The ChatGPT Experiment – Ep 87: Using Projects in ChatGPT

Host: Cary Weston
Release Date: September 24, 2025

Overview

This episode of The ChatGPT Experiment focuses on demystifying the “Projects” feature in ChatGPT, catering to beginners and professionals eager to make the most of their AI assistant. Cary Weston breaks down how projects offer organization, customization, and consistency, and he shares actionable tips for maximizing value. Real-world examples and best practices provide listeners with a blueprint for integrating projects into their workflows.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What is a ChatGPT “Project”?

• Projects are a new organizational feature for paid ChatGPT users, found in the sidebar above regular conversation history ([01:20]).
• Not available on the free version (as of recording date).

  “If you are logging on and you’re in the free version and you don’t see anything about what I’m talking about, that’s probably why.” — Cary ([02:15])

• Intended for recurring work streams or specialized use cases (e.g., marketing campaigns, writing projects).

2. Core Components of a Project

• Naming

  • Each project needs a clear, specific, and meaningful name.

  “The more specific you can be with the name here, the more you’re going to understand where it is and how to use it.” ([03:03])

• Files Section (Knowledge Base)

  • Ability to upload resource documents—company background, style guides, templates, etc.
  • Adds depth and authenticity; files are referenced within project instructions for improved output.

  “It’s a very powerful way to be adding additional information to the project so you can get the best out of it.” ([03:29])

• Instructions

  • Think of instructions as a “job description” for your AI intern.
  • Here you outline the project’s purpose, desired tone, approach, and when/how to use the uploaded files.

  “Instructions is the place where you tell ChatGPT… you’re going to tell the intern… what it is, what it’s for and how it’s going to add value.” ([04:02])

  • Example: For a marketing assistant project, spell out job role, goals (e.g., generating authentic copy), and strategic approaches ([05:04]).

3. Best Practices: Working with Files & Instructions

• Explicit Cross-referencing

  • Mention the names of uploaded documents within instructions.
  • Specify when and how each file should be used, i.e.,

    “You have a document called Voice, Tone and Style… use this when you’re writing for me because I want you to be consistent and authentic each and every time.” ([07:25])

  • Prevents confusion and ensures reliability.

• Granularity

  • Make each project as focused as possible (avoid the “Swiss Army knife” trap).
  • Tips for specialization:
    • Have a “Copywriter” project and a separate “Editor” project, each with tailored instructions/resources ([13:15]).
    • Segment projects by function, not by generality, for organizational clarity and enhanced results.

4. Example Workflow (Marketing Project)

• Setup:
  • Name: e.g., “Spring 2026 Campaign”
  • Files: Company Overview, Customer Profile, Voice, Tone and Style, LinkedIn Templates.
  • Instructions:
    • Clarify purpose (“You are my strategic marketing partner…”)
    • Define outcomes (“Move prospects towards trust, confidence, and actions…”)
    • State when to use which files.
    • Avoid resource overload by specifying scenarios for each file.

      “If we use LinkedIn templates or LinkedIn posts, I want you to go use that document as your guide. That does a couple things… it doesn’t mean that the instructions are going to look at the LinkedIn resource every time because it’s not always relevant.” ([10:40])

5. Projects vs. Custom GPTs

• Projects keep conversations organized within each project, unlike custom GPTs which scatter dialogues across the conversation list ([15:21]).

  “With projects, every conversation that you create using the project shows up in the project itself. So it’s a really nice organizational system.” ([15:21])

Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Think of it as the amazing intern. Think of it as a new person. Give it instructions, background, clarity, purpose, and then tell it how to use the resources.” ([15:45])
• “The more definition you can give somebody as to what they’re here for… the more successful and helpful that assistance is going to be. And that’s literally what you’re doing with your instructions.” ([13:40])
• “You can’t break it. Try it out, ask it, talk to it, have fun with it and good luck. … Do stay curious.” ([16:47])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:59 — Introduction to Projects & why they’re useful
• 02:15 — Paid vs. Free: Access requirements
• 02:36 — Project components: name, files, instructions
• 05:04 — Example: Creating a Marketing Assistant project
• 07:25 — How to reference documents in instructions
• 10:40 — Using files contextually to avoid confusion
• 13:15 — Hyper-focusing vs. the “Swiss Army knife” approach
• 15:21 — Projects’ organization advantages over custom GPTs
• 16:47 — Cary’s closing advice: Stay curious

Final Thoughts

Cary encourages listeners to experiment, treat projects like onboarding a new team member, and remain curious. Lean into projects for consistency, clarity, and authentic AI collaboration. Instructions and carefully labeled files are the secret sauce to getting the most out of ChatGPT projects.

Resources & Additional Links

• Episode show notes include sample instructions and webinar recording
• More guides & contact at chatgptexperiment.com