Let's follow marketing director Emma as she refines a company announcement:
Challenge: Announce a price increase without losing customers
Iteration 1 - Basic Attempt: ```text "Write an email announcing a 20% price increase" ```text Result: Corporate, cold, likely to anger customers
Iteration 2 - Add Empathy: ```text "Write an email announcing a price increase that shows we understand customer concerns" ```text Result: Better tone, but still focused on the negative
Iteration 3 - Reframe Purpose: ```text "Write an email explaining how our investment in quality improvements requires a price adjustment" ```text Result: Shifts focus to value, but lacks specifics
Iteration 4 - Add Specifics: ```text "...listing 5 specific improvements customers will experience" ```text Result: More compelling, but missing personal touch
Iteration 5 - Add Story: ```text "Start with a brief story about a customer whose problem we solved thanks to our recent improvements" ```text Result: Engaging opening, better emotional connection
Iteration 6 - Address Objections: ```text "Include a FAQ section addressing the top 3 concerns about price increases" ```text Result: Proactive, reduces anxiety
Iteration 7 - Add Social Proof: ```text "Include a testimonial from a customer who's happy about the improvements" ```text Result: Third-party validation
Iteration 8 - Strengthen CTA: ```text "End with 3 options: lock in current rate for 3 months, upgrade for extra value, or schedule a call" ```text Result: Gives control back to customer
Iteration 9 - Optimize Subject Line: ```text "A/B test subject lines: 'Important Update' vs 'Exciting Improvements (Action Required)' vs 'Your [Product] is Getting Better'" ```text Result: Third option wins on open rates
Iteration 10 - Final Polish: ```text "Review for: warmth, clarity, and brand voice consistency" ```text Result: Email that actually strengthened customer relationships
Final Metrics: - 68% email open rate (vs. 42% average) - 12% upgrade rate (unexpected bonus) - 3% churn rate (vs. 15-20% typical for price increases)