I know for a fact that it’s not just me: a lot of us are feeling pretty disenchanted with Instagram the last couple of years.

I used to be in there all the time, talking about marketing like it was my love language. (Well, it kind of is.) And it worked. Instagram brought in leads, built trust, and turned followers into friends and clients. It was our bread and butter for years.

But somewhere along the way… it stopped feeling great. I mean, I wasn’t mad about the validation of always having a DM or a couple of hearts pop up when I opened the app. But the constant reach for my phone. The habit of crafting stories in my head while I was peeing (yes, really, I KNOW, GROSS). That stuff takes up a lot of brain space.

If you’ve been feeling it too, here’s the deal —

You do not have to be “on” all the time to make Instagram work for your business. What you do need is a profile that actually tells people:

✅ What you do
✅ Why it matters
✅ And what to do next

And you can do that in just nine posts.

A nine-grid is a mini strategy (honestly it’s more maxi than most full-blown strategies 🤣) and a super clear path forward for the person who’s just found you… especially if you’re not posting regularly anymore.

If someone stumbles across your account and sees your last post was from 2022, they might not notice… but I’m not going to lie, I had a couple of people ask me if I was still in business before I put up my nine grid. That’s really not great. 

Now, my nine-grid makes you feel seen, heard, understood, and, most importantly, guided. I’m completely transparent about what’s up… and I tell you exactly how to get YOU where you want to go, too. That’s the point. You want your perfect-fit person to say, “YESSS I’ve been looking for this.” You can build connection and credibility (and, ahem, sales) without being glued to your phone. 

That is marketing that works while you’re doing literally anything else.

More time to email your clients. More time to take your grandkid to a swimming lesson. More time to contemplate what’s for dinner even though you just had some popcorn. YES PLZ.

What to Put in Your Nine-Grid (and Why It Matters)

Now before we dive in, I want to be clear: this isn’t about being cutesy or creating a super aesthetic grid for your business. (Although, we do love those too.) This is about building a high-impact, low-maintenance marketing asset that keeps working even when you’re off having a life.

Think of your Instagram grid like your website’s cool, casual cousin. It’s strategic and working its buns off — but wearing joggers and sipping a turmeric latte. So cool I don’t totally understand it, but it’s absolutely working for us. THAT’S HOW COOL.

Yes? Yes. Let’s go.

1. How You Can Help

(aka the post your future client is quietly begging you to write)

If someone lands on your profile for the first time, they shouldn’t have to dig through months of posts to figure out what you do. This is the post that says:  “Here’s how I can help you. Here’s what that looks like. Here’s how to get it.”

This post should:

• Spell out your main service(s)
• Speak directly to the problem your person is facing
• Give a quick glimpse into what it’s like to work with you
• Lead them to the next step (book, apply, subscribe, etc.)

And before you talk yourself out of it: this is not being salesy.

It’s being clear. You are not tricking anyone by hiding your offers behind endless value posts. People are smart. They want to know how to hire you. You’re allowed to tell them!

Actually… you kind of have to.

Prompt to get you started:

“If my dream client stumbled across my account today, what’s the one thing I want them to know I can help them with right now?”

Now say it plainly. Like you’re texting a friend. (But the friend is holding your dream project and a very healthy budget. K? K. Perfect.)

Example (website designer):

I build websites that make you look legit, sound like yourself, and bring in clients, even if you don’t post on Instagram for six months at a time.

If you’re tired of duct-taping your marketing together and just want someone to make it look good and work… that’s where I come in.

Want to see what that looks like? [Link in bio] or just hit that little message button and say “website plz.”

Example (massage therapist):

I help women over 40 finally feel at home in their bodies again through intuitive, trauma-informed massage that goes way beyond relaxation.

My clients don’t just come in for pain relief, they come back because they feel heard, cared for, and safe in their skin.

Want to try a session? Click the link in my bio to book or DM me “massage” if you have questions.

📌 CTA ideas for this post:

• “Tap the link in my bio to book a call / apply now / read more.”
• “Want to know if this is a fit? DM me your Qs — I’ll tell you straight.”
• “The next step is easy — head to my link and grab your spot.”

