How to use ChatGPT
Kahu team·Updated 2 Oct 2026·7 min read
Open chatgpt.com or the app, sign in so your chats are saved, and ask for what you want in plain language with the details that matter: who it is for, the tone, the length and the facts. Then refine the answer with follow-up requests. Check everything before you use it, and keep private customer data out unless your plan and policy allow it.
Getting started
- 1Open itGo to chatgpt.com in a browser, or install the ChatGPT app on iOS or Android.
- 2Create a free accountYou can try it without signing in, but an account keeps your chat history and settings.
- 3Check your data settingsOn personal plans your chats can be used to improve OpenAI’s models. If you would rather they were not, opt out in settings before you start.
- 4Ask your first questionType it in the message box, or use voice if you prefer to talk.
How to ask so you get a good answer
Most disappointing answers come from short, vague requests. ChatGPT does not know your business, your customer or what “good” looks like to you. Give it the same brief you would give a new staff member.
| Vague request | Clear request | |
|---|---|---|
| Example | Write a post about our sale | Write a Facebook post for our Hamilton garden centre: 20% off fruit trees this weekend only, friendly tone, under 60 words, end with our phone number |
| What you get | Generic copy you rewrite | A draft that needs light edits |
| Why | It guesses the details | It has the facts, audience, tone and length |
- Say who it is for and where it will appear.
- Give the facts: prices, dates, names, conditions.
- Set the tone and length.
- Paste an example you like and ask it to match the style.
Refine instead of starting again
The first answer is a draft. Reply with what to change: “shorter”, “less formal”, “add a line about parking”, “give me three options”. Keeping the same chat means it remembers the context, so each round gets closer.
Useful features to try
- Upload a file, such as a PDF or spreadsheet, and ask questions about it.
- Use projects to keep chats and files for one job together.
- Use memory so it remembers your preferences across chats.
- Ask it to search the web when you need current information.
- Create an image for a post or a mock-up.
- Use voice when you are driving or on site.
Where Kahu fits
Two Thursday gaps at 11:00 and 14:30. Drafted messages to 6 waitlisted customers.
Updated the hours on your site and Google profile to Sat–Sun 8–2.
One post about the new hours, using your Sunday counter photo.Check before you use it
Read every answer before it reaches a customer. Check numbers, prices, dates, names and anything that sounds like a promise or legal advice. If it gives a fact you cannot confirm, leave it out. Keep a person approving anything that goes to a customer, and keep personal customer details out of personal accounts. If several staff use it for work, a Business plan gives you admin controls, and OpenAI says business data is not used for training by default.
Frequently asked questions
Is ChatGPT free to use?
Yes, there is a free plan with unlimited text chats and limited extras such as uploads, images and voice. Paid plans raise the limits.
Can ChatGPT read my documents?
Yes. You can upload files such as PDFs and spreadsheets and ask questions about them. The free plan limits how many.
How do I stop ChatGPT using my chats for training?
On personal plans, opt out in settings. Business and Enterprise plans are not used for training by default.