Custom GPTs are having a serious main-character moment.
From coaches offering self-guided support, to creators whipping them up as clever lead magnets, to business owners using them as branded bonuses or credibility boosters: everyone’s getting in on the AI action.
However, not all GPTs are created equal. Some feel like clunky robots in a branded hoodie.
Others provide the wow factor. That’s where Katie Lamond comes in.
A transformative coach, sales director, and all-around strategy queen, Katie built her own GPT to help overwhelmed entrepreneurs get clarity and support, even when she’s offline.
She’s blended her background in digital marketing, ADHD coaching, and leadership into one savvy little AI sidekick: and it works beautifully.
In this Q&A, she breaks down exactly how she did it: what to think about before building one, what to avoid, and why this tech doesn’t have to feel robotic.
Whether you’re curious, overwhelmed, or halfway through your own build, Katie’s insights will help you create something that actually lands.
Creating Your Custom GPT: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
First off, what exactly is a custom GPT, and what inspired you to create your own?
A custom GPT is like building your own AI assistant. You train it with your tone, knowledge, and goals so it can answer questions or coach people just like you would.
I created mine because I was juggling a full-time leadership role and a coaching business.
I wanted a way to help more people, even when I wasn’t in the room, and it gave me a great way to learn more hands-on about this new technology we now all have at our fingertips.
Can you walk us through the process of creating one from start to finish?
First, get clear on the purpose: who it’s for and how it should help. Then write the instructions (kind of like its personality and job description), add any files or reference material it needs, and test it with real questions.
You don’t need to code: just be clear, concise, and intentional. It helps to think like your end user: what do they need, and how do they speak?
Katie’s Custom GPT Build Checklist
- Define your GPT’s purpose and who it’s helping
- Write clear, specific instructions (think tone, goals, and voice)
- Upload helpful resources, but don’t overdo it
- Test it with real questions from your audience
- Keep it focused: one strong use case per GPT
What you Need to Build your Custom GPT
How much technical knowledge does someone need to build one?
You don’t need to be technical at all. If you can explain something clearly and upload a file, you can build one.
It’s more about knowing your audience than knowing code. I felt a bit nervous at first, but once I got into it, it was way more intuitive than I expected.
You don’t even need to type: you can use the dictator to speak all your instructions.
What kind of prompts or inputs make the biggest difference?
Examples, examples, examples.
Show it how you speak, how you structure replies, and what you care about.
I gave mine examples of how I coach, the tone I use, the topics I focus on (like ADHD, burnout, mindset, marketing) and how I want people to feel after using it: clearer, calmer, and more confident with actions to take away.
Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a GPT
What are your biggest do’s and don’ts for creating a GPT that actually works?
- Do keep your language clear, stay user-focused, and test loads of prompts to refine it.
- Don’t try to do too much in one GPT or use vague instructions: it’s likely to get confused.
Be specific, use examples, and keep your tone consistent with your brand or voice.
From your experience, how can a custom GPT support brand visibility?
It’s like giving people a taste of your brain.
For me, it helps potential coaching clients get support straight away and builds trust with my voice and approach.
In the agency world, we’re exploring how to use GPTs to guide people through marketing audits or explain complex services in simple terms. It’s really powerful for warming leads.
Prompts That Power a Strong GPT
- “Here’s how I explain X to clients…”
- “When someone asks about Y, I usually say…”
- “This is the tone I use when I write about Z…”
- Real examples from past conversations, emails, or coaching calls
- Style guidelines (e.g. first person, friendly, no jargon)
Finally, how do you see custom GPTs fitting into the future of brand strategy?
It’s one of the easiest ways to start using AI in a real, human way.
Brands can use them for onboarding, customer support, lead generation, even internal training. It’s a great low-risk way to explore AI without needing a big tech team, and it keeps your brand voice consistent 24/7.
Try Katie’s Custom GPT
Try Katie’s custom GPT here – it’s built to help you boost productivity, reduce burnout, and coach yourself through challenges with ease.
Follow her journey on LinkedIn
For coaching or collaboration, head to katielamond.co.uk
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