2. Why You Do It

(aka your “this is more than just a job” post)

This is the one that makes people lean in and go,“Ohhh okay — she gets it.”

Not because you’ve dropped a bunch of polished brand values like “integrity” and “innovation” (GAH. DON’T DO IT.) but because you’ve shared something real. Something that makes your perfect-fit person feel like you’re the exact right human for the job.

You’re not just another [insert your job title here]. You’re someone who cares. Who’s been through it. Who brings a perspective they didn’t even know they needed.

You could talk about:

• Why you started your business in the first place
• What you wish more people in your industry did differently
• The thing that makes you wildly proud of the way you work
• Or just a moment that made you go, “Yes. This. This is why I do it.”

You don’t have to get sappy or dramatic, just be honest. This post is all about trust, connection, and alignment. It’s your “I’m not for everyone and that’s okay” energy, turned into a warm hug.

📝 A little writing prompt to warm you up:

“The thing that really lights me up about this work — the part I’d do even if no one paid me for it — is…”

✨ Real-ish example (brand photographer):

I don’t take photos to make you look “pretty.” I take them to make you feel powerful.

Because I know what it’s like to feel like the least photogenic person in the room. To pick yourself apart in every photo. To dread showing up online because nothing ever looks right.

And I also know what it feels like to be held in front of the camera by someone who actually sees you. That’s why I do this.

My job isn’t to pose you like a mannequin. It’s to create a space where you can be fully yourself and then capture that version of you. The one your clients will connect with instantly.

That’s the magic. That’s the whole point.

✨ Real-ish example (financial advisor):

I didn’t get into this work to talk about spreadsheets. I got into it because I watched too many women I love carry the emotional and financial weight of everything and feel like they had to do it all alone.

Money can be overwhelming. But it can also be empowering. That’s what I’m here for.

To help you make smart, aligned choices with your finances, not just so you can retire someday, but so you can live well right now.

You’re not just selling a service. You’re offering a point of view. A safe space. A way of doing things that makes people feel seen.

And that is deeply worth talking about… plus, you’ll start pulling in the dreamiest of your dream clients when your messaging is so aligned!

3. The “Honestly, You Could Google This” Post

(aka your depth-over-fluff moment… this is what REALLY sets your content above & beyond all of the regurgitated AI garbage out there right now)

You’ve seen the regurgitated listicles. The AI blog posts that feel like they were written by a robot that once read a LinkedIn thread. The Pinterest posts that promise 5 easy tips but somehow say absolutely nothing.

Your people have seen it too. And they’re tired.

What they’re craving is a real voice. A real perspective. Someone who gets it…and gets them.

That’s where this post comes in. It’s not about being “hot take-y” just for attention. It’s about showing up with real, personal, human insight.

You could talk about:

• A common piece of advice in your industry and how you interpret it differently
• A best practice you don’t follow (and why)
• A client question you’ve heard 97 times and the real answer you give behind the scenes
• A reminder that nuance exists, and humans are not algorithms (bless)

This is your moment to share what you wish more people knew before they DIY themselves into a hole or waste money on the wrong thing.

📝 Try starting with:

“I know you’ve probably heard…”
“I get asked all the time if…”
“This gets repeated a lot, but here’s what’s missing…”

✨ Real-ish example (designer):

“Make your logo bigger” is not a strategy.
Neither is choosing a colour palette based on what’s trending this year.

If your brand isn’t converting, it’s probably not because of your font. It’s because your messaging, offers, and visuals aren’t working together.

Branding that works is branding that feels like you and speaks directly to the people you’re trying to reach. That’s the work. The rest is just window dressing.

✨ Real-ish example (coach):

Yes, consistency matters.
But if “consistency” is making you burn out, lose sleep, and question your entire existence, it’s not working.

You don’t need to post every day. You need a plan that works with your actual life.
And that starts with trusting yourself… not a checklist.

Humans > hacks. Every time.

