Asking an AI tool to “write an SEO-optimised blog post” might seem easy enough. But if the result feels dull, repetitive, or slightly off-brand, the problem usually lies in the prompt. To create content that attracts traffic, ranks well, and turns readers into customers, your prompts need to go beyond the basics.
In this guide, we will explain why many SEO prompts do not work and what you can use instead to create content that delivers real results.
Why Most SEO Prompts Fall Flat
The internet is now flooded with AI-written content. And while tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and others are powerful, what you feed them determines what you get back. Generic SEO prompts often lead to content that:
- Sounds like a Wikipedia page
- Misses the brand voice
- Lacks strategic keyword integration
- Offers no real value to the reader
- Gets flagged by Google’s helpful content updates
Let’s explore the deeper issues.
1. They’re Too Generic
A typical SEO prompt might be:
“Write a 1000-word blog post on Magento SEO.”
Sounds fine. But what does that really mean?
The result? A vague, surface-level article with no real depth, creativity, or direction—definitely not what Google or your audience is looking for.
Instead, specificity matters. Try:
“Write a blog post titled ‘Magento SEO Tips for Product Pages That Convert’ aimed at e-commerce business owners. Focus on keyword placement, image optimisation, and internal linking strategies.”
Now you’re giving the AI something real to work with: context, audience, and focus.
2. They Ignore Search Intent
Not every person searching “Magento SEO” wants the same thing. Some are beginners, some are developers, others are store owners comparing agencies.
Generic prompts fail to account for this. They don’t guide the AI to align content with user intent, which leads to poor engagement and high bounce rates.
3. They Don’t Include On-Page SEO Signals
Your content can’t rank if it doesn’t tick the right boxes. Many prompts don’t consider
- Keyword density
- Header structure (H2s, H3s)
- Meta descriptions
- Internal linking
- Readability for skimming
Without these, you end up with something that may “read okay” but won’t perform in search engines.
What to Use Instead: Smart, Strategic SEO Prompts That Actually Work
So, how do you improve it?
It comes down to being clear about what you want. A strong SEO prompt should guide the content, both in terms of ideas and what needs to be included. Here’s how you can put that together.
1. Build Prompts Around Your Audience
Let’s say you sell sustainable dog products online. Instead of saying:
“Write an article about dog toys.”
Try:
“Create a friendly, helpful blog post for eco-conscious dog owners comparing sustainable dog toy materials. Include benefits, examples, and a call-to-action to shop our eco dog toys.”
This tells the AI:
- Who the audience is
- What the content should focus on
- What tone to use
- What action to drive
Bonus Tip: Want smarter personalisation? Include details like buyer personas, brand tone, or even past blog examples.
2. Align Prompts With Keyword + Content Strategy
At 5MS, our team blends prompts with keyword research and competitive analysis. Here’s how we elevate a weak prompt:
Weak:
“Write an SEO article about vacuum packing.”
Stronger SEO Prompt:
“Write a 1200-word, SEO-optimised article for UK food businesses titled ‘Vacuum Packing Your Food: Seal In The Freshness.’ Focus keyword: vacuum packing. Include benefits for food preservation, differences between external and internal machines, and CTA to explore our vacuum packers.”
This type of prompt gets results because it:
- Targets a clear long-tail keyword
- Defines the article structure and angle
- Matches searcher pain points
- Adds conversion elements
3. Add Real Content Strategy Inputs
Want even better content? Your prompt should guide the structure too:
- Title: Benefit + keyword + curiosity
- Meta description: Enticing + keyword-rich
- Subheadings: Reflect user search questions
- Tone: Friendly, helpful, expert
Instead of micromanaging, guide the AI by focusing on what matters most: relevance, usefulness, and authority.
Practical SEO Prompt Templates You Can Use
Here are some winning prompt formats we use regularly for e-commerce clients:
Prompt Template #1: Product-Focused Blog
“Write a blog post of 1000+ words titled “[Benefit-Oriented Title with Keyword]” aimed at [Target Audience]. The content should educate readers about [your product or category], include internal links to [your product page], use H2 and H3 headings for structure, and finish with a call-to-action inviting them to explore [brand/store].”
- ✅ Great for content marketing
- ✅ Builds authority
- ✅ Drives product discovery
Prompt Template #2: Category Page Copy
“Write engaging SEO content for a Magento category page selling . Use the keyword ‘[primary keyword]’ naturally throughout. Speak to [audience pain point or use case], keep tone friendly and professional, and include a call-to-action to shop now.”
- ✅ Boosts on-page SEO
- ✅ Targets long-tail traffic
- ✅ Improves conversion
Prompt Template #3: Competitor Comparison
“Create an SEO-optimised comparison blog post for ‘[Product/Service A] vs [Product/Service B]’ aimed at [audience]. Use bullet points, pros and cons, and a final verdict. Focus on helping readers choose and link to our related services.”
- ✅ Ranks well for decision-stage keywords
- ✅ Helps establish trust
- ✅ Drives qualified leads
Common SEO Prompt Mistakes to Avoid
Even with great intentions, it’s easy to fall into these traps:
- Overstuffing keywords (Google hates this)
- Using filler words just to meet a word count
- Forgetting the CTA (don’t leave users hanging!)
- Ignoring internal links to other content on your site
- Copying competitor prompts without adding originality
Our tip: Google’s Helpful Content System continues to improve. If your content doesn’t provide real value to the reader, it won’t rank well, no matter how well-written or keyword-optimised it may be.
Final Thoughts: Rethink Your SEO Prompts, Rethink Your Results
The truth is, most SEO prompts fail because they’re not built for performance. They’re built for output. But high-performing content doesn’t come from a copy-paste command. It comes from strategy. If you want SEO prompts that actually deliver traffic, rankings, and conversions, it’s time to level up your approach.