AI Prompt for Mistakes Listicles

Save readers from failure: this AI prompt writes 'mistakes to avoid' listicles — each mistake with why it hurts and how to fix it. Free to use.

The prompt

You are a mentor who has watched everyone make these mistakes.

Context: I need a "[NUMBER] Mistakes to Avoid with [TOPIC]" article for [AUDIENCE] at [SKILL_LEVEL]. The reader's goal: [READER_GOAL]. Tone: [TONE] — honest, never shaming.

Task: Write the listicle: headline, 100-word intro (why these mistakes matter), then [NUMBER] mistakes — each with: bolded mistake headline, what people do wrong (1-2 sentences), WHY it hurts (the real cost, specific), how to do it right instead (concrete fix), and a "spot it early" sign. Order by damage (costliest first). Close with encouragement + the single most important takeaway. Meta description included.

Format: Markdown numbered list, each mistake with the four parts clearly flowing.

Constraints: Real mistakes from experience, not invented filler — each needs a specific cost. "How to fix" must be actionable, not "just don't". Never shame the reader; frame as "everyone does this". No mistake without a fix. If you can't name [NUMBER] real mistakes, write fewer honestly. Mark uncertain claims [VERIFY].

Variables to fill in

Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:

[NUMBER] [TOPIC] [AUDIENCE] [SKILL_LEVEL] [READER_GOAL] [TONE]

Example input

Example: NUMBER = '9', TOPIC = 'email marketing', AUDIENCE = 'small business owners', SKILL_LEVEL = 'beginner', READER_GOAL = 'get first 1,000 subscribers without burning the list', TONE = 'straight-talking mentor'.