Adding Background Knowledge: How to Make GPT More Informed #S6E4

So far, we’ve covered how to create a custom GPT and refine its instructions. Now, it’s time to take it a step further by giving your GPT access to important background knowledge.

By the end of this episode, you will know:

• What background knowledge is and why it matters for custom GPTs.
• How to upload and integrate files into your GPT.
• How to ensure your GPT pulls accurate information from reference materials.

Let’s get started.

Step 1: What is Background Knowledge and Why Does It Matter?

A standard GPT pulls knowledge from general sources, meaning it may not know specific details about your business.

Adding background knowledge allows your GPT to answer questions accurately based on your business-specific information.

For example, if you run an e-commerce store, your GPT should know your return policy, shipping times, and product details. If you’re in consulting, your GPT should understand your service offerings and pricing structure.

Adding background knowledge improves response quality and consistency while reducing errors.

Step 2: What Type of Information Can You Add?

You can upload files and reference documents to make your GPT more accurate and informed.

Here are some examples of useful files to add:

First, for customer support, you can upload FAQs, refund policies, and shipping details.

Second, for marketing, you can provide brand voice guidelines, content strategy documents, and previous campaign materials.

Third, for sales teams, you can include pricing sheets, pitch decks, and case studies.

Fourth, for legal and compliance, you can upload company policies, contract templates, and regulatory guidelines.

Fifth, for HR and training, you can provide employee handbooks, onboarding guides, and training manuals.

The more relevant the documents, the smarter your GPT becomes.

Step 3: How to Upload and Integrate Background Files

To add background files, follow these steps:

First, log in to OpenAI’s platform and access your custom GPT settings.

Second, look for the section that allows you to upload documents.

Third, select the files that contain important business information.

Fourth, upload the documents and ensure they are properly formatted for readability.

Fifth, test your GPT by asking it questions related to the uploaded files.

If the GPT does not use the information correctly, try refining your instructions.

Step 4: Ensuring GPT Pulls the Right Information

Sometimes, GPT may not prioritize the uploaded knowledge correctly.

To fix this, you can guide it with instructions.

For example, if GPT gives generic answers instead of using the uploaded files, try this prompt:

"Always refer to the uploaded company documents when answering questions related to our policies."

If GPT mixes general knowledge with company-specific data, refine it with:

"When providing answers, prioritize the information from uploaded reference files before using general AI knowledge."

If GPT misinterprets details, guide it with:

"Ensure all responses are strictly based on the provided business documents. Do not guess or assume information."

These small refinements help make the GPT more reliable.

Step 5: Testing and Refining Responses

After uploading files, you need to test how well your GPT uses the background knowledge.

Try asking specific business-related questions such as:

• "What is our refund policy?"
• "How long does shipping take?"
• "What services do we offer?"

If the answers do not match the uploaded files, refine your instructions.

If answers are too vague, try:

"Give detailed responses based on the uploaded policies and guidelines."

If answers are too long, try:

"Summarize responses clearly while keeping the key details."

If GPT is unsure about an answer, guide it with:

"If the answer is not available in the uploaded documents, politely say that the information is unavailable."

The more you test and adjust, the more reliable your GPT will become.

Example Prompts to Improve Your GPT’s Background Knowledge Usage

First, if GPT is not using uploaded documents, try this.

"Always check the uploaded files first before answering business-related questions."

Second, if GPT is not specific enough, try this.

"Provide clear, detailed answers directly from the company documents."

Third, if GPT is making assumptions, try this.

"Only answer based on verified company information. If unsure, state that the answer is unavailable."

Fourth, if GPT gives too much unnecessary detail, try this.

"Summarize responses in a professional yet concise manner."

Fifth, if GPT is inconsistent in responses, try this.

"Ensure all answers remain consistent with the uploaded company policies and guidelines."

These adjustments make the GPT more accurate and business-ready.

Now it is time for your action task.

Step one. Identify important documents that your GPT should use as background knowledge.

Step two. Log in to OpenAI’s platform and upload the files into your custom GPT.

Step three. Test your GPT by asking it questions related to the uploaded files.

Step four. If answers are incorrect, refine instructions to make the GPT prioritize company knowledge.

Step five. Keep testing and improving until responses match your expectations.

By the end of this task, your GPT will become a more reliable and knowledgeable assistant for your business.

Next time, we will explore how to fine-tune responses and improve the quality of your custom GPT’s output. We’ll cover how small changes in instructions can dramatically improve accuracy and readability.

If you want to ensure your GPT delivers the best possible responses, don’t miss the next episode. See you there!

