How to Use Custom Commands: Tutorial, Use Cases & Sample Commands
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.
The result? Content that’s unique, relevant, and aligns closely with your desired style. This 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 & Sample Commands
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 at two stages: The Generate Outline stage (for templates) and the Edit Outline stage (for specific Custom Commands).
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. Avoid AI Words
Exclude common words used by AI to get a more natural and human-like tone.
Sample command: Avoid using these words: Captivate, Digital world, Debunking, Delve, Demystified, Demystifying, Dive, Elevate, Embark, Embrace, Enhance, Ever-evolving, Explore, Navigating, Realm, Revolutionize, Unleash, Unlock, Unveil
2. Adopt a Humanlike Writing Style
Ask the AI to write like a human would, with specific instructions.
Sample command: Use plain English with straightforward language. Offer more context by explaining why something is important instead of simply stating it. Include specific examples to illustrate points.
3. Brand Voice Alignment
Provide specific brand guidelines, tone preferences, and messaging strategies to ensure that the content aligns with your company’s brand identity and voice.
Sample command: Use a conversational, friendly, and informative tone. Focus on customer benefits, use inclusive language, and avoid jargon and technical terms.
4. Include/Exclude Brand Name
Include your own product or service & exclude your competitor brand names.
5. Custom Tone of Voice
Specify custom tones not provided by SurgeGraph's settings to match specific content requirements.
Sample command: Infuse positivity by maintaining an uplifting and optimistic tone.
6. Tailor Readability for the Target Audience
Provide context about the target audience so the AI can customize the content accordingly.
Sample command: Write for an expert physicist who is familiar with complex physics terms and jargons.
7. Write in the Style of a Famous Person
Mimic the writing style of a known person or general style.
Sample command: Write in the style of David Ogilvy.
8. Follow a Specific 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.
9. Include Personal Anecdotes & Experiences
Infuse content with personal anecdotes, experiences, insights, and reflections so content feels relatable and connects with readers.
Sample command: 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.
10. 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 a shocking statistic about the topic.
11. 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.
12. Localized Content
Specify geographic regions or cultural contexts so that content resonates with local readers.
13. Standardized Templates
Develop templates to match the writing styles of different clients or brands for consistency. Then, reuse the same style/format 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.
