5: 🧨 Constraint-Based Prompting – Force AI to Create Punchy Content That Actually Works
AI Secrets for Creators Who Want to Build And Market Valuable Digital Products Online #PromptsForMarketing
Tired of AI writing essays when you just want a headline?
You ask for a quick hook, and it gives you a page. You need a subject line, and it drops a paragraph. That’s where Constraint-Based Prompting comes in—and it changes everything.
By forcing AI to work within strict limits, you get tighter, punchier, more powerful content—fast.
✂️ Why This Works
Limiting AI’s output forces it to:
Focus on value-first messaging
Kill the fluff and filler
Hit real-world platform requirements (character counts, screen space, attention spans)
The best content creators have always used constraints. Twitter. TikTok. Magazine covers. You’re just giving your AI the same rules.
🎯 When to Use It:
Writing headlines, subject lines, email hooks
Creating short-form video scripts for TikTok, Reels, Shorts
Crafting social captions or carousel text
Testing CTA variants or landing page copy
A/B testing tight content formats
🛠️ Try This Prompt:
“Write 5 email subject lines, 40 characters max. Each must create curiosity, use an emotional trigger, and be different enough to A/B test.”
No fluff. No drift. Just performance-focused prompts.
⚡ Example Constraints You Can Use:
“Exactly 3 words. Must grab attention.”
“280 characters including hashtags.”
“Start with a question. End with CTA. 50 words total.”
“Must be spoken in 3 seconds or less.”
“Write in 2 sentences. Each under 10 words.”
“Create 3 versions: curiosity, urgency, benefit-driven.”
Constraints unlock clarity and creative force.
📱 Platform-Friendly Prompting
PlatformTry ThisInstagram“First 125 characters = scroll-stopper. Total 300 max.”Twitter/X“280 chars. 1 actionable tip. 1 hashtag.”TikTok“Hook must be 3 spoken words. Instant curiosity.”LinkedIn“200 words. Start with bold stat. End with question.”Pinterest“Vertical headline. Max 6 words. Inspires click.”Email“Subject line: 6 words. Must trigger opens.”
Coming Next:
🔗 Chain-of-Persuasion Prompting — Layer your prompts like a great sales letter: hook, agitate, solve, close.
Stick around for the printable cheat sheet that includes all 10 Prompting Frameworks with fill-in-the-blank templates.
—Fred Ferguson (GeezerWise)
📌 This was written by Fred Ferguson (GeezerWise). If it spoke to you, I’d love to hear back—just hit reply.
💭 Got a question, memory, or topic you'd like me to write a letter about? Hit reply and let me know—I won’t respond individually, but I may turn it into a future letter. Consider it a suggestion box for the soul.
💌 Know someone who’d appreciate this? Forward it or invite them to subscribe at www.geezerwise.com.
⚠️ If you see a message below about pledging support—that’s Substack’s way of letting readers chip in if they want. Totally optional but always appreciated if this work means something to you.
—Fred [GeezerWise]