Stop Saying “Rewrite It”! Here Are 10 Common ChatGPT Mistakes Everyone Makes

Using ChatGPT effectively is not just typing a few words and waiting for results. Many people have the habit of repeating general requests such as "Write content", "Write better", "Write again" without providing enough context or constraints. The results are therefore often general, lacking in depth, not suitable for work goals and time-consuming to edit. In this article, from a professional perspective and based on good practices in content creation and design, SaDesign will systematize 10 common mistakes when using ChatGPT and provide specific solutions, along with practical prompt templates so you can copy and paste and apply immediately. After reading, you will use AI quickly, effectively and create better quality products.

1. Why does a good prompt determine the outcome?

Before we get into the specifics, it’s important to understand a simple but key principle: ChatGPT is a request mirroring tool. If the request is vague, the output will be vague. If you clearly describe the context, audience, goals, and desired format, the AI ​​will return much more valuable content. Instead of constantly asking “Rewrite it,” you should take some time to define what you need: who is the reader, the goal of the text, the tone, length, emphasis, and no-nos. These elements are the “guidelines” that ChatGPT uses to create a useful product the first time.

The following section presents 10 common errors and detailed solutions. Each entry includes a description of the error, why it's bad, and an optimized sample prompt for you to use directly.

2. Summary of 10 mistakes when using GPT chat and how to fix them.

2.1. Error: “Write content.”

Many people think that simply saying “Write content” is enough, but this prompt doesn’t tell the AI ​​the platform, audience, goal, or format. The results are often generic, lacking in focus, not optimized for the publishing platform, and sometimes don’t meet conversion goals (like making a sale, capturing a lead, or generating engagement).

How to fix: Be specific about your platform, product, audience, desired tone, length, and structure. If you need content for advertising, ask for short copy; if it’s for a blog, suggest a layout.

Sample prompt (use now):
“Write a Facebook ad for [product name], description: [short description], for [age, profession, needs] audience. The tone should be persuasive but approachable, 200 words long. Start with an attention-grabbing opening sentence, stating 3 common problems that [customer base] faces and describing how the product is the solution. End with a clear CTA to order or sign up.”

2.2. Error: “Ask an interview question”

This requirement lacks an interview objective, does not specify the position, difficulty level, or scoring criteria. The result is often generic questions that do not go deep enough to test real skills.

Solution: Specify the position, assessment objectives, number of questions and requirements with suggested answers to help the interviewer make a quick assessment.

Sample prompt (for immediate use):
“Write 7 interview questions to test the problem-solving skills of a B2B sales specialist candidate. For each question, include 1–2 suggested good answers for easy scoring by the hiring manager. Make sure the questions are varied: real-life situations, sales pressure, teamwork, and responding to difficult customers.”

2.3. Error: “Give marketing advice for coffee shops”

A vague request will result in general, unfeasible ideas. Users need to know the budget, target customers, location and goals (increase customers, retain customers, sell online…).

Solution: Play the role of an expert, define the number of ideas, each idea must have an implementation channel, estimated cost, suitable reasons and expected results.

Sample prompt (use now):
“Acting as a marketing expert, come up with 5 creative promotional campaign ideas for a newly opened small coffee shop in Hanoi. The shop has an initial budget of 10 million VND/month and targets young people aged 18-30. For each idea, specify the implementation channel (online/offline), expected cost, why it is suitable for the small shop and expected results (increase new customers, retain old customers, build brand).”

2.4. Error: “This SWOT analysis”

Requiring a verbatim copy of a “SWOT Analysis” without context or specific data results in a vague, irrelevant analysis. AI needs specific information to list the strengths/weaknesses/opportunities/threats in a focused manner.

Solution: Provide detailed information about the business, request number of items in each section, and suggest short-term strategy.

Sample prompt (for immediate use):
“Do a detailed SWOT analysis for a tech startup that offers an online learning application. Here is the information: [description of the business: target customers, revenue model, team, market]. List at least 4 strengths, 4 weaknesses, 4 opportunities, and 4 threats. After the SWOT, write a 5-sentence paragraph suggesting a strategic direction for the next 12 months to capitalize on opportunities and minimize risks.”

2.5. Error: “Rewrite”

When you ask “Rewrite this” without specifying the style, audience, or purpose of the paragraph, the AI ​​is likely to produce a bland or altered version that loses the original spirit.

