Hey friend,
Let’s talk about carousels. You’ve probably noticed they get more saves, more shares, and more meaningful engagement than a single photo post. Why? Because they pull your audience into a journey instead of a one-and-done swipe. But here’s the challenge: creating them often feels like too much effort. Multiple slides, design choices, making sure the text isn’t overwhelming… it’s easy to skip.
That’s where having a simple system comes in. When you know how to structure your carousel, you stop staring at a blank Canva template and start building posts that not only get seen but also spark the kinds of conversations that turn into clients.
Today I’m sharing a practical 5-slide formula that you can repeat for almost any niche or topic.
Strategy
Before we dive into design, let’s zoom out. Why do carousels convert so well? It’s because they mimic a conversation. Each swipe is like a “yes, keep going.” That little action keeps your reader engaged and builds momentum. By the end, they’ve invested a few seconds and multiple touches with you, which makes them far more open to your CTA.
Think of it like walking a client through your process. You don’t overwhelm them upfront, you guide them step by step. Carousels let you do that visually.
Core Framework: The 5-Slide “Problem to Plan” Carousel
Here’s the formula that keeps your carousels clear, structured, and persuasive.
Slide 1: Hook
Start strong. The headline should make someone pause. Big text, bold claim, or question.
Example visuals: clean background, high-contrast font.
Copy idea: “Dreaming of a trip but not sure where to start?”
Slide 2: Relatable problem
Show your audience you get them. State the common frustration or mistake.
Example visuals: overwhelmed traveler, messy suitcase, cluttered tabs.
Copy idea: “Too many choices, not enough time, and endless tabs open.”
Slide 3: Shift
Now, flip the script. Show them what’s possible with the right support.
Example visuals: serene travel photo, smiling couple on vacation.
Copy idea: “This is where a travel advisor makes it simple.”
Slide 4: Plan or solution
Give them a quick win or outline. Lists work well here.
Example visuals: simple list graphic or icons.
Copy idea: “Save time, avoid mistakes, get upgrades you didn’t know existed.”
Slide 5: Call to action
Always end with an invitation. Keep it clear, friendly, and low-pressure.
Example visuals: your face or a branded graphic.
Copy idea: “DM me ‘plan’ and I’ll map your trip in minutes.”
3 ready-to-post examples:
“3 Mistakes Travelers Make Booking Cruises” → mistakes 1–2–3 → final slide: “Want me to handle your cruise? DM me.”
“5 Signs It’s Time for a Travel Upgrade” → each slide shows a sign → final slide: “Which one do you relate to?”
“The Simple 4-Step Vacation Plan” → steps 1–2–3–4 → final slide: “Reply ‘easy’ if you want the guide.”
Templates
Templates make your carousel creation faster and more repeatable. Think of them like “recipes” — just swap out the ingredients.
The Listicle Carousel
Use when you want quick tips or education.
Snippet: “5 [blank] every traveler should know.”
The Myth vs Reality Carousel
Use when you want to challenge assumptions.
Snippet: “Myth: Cruises are too expensive. Reality: [your take].”
The Mini Guide Carousel
Use when you want to establish expertise.
Snippet: “Your quick guide to [destination/topic].”
The Problem → Fix Carousel
Use when you want to highlight your value directly.
Snippet: “Problem: [blank]. Fix: [your service].”
The FAQ Carousel
Use when you want to answer common questions once and for all.
Snippet: “Q: Do I need a passport? A: Here’s the answer.”
Scripts
Carousels get you attention, but scripts keep the conversation going. These are short, permission-based openers you can use when someone interacts with your post.
DM: “Thanks for swiping through! Did any of those tips hit home for you?”
Follow-up: “Want me to map an example trip so you can see what it looks like?”
Comment: “Love your perspective on this! Where’s your next dream trip?”
Follow-up: “Would you like me to send some quick ideas?”
Email reply: “I noticed you grabbed my carousel guide. Want me to send a sample itinerary too?”
Follow-up: “When are you hoping to travel next?”
Second DM: “I saw you saved my carousel. Are you planning a trip now or just collecting ideas?”
Follow-up: “That helps me know what resources to share.”
Grid Companion (Caption)
Carousels might look complicated, but the secret is keeping them simple.
When you break down one idea into clear slides, you help your audience move from curiosity to clarity. And when they feel understood, they’re much more likely to save, share, or DM you.
Think of each swipe as another “yes.” By the time they reach the last slide, they’re already leaning toward you.
Try the 5-slide system this week and see how much more engagement you get.
Where would you use this first?
✈️ DM me if you want me to outline your first carousel idea.
Repurpose
Don’t let your hard work stop at one post. A single carousel can fuel multiple pieces of content.
Stories: Break each slide into a story frame with polls or stickers.
Reel: Record yourself reading the headline + list, and overlay images.
Email: Expand the copy into a newsletter tip of the week.
Planner (20 minutes)
If you’ve been putting off carousels, here’s a simple time-boxed plan.
5 minutes: Brainstorm one travel problem your clients face.
5 minutes: Write the 5-slide copy using the framework above.
7 minutes: Drop it into a saved Canva template and adjust visuals.
3 minutes: Write your caption and post.
Avoid
Here are the biggest mistakes advisors make with carousels and how to fix them.
Overloading text: Keep it to one or two sentences per slide.
Random design styles: Use a consistent template to look polished.
Skipping the CTA: Always end with an invitation.
Posting without context: Tie each carousel to your audience’s real questions.
Measure
Carousels aren’t about likes, they’re about depth of engagement. Track these simple metrics:
Saves: Shows your content is valuable enough to keep.
Shares: Extends your reach beyond your own followers.
DMs from CTA: Count how many conversations started.
If you see growth in these three, your carousel is doing its job.
Covers / Graphic Taglines
“The 5-Slide Carousel Formula”
“Carousels That Convert”
“Swipe, Save, Book”
“From Swipe to Sale”
Closing
Your next client could come from a single swipe. Keep your carousels light, structured, and always end with an invitation.
Talk soon,
Amanda Parker
