Do you know how Tesla builds its cars?
When they build a Model 3, it doesn’t happen in one magical moment. The car moves through separate manufacturing stations, each designed to do ONE thing perfectly.
- Station 1: Stamping Shop Giant presses shape flat aluminum into doors, hoods, and body panels. That’s ALL this station does – it doesn’t try to paint or install electronics. Just pure metal shaping.
- Station 2: Body Shop Robots weld and bond the stamped pieces together into the car’s skeleton. They don’t worry about the battery or interior – just creating a perfect frame.
- Station 3: Paint Shop The bare frame gets cleaned, primed, painted, and sealed. The paint shop doesn’t care about engines or seats – it has one job: flawless finish.
- Station 4: General Assembly Now the painted shell receives its battery pack, motors, seats, and dashboard. Each subsystem was built separately and comes together here.
- Station 5: Quality Testing The completed car goes through rigorous testing – alignment, water tests, driving tests. Each test builds on the previous station’s work.
So here’s the key insight: Each station has ONE job.
Tesla learned (the hard way, through what they called “production hell”) that when you try to do too much at one station, quality crashes and everything fails. When Elon Musk tried to over-automate and combine steps, production ground to a halt. They succeeded by simplifying – giving each station a single, focused mission.
This concept is very similar to the AI technique called Prompt Chaining.
When you give ChatGPT a massive, complex prompt (like trying to build an entire Tesla at one station), you get:
- Confused output
- Missed steps
- Shallow analysis
- Inconsistent quality
But when you create an “assembly line” of prompts, also known as a prompt chain, where each prompt has ONE clear job and passes its output to the next prompt, you get Tesla-level precision and quality.
At this point, you might be thinking that prompt chaining sounds a lot like the iterative prompting we just talked about in the last lesson. But it’s not.
Let’s break it down.
Prompt Chaining vs. Iterative Prompting: What’s the Difference?
The only similarity between prompt chaining and iterative prompting is that they both require sending multiple prompts to the AI. But that’s where the similarities end.
Let’s compare both techniques:
Iterative prompting is like carving a sculpture. You have one output from the AI (a first draft), and you repeatedly give feedback ("make it funnier," "make it shorter") to improve that same output until it’s perfect.
Prompt chaining is like an assembly line. You’re still conversing with the AI, but you’re performing a sequence of different tasks that connect to each other. Step 1 is to build the car frame. Step 2 is to install the engine. You aren’t “refining” the frame in step 2; you are performing a new, distinct action that builds upon it.
Rule of Thumb: Use Iterative Prompting to perfect a single draft. Use Prompt Chaining to execute a multi-step project.
How It Works: Prompt Chaining
This principle turns you into a project manager for the AI.
Step 1: Deconstruct Your Complex Goal
Start by looking at your big project (e.g., “Create a marketing campaign”) and break it down into a logical sequence of smaller sub-tasks (e.g., 1. Brainstorm angles, 2. Define the audience, 3. Write the ad copy).
Step 2: Run Prompt #1
Execute the first prompt in the chain to complete the first sub-task.
Step 3: Run Prompt #2
Execute the second prompt in the chain to complete the second sub-task.
Note: if you are not using a “chat” style interface with all of the previous conversation history in the existing chat window, then you will likely need provide the output from Step 2 as context before running Prompt #2.
Step 4: Continue the Chain
Repeat the process describe in Step 3 for any additional links in the chain, until your “car” rolls off the assembly line.
Example: The Crammed Prompt vs. Prompt Chaining
Let me show you an example of how prompting chaining can help.
Problem: Imagine you’re a marketer with an innovative callus remover. You want to analyze a competitor’s competing callous remover and create a counter-strategy with corresponding social media posts.
1. The Crammed Prompt
Here’s what it looks like when you try to cram everything into a single prompt:
AI Prompt
[OUR PRODUCT DETAILS]:
Product Name:
SoleWhisper Sonic Duo
Product Description:
A sonic & thermal dual-action foot resurfacer that uses sound vibrations + mild heat + micro-steam to gently lift and dissolve callus rather than mechanically grinding it.
Product Details:
– Sonic softening: high-frequency sonic waves to relax calloused tissue.
– Thermal boost: low-heat pad (~40-45°C) to warm skin for deeper softening.
– Micro-steam misting: brief burst of steam to hydrate before removal.
– Non-abrasive “peel-film” mask layer: after treatment, a peel-off film lifts loosened skin.
– Rechargeable & cordless: built-in battery, USB-C charging.
– Waterproof housing: safe to use in shower or bath.
– Adjustable intensity levels (3) for sensitive / moderate / tough skin.
