I’ve been watching the evolution of AI tools with great interest, particularly how they’re transforming content creation. A recent episode of Marketing Against the Grain featuring Kipp Bodnar and Kieran Flanagan caught my attention as they discussed a fascinating approach to AI that many marketers are missing.
What struck me was their discussion about deconstructing images into core components to create reusable prompt templates. This reverse engineering process isn’t just clever—it’s a fundamental shift in how we can approach AI tools.
The Power of Deconstruction
The concept is brilliantly simple: take existing content, break it down to its essential elements, and create formulas that anyone can use. This approach makes AI accessible to team members regardless of their technical expertise. It’s not about complex coding—it’s about understanding patterns and creating systems.
This deconstruction method is the key that unlocks AI’s true potential for marketing teams. When we identify the patterns that make content work, we can create repeatable processes that scale.
In my years working with online businesses, I’ve seen that the most successful digital strategies aren’t about reinventing the wheel each time—they’re about creating systems that can be replicated and scaled.
Custom GPTs: The Underutilized AI Powerhouse
What really resonated with me was Flanagan’s point about custom GPTs being “widely underused.” Many businesses are missing a major opportunity here. Custom GPTs can function as specialized experts when properly onboarded with the right documentation.
Think about it this way:
- Each custom GPT can become an expert in a specific niche
- They can be trained on your company’s unique voice and knowledge
- They allow you to build a virtual team of specialists
I’ve implemented this approach with several clients, creating custom AI assistants for specific marketing functions. The results have been remarkable—these specialized tools perform better than generic prompts because they understand the context and nuances of particular tasks.
The Opportunity of Curiosity
Perhaps the most powerful message from the discussion was about the current opportunity landscape. “It’s also a great time for just doing,” as they put it. This resonates deeply with my experience in the digital space.
If you have curiosity and you have tenacity and you have persistence you can actually just do stuff and that stuff might blow up pretty quickly.
We’re in a unique moment where experimentation with AI can lead to rapid business growth. I’ve seen this firsthand—people who dive in with genuine curiosity are discovering applications that quickly become valuable business assets.
The barrier to entry has never been lower. You don’t need to be an AI expert or have a technical background. What you need is:
- Curiosity about how AI can solve problems
- Willingness to experiment and learn
- Persistence to refine your approach
This experimental approach has been the foundation of my success in cryptocurrency and digital marketing. The willingness to try new tools and approaches often leads to unexpected opportunities.
Taking Action Today
If you’re not already experimenting with custom GPTs and prompt engineering, you’re leaving value on the table. Start by identifying repetitive content creation tasks in your workflow that could benefit from templated approaches.
Try deconstructing your best-performing content to understand its components. What makes it work? How can you turn that into a formula? Then create custom GPTs with specific instructions for recreating that success.
The businesses that master these AI tools now will have a significant advantage as the technology continues to evolve. Don’t wait for perfect understanding—start experimenting today.
The window of opportunity is open, but it won’t stay open forever. Those who combine curiosity with action will find themselves ahead of the curve, with systems and processes that give them a lasting competitive edge in the AI-enhanced future of marketing.