Why this matters more than ever:

Because the internet is flooded with content but connection is more rare every day. 😭 If someone’s going to hire you, they need to know there’s a brain and a heart behind your business, not just ChatGPT in a trench coat.

This post is your “I see you. I’ve been there. Here’s what I’ve learned. Get over here, friend.” 

4. What To Do Next

(aka “Here’s how to work with me, because scrolling doesn’t pay my bills”)

Okay. Your person lands on your grid. They feel seen, they’re nodding along, they’re curious. What’s next?

DO NOT MAKE US GUESS.

You’re not being annoying by telling us what to do next! You’re being helpful.

This is your chance to take all that beautiful connection and curiosity you’ve been building and give it somewhere to GO. Somewhere that benefits them and you.

This post can be:

• “How to work with me”
• “What happens when you book”
• “Where to start if you’re new around here”
• A gentle push to book the thing / apply for the thing / sign up for the thing
• Or even a simple “I’m currently booking X” announcement (be careful with this one if you want your grid to be evergreen though!)

You’re not locking them into anything. You’re showing them the next breadcrumb on the path.

📝 Try starting with:

“Ready to get started?”
“Here’s how we can work together.”
“If you’re nodding along and thinking, ‘Okay but how do I actually hire you?’ — this is for you.”
“Here’s what I’m currently booking + how to claim a spot!”

✨ Real-ish example (me! Doreen / Knap):

Curious about working with us? Start by subscribing to our emails at the link in our bio. They’re smart, snack-sized, and full of down-to-earth, tried-and-tested marketing & business advice. ⁠
⁠
(Or, you know, hop to it: book a call already!⁠)⁠

✨ Real-ish example (bookkeeping services):

You do not have to DIY your books for one more quarter. I help small business owners clean up their numbers, get clarity on their cash flow, and sleep better at night (because taxes aren’t scary when you’re prepared).

Currently booking clients for Q3 — click the link in my bio to book a call or DM me “books” and I’ll walk you through the next steps!

💡 Brainstorm time! A few topic angles you could use:

• “3 ways we can work together this season”
• “What happens after you book a Studio Day with me”
• “Your first step to better marketing (even if you don’t have a plan yet)”
• “Not sure if this is a fit? Here’s how to find out”
• “This offer is for you if… [insert bullet-y goodness here]”
• “Feeling stuck? Here’s how I can help you get moving again”

5. Client Transformation

(aka “this stuff actually works, and not just for me”)

You know when you get a message from a past client that makes you sit up straighter in your chair and go, “HECK YES, this is why I do what I do”? 

THE. BEST.

That’s what we’re sharing here. Not in a “Look how amazing I am” way, but in a “here’s what’s possible when you get the right support” way.

Because it’s one thing for you to say you’re good at what you do. It’s another thing entirely when someone else says it for you without being prompted. (Or you know, bribed. Although I’m not above a little bribery. Ha)

This post doesn’t need to be long. It can be a screenshot, a “this just came in” moment, or a little before/after story with a clear result. If you’re looking for more testimonials, we’ve shared our best hacks right here!

👉 And just so we’re clear: social proof doesn’t have to live in its own little container. Sprinkle that stuff everywhere. Especially in your salesy posts. (Like this one right here, where I literally just told you how much a client loved her website? Yeah. That.)

📣 What to share:

• A “here’s what changed” moment from a client
• A mini transformation that might feel small to you but huge to someone else
• Screenshots. We love any and all happy screenshots!

This is the part where people start to believe you…. not just because YOU said it but because they see someone like them who did the thing and came out better for it!

6. Why It Works

(aka your “this is what makes my work different” post)

This post isn’t just for showing off your clever acronym or the framework you came up with in the shower (though if you have one, we love that for you). It’s for showing your person that you’re not just winging it, you’ve got a method to the magic.

You’re not here to make things ✨look nice✨ or give them a one-off to-do list and send them on their way. You’ve thought this through. There’s a reason your work gets results, and it’s not just because you’re good vibes and organized.

