Data beats opinion. Here's how to systematically test prompt variations:
The Testing Protocol
1. Establish Success Metrics - Engagement (for content) - Conversion (for copy) - Clarity (for explanations) - Creativity (for ideation)
2. Create Variations ``` PROMPT A: "Write a headline for..." PROMPT B: "Create a curiosity-driven headline for..." PROMPT C: "Generate 5 headlines and select the best for..." ```
3. Run Controlled Tests - Same context, different prompts - Document exact outputs - Score against metrics
4. Analyze Results - Which elements consistently perform? - What patterns emerge? - Where do prompts fail?