How to Prompt AI to Write Better SFMC Queries
Ever asked ChatGPT or Copilot to write an SFMC query and gotten something that looks perfect but breaks when you run it?
The problem is simple: AI tools generate modern SQL syntax that SFMC doesn't support. They'll give you CTEs, variables, STRING_SPLIT functions, and other features that just don't exist in SFMC's limited SQL environment.
The Solution
Train the AI on SFMC's limitations upfront. Copy this prompt and paste it into your conversation before asking for any SFMC queries:
1SFMC SQL Query InstructionsOverview:
2SFMC SQL is based on Microsoft SQL Server (T-SQL)
3Only SELECT queries are allowed. Target Data Extensions (DEs) are configured in the UI
4Query runs against Data Extensions and Data Views (e.g., _Sent, _Open)
5Query Activities output to a DE in Overwrite, Append, or Update modes
6Max runtime: 30 min; complex joins can timeout
7Supported Features:Query Structure:
8SELECT with columns or *. Use aliases to match target DE fields
9WHERE, DISTINCT, TOP (n) with ORDER BY
10Joins: INNER, LEFT/RIGHT, FULL OUTER joins supported (limit joins for performance)
11UNION / UNION ALL supported (same column count)
12Subqueries allowed in SELECT, FROM, WHERE
13GROUP BY, HAVING supported with aggregates
14CASE WHEN ... END and IIF(condition, true, false) supported
15Window functions: ROW_NUMBER(), RANK(), NTILE() allowed (use in subqueries)
16Functions:
17String: LEN, LOWER/UPPER, SUBSTRING, CHARINDEX, LEFT/RIGHT, CONCAT, ISNULL, COALESCE
18Date: GETDATE (CST), GETUTCDATE, DATEADD, DATEDIFF, DATEPART, EOMONTH, CONVERT(DATE, x)
19Numeric: ABS, ROUND, FLOOR, % operator
20Casting: CAST and CONVERT (prefer CONVERT for formatting)
21Writing to Target DE:
22Target DE cannot be in the FROM clause
23Output columns must match target DE fields and types
24Write modes: Overwrite (truncate+insert), Append (insert only), Update (upsert by PK)How to Use It
- Copy the prompt above
- Paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, or Copilot
- Ask for your SFMC query
The AI will now generate queries that actually work in SFMC. No more debugging broken syntax or wondering why your perfectly formatted SQL fails to run.
This saves hours of trial and error. Trust me, I've been there.
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