ChatGPT tricks and tips : Using brackets { } and [ ]

As content marketers, we're constantly on the hunt for tools and techniques that can give us an edge in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Today, I'm here to share a game-changing strategy that has transformed my approach to AI-assisted content creation: the use of brackets in ChatGPT prompts. This isn't just another minor tweak — this could redefine how you interact with AI and supercharge your content marketing efforts. At first, I was skeptical. How could something as simple as adding brackets to my prompts make a significant difference? However, as I experimented, the results were astounding. My content became more targeted, my workflows more efficient, and my outputs more aligned with my marketing goals. Now, I can't imagine working without this powerful tool in my arsenal.

Why Brackets Matter

Brackets are not mere punctuation. They are powerful tools that structure your prompts with precision, providing clarity and direction to your AI assistant. Understanding how to effectively use both curly {} and square [] brackets can transform your engagement with ChatGPT, ensuring your content is not just generated but curated with intent and sophistication.

Curly Brackets {}: Organizing Options and Alternatives

Curly brackets are fantastic for offering multiple choices or pathways within a single prompt. This is useful for generating varied responses or exploring different angles of a topic. Here’s how to incorporate them:

• Content Variations: "Write an article on {social media marketing | email marketing | SEO strategies}." This prompt provides flexibility to choose from a range of marketing strategies.
• Tone Adjustments: "Create a {formal | informal | humorous} introduction for a webinar on digital trends." Explore different tones to suit audience preferences.
• Subject Exploration: "Discuss the benefits of {remote work | office work | hybrid work models} in modern business." Tailor content according to trends and reader interests.
• Product Features: "Highlight the {eco-friendly aspects | innovative technology | cost-effectiveness} of our new product line." Focus on different selling points for various customer segments.
• Content Formats: "Create a {blog post | social media thread | podcast script} about AI trends." Efficiently generate content for multiple platforms.

Curly brackets enable a multivariate approach to content generation without needing multiple prompts.

Square Brackets []: Clarifying and Specifying Content

Square brackets add specificity and constraints to your prompts. They ensure ChatGPT understands the context or particular details you want to be included. Here’s how they can be applied:

• Target Audience Specification: "Write a blog post about influencer marketing [target audience: small business owners]." Tailors content specifically for small business owners.
• Style and Structure Control: "Draft an email to new subscribers [format: bullet points] about our latest product launch." Ensures clear and concise presentation.
• Content Length: "Create a LinkedIn post on branding [length: 150 words]." Sets clear expectations about length.
• Industry Focus: "Write a case study on digital transformation [industry: healthcare]." Ensures relevance and tailoring to a specific sector.
• Including Key Information: "Compose a press release for our app launch [include: release date, key features, CEO quote]." Ensures incorporation of crucial information.

Square brackets sculpt your content with precision and purpose.

Maximizing Brackets for Content Marketing Success

1. Campaign Planning and Execution: Integrate brackets to adapt AI-generated content to different campaign stages. Initial Brainstorming: Use curly brackets for various themes. E.g., "Generate ideas for a {holiday | summer | back-to-school} campaign." Content Creation: Use square brackets to define audience and tone. E.g., "Develop a newsletter introduction [audience: millennials, tone: engaging]." Multi-Channel Approach: Combine both bracket types. E.g., "Create a {social media post | email subject line | banner ad headline} for our summer sale [target: young professionals, emphasis: limited time offer]."
2. Personalization and Audience Engagement: Create content that resonates with specific segments. Personalized Content: "Write a product description [audience: tech enthusiasts, feature highlight: AI-based scheduling]." Customizing for Buyer Personas: "Craft a value proposition {for startups | for enterprise clients} [focus: cost-efficiency, expertise]."
3. A/B Testing and Optimization: Use brackets for continual improvement. Testing Subject Lines: "Generate email subject lines {discount offer | free shipping}."Landing Page Optimization: "Write a headline {emphasizing urgency | highlighting benefits} [product: online course, target: working professionals]."
4. Content Repurposing: Streamline repurposing for different platforms. Adapting Blog Content: "Transform key points into {a Twitter thread | an Instagram carousel | a LinkedIn article} [maintain brand voice, include call-to-action]."
5. SEO Optimization: Fine-tune content for search engines. Keyword Integration: "Write about sustainable fashion [primary keyword: eco-friendly clothing, secondary: sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing]."
6. Seasonal and Timely Content Creation: Quickly adapt to current events or seasons. Holiday Marketing: "Create posts for {Black Friday | Cyber Monday | Christmas} sales [product: electronics, tone: exciting]."

The Urgent Call to Action

As content marketers, embracing these tools is imperative to stay ahead. The edge you seek might be in the structure of your prompts. Here’s what you can do:

• Experiment with Brackets: Incorporate both curly and square brackets. Test structures and note response variations.
• Refine Your Approach: Use ChatGPT feedback to refine prompts. Align brackets with content goals.
• Share Your Success: Master brackets and share results. Encourage team and peer adoption.
• Educate Your Team: Conduct workshops or create guides on prompt engineering with brackets.
• Stay Updated: Keep abreast of new AI and prompt engineering developments.
• Create a Prompt Library: Develop successful prompts using brackets as a reference for your team.
• Measure and Analyze: Track content performance from bracketed prompts to refine your approach continually.