If you’re running a business in 2025, you likely already use generative AI in some form. GenAI tools and chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Gemini have become integral to various use cases, from content creation to business planning.
It isn’t surprising then that over 60 percent of businesses list GenAI among their top priorities over the next two years. Plus, 87 percent of companies are piloting or have already deployed generative AI tools in some capacity.
It’s also projected that organizations will quadruple their investment in these AI tools over the next two to three years.
But there’s a catch. The results you get from generative AI tools depend on the quality of your inputs. Effective prompts can get you accurate AI outputs that fit your requirements, while poor prompting can lead you down all the wrong roads.
If you’ve been struggling to harness the full potential of AI tools, it’s time you assess the prompts you’re using. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common mistakes you can make when asking questions to AI tools and how to avoid them.
What are AI prompts?
Prompts are questions or commands you give generative AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude. They’re the inputs you use to communicate with AI models and tell them what to do (or generate).
AI models generate content based on the prompts you provide them. The more contextual and specific the prompts, the better the quality of AI responses. For instance, if you’re brainstorming ways to improve customer loyalty, you can use the following generative AI prompt: “What are some cost-effective strategies to improve customer loyalty for a small business?”
The importance of good AI prompts
Let’s face it—AI tools aren’t mind readers. They use prompts to understand your needs and generate the most suitable responses.
If you provide these tools with vague prompts, the AI-generated content will be just as generic. For instance, when you ask ChatGPT “How do I improve my business,” it will give you a long list of steps that may not be relevant to you.
Besides generic and vague responses, ineffective prompts can also result in AI-generated content with factual inaccuracies. That’s what makes prompt engineering crucial for businesses that use AI-powered tools.
AI prompt mistakes and how to avoid them
If you’re looking to make the best use of AI tools, there are a few pitfalls to watch for when crafting your prompts. Here’s a look at the most common mistakes, with some AI prompt tips to help you avoid them.
Ambiguous instructions
Unclear inputs to AI tools will give you generic or false answers. If you don’t communicate your specific goals and needs, the AI-generated content will be superficial and (sometimes) off-topic.
That’s exactly what happened in the case of the previous example where we used the prompt “How do I improve my business.”
How to avoid ambiguity:
Write specific prompts with clear context and details describing what you want. If you’re brainstorming ideas to improve your business, the following prompt will work better: “What are three actionable ways to increase monthly revenue for a bootstrapped real estate firm?”
Overly complex instructions
While AI tools need detailed prompts, cramming in too much information also affects the quality of AI-generated content. Combining multiple queries into a single prompt can confuse AI models and result in an incoherent or incomplete response.
Example: “What are the different types of CRM platforms, which is better, and how do I pick one for my professional services business?” Also, provide the pricing details and any alternatives for each one.
How to avoid complexity:
Break down long and complex tasks into smaller prompts. Focus on a single query in each prompt.
In the case of the aforementioned example, you can break it down into a series of AI prompts:
- “What are the different types of CRM platforms?”
- “Which CRM platform is better for a professional services business?”
- “I run a mid-sized accounting firm. How should I select the right CRM solution for my business?”
Lack of perspective
Generative AI tools can take on several perspectives or roles, from industry leaders to academic experts. If your prompt doesn’t specify a role, the AI output can be generic and misaligned with your expectations.
Example: “How can I promote my business?”
How to avoid a lack of perspective:
Specify a clear perspective or role to get more relevant responses from AI systems.
Here’s how you can modify the aforementioned query: “If you were a social media marketing expert, what tips would you give for promoting a new marketing agency to millennials?”
Not understanding AI’s shortcomings
A common mistake in AI prompting is asking AI models for opinions or real-time information. These systems are trained on existing data sets and generate answers accordingly. So, they may not be well equipped to comment on current events and trends — they might even provide responses with factual inaccuracies.
Example: “What are the top digital marketing trends for 2025?”
How to avoid misusing AI:
Keep generative AI capabilities and limitations in mind when writing AI prompts. AI models are good at explaining complex concepts and summarizing information. Make sure your prompts leverage these strengths.
Here’s a better way to frame the aforementioned prompt: “Based on past trends in the digital marketing landscape, what factors are likely to affect it?”
Including confidential details
AI tools have complete access to your prompts. While they won’t reveal your data to the public, they can use it for compliance and training purposes. Plus, there have been reports of AI tools leaking personal data and login credentials during user sessions. So, including sensitive information in AI prompts is a strict no-no.
Example: “How do I retain {{company name}} as my client?”
How to avoid exposing sensitive data:
Don’t mention confidential company information, such as client names and payment information, in generative AI prompts. Use hypothetical scenarios and examples instead.
Example: “A multinational company is my client. What are some practical steps I can take to build a lasting working relationship with them?”
Get the most from AI tools with the right prompts
Integrating artificial intelligence tools into business workflows is no longer a novelty. These tools can help you improve productivity, find new ideas, and facilitate smarter decision-making. Using prompts correctly can help you make the most out AI in your business.