– LED & sensor safety: skin sensors to prevent overheating or over-treatment; auto shut-off.
– Eco-friendly replaceable consumables: peel-film masks & water cartridges.
– Smart-app tracking: monitor callus reduction over time; reminders for maintenance.
– Price: $49.99
[DIRECTIONS]:
Analyze the webpage: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSGTZXT1/ and identify their target audience and value proposition. Next, brainstorm three marketing slogans we can use to compete against them based on our product. Then take those slogans and turn each into a Facebook post, again, based on our product.
[OUTPUT]:
Now before you look at the result, I want to pause for a moment.
Remember how I said it’s bad to “cram everything into a single prompt”?
I’m not talking about the stuff in the [OUR PRODUCT DETAILS]. While that stuff is really important for context, it doesn’t hurt the AI’s ability to do what we want.
The cramming I’m talking about is the stuff in the [DIRECTIONS] section.
While it might not look like much, there’s actually a lot happening in the directions section. I go into more detail about why this matters in my quick win prompting course. But basically, some instructions are really tough for the AI to handle, and when you throw them all into one prompt, the quality of the output falls of a cliff.
So here’s what we got from that prompt:
AI Response
Analysis of Competitor (Dr. Scholl’s Callus Remover)
Target Audience:
– Adults (both men & women) with rough feet or calluses.
– Budget-conscious buyers ($11.97 price point).
– People who want quick, portable, and simple solutions (battery-powered, travel-friendly).
Value Proposition:
– Affordable, accessible callus removal.
– Simple mechanical grinding = “soft, smooth skin in minutes.”
– Trusted brand (Dr. Scholl’s).
– Portable and easy to use on the go.
Competing Marketing Slogans for SoleWhisper Sonic Duo
1. “Smooth Feet, No Grind — Just Sonic + Steam.”
2. “Spa-Level Foot Renewal at Home.”
3. “Smart, Gentle, and Cordless — The Future of Foot Care.”
Facebook Posts
Post 1 (Slogan: Smooth Feet, No Grind — Just Sonic + Steam)
✨ Forget the rough grind! The SoleWhisper Sonic Duo uses sonic waves + micro-steam + a gentle peel-film to dissolve calluses effortlessly. No scraping, no mess — just cloud-soft feet.
👉 Upgrade your foot care routine today for only $49.99.
Post 2 (Slogan: Spa-Level Foot Renewal at Home)
💆♀️ Why pay spa prices when you can bring the spa home?
The SoleWhisper Sonic Duo combines warmth, hydration, and sonic softening for the ultimate foot renewal ritual. Peel away the old, reveal silky new skin. 🌸✨
📲 Cordless. Waterproof. Smart-tracking. All for $49.99.
Post 3 (Slogan: Smart, Gentle, and Cordless — The Future of Foot Care)
⚡ Traditional foot files grind. The future softens.
With the SoleWhisper Sonic Duo, you get:
✔️ Sonic softening vibrations
✔️ Thermal + steam hydration
✔️ Peel-film lift-off for callus-free feet
All cordless, eco-friendly, and app-connected. 🚀👣
➡️ Step into tomorrow’s foot care for just $49.99.
It looks like the AI did what we asked, right?
It pulled in the product information, it identified the target audience, the value proposition, created some slogans, and then wrote a Facebook post for each.
But…
The quality isn’t very good.
How do I know?
Let me show you the output if we were to generate it using prompt chaining.
2. Prompt Chaining (The Prompt Assembly Line)
The first thing we’ll do is feed the URL to the AI and a request to identify the target audience and value proposition. That’s all we need at this point.
Note: I’m using GPT-5, which has web search capabilities built in, so fetching this data shouldn’t be a problem. However, if you try this using Claude (at the time I wrote this lesson), it can’t fetch Amazon products. So as always, your mileage will vary depending on the model you choose.
AI Prompt
Analyze the webpage: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSGTZXT1/ and identify their target audience and value proposition.
Super simple, right? We’re just giving the AI a simple thing to accomplish.
AI Response
Here’s an analysis of the Dr. Scholl’s Callus Remover Electronic Foot File Amazon page (ASIN B0CSGTZXT1), focusing on its target audience and its value proposition (i.e. what benefits it promises, and how it positions itself in the market).
What the product is (quick summary)
From the page:
– An electronic foot file for removing callused / hard skin.
– It has a rotating roller head that works 360°, to buff away rough skin.
– It’s compact (“perfect size for travel”) and comes with 4 AAA batteries included.
– It’s suitable for both men & women.
– Safety info: warnings about not using same area more than 3-4 seconds, etc.
