Workshop 6: Build Your First Custom GPT
Ready to transform your ChatGPT prompts into reusable tools? This guide will walk you through creating custom GPTs that deliver consistent results for your specific needs.

by Haojun See

On The Ground - AI Adoption for Businesses and Individuals
Key Use Cases for Custom GPTs
Legal Applications
  • Timesheet Assistants
  • Clause Translators
  • Red-Flag Extractors
  • Case Law Researchers
  • Contract Analyzers
  • Legal Brief Drafters
SME Solutions
  • Policy Writers
  • SOP Summarisers
  • Client Email Draft Bots
  • Pricing Proposal Generators
  • Competitive Analysis Tools
  • Customer Support Script Creators
Training Tools
  • Slide Structurers
  • Activity Generators
  • Reflection Writers
  • Learning Assessment Creators
  • Scenario Simulators
  • Knowledge Check Builders
Access & Prerequisites
Subscription Required
Custom GPTs are only available on ChatGPT Plus (US$20/month as of 2024)
Technical Setup
Log in at chat.openai.com using Chrome or Safari for best experience
Materials Needed
Your refined prompt, GPT description, and optional reference documents
How to Build a Custom GPT
Access Builder
Go to chat.openai.com and click "Explore GPTs" then "Create a GPT"
Define Your GPT
Answer chat prompts about your GPT's purpose, name, and personality
Add Instructions
Paste your final prompt from Week 5 into the system instructions
Upload Files
Add supporting documents like PDFs, policies, or templates
Save & Share
Click "Save & Publish (Private)" or "Share via Link"
System Instruction Design
Instruction Format
  • Define the role clearly
  • Specify the target audience
  • Detail response style and tone
  • Include formatting requirements
  • Add error handling instructions
Example Template
"You are a [role] that helps [who] with [task]. Always respond in [tone/style]. Structure your response in [format]. If input is unclear, ask [follow-up question]."
File Upload Strategy
Style Guides
Upload brand and writing guidelines for consistent outputs
SOPs
Add standard operating procedures for process adherence
Templates
Include reference templates for structured outputs
Policies
Upload company policies for compliant responses
Demo – Build a Custom GPT Live
Set up Timesheet Assistant
Define the GPT's purpose and write system instructions for a legal timesheet helper
Upload Sample Documents
Add timesheet templates and sample entries as reference material
Test & Refine
Try messy inputs to see how the GPT handles real-world scenarios
Adjust & Save
Fine-tune formatting and tone based on test results
Your Turn – Guided Build Session
Log in to ChatGPT Plus
Access your account at chat.openai.com
Start Creation Process
Click "Explore GPTs" → "Create"
Configure Your GPT
Enter name, role, and system instructions from Week 5
Run Test Queries
Try both clean and messy inputs to evaluate performance
Refine As Needed
Adjust tone, structure, and instructions based on results
Share It Like a Product
Private Link
Share access with specific individuals via unique URL
Team Demo
Present your GPT's capabilities in a live session
Workflow Integration
Embed in client processes as a specialized assistant
Brand Customization
Add custom icon and description for professional presentation
Bonus – Connect to a Frontend Using Replit

Create Replit App
Build a lightweight web interface for your GPT
Connect API
Integrate GPT functionality using your system instructions
Deploy Solution
Host your application affordably for broader access
Perfect for creating white-labeled tools with custom interfaces beyond ChatGPT's standard environment.
Mini-Sprint Challenge
1
Build
Create and test your first Custom GPT
2
Document
Record purpose, instructions, files, and test interactions
3
Prepare
Be ready to demonstrate and discuss next week
4
Reflect
Evaluate successes, challenges, and future automation ideas
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Scaling Ideas – From GPT to Org-Wide Assistant
Legal Tools
Onboarding checklists, document redaction, clause drafting
SME Solutions
Job description writer, HR email generator, outreach assistant
Client Offerings
Packaged assistants for clients, partners, or internal operations
GPT Ecosystem
Build a network of specialized assistants working together
Key Takeaways
Custom GPTs are simple to build yet powerful to use. Start with real workflows, test thoroughly, and use system instructions strategically.
Check-In & Contact
What GPT did you build today? What improvement will you make next? Who will you share this with?
Contact us: [email protected] or WhatsApp: wa.me/6598419481
Looking forward to Week 7: Testing, Feedback, and Refinement!