Module 2 · ~7 minutes

Module 2: Setting Up Your AI Writing Stack

AI Writing & Copywriting

READ

Before you write anything, you need your tools ready. The right stack saves hours. The wrong one creates friction.

Here's how to set up a writing workflow that actually works.

The Core Stack (What You Actually Need)

1. Primary AI Assistant

Pick ONE to start. Master it before adding more.

| Tool | Best For | Cost |
|------|----------|------|
| ChatGPT | All-purpose, widest adoption | Free / $20/mo |
| Claude | Long-form, nuanced writing | Free / $20/mo |
| Gemini | Google integration, research | Free / $20/mo |

Recommendation: Start with ChatGPT (largest community, most resources) or Claude (better for serious writing). Don't pay until you've used the free tier for a week.

2. Writing Environment

Where you'll actually edit and refine:

Google Docs — Free, collaborative, works everywhere

Notion — Great for organizing content + writing

Word — If you're already in the Microsoft ecosystem

The key: something you already use. Don't add new tools just for AI writing.

3. Optional: Dedicated AI Writing Tools

Only add these if you have specific needs:

| Tool | Use Case |
|------|----------|
| Jasper | Marketing teams, ad copy at scale |
| Copy.ai | Quick marketing copy, templates |
| Writesonic | SEO content, blog posts |
| Lex | Long-form with AI built into the editor |

Most people don't need these. ChatGPT/Claude + your normal writing app is enough.

Quick Check

What's the minimum AI writing stack you need to get started?

The Setup Process

Step 1: Create Your Accounts (10 minutes)

Keep both — they have different strengths

Step 2: Set Up Custom Instructions (5 minutes)

In ChatGPT, go to Settings → Custom Instructions. Add:

``About me:

I'm a [YOUR ROLE] at [COMPANY/INDUSTRY]


I write mostly [TYPES OF CONTENT]

My audience is [WHO YOU WRITE FOR]


How I want responses:
Be direct, not flowery

Give me options when relevant

Match my tone: [casual/professional/etc.]

Skip obvious caveats and disclaimers


This makes every response more relevant without repeating yourself.
Step 3: Create a Prompt Library Doc (5 minutes)
Create a Google Doc or Notion page called "My AI Prompts."
Start with sections:
Blog posts

Social media

Emails

[Whatever you write most]


You'll fill this as you discover prompts that work. This becomes your secret weapon.
Step 4: Test Your Setup (10 minutes)
Try this prompt in both ChatGPT and Claude:

`Write a 150-word LinkedIn post about [topic in your industry]. Tone: professional but not stiff. Include a hook in the first line and a question at the end.``

Compare the outputs. Notice the differences. This teaches you when to use which tool.

Quick Check

Which approach to setting up your AI writing tools is more effective?

Which prompt is better?

Workflow: From Blank Page to Published

Here's the actual process:

1. Brief — Know what you're writing and for whom
2. Prompt — Ask AI for a first draft
3. Review — Read critically, note what's missing
4. Edit — Rewrite weak sections, add your voice
5. Polish — Final read, formatting, publish

AI handles step 2. You handle the rest. Don't skip steps 3-5.

Common Setup Mistakes

❌ Paying before testing free tiers
You don't need premium on day one. Free versions are powerful.

❌ Using too many tools
One AI assistant + one writing app. That's it.

❌ No custom instructions
Every prompt starts from zero without them. Set them up.

❌ Not saving good prompts
You'll reinvent the wheel constantly. Keep a library.

Quick Check

You should use the same AI settings and instructions for all types of writing (emails, blog posts, social media, etc.).

---

TRY IT

Custom Instructions Template

About me:
- Role: [What you do]
- Industry: [Your field]
- Content types: [What you write]
- Audience: [Who reads your stuff]

How to respond:
- Length: [Concise / detailed / match my request]
- Tone: [Casual / professional / [your style]]
- Format: [Bullets / prose / whatever fits]
- Skip: [Obvious disclaimers / unnecessary caveats / filler]

💡 Paste this into ChatGPT's Custom Instructions. Adapt for your needs.

Tool Comparison Test

Write a 100-word [TYPE] about [TOPIC].

Requirements:
- Opening hook
- One key insight
- Conversational tone

💡 Run this same prompt in ChatGPT and Claude. Compare. Learn when to use each.

Prompt Library Starter

I write these types of content regularly:
[LIST YOUR CONTENT TYPES]

For each type, give me a reusable prompt template I can customize. 

Format each as:
- Content type
- Template prompt (with [BRACKETS] for variables)
- What to customize each time

💡 Use this to jumpstart your prompt library.

EXERCISE

Set up your stack right now:

1. [ ] Sign up for ChatGPT (if you haven't)
2. [ ] Sign up for Claude (if you haven't)
3. [ ] Set custom instructions in ChatGPT
4. [ ] Create a "My AI Prompts" doc
5. [ ] Run the comparison test prompt in both tools

Time: ~30 minutes. Do it today. You'll use this stack constantly.

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GO DEEPERoptional

ChatGPT

tool

The default choice for most AI writing.

Claude

tool

Best for long-form and nuanced content.

Notion

tool

Great for organizing prompts and content.

ChatGPT Custom Instructions Guide

article

How to set up and optimize your custom instructions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1Start with one AI tool (ChatGPT or Claude) + your existing writing app
2Set up custom instructions — they make every prompt better
3Create a prompt library doc from day one
4Test both major tools to learn their strengths
5Don't pay until you've used free tiers for a week

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