Guide: Getting Started with Gemini 3

Understanding Gemini 3's New Approach

Google's Gemini 3 represents a fundamental shift in how AI models operate. Unlike previous generations that primarily generate text, Gemini 3 is a reasoning-first model designed to systematically break down tasks, plan workflows, and execute complex projects rather than simply respond to prompts.

What does it mean for us? It means the model can handle strategic planning, multi-step execution, and sophisticated analysis that previously required multiple tools or extensive prompt engineering. Don’t take my word for it, check out the full SOP where I share 3 specific use cases. It’s really, really good.

What's New in Gemini 3

Reasoning-First Architecture

Gemini 3 approaches tasks by planning workflows systematically rather than generating immediate responses. When you request a marketing campaign, the model first decomposes the objective into tactical components, validates required information, and creates a structured execution plan before producing output.

Advanced Reasoning Modes

The model includes Deep Think and advanced thinking modes specifically designed for complex strategic work, detailed analysis, and multi-step planning. These modes provide enhanced reasoning capabilities for projects requiring sophisticated problem-solving.

Enhanced Multimodal Capabilities

Gemini 3 processes documents, slides, images, videos, code, and spreadsheets as equal-class inputs. Upload a product video, brand guidelines PDF, and sales data CSV simultaneously, and the model synthesizes across all modalities to produce integrated outputs including analyses, applications, and user interfaces.

Agentic Workflow Design

The model is built to drive tools and execute automated workflows. It handles complex task sequences, manages multiple components, and produces structured outputs that integrate with existing marketing systems.

How Prompting is Different

Directness Over Verbosity

Old Approach (GPT-style): "I need you to act as an expert marketing strategist with 20 years of experience. Please carefully consider all aspects of my brand positioning and thoroughly analyze..."

Gemini 3 Approach: "Analyze my brand positioning and create a marketing strategy. My brand: [details]. Target audience: [details]."

Gemini 3 prefers concise, action-oriented instructions. Verbose prompt engineering actually reduces performance.

Sequential Reasoning Instructions

Transform long paragraphs into explicit steps using "do X, then Y, then Z" format. Instead of explaining everything at once, break requests into numbered sequences that guide the model's reasoning process.

Constraint Placement Matters

Critical Rule: Place behavioral constraints, role definitions, and brand guidelines at the very beginning of your prompt, not at the end. Gemini 3's reasoning process is anchored by early instructions. Constraints added later may be ignored or overridden.

Reduced Default Verbosity

Gemini 3 provides more concise, efficient answers by default. If you need detailed explanations or a conversational tone, explicitly request it: "Provide a comprehensive explanation with examples" or "Use a friendly, chatty tone."

Long Context Handling

When working with extensive background materials (product catalogs, customer data, research reports):

1. Place all context first

2. End with your specific instruction

3. Use bridging phrases: "Based on the information above..."

This structure allows the model to synthesize information before executing your request.

Core Prompting Techniques

Explicit Planning Instructions

For complex projects, include planning steps in your prompt:

Before creating the campaign:
1. Parse the marketing objective into distinct tactical components
2. Verify that brand positioning and target audience information is complete - if not, ask for clarification
3. Identify proven frameworks that apply to this challenge
4. Create a structured execution plan
5. Validate your understanding before proceeding

Self-Critique for Quality Control

Add validation steps to ensure outputs meet your specific needs:

Before returning your final deliverable, review it against these criteria:
1. Does this address my specific business objective, not generic best practices?
2. Is the tone authentic to my brand voice?
3. Have I flagged any assumptions I made?
4. Does this align with the stated conversion goals?

Progress Tracking for Multi-Step Projects

Request TODO tracking for complex workflows:

Create a TODO list to track this project:
- [ ] Audience research
- [ ] Competitive analysis  
- [ ] Messaging framework
- [ ] Asset creation
- [ ] Performance tracking setup

The model will check off items as it completes them, ensuring nothing gets missed.

This is a long guide, so if you want the full thing, simply head to this Notion page. There you can find the 3 specific use cases I tested.

• Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warns AI could wipe out half of all entry level white collar jobs and push unemployment to 20 percent within five years.

• Jeff Bezos is back in the operator seat, launching Project Prometheus with $6.2B to build AI for engineering and space focused industries.

• Sundar Pichai says no one, not even Google, will escape the fallout if the AI investment boom cools and warns of familiar dotcom era exuberance.

• Peec AI raises $21M as brands race to optimise visibility in AI search, turning GEO into the next marketing battlefield.

• Some examples of what Gemini 3 can do… it really is next level…

  

• Two thirds of global companies expect to slow entry level hiring as AI reshapes work and removes traditional training pathways. 

• Manus launches a browser operator that runs automation inside your own authenticated browser for smoother, more secure workflows.

• Media is fleeing text for YouTube as legacy publishers and creators chase video revenue, discovery and AI resistant growth.

• Adobe buying Semrush signals SEO’s real value and sets up a powerful analytics plus visibility combo that will squeeze smaller AI tools.

• Google rolls out a major AI shopping upgrade that lets you shop conversationally, compare products and even let Gemini buy items for you.

• BNPL is becoming a hidden debt bubble as millions use it for groceries and defaults rise while regulators struggle to track phantom loans.

• Researchers say nearly half of the internet now feels automated as bots, AI agents and synthetic content reshape how real the web feels.

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😍It was great, all I needed

🙂Good, not great

🙄It sucked