or signing up.

Write a lead nurture email using the PASTOR framework to address [ideal customer persona]’s pain points and present our [product/service] as the solution. Identify their [problem], amplify the stakes of not solving it, share a [story], include [testimonials], present our [offer], and request a response.

Create a landing page using the Features-Advantages-Benefits approach that outlines the specific [features] of our [product/service] and explains how these [advantages] can directly benefit [ideal customer persona]. Show how it positively impacts their goals.

Develop a lead capture page following the Awareness-Comprehension-Conviction-Action framework. Present [ideal customer persona] with a [situation or problem] they face, help them understand it, build conviction that our [product/service] is the solution, and prompt them to take action.

Write a LinkedIn post using the Star-Story-Solution framework to tell a compelling [story] related to our [product/service]. Introduce a main character and walk the reader through their journey, ultimately showing how they succeeded with the help of our product.

Create a Facebook post using the Picture-Promise-Prove-Push framework that paints a vivid picture of how [ideal customer persona]’s life will improve with our [product/service]. Highlight the [promise] of what it delivers, back it up with [proof] such as testimonials, and give a final push for action.

Write a sales email using the Problem-Agitate-Solve framework to identify a critical [problem] faced by [ideal customer persona]. Agitate the issue to stress its urgency and then present our [product/service] as the logical solution to their problem.

Craft a lead nurture email using the Before-After-Bridge framework to describe [ideal customer persona]’s current [problem]. Show them what their future could look like after using our [product/service], and offer the [bridge] (our product) to get them there.

Develop a landing page using the Unique Selling Proposition framework to emphasize the [unique selling points] of our [product/service] for [ideal customer persona]. Create compelling copy that clearly communicates these points to persuade action.

Write a headline for a sales email using the Headline framework, focusing on the primary benefit or value of our [product/service]. Make the headline concise and clear to instantly convey the key benefit to [ideal customer persona].

Create a Facebook ad using the Hook-Story-Offer framework, starting with a strong hook to grab [ideal customer persona]’s attention. Follow with a brief [story] that creates an emotional connection, and conclude with an irresistible offer or call to action.

Write a lead nurture email using the CAB formula that outlines the [features] of our [product/service], explains the [advantages] of those features, and clearly presents the [benefits] that [ideal customer persona] will gain as a result.

Create a sales email using the PAS formula to spotlight a [problem] faced by [ideal customer persona], agitate the problem to increase urgency, and then offer our [product/service] as the most effective solution.

Write a sales page using the AIDA formula to capture [ideal customer persona]’s attention with a striking headline, build [interest] with valuable details, create [desire] through showcasing benefits, and drive them to take immediate action.

Cool? 

Let me know how it goes.

My long-form writing continues over at Bionic Writer.

The latest piece is The Best Prompts are Conversational Archetypes.

It’s an in-depth exploration of how you can better prompt an LLM.

Most people prompt the wrong way (using "mega prompts"). 

You'll get far better output if you have dialogues with Deep Archetypes.

It starts with a story of using GPT-3. Yes, I was using GPT-3 back in the day. I was very fortunate to get early access in the summer of 2020.

I recently repeated the experiment from the story on GPT-4o and Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and continue to prompt new models to get their vibe.

The true power of LLMs is not in their ability to predict and generate words. 

It’s in their capacity to expand our own cognitive horizons.

Read the essay here.

Talk soon,
Sam Woods
The Editor