Structuring your prompts with XML tags

Most users don't know about this hidden command.

I spend hours every day creating content with Claude, and there's one technique that has made it into all of my writing workflows: XML tags.

Here's the thing: most people just throw basic content requests at Claude and end up with generic, unfocused outputs. But XML tags are a way to make Claude write exactly in your style, nail your desired tone, and hit all of your key points every single time.

And I'm not talking about anything complex – but it does require you to rethink and restructure how you write prompts.

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NOTE: I will be using Claude for all my examples in this edition, but XML tags also work on ChatGPT.

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Let me show you what I mean. Here's a before/after example:

Before (Basic Content Prompt):

Write a blog post about AI tools for content creators. Make it engaging and informative. Include sections about different tools and their benefits. The audience is content creators and marketers. Add some examples and tips for getting started.

After (With XML Tags):

Your task is to write a blog post about AI tools for content creators.

<audience>
Content creators and digital marketers who want to scale their content production without sacrificing quality
</audience>

<tone>
Conversational expert - like an experienced creator sharing insider tips with peers
</tone>

<style>
- Short, punchy paragraphs
- Use specific examples and results
- Include actionable takeaways after each section
</style>

<structure>
1. Hook: Common content creation pain point
2. Overview: AI tools landscape
3. Top 3 tools with specific use cases
4. Implementation tips
5. Common pitfalls to avoid
</structure>

<key_points>
- Focus on practical applications, not theory
- Include real efficiency gains (time/output)
- Address quality concerns
- Emphasize augmentation, not replacement
</key_points>

Begin with an outline.

*These are pretty simple prompts, but they serve as good examples for understanding XML tags. All of my custom prompts in the Prompt HQ feature XML tags. Check those out and you’ll see every way I use them.

The difference in outputs is big. With a tagless prompt, you risk Claude writing generic, surface-level content. With the XML structure, you make sure Claude covers all of your bases.