1. People with rough / callused feet
• Characteristics / Needs: Those suffering from dry, cracked, or thickened skin on their feet (due to walking, standing, old shoes, etc.).
• Why this product appeals to them: The product’s main promise is smoothing & revitalizing by removing callused / hard skin quickly & gently.
2. Beauty / self-care / personal grooming consumers
• Characteristics / Needs: Those who care about foot appearance & comfort, and prefer doing care at home rather than professional pedicures.
• Why this product appeals to them: Offers a convenient home solution.
3. Travelers
• Characteristics / Needs: Individuals who travel often and might want a portable foot care tool.
• Why this product appeals to them: The “compact design” and “perfect for travel” messaging addresses this.
4. Both sexes
• Characteristics / Needs: Since it’s unisex, it appeals to both men and women.
• Why this product appeals to them: Works for everyone regardless of gender.
5. People looking for convenience
• Characteristics / Needs: Those who want something hassle-free – no complicated setup, includes batteries, easy to use.
• Why this product appeals to them: The product includes batteries, is electric, portable, etc.
6. Consumers seeking affordable foot care
• Characteristics / Needs: Rather than paying someone or going to a salon.
• Why this product appeals to them: It’s priced modestly (about $11–12), making it a low-cost, low-risk purchase.
Value Proposition
What makes this product attractive / unique, and what benefits it offers, based on the page:
1. Effectiveness — claims to gently and quickly buff away tough, callused skin, leaving feet smooth & comfortable. The rotating roller head and 360° motion reinforce the idea that it gets around the contours and does the job well.
2. Convenience / hassle-free use — includes batteries, so you can use it immediately without buying extra; small, portable; electric so less physical work compared to manual files. Great for travel.
3. Safety & ease — built-in warnings (don’t stay in one spot too long), clear instructions, etc. Assures users that risk is minimized if used properly. For people wary of harming their skin.
4. Affordable self-care — cheaper than regular salon pedicures; you can maintain soft feet over time without repeated visits.
5. Trusted brand — “Dr. Scholl’s” is a known name in foot care. The reputation adds credibility, especially where consumers may be cautious about foot-care tools. (Though the page doesn’t explicitly lean heavily on legacy, the brand helps.)
Positioning & Messaging Emphasis
• The copy emphasizes speed + gentleness (quickly, gently, “effortlessly”). This suggests a balance: you don’t have to sacrifice safety or comfort to get fast results.
“Perfect for travel” is repeated, which is a specific positioning angle (portability, convenience).
• The inclusion of batteries reduces friction (“nothing more to buy before using”) — a common barrier for small electronics.
• Gender-inclusive language (“for Men & Women”) emphasizes universal applicability.
Possible Weaknesses / Considerations (that might affect target audience perception)
While the page doesn’t emphasize negatives, some things that potential customers might care about:
• The reliance on disposable batteries (AAA) could be seen as less convenient vs rechargeable models.
• Electric files can intimidate people who are unsure of how strong to press, so safety messaging is important (and indeed present).
• Users with very thick or severe calluses might need more heavy-duty tools; so this may appeal more to moderate needs.
Conclusion
Putting it all together:
The target audience is people (men and women) who want smoother, callus-free feet, who prefer convenient home care rather than salon treatments, especially those who travel or want portable solutions, and who value low price and ease of use.
The value proposition is: an affordable, compact, battery-powered device that quickly and gently removes hard skin, giving you soft, comfortable feet with convenience and minimal fuss.
WOAH.
That’s a lot more analysis than what we got from the crammed prompt in our first example.
And you know what’s magical about this?
This incredibly detailed output will count towards the autoregressive generation that’s about to happen in our subsequent prompts! I mentioned this concept in some of our previous lessons.
Now let’s go onto the next link in our prompt chain:
AI Prompt
[OUR PRODUCT DETAILS]:
Product Name:
SoleWhisper Sonic Duo
Product Description:
A sonic & thermal dual-action foot resurfacer that uses sound vibrations + mild heat + micro-steam to gently lift and dissolve callus rather than mechanically grinding it.
Product Details:
– Sonic softening: high-frequency sonic waves to relax calloused tissue.
– Thermal boost: low-heat pad (~40-45°C) to warm skin for deeper softening.
– Micro-steam misting: brief burst of steam to hydrate before removal.
– Non-abrasive “peel-film” mask layer: after treatment, a peel-off film lifts loosened skin.
– Rechargeable & cordless: built-in battery, USB-C charging.
– Waterproof housing: safe to use in shower or bath.
– Adjustable intensity levels (3) for sensitive / moderate / tough skin.
– LED & sensor safety: skin sensors to prevent overheating or over-treatment; auto shut-off.
