Custom Commands is a feature in SurgeGraph that allows you to provide custom instructions to tailor the output to your specific needs and preferences. This means you have a direct hand in shaping the output to meet your expectations.

Custom Commands is most suitable to be used for advanced use cases where you want to modify SurgeGraph’s prompt for more customized outputs in terms of structures or specific writing requirements.

With Custom Commands, you can generate content that closely matches your expectations, which effectively reduces the need for manual editing or post-generation adjustments, saving time and effort.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this article:

1. How to Use Custom Commands

2. Use Cases of Custom Commands With Samples

How to Use Custom Commands

For a visual walkthrough, watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st11HFRfUqM

Alternatively, you can continue reading.

Step 1: Create Custom Commands

Before using custom commands, you’d first need to create some. Follow these steps:

1. Go to Account Settings > Custom Commands.

2. Scroll down to the Custom Commands Editor.

3. To add a new custom command, leave the first dropdown empty (“None”).

4. Give your custom command a name.

5. Insert the command.

6. Hit “Create Command”.

Step 2: Create Custom Command Templates

Creating Custom Command Templates is optional, but can save you a bunch of time and clicks later on.

Custom Command Templates allow you to define Custom Commands for every specific section of your content. By choosing a template during the Outline stage, it will automatically pre-load your specified Custom Commands so you don’t have to manually do it yourself.

We recommend using this if you foresee repeatedly using a specific set of Custom Commands.

Follow the steps below to set up a template:

1. Go to the Create Custom Commands Template section.

2. Give your template a name.

3. Choose your desired custom commands for each section.

4. Hit “Save Template”.

You can also edit or remove previous templates as needed.

To edit a template, click on “Show saved template”, and click Edit. Then, make the necessary adjustments.

To remove a template, hit Remove.

Step 3: Apply Custom Commands

You can apply custom commands in the outline stage. You can either apply a whole template or apply custom commands only to specific heading sections.

Choose a Template in the Generate Outline stage

You may skip this by toggling Custom Commands off if you prefer setting it up individually for each section in the step.

Follow the steps below to apply a template to your outline.

1. In the Generate Outline stage, locate the “Custom command” section.

2. Toggle “Enable custom command”.

3. Choose your desired template from the dropdown menu.

4. Proceed to the next step.

Choose Custom Commands in the Edit Outline Stage

In the edit outline stage, if you chose a template in the previous step, the custom commands will automatically populate in each section.

If you didn’t choose a template, you can still apply custom commands individually through the dropdown menu in each section.

Follow the steps below:

1. Locate the “Custom Command” dropdown menu in each section of the outline.

2. Choose your desired custom command.

Step 4: Generate Content

With your custom commands applied, you’re ready to generate your content.

Once the content is generated, review it and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it meets your needs.

Use Cases of Custom Commands

Can’t think of commands to use? No worries.

Scroll down for a list of use cases you can apply, along with some sample commands to use.

Here’s the list in video form, if you prefer a more visual demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtLKU1MC7GQ

1. Exclude Competitor Brands

Avoid mentioning your competitor’s brand.

Sample Command: Do not mention the brand Nike.

2. Follow a Specific Writing Structure

Specify a structured approach for writing content.

Sample command: Start with a definition or brief description. Next, elaborate on the definition. Then, provide specific examples. Finally, include tips.

3. Provide Instructions Through a Step-By-Step List

Instead of using a paragraph format, write instructions for accomplishing something through a list that breaks down the task step by step.

Sample command: Write the instructions using a step-by-step list with a logical flow.

4. Include Anecdotes, Experiences, Insights, and Reflections

Provide anecdotes, experiences, insights, or reflections related to the topic.

Sample commands:

• Provide specific personal anecdotes or stories related to the topic.
• Reflect on personal experiences and provide insights or lessons learned.
• Make personal stories relatable to readers by addressing common challenges or aspirations.

5. Use Block Quotes

Use blockquotes to highlight specific parts of the text, such as quotes, key takeaways, or summaries to emphasize important content by setting it apart visually.

Sample commands:

• Write any quote in blockquote.
• Write the important part or key takeaway of this paragraph in blockquote.
• Write a summary of this paragraph in blockquote.

6. Customize the Style of Introduction

Define the style of the introduction, such as the tone, hook, or background information to effectively set the stage for the article.

Sample command: Start with an interesting statistic about the topic.

7. Include Call-to-Action (CTA)

Specify the desired action that you want readers to take, such as clicking a link to visit a landing page, reading a relevant blog post, filling out a contact form, downloading a free resource, subscribing to a plan, or purchasing a product.

Sample command: Encourage readers to visit gardeningforbeginners.com to purchase cheap starter seeds and plant kits.

8. Include an Example

Clarify or reinforce a point by adding a specific example. Examples help make abstract ideas more concrete and relatable, making the content more engaging and easier to understand.

Sample commands:

• Include an example that demonstrates how this concept is applied in real life.
• Include an example to clarify the explanation.

9. Ask a Thought-Provoking Question

Incorporate thought-provoking or engaging questions within the content to encourage readers to reflect on the topic or engage further.

Sample command: Ask a question that encourages readers to reflect on the topic.

10. Localized Content

Specify geographic regions or cultural contexts so that content resonates with local readers.

Sample commands:

• Mention a reference to local context like joke, culture, or news specific to Michigan.
• Use local references and terminology specific to the French healthcare system.

11. Write a Comparison

Effectively compare two or more different concepts, ideas, or opposing viewpoints in a structured and meaningful way.

Sample commands:

• Compare the different concepts and focus on their key similarities and differences.
• Provide a side-by-side comparison of both ideas by highlighting their advantages and disadvantages.
• Compare both viewpoints by presenting their opposing arguments and key distinctions.

12. Reuse Standardized Templates

Develop predefined templates for different clients or brands. Then, reuse the same templates across multiple articles to maintain consistency and brand identity.

Generate Content Your Way With Custom Commands

So, ready to take full control of how your content is generated in SurgeGraph?

Try out Custom Commands now: https://surgegraph.io

For technical support, send an email to help@surgegraph.io.