diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 5b7bbca..eef6358 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -52,9 +52,12 @@ is easiest with `brew`:
 
 ```shell
 brew install notcurses
-zig build -Duse_system_notcurses=true --search-prefix /usr/local
+zig build -Duse_system_notcurses=true --search-prefix $HOMEBREW_PREFIX
 ```
 
+If `HOMEBREW_PREFIX` is not set in your environment check your brew configuration
+with `brew config`.
+
 # Running Flow Control
 
 The output binary is: