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Your First Genesis Prompt

Learn how to get your first app right on the first try.

Updated over a month ago

Overview

The difference between a great app and something that barely works often comes down to your first prompt. This guide will show you how to write that crucial first instruction to Genesis, the one that sets everything in motion.

πŸ’‘ Note: You need ONE prompt to start. Everything else can be added later.

Just getting started? Watch this short video first:


Write The First Prompt

Every successful first prompt answers three questions.

Audience

"My photography clients..." "Our dental patients..." "My sales team..."

Problem/Solution

"...need to book sessions..." "...want to schedule appointments..." "...has to track leads..."

Action

"...and receive confirmations" "...with available time slots" "...and see follow-up dates"

Formula

"My photography clients need to book sessions and receive confirmations"

That's a perfect first prompt. Clear, focused, actionable.


Use the Right Words

Power Verbs

Start with these action words:

  • Build a form that...
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  • Create a system for...
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  • Make a tool that...
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  • Design a dashboard showing...

Clarity Phrases

Add these for precision:

  • Simple - keeps it focused
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  • Basic - avoids complexity
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  • For my [business type] - adds context
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  • That [does something] - defines the action


Follow the 2-Sentence Rule

Ideally, your first prompt should not have more than two sentences.

One Sentence (Best)

"Create a lead capture form for my real estate business with property preferences"

Two Sentences (Extra Context)

"I run a yoga studio with 5 instructors. Build a class booking system that shows available sessions"

If you're writing a third sentence, save it for your second prompt.


Pick ONE Core Function

Your first prompt should do one thing excellently.

βœ… Focused First Prompts:

  • "Build a quote calculator for landscaping projects"
  • "Create a waitlist for my restaurant"
  • "Make a feedback form with star ratings"

❌ Too Many Functions:

  • "Build a system that handles quotes, invoices, payments, exports, reminders, notifications, and customer management"

πŸ’‘ Note: You can add more features in 30 seconds after your calculator works.


Ideas/Solutions vs. Specs

Genesis handles all the technical details. You just describe what you need.

Natural Business Language

  • "Track which therapist is booked when"
  • "Calculate project costs including labor"
  • "Collect feedback after appointments"


Use Starter Kits

Not sure where to start? Choose a template first:

  • Use the drop-downs to browse templates by category.
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  • Click a template to copy it to the prompt box.
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  • Customize the prompt before you send it.


Genesis = Adventure

Professional developers spend weeks planning. You can start building in one sentence and improve as you go. Your first prompt doesn't need to be perfect.

Imagine It. Build it. Iterate.

Good luck!


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