1. Purpose
To provide a clear, repeatable workflow for planning, designing, and captioning high-performing Instagram carousels. This process ensures each post aligns with your brand’s strategy, offers engaging value, and is optimized for saves, shares, and reach.
2. Responsibilities
| Who | What |
|---|---|
| Content Creator | Generates the carousel concept, writes slide content, caption, and hashtags |
| Designer (if applicable) | Designs carousel slides to align with the visual brand identity |
| Social Media Manager | Reviews the post for tone, structure, visual consistency, and scheduling |
| Marketing Lead | Provides direction based on campaign goals and performance data |
3. Procedure
Step 1: Recall Your Previously Shared Brand Info
Start by making sure the AI program has some context about your personal brand. If you haven’t already, please complete this Brand Setup Workflow before proceeding.
💡 ChatGPT Prompt:
I’ve previously shared my brand setup with you. Please recall the following information and apply it to this request:
– Brand Name
– What I Do
– Target Audience
– Content Goals
– Tone of Voice
– Content Pillars
– Common Phrases
– Do Not Dos
– Style Examples (if available)
Step 2: Define the Objective
Identify the carousel’s primary goal:
- Educate
- Inspire
- Promote
- Entertain
- Spark Conversation
Define the key message or takeaway.
💡 ChatGPT Prompt: Carousel Planning
I’m creating an Instagram carousel post. Help me decide on the following:
1. What is the primary goal of this carousel? (Educate, Inspire, Promote, Entertain, Spark Conversation)
2. What is the key message or takeaway I want my audience to remember?
3. Who is the audience, and what pain point or desire does this content address?
Then summarize the purpose in 1–2 sentences.
Step 3: Create the Carousel Content
Choose your carousel format:
| Goal | Recommended Format |
| Educate | Step-by-step, How-to, Tips List |
| Inspire | Quote progression or story arc |
| Promote | Problem/Solution or Before/After |
| Entertain | Meme sequence or relatable truths |
| Spark Conversation | Bold opinion with supporting slides |
Use the following structure:
- Slide 1 (Hook): Bold headline that stops the scroll
- Slides 2–4: Key points, tips, or parts of the story (1 idea per slide)
- Slides 5–8: Continue building value or narrative
- Final Slide: Clear CTA (comment, share, save, visit link, etc.)
💡 ChatGPT Prompt: Slide-by-Slide Outline
Using the goal [insert goal] and format [insert recommended format], write the content for a 6–8 slide Instagram carousel. Use this outline:
– Slide 1: Hook (scroll-stopping headline)
– Slides 2–4: Key points, steps, or parts of the story
– Slides 5–7: Additional insights, examples, or tips
– Slide 8: Clear call to action (Save, Comment, Share, Visit link, etc.)
Use short, punchy lines that are easy to read on mobile. Add suggested emojis for emphasis.
Step 4: Create the Images
- Choose a visual style that matches the brand and the post’s tone (e.g., minimalist, bold, playful)
- Use the slide text from Step 2 to create visual layouts
- Keep it clean and legible — no more than 15–20 words per slide
- Use brand fonts, colors, and logos consistently
- Ensure high contrast between background and text
💡 ChatGPT Prompt: Image Generation or Design Brief
Create a design brief for the Instagram carousel based on the following text for each slide:
[Insert slide outline from Step 2]
Style: [insert style — e.g., bold & minimal, colorful & fun, neutral & modern]
Brand Colors: [insert colors or hex codes]
Font Style: [insert font style]
Dimensions: 1080 x 1350 px
Design each slide to include a header (from the slide text) and space for 1 emoji or icon. Ensure contrast, mobile readability, and consistent layout.
Optional: Use this prompt in Canva’s Magic Design, Midjourney, or pass to your designer.
Step 5: Draft the Caption and Hashtags
💡 ChatGPT Prompt: Caption + Hashtags Generator
Write an Instagram caption for the carousel post using the following structure:
1. Start with a bold hook or pain point.
2. Add 2–3 short lines summarizing what the post delivers.
3. End with a call to action like “Save this post” or “Which one spoke to you?”
Use a tone that matches [insert brand tone: expert, friendly, motivational, etc.]. Include 10–15 relevant and high-performing hashtags.
Step 6: Edit and Review
- Check tone, structure, and CTA
- Proof spelling, grammar, and formatting
- Review hashtags for relevance
- Submit to Social Media Manager for feedback and approval
Step 7: Document and Store
- Save the final assets (carousel + caption + hashtags) in the shared content folder
- Label with date, format, and goal (e.g., “2025-04-12_Tips_Educate”)
- Schedule via content calendar or social tool
- Link to post performance tracking doc once live
4. Documentation and Records
| Place | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Carousel Library | Stores all final carousel posts by theme |
| Content Calendar | Shows scheduling and asset links |
| Performance Tracker Sheet | Logs insights from carousel performance |
5. Revision History
| Date | Author | Description |
| 09/04/2025 | Rachael | Original version |