So far, we’ve covered how to create a custom GPT and refine its instructions. Now, it’s time to take it a step further by giving your GPT access to important background knowledge.

By the end of this episode, you will know:

• What background knowledge is and why it matters for custom GPTs.
• How to upload and integrate files into your GPT.
• How to ensure your GPT pulls accurate information from reference materials.

Let’s get started.

Step 1: What is Background Knowledge and Why Does It Matter?

A standard GPT pulls knowledge from general sources, meaning it may not know specific details about your business.

Adding background knowledge allows your GPT to answer questions accurately based on your business-specific information.

For example, if you run an e-commerce store, your GPT should know your return policy, shipping times, and product details. If you’re in consulting, your GPT should understand your service offerings and pricing structure.

Adding background knowledge improves response quality and consistency while reducing errors.

Step 2: What Type of Information Can You Add?

You can upload files and reference documents to make your GPT more accurate and informed.

Here are some examples of useful files to add:

First, for customer support, you can upload FAQs, refund policies, and shipping details.

Second, for marketing, you can provide brand voice guidelines, content strategy documents, and previous campaign materials.

Third, for sales teams, you can include pricing sheets, pitch decks, and case studies.

Fourth, for legal and compliance, you can upload company policies, contract templates, and regulatory guidelines.

Fifth, for HR and training, you can provide employee handbooks, onboarding guides, and training manuals.

The more relevant the documents, the smarter your GPT becomes.

Step 3: How to Upload and Integrate Background Files

To add background files, follow these steps:

First, log in to OpenAI’s platform and access your custom GPT settings.

Second, look for the section that allows you to upload documents.

Third, select the files that contain important business information.

Fourth, upload the documents and ensure they are properly formatted for readability.

Fifth, test your GPT by asking it questions related to the uploaded files.

If the GPT does not use the information correctly, try refining your instructions.

Step 4: Ensuring GPT Pulls the Right Information

Sometimes, GPT may not prioritize the uploaded knowledge correctly.

To fix this, you can guide it with instructions.

For example, if GPT gives generic answers instead of using the uploaded files, try this prompt:

"Always refer to the uploaded company documents when answering questions related to our policies."

If GPT mixes general knowledge with company-specific data, refine it with:

"When providing answers, prioritize the information from uploaded reference files before using general AI knowledge."

If GPT misinterprets details, guide it with:

"Ensure all responses are strictly based on the provided business documents. Do not guess or assume information."

These small refinements help make the GPT more reliable.

Step 5: Testing and Refining Responses

After uploading files, you need to test how well your GPT uses the background knowledge.

Try asking specific business-related questions such as:

• "What is our refund policy?"
• "How long does shipping take?"
• "What services do we offer?"

If the answers do not match the uploaded files, refine your instructions.

If answers are too vague, try:

"Give detailed responses based on the uploaded policies and guidelines."

If answers are too long, try:

"Summarize responses clearly while keeping the key details."

If GPT is unsure about an answer, guide it with:

"If the answer is not available in the uploaded documents, politely say that the information is unavailable."

The more you test and adjust, the more reliable your GPT will become.

Example Prompts to Improve Your GPT’s Background Knowledge Usage

First, if GPT is not using uploaded documents, try this.

"Always check the uploaded files first before answering business-related questions."

Second, if GPT is not specific enough, try this.

"Provide clear, detailed answers directly from the company documents."

Third, if GPT is making assumptions, try this.

"Only answer based on verified company information. If unsure, state that the answer is unavailable."

Fourth, if GPT gives too much unnecessary detail, try this.

"Summarize responses in a professional yet concise manner."

Fifth, if GPT is inconsistent in responses, try this.

"Ensure all answers remain consistent with the uploaded company policies and guidelines."

These adjustments make the GPT more accurate and business-ready.

Now it is time for your action task.

Step one. Identify important documents that your GPT should use as background knowledge.

Step two. Log in to OpenAI’s platform and upload the files into your custom GPT.

Step three. Test your GPT by asking it questions related to the uploaded files.

Step four. If answers are incorrect, refine instructions to make the GPT prioritize company knowledge.

Step five. Keep testing and improving until responses match your expectations.

By the end of this task, your GPT will become a more reliable and knowledgeable assistant for your business.

Next time, we will explore how to fine-tune responses and improve the quality of your custom GPT’s output. We’ll cover how small changes in instructions can dramatically improve accuracy and readability.

If you want to ensure your GPT delivers the best possible responses, don’t miss the next episode. See you there!