In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, creating custom GPTs has become a game-changer for streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity. When I first delved into this topic eight months ago, I found the process to be more complex than I initially anticipated. However, with time and experience, I’ve refined my approach, and today I’m excited to share a simplified method that allows you to build custom GPTs with minimal typing.
A process-focused custom GPT begins with your best prompts. It’s essentially an evolution of your best prompts, reflecting the evolution of any workflow in the AI era. This transformation starts with manual, done-by-hand processes, moves through one-shot prompts (AI for tasks), evolves into reusable prompts (AI in the workflow), and culminates in polished prompts combined into an automation like a custom GPT (AI as a tool).
Building a custom GPT is not just the next step in your process; it’s the next step in your AI skillset. If you already know how to create prompts, today you’ll learn to transform those prompts into powerful automations. Ready to dive in? In a hurry? Skip to minute 4:40 in this step-by-step video and watch me create a custom GPT in real-time:
Note: We’re showing how to make custom GPTs within OpenAI’s ChatGPT, but you can use this same method to make Gemini Gems, Claude Projects, or Copilot Agents. The process is universally applicable.
Why Build a Custom GPT?
If a task is performed more than twice, or if your process involves multiple steps with multiple ad-hoc prompts, you have an opportunity to create a tool with significant benefits:
- Custom GPTs are easy to reuse and share
Use them anytime; share them with anyone. You need a paid account (ChatGPT Plus) to create one, but the people you share it with don’t need anything at all. Just the link. Once they click it, they’ll see the custom GPT in their left-side menu. They can click it there or just type the @ sign in any prompt. - Custom GPTs standardize your best processes
Standards are good for quality, performance, and efficiency. When you codify a process within an automation, your best practices are built into the tool. Custom GPTs support the high-skilled workflows of less-expert users. They are reusable tools for repeatable systems.
Create one that does something you’re already very good at. This is your opportunity to turn your personal expertise into codified best practices.
Step 1: Define Goals, Inputs, and Outputs
Let’s plan. The first step in building anything is to define the goal. Because we’re building an AI automation, we’ll also define what the user gives it (inputs) and how the AI responds (outputs). I’ve borrowed this little framework from AI pioneer, Christopher Penn. The examples are from the custom GPT I built in the video above.
- Define the goal
What’s the purpose of this automation?
Example: Auditing donation pages to improve conversion rates. - Define the inputs
What does the GPT need to do its job? Does it need a simple link? Or a screenshot? Or an uploaded file?
Example: A screenshot of a donation page. - Define the outputs
What kind of results should it generate?
Example: Gaps, recommendations, emotional triggers, and conversion ideas.
Step 2: Improve Your Prompts
First, get your prompts ready. These are the building blocks for your process GPT. Start by identifying the best prompts you’ve used in the past. Test them, refine them, and make them reusable. Here are some tips to improve your prompts:
- Be specific
Vague prompts yield vague results. Make sure your prompts are clear and concise. - Use examples
Providing examples can help the AI understand what you’re looking for. For instance, if you’re asking for a summary, give an example of the kind of summary you want. - Iterate and refine
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different phrasings and see what works best. The more you use your prompts, the better they’ll get.
For example, if you’re creating a custom GPT to summarize articles, your initial prompt might look like this: “Summarize the following article.” After testing, you might refine it to: “Summarize the following article in three paragraphs, highlighting the main points and any important data.”
Step 3: Combine Prompts into a Custom GPT
Once you have your improved prompts, it’s time to combine them into a custom GPT. Here’s how you can do it:
Create a New Custom GPT
Log in to your ChatGPT account and navigate to the custom GPT creation page. Click on “Create a new custom GPT.”
Name Your Custom GPT
Give your custom GPT a name that reflects its purpose. For example, if you’re creating a GPT to audit donation pages, you might name it “Donation Page Auditor.”
Add Prompts
Click on “Add prompt” and start entering your improved prompts. You can add as many prompts as you need. For each prompt, provide a clear description of what it does and how to use it.
For instance, if you have a prompt that audits a donation page for emotional triggers, you might describe it as: “This prompt analyzes a screenshot of a donation page and identifies emotional triggers that could influence conversion rates.”
Test Your Custom GPT
Before sharing your custom GPT, test it thoroughly. Run it with different inputs to ensure it’s working as expected. Make any necessary adjustments to your prompts.
Share Your Custom GPT
Once you’re satisfied with your custom GPT, share it with others. Provide a link to your custom GPT, and anyone can use it by clicking the link or typing the @ sign followed by the custom GPT’s name in any prompt.
Best Practices for Creating Custom GPTs
Here are some best practices to keep in mind as you create your custom GPTs:
- Start small
Begin with a simple automation and gradually add more prompts and features. This approach makes it easier to test and refine your custom GPT. - Keep it focused
Each custom GPT should have a single, clear purpose. Avoid trying to do too much with a single GPT. - Document everything
Provide clear instructions for using your custom GPT. This includes descriptions of each prompt and examples of how to use them. - Regularly update
As you gain more experience with your custom GPT, update it with new prompts and improvements. This ensures that your custom GPT remains useful and relevant.
Conclusion
Creating custom GPTs is a powerful way to automate your workflow and enhance your productivity. By following these steps and best practices, you can build custom GPTs that are easy to use, share, and maintain. Whether you’re a seasoned AI user or just starting out, custom GPTs offer a wealth of possibilities for streamlining your work. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch your productivity soar!
FAQ
What is a custom GPT?
A custom GPT is an AI automation tool created within platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. It allows you to combine multiple prompts into a single, reusable tool that can be shared with others.
Do I need a paid account to create a custom GPT?
Yes, you need a paid account (ChatGPT Plus) to create a custom GPT. However, the people you share it with don’t need anything at all. Just the link.
Can I use custom GPTs for commercial purposes?
Yes, custom GPTs can be used for commercial purposes. However, it’s important to ensure that you have the necessary permissions and that your use complies with the terms of service of the platform you’re using.
How do I update my custom GPT?
To update your custom GPT, log in to your account, navigate to your custom GPT, and click on the “Edit” button. Here, you can add new prompts, remove old ones, and make any necessary adjustments.
Can I share my custom GPT with others?
Absolutely! Sharing your custom GPT with others is one of the key benefits. Provide a link to your custom GPT, and anyone can use it by clicking the link or typing the @ sign followed by the custom GPT’s name in any prompt.
What if my custom GPT doesn’t work as expected?
If your custom GPT isn’t working as expected, don’t worry. Start by testing each prompt individually to identify any issues. Make any necessary adjustments, and retest your custom GPT. If you’re still having trouble, consider reaching out to the platform’s support team for assistance.
Creating custom GPTs is a skill that will continue to evolve as AI technology advances. By staying informed and adapting your approach, you’ll be well-positioned to take full advantage of this powerful tool.
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