How to use this library
These are starter prompts. A prompt is simply the message you type to the AI. Each one has blanks in [BRACKETS] for your own details, like [YOUR BUSINESS] or [YOUR CITY]. The more real details you add, the more useful the answer. You can always follow up with "make it shorter" or "explain that more simply."
Make each prompt your own
Think of these like a recipe you adjust to taste. Change the tone, add what your customers usually ask, or remove parts you don't need. If an answer misses the mark, tell the AI what was wrong instead of starting over.
Copy-and-fill prompts
Pick a topic, copy a prompt, then replace anything in [BRACKETS] with your own details. Leave out private information like account numbers, passwords, or customer addresses.
Business ideas
I'm interested in [TOPIC OR SKILL] and have noticed [PROBLEM YOU'VE NOTICED]. Suggest 5 small business ideas that connect the two.
I have experience with [SKILL] and about [TIME/HOURS PER WEEK] to spend on a side business. Suggest ideas that fit that amount of time.
Compare these 3 business ideas for someone starting with a budget of [$ AMOUNT]: [IDEA 1], [IDEA 2], [IDEA 3]. What should I consider for each?
Startup plan
Help me write a one-page business plan for [BUSINESS IDEA]. Include: what I offer, who it's for, how I'll reach them, and my first goal.
I'm starting [BUSINESS TYPE] with a budget of [$ AMOUNT]. List the likely startup costs I should plan for.
Write 3 measurable first-month goals for a new [BUSINESS TYPE] business, instead of an income promise.
Thrift & vintage doll resale
I found a [DOLL MAKER/BRAND] doll from [ERA/YEAR] in [CONDITION]. Suggest 3 questions I should research before pricing it.
Write an honest, detailed resale listing description for a [DOLL MAKER/BRAND] doll, condition: [CONDITION DETAILS], including any flaws: [FLAWS].
I collect/resell [TYPE OF VINTAGE ITEM]. Suggest 5 details collectors typically care about that I should mention in every listing.
Product descriptions
Write a product description for [PRODUCT NAME], made of [MATERIALS], used for [PURPOSE]. Tone: [TONE, e.g. warm/professional]. Keep it under [WORD COUNT] words.
Rewrite this product description to sound more [TONE]: [PASTE DESCRIPTION].
Write 3 short product description variations for [PRODUCT] aimed at [TARGET CUSTOMER].
Customer research
Suggest 5 questions I could ask potential customers to find out if they'd pay for [PRODUCT/SERVICE].
I sell [PRODUCT/SERVICE] to [AUDIENCE]. What are 5 things this audience likely cares about when choosing between options?
Help me write a short, 4-question survey to ask past customers of [BUSINESS TYPE] what almost stopped them from buying.
Pricing considerations
My [PRODUCT/SERVICE] costs about [$ COST] in materials/time. Suggest 3 pricing options with the reasoning for each.
Explain, in plain terms, the difference between markup and margin using an example price of [$ AMOUNT] and cost of [$ COST].
I currently charge [$ PRICE] for [PRODUCT/SERVICE]. List questions I should consider before raising or lowering that price.
Bookkeeping questions
Explain, in plain language, the difference between revenue and profit using my numbers: I made [$ REVENUE] and spent [$ EXPENSES].
Suggest a simple way to categorize expenses for a [BUSINESS TYPE] business just starting to track money.
Write 3 questions I should ask an accountant about recordkeeping for a [BUSINESS TYPE] business.
Branding
Suggest 3 different brand voice directions for a [BUSINESS TYPE] serving [AUDIENCE], with one example sentence for each.
Suggest 8 possible taglines for a business called [BUSINESS NAME] that offers [PRODUCT/SERVICE].
Write a short brand voice guide (one paragraph) for a business that is [DESCRIBE TONE, e.g. warm, direct, playful].
Flyers
Write flyer text announcing [EVENT/PRODUCT/OFFER] for [BUSINESS TYPE], with one clear call to action at the end.
Suggest a short headline, 2-sentence body, and call to action for a flyer about [OFFER], aimed at [AUDIENCE].
Rewrite this flyer text to be shorter and easier to read quickly: [PASTE TEXT].
Marketing
Suggest 5 low-cost ways to let [AUDIENCE] know about my [BUSINESS TYPE] in [CITY/AREA].
Write a short announcement I could use in an email, flyer, and social post for [EVENT/OFFER], keeping the message consistent across all three.
Suggest 3 ways to find out which marketing efforts are actually bringing customers to a [BUSINESS TYPE] business.
Social media
Write 3 short social media captions announcing [PRODUCT/EVENT/OFFER] for a [BUSINESS TYPE], in a [TONE] voice.
Suggest a one-week posting plan (what to post each day) for a [BUSINESS TYPE] business with [TIME AVAILABLE] per day for social media.
Rewrite this caption to be more [TONE]: [PASTE CAPTION].
Email & customer service
Write a friendly email to a customer whose order is delayed due to [REASON], offering [WHAT YOU'RE OFFERING, e.g. a discount or update].
Write a short, professional reply to a customer asking for a refund because [REASON], following a policy of [YOUR POLICY].
Write a welcome email for new customers of a [BUSINESS TYPE] business, mentioning [KEY DETAIL, e.g. hours or how to reach you].
Schedules
Here's my task list for the week: [PASTE TASK LIST]. Group it into must-do, should-do, and could-wait.
Suggest a simple weekly schedule template for a [BUSINESS TYPE] business that operates [DAYS/HOURS].
Help me plan which day to do [TASK], given that [DAY(S)] are already fully booked with [OTHER COMMITMENT].
Learning unfamiliar terms
Explain [TERM] in plain, everyday language, with one small example related to a [BUSINESS TYPE] business.
I keep seeing the term [TERM] when researching [TOPIC]. What does it mean and when would I actually need to know it?
Explain the difference between [TERM 1] and [TERM 2] in simple words, with an example of each.
Canva workflow
Suggest a simple layout for a [DESIGN TYPE, e.g. flyer or social post] in Canva, including what sections to include.
I have brand colors [HEX CODE 1] and [HEX CODE 2] and fonts [FONT 1] and [FONT 2]. Suggest how to apply them consistently in Canva designs.
Suggest 3 short headline options for a Canva design promoting [PRODUCT/OFFER].
Shopify workflow
Write a Shopify product title and description for [PRODUCT], including key details: [MATERIALS/SIZE/VARIANTS].
Suggest how to organize [NUMBER] products into collections for a [BUSINESS TYPE] Shopify store.
Draft a simple shipping policy summary for a Shopify store that ships [PRODUCT TYPE] within [TIMEFRAME].
Lovable workflow
I want to build a simple web app that helps customers [APP PURPOSE]. List the pages and features a first version should include.
Write a clear, one-request prompt for Lovable describing the look and feel I want for [PAGE/FEATURE]: [DESCRIBE STYLE].
Suggest 3 things to test on both phone and computer before publishing a Lovable app that does [APP PURPOSE].
A real-world example
Someone selling cleaned-up vintage dolls copies the product description prompt, fills in the doll's maker, year, size and condition, and asks for two versions: one short for social media and one longer for an online listing. They check every detail against the actual doll before posting.
Steps to take
- Choose a topic on this page or search for a word like "flyer".
- Copy one prompt and paste it into your AI tool.
- Replace everything in [BRACKETS] with your own details.
- Read the answer, then ask one follow-up to improve it.
- Check facts, prices and claims yourself before using the result.
Prompt practice check
This checklist is optional and not saved. Copy it to keep a personal note. Do not enter sensitive information.
Go deeper in related modules
Not sure what a word means? Check Business Words Made Simple.
