A New Revenue Stream in the AI Era: A Comprehensive Guide to Prompt Marketplaces

In recent years, AI technology has evolved remarkably. Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, in particular, have brought significant changes to our work and daily lives. Amidst this transformation, “prompt selling” has emerged as a new way to monetize and generate side income. This involves creating “prompts” – precise instructions given to AI – and selling them for profit, truly representing a new way of working in the AI era. This article will provide a thorough explanation, covering everything from the basics of prompt selling, how to register on marketplaces, to essential tips for creating “sellable prompts.”

1. What is a Prompt and Why is it in Demand?

1.1. Definition and Importance of Prompts

A prompt is an “instruction” or “question” given to an AI, especially an LLM. Based on this prompt, the AI generates text, answers questions, or performs tasks. While AI possesses high capabilities, maximizing its potential hinges on the quality and precision of the prompts provided. Without effective prompts, the AI’s output can be suboptimal or irrelevant.

1.2. The Rise of Prompt Engineering

The skill of crafting prompts that elicit desired results from AI is known as “prompt engineering,” and it’s gaining recognition as a specialized profession. The ability to create excellent prompts is key to effectively utilizing AI. Demand for individuals with this skill is growing, making it possible for individuals to earn income by selling their prompts.

1.3. Market Trends in Prompt Selling

As AI becomes more commonplace, the demand for high-quality, specialized prompts for specific tasks is also increasing. Businesses and individuals are actively seeking prompts that can streamline their operations or enhance content creation. This has led to the emergence and flourishing of marketplaces where prompts can be bought and sold.

2. Platforms for Selling Prompts

To sell prompts, it’s common to utilize dedicated marketplaces or content sales platforms. Here, we will discuss representative platforms and their characteristics.

2.1. Prompt Marketplaces

These are platforms specifically designed for buying and selling prompts. They feature a wide array of prompts optimized for various AI models and specific use cases.

2.1.1. Major International Marketplaces

PromptBase: One of the most well-known prompt marketplaces. It offers prompts for various AI models, including ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion.
PromptHero: Primarily focuses on prompts for AI image generators (Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, etc.), offering a rich selection of prompts for high-quality image creation.
FlowGPT: A community site dedicated to sharing ChatGPT prompts. In addition to sharing, it also provides a selling function.

2.1.2. Domestic Marketplaces and Platforms (Japan)

Platforms where prompt selling is possible are increasing in Japan.

note: While a platform for creators, prompts can be sold as paid articles. As it’s relatively easy to start, many users utilize it.
noteplus: note’s paid content sales feature. Suitable for selling specialized prompt collections.
BASE/STORES: Services that allow you to create your own e-commerce site for free. Prompts can be sold as digital content.
Coconala: A skill marketplace where you can offer services like prompt creation and consulting to earn income.

2.2. Fees and Features of Each Platform

Fees and sales formats vary by platform. It’s important to check these details in advance.

PromptBase: Sales commission is generally around 20%.
note: In addition to payment processing fees (approx. 3.6% to 5%), note charges a platform fee of 10% of the sales price. The total is approximately 13.6% to 15%.
BASE/STORES: Sales and payment fees vary by plan. BASE has a 5% sales commission + 3.6%~ payment processing fee, while STORES has payment processing fees starting from 3.6%.
Coconala: Charges a sales commission of 22% of the sales price.

Points to Consider When Comparing Fees:

Sales Commission: The fee charged by the platform, usually a percentage. A higher percentage means less take-home income.
Payment Processing Fee: Charged for transactions like credit card payments.
Monthly Subscription Fee: Some platforms may charge a monthly fee for enhanced features.

Tips for Choosing a Platform:

Target Audience: Who do you want to reach with your prompts?
Ease of Listing: Is it easy for beginners to register and list their prompts?
Fees: Consider profitability and choose platforms with lower fees.
Features: Check for prompt searchability, review functions, and sales promotion tools.

3. How to Create Sellable Prompts and Key Tips

To sell prompts, you need to create high-quality prompts and market them attractively. Here are specific tips for creating prompts that sell.

3.1. Understand Needs and Specialize in a Niche

It’s crucial to understand market demand for prompts. Research competing prompts to analyze which ones are popular and what problems remain unsolved.

Specific Research Methods:

Check Marketplace Rankings: Grasp the trends of popular prompts.
Gather Information on Social Media and Forums: Identify challenges faced by AI users and what information they seek.
Leverage Your Expertise: Prompts based on specific industry knowledge (marketing, programming, design, etc.) or hobbies (novel writing, game strategies, etc.) are often highly valued for their expertise.

3.2. Clear and Specific Instructions (Structuring the Prompt)

Instructions must be clear and specific to avoid misinterpretation by the AI. Avoid ambiguous language and create structured prompts that the AI can easily understand.

Basic Elements of Prompt Creation:

Role Setting: Define the role you want the AI to play (e.g., “You are an experienced marketer.”).
Task Instruction: Clearly state what you want the AI to do (e.g., “Generate three catchy taglines for the following product that will resonate with the target audience.”).
Context/Background Information: Provide necessary information for the task (e.g., “Product Name: AI Writing Tool ‘TextMaster’, Target Audience: Small and Medium Business Owners”).
Output Format Specification: Specify the desired output format (e.g., “Use bullet points and include a brief explanation after each tagline.”).
Constraints: Set limitations such as word count or keywords to include (e.g., “Each tagline should be within 30 characters and include the keywords ‘efficiency’ and ‘time-saving’.”).

