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Prompt basics for agents: the 4-part prompt that actually works

Guide #4 · 6 min read · By Agent AI Toolkit · Published 5 Nov 2026 · Updated 5 Nov 2026

Weak prompts get generic output. Every reliable prompt has the same four parts:

1. Context — who you are and what this is for. 'I'm a listing agent in Ohio writing for first-time buyers browsing Zillow.'
2. Task — one job, stated plainly. 'Write a 120-word description of this 3-bed ranch.'
3. Example — one past description of yours that you liked. This does more for voice than any adjective you can add.
4. Constraints — length, tone, and the hard rules: 'Use only facts I provide. No superlatives you can't support. No mention of family types.'

Fill-in template

“I'm a [role] in [market]. Write a [format] for [audience]. Here is an example of my style: [paste]. Here are the facts: [paste MLS facts]. Keep it under [number] words. Use only these facts — if something isn't listed, leave it out.”

Save the prompts that work in one document. That document, over a few months, becomes the most valuable AI asset you own.

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