This post is where you get to tell them:

• Why your approach works (especially compared to what hasn’t worked for them)
• What you prioritize (and what you don’t)
• How you help them go from “gah I’m overwhelmed” to “GAHH this feels so good”

📌 You could frame this as:

• A “Here’s how I work” explainer
• A quick breakdown of your signature process or philosophy
• A story that highlights how your approach played out IRL
• A “Why I do it this way” post

📝 Try starting with:

“There’s a reason this works…”
“My process isn’t magic — but it is intentional.”
“Here’s what I focus on first (and why it makes everything else easier)”
“Most people start with X — I start with Y. Here’s why.”

✨ Real-ish example (me! Knap):

Most people think they need to start with social media. I start with the foundation — your message, your website, your content plan.

Because you can’t build trust in an Instagram caption if your website doesn’t back it up. And you can’t book dreamy, high-quality clients if your offers are buried under 14 pages of waffle.

My job is to help you sound like yourself, look like a pro, and guide people toward working with you — without turning you into a full-time content creator.

It’s not just strategy. It’s clarity. And clarity? Converts.

✨ Real-ish example (interior designer):

When people hire me, it’s not because they can’t pick out a couch. It’s because they’re tired of feeling overwhelmed and want their space to finally feel like home.

My approach starts with how you want to feel, not just how things should look. I consider your routines, your quirks, your actual lifestyle — not just the Pinterest board.

That’s how we create spaces that feel grounded, beautiful, and truly yours.

Not trendy. Not cookie cutter. Just right.

Yes? SO YUMMY. 

7. Quiet Authority

(aka “I know my sh*t, and you can feel that — even if I never say ‘industry-leading’”)

This is the post that makes someone go: “Oof, that’s exactly what I needed to hear.” or better yet, “Oh dang, I didn’t know that but now it’s all I can see.”

You can use this post to:

• Share an opinion you stand by (even if it goes against the grain)
• Offer a piece of insight that makes someone rethink what they thought they knew
• Gently challenge the way something’s typically done
• Say the thing you always say on client calls (but maybe haven’t posted about yet)

The vibe is: I’m not here to be flashy. I’m here to be helpful and it just so happens that I’ve got a lot of experience to back this up.

📝 Try starting with:

“I’ve been doing this long enough to know…”
“Here’s something I wish more people knew…”
“This might ruffle some feathers but…”
“If I could get on a soapbox for 30 seconds…”
“One of the most common mistakes I see is…”

✨ Real-ish example (me! Knap):

Your logo does not matter.

Okay — that’s a bit dramatic. But truly? Your logo is not the thing that’s going to make someone hit “book now.”

What does matter?
👉 Your message.
👉 The way you show up.
👉 The actual experience people have when they land on your website, read your content, or talk to you.

A beautiful brand is nice. But a clear brand — one that sounds like you, speaks to the right people, and makes it easy to say yes?
That’s the goal. So if you’ve been stalling on showing up because your logo isn’t perfect yet… permission to stop obsessing and start connecting.

✨ Real-ish example (business coach):

I’m not interested in helping you hustle harder. I’m interested in helping you build a business that actually fits your life.

Revenue matters — but so does time, energy, joy, and your capacity as a human being.

If your strategy doesn’t account for that, it’s not sustainable. And if it’s not sustainable, it’s not strategic.

This post gives “safe hands.” It shows that you’ve got a steady head, a clear point of view, and a whole lot of insight under the surface and without needing to list degrees or certifications or client rosters. Let’s just, you know, be REAL.

8. Relatable Story

(aka “here’s a peek behind the curtain — and what it taught me”)

This isn’t your trauma dump post. This is the “I went through a very human thing, and here’s what I learned from it” post.

It’s grounded, maybe a bit reflective or funny, and always true and real and personal. 

This post gives your reader a chance to say:
“Oof, I’ve been there.”
“Wait, you too?”
“Okay, this person gets it.”

You could tell a story about:

• A business mistake you made (and what it taught you)
• A personal habit you’ve shifted
• A totally mundane moment that surprisingly mirrored a deeper truth
• Something a client said that reminded you why you do this work

Big or small, the point is: it happened to you, and it says something useful to your reader.