How to fix: Be clear about your tone, length, audience, and purpose. If you need to keep the main idea, ask to keep the main point and add real-life examples.

Sample prompt (use now):
“Please rewrite the following paragraph in an inspirational, easy-to-read tone, approximately 200–250 words long. The target audience is [enter information], and the goal is to help them [solve a pain point]. Keep the main content but add real-life examples to make it more convincing. Keep the language simple and avoid complex technical terms.”

2.6. Error: “Write more like a human”

This phrase sometimes stems from a desire for a natural style, but is too vague. “Human-like” can mean many things: light-hearted, humorous, personable, or sincere. If you’re not specific, the AI ​​can stray from your desired style.

How to fix: describe persona (e.g., experienced mentor), emotional tone, level of intimacy, and desired sentence structure.

Sample prompt (use now):
“Please rewrite this paragraph in a natural, friendly tone, like an experienced mentor sharing from the heart. Avoid mechanical sentences, use simple words, add a little emotion, and end with a strong encouragement. The length is about 150–180 words, suitable for a personal blog post.”

2.7. Error: “Write better”

This request often wants to elevate the writing but lacks stylistic direction. “Good” is subjective, so be specific about the techniques you want: storytelling, intriguing opening sentences, smooth transitions, strong conclusions.

How to fix: ask for a specific style, for example using storytelling, adding an open structure, analysis, conclusion and call to action.

Sample prompt (for immediate use):
“Rewrite this paragraph in storytelling style: start with a short real-life story (1–2 sentences), then analyze its meaning, and then draw a lesson that can be applied to your work for [specific audience]. End with an open-ended question to encourage readers to comment and share their views. Length: 250–300 words.”

2.8. Error: “Write a script”

This requirement, if not accompanied by platform and audience, will result in scripts that are not appropriate for the platform’s duration, pacing, or culture. For example, a 30-second script for TikTok needs to be different from a script for YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reels.

How to fix: specify platform, video length, voice, scene structure, and desired actions.

Sample prompt (use now):
“Write a 30-second video script to post on TikTok, with a fun tone, targeting Gen Z. Structure: (1) surprising or humorous opening in 3–5 seconds; (2) product/idea introduction as solution in 10–15 seconds; (3) interesting twist/ending and CTA in 5–8 seconds. Write detailed dialogue for the host and action/expression captions.”

2.9. Error: “Write a report”

A report is a document that requires precision, structure, and clear objectives. A generic prompt will result in a report that lacks data, has thin analysis, and lacks practical recommendations.

How to fix: determine the topic, length, required layout and writing style (objective, with examples, references if necessary).

Sample prompt (for immediate use):
“Write a 500-word report on e-commerce trends in Vietnam in 2024. Outline: (1) general market situation; (2) prominent consumer behavior of Gen Z; (3) 3 major opportunities for small businesses. Use an objective tone, include 1–2 illustrative figures (cite ‘industry report’ as the source if no specific source is available) and conclude with 2 strategic recommendations for SMEs.”

2.10. Error: “Translate to English”

Translating text for business emails or professional documents requires formality, accuracy, and cultural appropriateness. A “Translate to English” command does not guarantee these requirements.

How to fix: identify the recipient, the purpose of the email, the level of formality, and language requirements.

Sample prompt (for immediate use):
“Please translate this paragraph into professional English, keeping the tone formal but understandable, suitable for use in business emails to international partners. Avoid slang, prefer polite and clear language. If there is technical terminology, keep the Vietnamese term in parentheses if explanation is needed.”

Using ChatGPT effectively is a skill, like copywriting or graphic design: it requires thought, structure, and practice. Avoid sending generic commands like “Write content,” “Rewrite,” or “Write better” if you want to save time and get quality results the first time. Instead, take a few minutes to define specific goals, audiences, formats, tone, and constraints; if necessary, work in loops and provide clear feedback to the AI.

This article has compiled 10 common mistakes and provided sample prompts and practice strategies, you can copy the prompt templates and adjust them to your own context. When working with AI, treat ChatGPT as a co-author: the more data and clear instructions you give it, the more useful and professional it will give you. Hope you soon turn AI into a powerful assistant in your creative and marketing work.