Custom template example prompts

The effectiveness and success of your custom templates depend on how well they are set up, particularly the prompts you include.

Custom template prompts

There are no hard and fast rules for writing prompts - which you can easily find out with a quick online search. So, if you're new to prompt writing, experimenting with different prompts is a good way to build your confidence and understand what works well for the content you're creating.

Here are a few examples to help you get started with writing prompts for custom templates. Our examples may not completely align with your requirements, so think of them more as inspiration as you start your prompt writing journey.

Examples for product descriptions

Custom templates put you in control of your product descriptions, letting you decide the amount and types of information you want to provide the LLM (inputs) and the structure and style you want for your generated content (outputs).

Here are some examples of custom template prompts that will be used for creating product descriptions.

Example 1: Running shoes

For this example we want to generate persuasive product descriptions that encourage readers to purchase running shoes. We've decided to create a custom template to generate our product descriptions because the predefined template does not include all the fields we need to provide very specific product data to the LLM as part of generation.

We also need to write a prompt that will create product descriptions for each product, taking into account our brand guidelines and formatting requirements, while using the factual list of features we provide..

For this example, the running shoes product features are:

• Product name: Moosa Men's Faststep
• Color: Grey
• Running Shoe Type: Everyday
• Surface: Road
• Support Type: Neutral
• Sole Technology: Solid Rubber Sole
• Upper Technology: Mesh
• Heel Drop: 7mm

1. Guidelines

We'll start by considering any guidelines we have for the running shoes product descriptions.

For this running shoes example, the product description guidelines are:

• Keep descriptions to 3-4 sentences.
• The respective benefits of the unique product features should be highlighted.
• Use a casual tone that encourages the reader to improve themselves with each product.
• Include details that answer the most likely questions reader will have.

2. Example prompt

Once the guidelines are clear, think about how they can be written as instructions in a custom template prompt.

Remember, for this example we are writing a prompt for a custom template that will be used to generate product descriptions for running shoes.

Here's how we've chosen to write the prompt:

You are a copywriter who crafts persuasive and SEO-optimized product descriptions for Running.com an online retailer who specializes in running shoes. Write engaging content that highlights key benefits with a friendly, casual tone. Ensure the following rules are applied:

• Product descriptions are 3 to 4 sentences.
• Open with a compelling sentence that communicates the benefits of the product’s unique features.
• Highlight features that address likely questions the reader would have in a structured, scannable format.
• Use persuasive and sensory language to enhance appeal.
• Naturally integrate relevant SEO keywords for search visibility.
• End with a subtle yet effective call to action where appropriate.

3. Test the custom template prompt

Using our example prompt and the list of product features above, this is what our custom "Running shoes" product description template creates:

note

The features listed above are formatted in a bulleted list. This is because the inputs were passed in as a bulleted list. If we want our outputs to always use bullet points to highlight the features, we would need to write that in the prompt so it applies regardless of the input format.

4. Review and update

We've reviewed the product description generated by our initial custom template prompt (above), and it's a good start.

Looking more closely, we want to improve the product description to include:

• A a headline, containing the product title
• A sub heading of "Product Specification"
• Specific SEO keywords, in this case 'sustainability'

To make these changes we'll use the "Edit template" button to update the prompt with the following instructions:

• Product name is shown as a title with the color appended to it
• List features below the heading "Product Specifications"

For the SEO improvement, we'll allow users to specify SEO keywords by adding a SEO field to the custom template.

Now when we test the prompt, it includes a title, the "Product Specifications" sub heading and specifically uses our "sustainability" keyword:

You can continue to review and experiment with prompts until you achieve the results you want.

Example 2: Home furnishings

For this example we want to generate straightforward product descriptions that give readers sufficient information to purchase home furnishing products.

For this example, our product is a duvet with these product features:

• Product name: Synthetic Soft Touch Washable Duvet, 12 Tog
• Fabric: 100% Polyester
• Care: Machine wash at 60 degrees
• Dimensions: H28.00cm W80.00cm D80.00cm

1. Guidelines for home furnishings prompt

We'll start by considering any guidelines we have for the home furnishings product descriptions.

For this home furnishings example, the prompt guidelines are:

• Open with an engaging statement that highlights the purpose and style of the products.
• Include materials, dimensions and design details.
• Include high-ranking keywords while maintaining a conversational tone.
• Stay within 50-75 words and avoid superfluous words.

2. Example prompt

We'll use the guidelines above to help write a clear prompt for products in a home furnishings store.

Here's our example prompt:

You are a copywriter who crafts persuasive and SEO-optimized product descriptions for interiors.com an online retailer who specialize in interior design and home decor. Ensure the following rules are applied:

• Keep descriptions below 75 words.
• Open with an engaging statement that highlights the product’s purpose and style.
• Clearly outline the product’s material, dimensions and design features.
• Include high-ranking keywords while maintaining a conversational tone.

3. Test the custom template prompt

Based on our prompt above and the list of product features, this is what our custom "Home furnishings" product description template creates for the inputs displayed highlighted on the right:

note

The generated content shown above isn't formatted into a bulleted list. The feature values have simply been taken from the input fields with no additional formatting. If we want our outputs to always use bullet points to highlight the features, we need to write that in the prompt, regardless of the input format.

4. Review and update

To improve our home furnishings product description, we want the product features in a bulleted list, so we've updated one of the instructions to:

• Clearly outline the product’s material, dimensions and design features in a bulleted list.*

Now, the custom template generates this:

You can experiment with combinations of instructions and input fields until you achieve the results you want.

