The Ultimate Pre-Post Checklist: Posting with Purpose (Not Just for the Algorithm)
Let’s be real: posting on social media can feel like shouting into the void. You spend hours creating content, only to hear crickets in response. Maybe you’re the type to post spontaneously, sharing that 2 AM painting with a few hashtags and calling it a day. Or maybe you’re a content calendar wizard, scheduling posts weeks in advance because you love having your life together (kudos to you!).
But here’s the thing—whether you’re a spontaneous poster or a planning pro, there’s one golden rule you can’t ignore: Every post should have a purpose.
Posting just to “stay active” won’t grow your audience, drive sales, or get engagement. And let’s be honest, no one wants to yell into the void with zero response. So, before you hit that “Post” button, let’s make sure your content is working for you, not against you.
This is your ultimate pre-post checklist. Use it to ensure your posts are:
Actually helping you reach your art business goals.
Engaging and intentional, giving your viewers a reason to follow you.
Set up for success (aka people actually see and interact with it).
The Quick & Dirty Pre-Post Checklist
📌 Copy and paste this into your Notes app and use it before every post.
1. HOOK (Gotta Grab 'Em FAST)
Text Hook: The first thing on screen (or in the caption) that makes people stop scrolling.
Audio Hook: A voiceover, trending sound, or background music that sets the tone.
Visual Hook: Movement in the first 1-2 seconds (zoom, transition, hand gestures—something dynamic).
2. CONTENT PURPOSE (WHY Are You Posting This?)
Have I posted about this recently? If yes, did it do well?
Is this post for education, inspiration, or entertainment?
Is this testing a new idea? (If so, track engagement for future posts.)
3. CALL TO ACTION (Don’t Leave ‘Em Hanging)
What do I want my audience to do? (Comment, share, save, go to my shop?)
Is there a clear CTA in the caption AND video? (Don’t assume people know what to do.)
Consider using tools like ManyChat for automated DMs and direct links.
4. CAPTION & HASHTAGS (SEO, Baby!)
Do I have keywords in my caption that describe the post in a natural way?
Are my hashtags SEO-optimized? (Mix broad + niche hashtags.)
5. POST & TRACK (Did This Work?)
What’s my goal for this post? More reach? More leads? More sales?
After 24 hours: Did it meet the goal? (More saves? More comments?)
Breaking It Down: Why This Checklist Matters
1. The Hook: If You Don’t Grab Attention, You Lose
Let’s face it—Instagram, TikTok, and every other platform will punish you if people scroll past your content. (Dramatic, but true.) Your first few seconds make or break your post.
Out of everything in your post, the text hook is the most important. Why? Because before they hear your voiceover or see your movement, the text on screen is what makes them decide to stay or scroll.
Here are three types of text hooks you should be using:
Type 1: The Negative Hook (a.k.a. The Hot Take Hook)
People love negativity. It’s why headlines like “You’re Doing This All Wrong” perform better than “Here’s a Helpful Tip.” A little controversy gets people talking.
How to use it:
Call out a mistake people are making.
Disagree with something popular.
Say something that sounds dramatic but actually has a good point.
Examples:
❌ “How to grow your art account.” → ✅ “Your art isn’t selling because you’re doing this wrong.”
❌ “Tips for digital artists.” → ✅ “Stop using the wrong brush settings, here’s what actually works.”
Pro Tip: Negative hooks work because they trigger curiosity and emotion. Just make sure the payoff is worth it (no clickbait nonsense).
Type 2: The Question Hook
Asking a question forces the viewer to engage mentally before they’ve even decided to stay. It feels personal and makes people want to comment.
How to use it:
Ask a relatable or polarizing question.
Make people choose between two things.
Pose a “What if” scenario.
Examples:
❌ “Watch my latest painting process.” → ✅ “Do you prefer digital or traditional art?”
❌ “Here’s my new artwork.” → ✅ “Would you hang this in your house?”
Pro Tip: Make sure your question is easy to answer. If it requires too much thinking, people will just keep scrolling.
Type 3: The ‘What Are You Gonna Learn’ Hook
This hook sets expectations immediately. People stay when they know they’re about to learn something valuable.
How to use it:
Tell them exactly what they’ll get in the next 10-30 seconds.
Make the benefit clear.
Promise a quick tip or hack.
Examples:
❌ “How I shade my drawings.” → ✅ “The one shading trick that instantly makes your art more realistic.”
❌ “Tips for artists.” → ✅ “How to get more art commissions (even with a small following).”
Pro Tip: The stronger the payoff, the better this hook works. If you say, “Here’s a trick that will change your art,” make sure it actually delivers.
2. Content Purpose: Are You Just Posting to Post?
Your audience doesn’t need to see every work-in-progress shot of your sketchbook unless it serves a purpose. Before you post, ask:
Have I posted this before? If yes, did it perform well?
What’s the purpose?
Educational: Teach something (e.g., “Here’s how I shade with colored pencils.”).
Inspirational: Motivate or share progress (e.g., “My first vs. latest digital painting—never give up!”).
Entertaining: Make people laugh or feel something (e.g., “The unhinged process of making this cursed illustration.”).
Pro Tip: If the post is just you screaming, “LOOK AT MY ART,” rethink it.
3. Call to Action (Tell People What to Do Next!)
Here’s the biggest mistake many artists and creators make: They forget to tell people what to do.
Your post should always have a CTA:
Ask a question: “What’s your favorite art medium?”
Encourage shares: “Tag a friend who would love this!”
Send people somewhere: “Want early access? Join my newsletter.”
Pro Tip: Use tools like ManyChat to automate DMs and simplify conversions. For example, instead of saying, “Go to my bio,” tell people: “Comment ‘PRINT’ and I’ll send you a link in DMs.”
4. Caption & Hashtags: SEO Matters More Than You Think
Social media platforms work like search engines. If your captions and hashtags aren’t optimized, your post is invisible.
Caption Tips:
Write keyword-rich captions (e.g., “Gothic-style ink drawing of a haunted castle—perfect for dark academia lovers.”).
Hashtag Tips:
Use a mix of broad and niche hashtags (e.g., #GothicArt, #DarkAcademiaAesthetic, #IllustrationDaily).
Avoid overly broad hashtags like #Art or #Drawing.
5. Post & Track: Know What’s Working (So You Can Do More of It)
If you never check your analytics, how do you know what’s working? Look at:
Saves & Shares: Indicates valuable content.
Comments: Shows engagement.
Reach: Measures how many new people are seeing your content.
Pro Tip: After 24 hours, evaluate if your post met its goal. If not, tweak and try again.
Final Thoughts: Your New Posting Ritual
Before you hit “Post,” ask yourself:
Is my hook strong?
Does this post have a purpose?
Did I include a CTA?
Are my captions & hashtags optimized?
Will I track this post’s success?
If yes → Post with confidence. If no → Fix it before posting.
Posting on social media doesn’t have to feel like a guessing game. By following this pre-post checklist, you can ensure every piece of content you share is intentional, engaging, and aligned with your goals. Whether you’re crafting a killer hook, optimizing your captions, or tracking your results, these steps will help you create posts that resonate with your audience—and actually get seen. Remember, it’s not about posting constantly; it’s about posting with purpose. So, before you hit that “Post” button, take a moment to ask: Is this helping me grow, engage, or inspire? If the answer is yes, you’re ready to go. Now, go create something amazing—and watch your audience grow!
Psst! I had a lot of fun pulling this together. I’m thinking about making this into a handy-dandy lesson or class. Just wondering what your thoughts are and if you’d appreciate that type of resource. Please drop me a note to let me know! THANKS!
