Prompt rewrite exercise

Take a weak prompt from vague to production-ready, step by step

The starting prompt

Here is a real-world weak prompt that many agency owners write:

Write me a proposal for a client.

Let’s systematically improve it through five passes, adding one component at a time.

Pass 1: Add Role

You are a senior account executive at a digital agency specializing in WordPress and Shopify builds for SMBs.

Write me a proposal for a client.

Improvement: Claude now draws on agency account management patterns.

Pass 2: Sharpen the Instructions

Write a project proposal for a new website build that covers: project overview, scope of work, timeline, investment, and next steps.

Improvement: Now Claude knows what sections to include.

Pass 3: Add Context

Client context:
- Business: Gallagher Auto Spa, a car detailing business in Austin, TX
- Current site: outdated WordPress, no online booking, poor mobile experience
- Goal: modern site with online booking integration (they use Acuity)
- Decision maker: Scott, the owner, mid-50s, not technical
- Budget range: $4,000-$6,000
- Timeline: wants it live before summer season (8 weeks)

Improvement: Now Claude can write a real proposal with actual details.

Pass 4: Add Constraints

Constraints:
- No tech jargon — Scott is non-technical
- Keep total proposal under 600 words
- Investment section: show a range, not a single number
- Do NOT include hourly rates — package pricing only
- End with a clear single call to action

Pass 5: Specify the Format

Format:
- Use clear section headers
- The Scope of Work section should be a short bulleted list
- All other sections: 2-4 sentences of prose, no bullets
- Professional but warm tone