Effective Writing Prompts and Their Impact on Writers
Most writing prompts are forgettable.
They’re vague. Overused. Or so abstract they stall more than they spark.
But the best writing prompts—the ones professionals return to again and again—do something more.
They create momentum. They unlock clarity. And most importantly, they focus the writer’s mind on what matters: the reader, the goal, the story.
At Mandel Marketing, we help clients turn blank pages into powerful brand assets. So we asked a group of seasoned writers, marketers, and strategists to share one prompt that has truly transformed the way they write—for business, for social, or for themselves.
The results? Tactical. Memorable. Surprisingly profound.
From AI-powered LinkedIn formulas to introspective reflections that clarify personal purpose, these seven prompts are tools worth stealing.
Ancient Ghostwriter Prompt Creates Viral LinkedIn Content
My ancient ghostwriter prompt is hands-down the most powerful writing tool I’ve ever created.
Here it is in full:
“Please think and act as an experienced writer and storyteller who is a unique combination of Walt Disney’s and C.S. Lewis’s personalities and writing styles with Gary Vaynerchuk’s social media marketing knowledge and skills. You have 30 years of experience telling stories in a way that captures the hearts of audiences and makes it easy for them to understand and emotionally respond to your words.
Your task is to write a LinkedIn post that will go viral, meaning over 1,000 likes. In order to do this, you need to write a post for the following business owner in their tone of voice and personality: [INSERT CLIENT INFO HERE]
Please do not include the business owner’s name in the new post. I want you to give me a new post based on the blog post that I share with you. Please make the new post with the thought leadership of Sahil Bloom and the short and concise formatting, sentence structure, and copywriting skills of LinkedIn ghostwriter Justin Welsh.
Your words are short and concise, your sentences do not exceed 16 words, and you now specialize in LinkedIn marketing. Please make sure this post is at least 500 characters. I want you to also switch up the formatting so it’s easy to read with lots of space. Please make sure the post has a bulleted listicle in it.
Please take your time and think about what you write carefully, and make sure every word is captivating and precise.
Be sure to use no hashtags, and make sure the posts follow this opening format:
A bold statement that is no more than 8 words in sentence one.
A sentence that starts with the word “but” and then a counterpoint to sentence one.
A short statement beginning with “How to” and then a number included in sentence 3.”
Most people create prompts that are too vague or too rigid. This prompt gives AI a creative personality to embody but still enforce structural elements that make posts perform well.
I’ve refined this prompt through hundreds of iterations, and it consistently outperforms any other approach I’ve tested. The opening format alone (bold statement – “but” counterpoint – “how to” with a number) reliably increases engagement by 30-40% compared to traditional openings.
The beauty of this prompt is that you can paste almost any blog article into it and get a LinkedIn post that’s worth publishing with minimal editing.
Luke Matthews, Copywriter, AI Writing Lessons
Future Self Advice: A Transformative Reflection Tool
One of the best writing prompts I’ve come across is: “What would your future self tell you right now?”
This prompt is powerful because it taps into reflection and foresight, allowing you to gain clarity on your current struggles or decisions. It helps you envision growth, progress, and the wisdom you could accumulate over time. Whether for personal development, business strategy, or content creation, this prompt encourages introspection and motivates you to approach challenges with a long-term perspective. It serves as a reminder that the actions and decisions you make today shape the future you’ll be living tomorrow. It’s memorable because it connects deeply to the idea of personal evolution and understanding what truly matters in any journey.
Amir Husen, Content Writer, SEO Specialist & Associate, ICS Legal
Debunk Industry Myths to Build Trust
One of the most effective writing prompts I’ve used in content marketing is: “What’s one common myth in your industry that needs to be debunked—and what’s the truth behind it?”
This prompt is powerful because it does three things simultaneously:
- Establishes authority – By addressing a widespread misconception, you’re demonstrating expertise and thought leadership.
- Creates value – You’re educating your audience and providing clarity in a space where misinformation is common.
- Drives engagement – Controversial or counterintuitive insights tend to spark discussion, shares, and saves—key signals for algorithmic reach
It’s especially effective on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok, where storytelling, quick insights, and expert positioning drive performance. In short, this prompt turns your knowledge into trust-building content.
Thank you.
Tyson Downs, Owner & Business Growth Consultant, Titan Web Agency: A Dental Marketing Agency
Customer Mistakes Drive Empathetic AI Content
One of my go-to prompts is:
“Think about a time your ideal customer tried to solve a problem related to [insert your product/service/industry] and got it wrong. What was the mistake they made, why did it happen, and how can your expertise help them avoid it in the future?”
This prompt works incredibly well because it forces AI to write with empathy and insight. It shifts the focus away from features or generic advice and toward real pain points, which aligns perfectly with search intent and improves both engagement and conversions.
It also naturally supports storytelling, EEAT principles, and thought leadership, all crucial elements of SEO in 2025.
Oscar Scolding, Sr. SEO & Performance Strategist, Oscar Scolding
Focus on Customer Problems, Not Technical Details
One of the best writing prompts I’ve come across is, “What problem are you solving for your customer, and how does your solution make their life easier?”
It’s simple, but it’s incredibly effective. In my line of work, we can easily get caught up in the technical side of things like SEO strategies, design trends, and platform updates. But this prompt always brings me back to the basics. It forces me to step back and think about the real-world impact of what we’re doing. Are we solving a real problem for our clients? And is the solution actually making things easier for their customers?
Every time I answer this question, I find myself sharpening the focus of whatever we’re working on. It’s not just about making something look good or rank higher; it’s about making a tangible difference for the people who will use it.
Nirmal Gyanwali, Founder & CMO, WP Creative
Purpose-Driven Event Planning Starts With Why
The writing prompt that transformed how I approach event marketing came from a mentor who asked simply: “Tell me about the moment you realized this event needed to exist.” I’ve carried this prompt with me for years, applying it not just to my own work but encouraging clients to answer it too.
During early planning for a conference that felt directionless, I asked the client this question. Their response—about a doctor who couldn’t access critical research during an emergency—completely reframed our approach. We shifted from a standard information-sharing format to creating a resource hub that lived beyond the event itself.
I think what makes this prompt so powerful is how it connects purpose to execution. It bypasses surface-level planning and digs into the emotional core of why something matters. I’ve watched this prompt turn ordinary event descriptions into compelling narratives that attract precisely the right audience. Sometimes the simplest questions yield the most profound shifts in perspective.
Michelle Garrison, Event Tech and AI Strategist, We & Goliath
Contrarian Beliefs Create Standout Content
Prompt: “What do you believe in that most people don’t, and why?”
Why it’s memorable and effective:
This prompt goes deeper than surface-level writing and blends flair with originality. I’ve used it in personal narratives and content marketing because it brings out unique perspectives that stand out, spark curiosity, and often lead to bold, shareable stories. It encourages genuine expression — and that’s powerful in any form of writing.
Sabah Drabu, CEO, CookinGenie
Great writing doesn’t start with talent. It starts with a great question.
These seven prompts work because they simplify the process while elevating the outcome. Whether you’re building a brand, optimizing SEO content, writing a keynote, or finding your personal voice—they give you a starting point that leads somewhere meaningful.
Try one today. Or better yet, pick the one that makes you uncomfortable. That’s where the good stuff usually hides.
And if you’re looking to turn insights like these into marketing that moves people, reach out to us. At Mandel Marketing, we live for this.