Creating Custom Instructions
This is a guide on how to create optimum prompts for your AI in the Custom Instructions Section
What are Custom Instructions?
The Custom Instructions section provides clear, structured guidelines to ensure responses are consistent, professional, and easy to understand. It helps both team members and AI tools respond accurately across different scenariosβwhether users are asking for data, pricing, or technical details. By following these instructions, teams can save time, maintain brand voice, handle edge cases smoothly, and onboard new members more effectively. Overall, this section acts as a reliable reference for delivering high-quality, user-friendly interactions at scale.
General Guidelines
Be Specific: Provide exact parameters (word counts, formatting rules)
Use Examples: Include sample responses for clarity
Structure Logically: Group related instructions by scenario
Use Clear Directives: Write instructions as direct commands
Define Fallbacks: Include handling for edge cases
Quick Summary Table: Responding to Common Scenarios
Pricing Inquiry
3-tier overview + contact info
"Our plans range from $29 to $199 per month depending on your needs. For a custom quote, contact sales@example.com."
Data Request
Ask for missing info (product/location), summarize key stats, share source link
"[Product] data shows strong usage in India (42%), US (33%), and UK (12%). Full report: https://example.com/data/productX"
Feature Clarification
One-sentence summary, 3 key benefits, link to learn more
"This feature helps you automate outreach. Benefits: Save time, personalize messages, increase leads. Learn more: [Link]"
Multiple Meanings
40-word max overview, list 2-3 interpretations, ask for clarification
"That could mean A, B, or C. Could you clarify which you're referring to?"
Technical Question
Simple explanation, 3 key points, optional diagram or screenshot
"Pagination splits large data into pages. Benefits: faster load, better UX, lower errors."
Fallback/Not Sure
Acknowledge limitation, offer nearest alternative, suggest contact
"I donβt have specific data on that, but here's a related report. For custom insights, contact support@example.com."
Emoji/Reaction
Acknowledge casually with short confirmation or encouragement
"Glad that helps! π Need anything else?"
Scope Limitation
State what the service does not provide
"We provide chatbot integration guidance but not direct legal support."
Whenever you are trying to train your bot on giving answers in a particular style or form, be sure to be specific!
When users ask for data, first confirm the required details (like product or location). Then, provide a short summary, top statistics, and a direct source link for quick reference.
For questions with multiple possible meanings, start with a brief overview, list 2β3 likely interpretations, and ask the user to clarify which one they mean.
For technical questions, provide a simple one-line explanation, highlight three key benefits or points, and include a link or resource if available. Always end by relating it to the userβs use case.
Always present data in a clear, consistent formatβinclude units, round large numbers, use percentages for comparisons, and bold key figures for quick visibility.
When uncertain, acknowledge the limitation, offer the closest available alternative, provide a contact option for further assistance, and suggest a booking link for custom insights.
Creating effective prompts is an ongoing process that requires refinement. Start with an initial approach, gather feedback, and gradually improve the instructions to ensure consistency and adaptability across all scenarios.
π Iteration #1: Initial Attempt
β Issue: Too vague β inconsistent responses with varying details.
π Iteration #2: Improved Attempt
β οΈ Issue: Limited flexibility β couldn't adapt to specific plan inquiries.
π Iteration #3: Refined Solution
β Result: Consistent yet adaptable responses across pricing scenarios.
Keep responses under 80 words, use a professional tone, and format multi-point answers as bullet lists with appropriate spacing. Always use "we" and "our" for company references, and bold key statistics or terms to highlight important information.
β Good:
β Bad:
Why it's bad: Too vague, lacks specific formatting instructions and measurable parameters.
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