Podcast Summary: "Turn Your Content into Swipe-Worthy Carousel Posts"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Good Content with Shannon McKinstry
• Host: Shannon McKinstry
• Episode: Turn Your Content into Swipe-Worthy Carousel Posts
• Release Date: October 29, 2024
• Description: Shannon McKinstry helps listeners navigate social media by cutting through the noise, answering burning questions, and sharing effective strategies to elevate their social media presence with “good content.”

Introduction to Carousel Posts

In the episode titled "Turn Your Content into Swipe-Worthy Carousel Posts," Shannon McKinstry delves deep into the art of creating engaging carousel posts on Instagram. She begins by addressing a common misconception about carousel posts outperforming reels, emphasizing that "carousels are not necessarily better than reels; it's the quality of content that matters" (00:30).

Carousel Posts vs. Reels

Shannon clarifies that while carousel posts have seen a surge in popularity, reels remain a powerful tool on Instagram. "Reels are all thriving alongside carousels," she states (00:45), highlighting that both formats can coexist effectively when utilized with good content.

Adam Aseri, Instagram’s head, is referenced to explain why carousels perform well: "Carousels do so well because they are swipeable, giving more chances for people to connect and engage" (01:15). Shannon emphasizes that a carousel isn't just a “photo dump” but a strategic way to present multiple images or pieces of information in a single post.

Overcoming Design Overwhelm

Shannon shares her personal struggles with designing carousel posts, admitting, "I overthink my carousels; that's why I mainly do reels because carousels are the content I obsess over" (02:10). She expresses relief when Instagram introduced the ability to add text directly to carousel posts without relying on external tools like Canva, simplifying the creation process.

Types of Carousel Posts

Shannon categorizes carousel posts into distinct types, each serving a unique purpose:

1. Storytelling Carousels:

   • Example: Shannon discusses transforming a personal story into a carousel format, allowing each slide to represent a chapter of the narrative. "It's like a book; you tell the story slide by slide" (05:00).
   • She shares her founder story as an example, breaking it down into poignant moments that engage the audience emotionally.

2. Educational Carousels:

   • Example: Shannon illustrates converting successful captions or reels into carousels. "If a caption or reel has done well, flip it into a carousel with a juicy hook and valuable content" (07:30).
   • She highlights the importance of a strong hook on the first slide to encourage swiping. For instance, "Meet your content pillars based on the four H's—swipe to discover" (10:20).

3. Helpful/Informative Carousels:

   • Example: Providing step-by-step guides or tips, such as "How to double your income by January 2025 without X, Y, Z" (12:45).
   • These carousels offer actionable advice, concluding with a call to action to engage further with the content.

4. Photo Dump Carousels:

   • Example: Sharing multiple photos from an event or vacation, optionally adding short captions or videos. Shannon mentions her successful "Taylor Swift personal moment carousel" as an instance where a simple photo collection resonated well with followers (18:00).

Best Practices for Creating Carousels

Shannon outlines several best practices to ensure carousel posts are engaging and effective:

• Start with a Strong Hook: The first slide should captivate the audience. Quotes like "Did I tell you the time I almost..." or "The secret to using the algorithm to blow up your content" are effective (06:30, 16:10).

• Break Up Content: Utilize each slide to present bite-sized pieces of information, maintaining reader interest without overwhelming them.

• Use Visual Storytelling: Incorporate compelling images and consistent design elements to make the carousel visually appealing. "Static posts can still perform well; it's about how you present the information" (03:00).

• Include a Call to Action: End the carousel with a clear call to action, guiding viewers on what to do next, whether it's saving the post, visiting a link, or commenting (09:50).

• Repurpose Existing Content: Shannon advises leveraging past successful content by repurposing reels or captions into carousel formats. "Stop overthinking it, but ensure the first hook is juicy" (21:30).

Real-World Examples and Success Stories

Throughout the episode, Shannon shares various examples to illustrate her points:

• Personal Stories: Shannon's founder story carousel, detailing her journey from the ICU to building her business, showcases the power of personal narratives in engaging audiences (05:45).

• Educational Content: Her carousel on the "first three Instagram stories to share every day" garnered over 4,000 likes and 5,000 saves, demonstrating the effectiveness of educational content when well-executed (14:20).

• Professional Designs: Highlighting Michelle, a fellow Instagram user, Shannon points out how specific and compelling hooks like "37 B-roll ideas for any niche" can drive engagement by piquing curiosity (19:15).

Tools and Features

Shannon discusses the tools available for creating carousel posts:

• Instagram's Built-In Features: With the update allowing text addition directly within Instagram, the barrier to creating visually appealing carousels has been lowered. Shannon recommends "deleting and reinstalling the app" if the feature isn't visible yet, warning users to save their drafts beforehand (04:00).

• Canva Integration: For those who prefer more design flexibility, Shannon still sees Canva as a valuable tool for crafting unique carousel designs.

Final Tips and Encouragement

In wrapping up, Shannon emphasizes the importance of consistency and experimentation:

• Consistency: Regularly posting carousels can help maintain audience engagement and grow your following over time.

• Experimentation: Trying different carousel types—whether storytelling, educational, or photo dumps—can help identify what resonates best with your audience.

• Repurposing Content: Shannon encourages hosts to repurpose content that has already proven successful in other formats, saving time and maximizing reach.

Notable Quotes:

• Shannon McKinstry (00:30): "Carousels are not necessarily better than reels; it's the quality of content that matters."
• Shannon McKinstry (01:15): "Carousels do so well because they are swipeable, giving more chances for people to connect and engage."
• Shannon McKinstry (02:10): "I overthink my carousels; that's why I mainly do reels because carousels are the content I obsess over."
• Shannon McKinstry (05:00): "It's like a book; you tell the story slide by slide."
• Shannon McKinstry (07:30): "If a caption or reel has done well, flip it into a carousel with a juicy hook and valuable content."
• Shannon McKinstry (12:45): "How to double your income by January 2025 without X, Y, Z."
• Shannon McKinstry (21:30): "Stop overthinking it, but ensure the first hook is juicy."

Conclusion

Shannon McKinstry's episode on creating swipe-worthy carousel posts offers a comprehensive guide for social media enthusiasts looking to enhance their Instagram strategy. By blending storytelling, educational content, and visually appealing designs, Shannon provides actionable insights that can help listeners create engaging and effective carousel posts. Her emphasis on quality over format, coupled with real-world examples and practical tips, makes this episode a valuable resource for anyone aiming to elevate their social media presence.