3.3. Iterate Through Testing and Improvement

Always test your created prompts to ensure they yield the expected results. It’s rare to create a perfect prompt on the first try. The process of refining instructions or adding conditions based on the AI’s responses is crucial for improving accuracy.

3.4. Provide Added Value

Going beyond just providing the prompt can make your product more attractive.

Showcase Examples: Present concrete output examples generated using your prompt.
Include Explanations/Tips: Add guidance on how to use the prompt or hints for further application.
Sell Sets of Multiple Prompts: Offer a bundle of prompts designed to complete a series of tasks.
Offer Customization Options: Provide services to fine-tune prompts based on customer requests.

3.5. Create an Appealing Product Page

Not only the prompt itself but also the design and description of the sales page are important.

Clear Title: Use a title that clearly indicates the prompt’s content.
Compelling Description: Specifically explain how the prompt solves a problem and the benefits it offers.
Clarify Target Audience: State the intended users (e.g., bloggers, marketers, students).
Utilize Images and Videos: Including images of AI-generated content or videos demonstrating usage can significantly boost purchase intent.

4. Case Study: Successful Prompt Sales on note

Here’s a hypothetical case study of successful prompt sales using note in Japan.

4.1. Example: A Prompt Collection for Efficient Blog Idea Generation with ChatGPT

Seller: Freelance writer with 5 years of blogging experience.
Target Audience: Blog beginners, bloggers struggling with idea generation.
Product: “(Beginner’s Guide) Never Run Out of Blog Ideas with ChatGPT! 10 Prompts to Supercharge Your Idea Generation.”
Price: 980 JPY
Product Contents:
- Prompts for blog theme setting.
- Prompts for analyzing reader search intent.
- Prompts for analyzing competitor articles.
- Prompts for discovering trending topics on social media.
- Prompts for generating specific article title ideas.
- Detailed usage instructions for each prompt and sample outputs.
- Advanced: Prompts for creating SEO-friendly article structures.
Sales Page Strategy:
- Included keywords like “Beginner’s Guide,” “Never Run Out of Ideas,” and “Supercharge” in the title to appeal to the target audience’s pain points.
- The description emphasized concrete benefits such as “significantly reducing time spent on idea searching” and “generating high-quality article ideas.”
- Included sample images of article titles and structures generated using these prompts.
- Used a question format like “Do you have these problems?” to evoke empathy.
Sales Promotion: Announced on their own blog and social media, and shared tips on prompt utilization in free articles on note.
Results: Sold over 100 copies within the first month. Reviews were highly positive, with feedback like “blog writing became easier” and “expanded my range of ideas,” leading to repeat purchases and further prompt sales.

5. Pros and Cons of Prompt Selling

Prompt selling offers attractive benefits but also comes with drawbacks that require attention. Assess whether it aligns with your skills and goals after understanding both aspects.

5.1. Advantages

Low Initial Investment: Primarily requires a PC and internet connection. No expensive equipment or software is needed.
Location Independence: The entire process is online, allowing you to work from anywhere – home, a cafe, etc.
Skill Development: Prompt engineering skills enhance AI utilization capabilities, benefiting your main job or other side hustles.
Growing Demand with AI Advancement: As AI becomes more prevalent, the demand for prompts is likely to increase.
High Leverage Potential: Once created, a prompt can be sold repeatedly, potentially generating passive income.

5.2. Disadvantages

Intensifying Competition: In popular niches, you’ll face competition from numerous sellers.
AI Model Updates: AI model changes or updates can diminish the effectiveness of prompts.
Copyright and Ethical Issues: Be cautious about copyright implications of generated content and avoid selling ethically problematic prompts.
Income Instability: Achieving stable income can be challenging depending on sales volume and pricing.
Platform Fees: Sales commissions reduce your take-home pay from the expected amount.

6. FAQ about Prompt Selling

Q1: Can beginners start selling prompts?

A1: Yes, it’s possible. However, creating high-quality prompts requires understanding AI characteristics and possessing logical thinking and writing skills. Start by experimenting with various prompts using free AI tools and verifying their effectiveness.

Q2: What kinds of prompts are in high demand?

A2: Prompts that solve specific problems, improve operational efficiency, require specialized knowledge, or are tailored for creative purposes are popular. Prompts for AI image generators also tend to be in high demand.

Q3: How should I price my prompts?

A3: Consider the complexity, uniqueness, value proposition, and competitor pricing. Starting with a lower price and gradually increasing it as you gain reviews and demand grows is a viable strategy.

Q4: What should I be mindful of when selling prompts on note?

A4: It’s important to comply with note’s terms of service and review rules for selling paid content. Responding politely to customer inquiries and requests builds trust and encourages repeat purchases.

Q5: What about the copyright of AI-generated content?

A5: The copyright status of AI-generated content varies by country and the specific AI service used. Generally, you should check the terms of service of the AI provider. In prompt selling, you are selling the “prompt” (instruction) itself, not the generated output. However, if the prompt itself is designed to replicate or modify existing copyrighted works, there is a risk of copyright infringement.

7. Conclusion: Ride the Wave of New Monetization in the AI Era

Prompt selling is a new form of monetization born from AI advancements, accessible to anyone. The low initial investment and the ability to work from anywhere are significant advantages. However, success requires understanding market needs, creating high-quality prompts, and employing effective sales strategies. Using the information provided in this article, dive into the world of prompt selling and build a new stream of income in the AI era. The day may come when your “instructions” shine as valuable products.

#プロンプト販売 #AI #副業 #マーケットプレイス #note #ChatGPT