📝 Try starting with:

“Last week, I…”
“I used to think…”
“So here’s a mildly embarrassing story…”
“This doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it kind of changed everything.”
“Here’s what I learned the hard way…”

✨ Real-ish example (me! Knap):

I once spent three hours trying to rewrite a headline. THREE. HOURS. How embarrassing.

And then I realized — I was trying to write to everyone. To impress, to please, to cover every possible scenario.

But when I wrote it like I was speaking directly to one client — one actual human I’d worked with — the whole thing clicked.

If your content feels clunky or forced, maybe it’s not your writing. Go back to your person! Not the algorithm, not the peanut gallery, not that one girl that you used to be friends with. Just… your one person.

✨ Real-ish example (productivity coach):

I used to be obsessed with the idea of “getting ahead.”

If I just got the right system in place, I thought, I could finally relax. But the goalposts kept moving. And I never felt like I’d arrived.

Now? I focus on sustainable momentum — not imaginary finish lines. Because rest isn’t a reward. And progress counts even when it’s slow.

The more specific and honest you are, the more universal it becomes. And when someone sees themselves in your story? That’s where the magic happens!

9. Introduction Post

(aka “If you’re new here — hi, I’m the one behind all this”)

This is the post that makes your profile feel like a person, not just a brand. It gives people a little context, a little personality, and ideally… a reason to stick around.

Because the truth is: people work with people. And when your dream client stumbles onto your grid, they’re not just looking for services, they’re wondering if you’re their kind of person.

This post is where you get to say:

• Who you are (in your words, not your resume)
• What you do (obvio)
• And something that makes you you — the fun stuff, the quirks, the “you might relate to this” bits

This is not a LinkedIn bio. It’s a voice note to a new friend who just asked, “So, what do you do?”

📝 Try starting with:

“If you’re new around here — hi, I’m…”
“Let’s fix this: I’m the person behind the posts, and here’s what I’m all about.”
“Here’s the short version of who I am and what I help with…”

Let’s Wrap This Up

So — that’s your nine-grid. A smart, human-first marketing asset that keeps working even when you’re not “on.”

BUT.

UM. DISCLAIMER. 

If you head over to my Instagram right now, you will not see this exact formula neatly laid out.

Here’s what’s actually on my grid at the moment:

• Two VERY salesy posts about Marketing Sprints (hi, please book one — they’re everyone’s favourite)
• One website sales post, with recent designs, testimonials, and a strong call to action
• A straight-up “get on my email list” post (a confident, no-BS ask)
• Another email list invite with a lil value up front
• One general “here’s how we can help” overview with both services
• One encouragement-style “I see you” post
• Two value-forward posts (one with a sneaky Marketing Sprint pitch tucked in)
• One storytelling post where I completely forgot the CTA — but it’s landing, soooo we’re fine

But, through EVERY post, I’ve woven in:

✅ Social proof
✅ A deep understanding of who I’m talking to
✅ Values (not as snooze-festy bullet points — as stories and decisions)
✅ Clear-as-day calls to action
✅ ME — showing up with my actual voice and experience

And that’s the part I want you to take with you.

This strategy works SO MUCH BETTER because it’s thoughtful. Crafted by a Real, Actual, Human (heyyyoooohhh). This grid is rooted in real connection and real clarity, not because I followed a formula and fed some robot bullet points about my offers.

Now it’s your turn. Grab a pen, scratch out nine things that you actually want to talk about, and use this post as a jumping-off point… not a script. Let it evolve and feel like YOU. That will help the right people find you, trust you, and take the next step. 

Here’s what to do next:
👉 Subscribe to the list — I send (very good) emails about website clarity, marketing that doesn’t feel gross, and running a service-based business without burning out.
👉 Or book a Marketing Sprint — we’ll knock out the strategy, messaging, and YES YOUR NINE-GRID together so your online presence feels aligned and converts.

Either way? You don’t have to figure this out alone. Link’s in the bio. I’ll meet you there.