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Examples for buying guides

Custom templates are a useful way to standardize your buying guides with custom data such as season/holiday, product line, or other pertinent information from your copy brief.

Example buying guide prompts

With this buying guide example, we want to reassure readers that the running shoe they are reading about meets their needs.

For this example, we're going to use the Running shoes Product Description that we generated in a previous example as the input for our buyer guide.

1. Guidelines

Consider what you want to achieve with a buying guide and any guidelines that need to be included.

Guidelines for our running shoes buying guide example:

• Clearly explain the product importance in relation to its target audience, and key considerations in an engaging, friendly tone.
• Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise sections to make the guide easy to scan and understand.
• Break down essential product features, compare different options, and provide expert recommendations.
• Pre-empt answers to common FAQs, resolve hesitations, and offer practical buying tips.
• Naturally integrate relevant keywords, improve search visibility, and conclude with a compelling call to action.

2. Example prompt

Think about how the guidelines can be written as instructions for a custom template prompt.

Here's our example prompt :

You are a content writer who creates informative, persuasive, and SEO-optimized buying guides for Running.com an online retailer who specializes in running shoes. The guides are designed to educate customers, simplify decision making and drive conversions. Ensure the following rules are applied:

• Start with a compelling introduction that explains the purpose of the guide and why the product matters.
• Clearly define key features and benefits, breaking down important specifications and use cases.
• Provide expert insights, comparisons, or tips to help customers make an informed decision.
• Address common concerns and frequently asked questions to improve customer confidence.
• Use clear headings, bullet points, and structured formatting for readability.
• Naturally integrate relevant SEO keywords to enhance search visibility.
• Maintain an engaging and friendly tone.
• Conclude with a subtle summary and a call to action, encouraging customers to explore further products or make a purchase.

tip

Think about making your prompts general enough to apply to a range of products or categories. In our example, we haven't included "shoe-related details" in the prompt, so the template can be used for other products too. Our Running.com retailer could also use this prompt for their running clothing and accessories.

3. Test the custom template prompt

To test our prompt, we've used the product description (that we generated for the product earlier) in the Products input field. Using the input and our prompt (above), this is what our "Running shoes" buying guide template creates:

The detailed instructions in our example buying guide prompt have built on the information in our product description, delivering extra sections, such as insights, common concerns and a conclusion.

4. Review and update

This example buying guide prompt could be used as a starting point for other buying guides, adapting it for different requirements.

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Examples for product titles

As an online retailer, it's good to maintain consistent titles for your product descriptions. However, if you have multiple suppliers, each sending you product descriptions in slightly different formats, you may want to use a custom template to standardize your product titles.

Using custom templates you can make sure your product description titles, follow the same rules for capitalization, abbreviations and order of details.

Example product title prompts

For this example we want to generate standardized product titles for running shoes from multiple manufacturers. This will help us achieve consistency across our website, helping readers to quickly scan key product details.

1. Guidelines

First, we'll look at any guidelines for how the product titles should appear.

For this running shoes example, the product titles guidelines are:

• Title copy should be less than 10 words.
• Should start with product brand name.
• Key features should be mentioned.
• Color should only come at the end of the title separated by a hyphen.

In addition, we want all running shoe titles to be in the format:

[Brand name][Product name][Gender] - [Color]

2. Example prompt

Use the guidelines to help write instructions for a custom template prompt that standardizes product titles.

This is how we've chosen to write the prompt:

You are a copywriter who creates concise and SEO-friendly product titles for Running.com an online retailer who specializes in running shoes. Write with clarity and relevance to maximize customer engagement. Ensure the following rules are applied:

• Titles must be less than 10 words.
• Titles start with the brand of the product.
• Product color is added at the end of title separated by a hyphen. For example: ‘Mooza all-trail 2.0 – Black’
• Highlight the key features of the product.
• Keep titles clear, informative, and easy to scan.

3. Test the custom template prompt

Based on our prompt above, this is what our custom "Running shoes" product title template creates from the product title Moosa Mens Black All-Trail 2.0 Running Shoe:

The inputs that were used are highlighted on the right.

4. Review and update

The product title is nearly formatted as we want. The color has been detected in the title, without us having to enter it separately. However, we've forgotten to include gender in the prompt. Even though it is in the original product title, it's been missed, so we need to make adjustments.

We'll update the prompt by adding a new instruction and amending the color instruction:

• Product gender is added at the end of the title separated by a space. For example: 'Mooza All-Trail 2.0 Running Shoe Mens'*
• Product color is added after gender separated by a hyphen. For example: ‘Mooza all-trail 2.0 Mens – Black’

The updated prompt, generates our product title correctly:

Trying our prompt with a product title in a different format, also formats the title the way we want it:

Tips for product title prompts

Our running shoes example demonstrates very simply the types of conditions and instructions you can include in your prompt titles.

Here are some general ideas of how you can build up your title prompts:

Guidelines	Prompt
Multi-pack information is described at the start of the title. E.g: ‘Pack of 10 Kids Plastic Hangers’.	If a product is a multi-pack, this must be mentioned at the start of the title, in the format ‘Pack of [X]’. For example: ‘Pack of 10 Kids Plastic Hangers’.
Color should not be mentioned in the title.	The color of the product must not appear in the product title.
Title must use initial capitals	The title should use initial capitalization.
Always use the complete brand name, not an abbreviation.	Use complete brand names instead of abbreviated names. For example use the brand name Moosa must be used in place of Msa.

Related pages

Using templates

Generating content with the Content Studio API