– Eco-friendly replaceable consumables: peel-film masks & water cartridges.
– Smart-app tracking: monitor callus reduction over time; reminders for maintenance.
– Price: $49.99
[DIRECTIONS]:
Now, brainstorm three marketing slogans we can use to compete against them based on our product.
[OUTPUT]:
First things first. This prompt assumes you’re executing it in the same chat session as before, so the prior conversation history is present.
Also, you’ll notice I added some formatting in square brackets. The main reason for this was to get some logical separation between our hypothetical product and the directions we want the AI to carry out.
Here’s what the AI gave us in response:
AI Response
Here are three marketing slogan directions tailored to position SoleWhisper Sonic Duo against a traditional grinding tool like Dr. Scholl’s:
1. Technology Upgrade Angle (Innovation vs. Old-School Grinding)
“Don’t grind your feet — rejuvenate them with sonic & steam.”
2. Luxury Self-Care Angle (Spa-at-Home Premium Feel)
“From callus to cloud-soft: spa science for your soles.”
3. Smart + Safe Angle (Modern, Connected, Gentle Care)
“The smarter, gentler way to smooth — powered by sound, steam, and science.”
What do you think?
Just so you don’t have to scroll up, here’s what we had before:
- “Smooth Feet, No Grind — Just Sonic + Steam.”
- “Spa-Level Foot Renewal at Home.”
- “Smart, Gentle, and Cordless — The Future of Foot Care.”
In my opinion, these slogans are MUCH higher quality than the ones the AI gave us in our crammed prompt.
Now onto the final link in our chained prompt:
AI Prompt
Now take those slogans and turn each into a Facebook post, again, based on our product.
AI Response
Post 1 – Technology Upgrade Angle
Slogan: “Don’t grind your feet — rejuvenate them with sonic & steam.”
Most callus removers work by grinding your skin away. Not exactly gentle. 😬
The SoleWhisper Sonic Duo is different. It’s the next-generation callus remover that:
✨ Uses sonic vibrations to soften tough skin
✨ Adds gentle heat + steam for deeper hydration
✨ Finishes with a clean peel-off mask to lift calluses
No blades. No dust. No pain. Just smooth, healthy feet — the modern way.
👉 Upgrade from scraping to soothing.
Post 2 – Luxury Self-Care Angle
Slogan: “From callus to cloud-soft: spa science for your soles.”
Forget files, razors, and messy pedicure tools. Your feet deserve better.
The SoleWhisper Sonic Duo is a premium callus-removal system that brings spa-level care home:
✔ Sonic & steam soften calluses gently
✔ Low, soothing heat prepares skin
✔ Peel-film mask lifts rough skin cleanly
It’s the ultimate self-care upgrade for tired, callused feet — turning every routine into a spa retreat. 🌿✨
👣 Cloud-soft soles, no salon required.
Post 3 – Smart + Safe Angle
Slogan: “The smarter, gentler way to smooth — powered by sound, steam, and science.”
Scraping tools and grinders can overdo it — leaving feet sore or raw.
That’s why we created SoleWhisper Sonic Duo, the smart callus remover built for safety and results:
🔹 Skin sensors prevent overheating
🔹 3 intensity levels fit every skin type
🔹 App tracking helps monitor progress
Instead of grinding, it gently softens and lifts calluses with sonic energy, steam, and a peel-off film.
💙 Safe. Smart. Effective.
Because smoother feet shouldn’t come at a cost.
The output here is the final result of our prompt chain.
What do you think?
In my opinion, this result is much more detailed and higher quality than the result from the crammed prompt.
Now obviously, these results were based on a really simple example. If you were going to generate content for your brand, you’d have more directions in your prompt. Maybe you’d add some copywriting techniques, a brand voice, etc.
But here’s the point: when you break some of your prompt directions into separate steps, forming a prompt chain, your output quality can skyrocket!
Advantages of Prompt Chaining for Marketers and Sales Pros
- Dramatically Improves Accuracy & Reduces Errors: By focusing the AI on one small, specific sub-task at a time, you get much more precise and detailed results. There are fewer opportunities for the AI to get confused.
- Gives You More Control and Transparency: You can inspect the output at each stage of the “assembly line.” If one step is weak, you can fix it before it derails the entire project. This makes the process much easier to debug.
- Lets You Tackle Ultra-Complex Tasks: This is the secret to getting the AI to perform large-scale projects that would not be possible otherwise.
- Enhances Creativity and Strategic Depth: Guiding the AI through a logical thought process (Analysis -> Strategy -> Execution) often leads to more structured, in-depth, and creative final outcomes than a single “brain dump” prompt could ever achieve.