Three mock tasks that prove you can plan content, design visuals and write captions that convert. It's about a weekend of work for a portfolio that gets you hired.
A cohesive 9-post grid proves you can build a visual brand identity. It's the first thing clients check when hiring an SMM: can you make their feed look professional?
Don't use real brands. Create a mock business like:
Write a one-line brand description, e.g., "A Manila-based wellness coach helping women in their 30s reset their habits."
Before designing, lock in:
Open Canva, search "Instagram Post" (1080x1080). Design 9 posts using a mix of content types:
Keep the visual system consistent across all 9: same colors, fonts and layout logic.
In Canva, create one 1080x1080 canvas and lay out all 9 posts together as a grid. This shows clients how the feed looks as a whole, not just individual posts.
Clients need to see that you can plan, not just design. A content calendar proves you think strategically about what to post, when, and why.
Columns to include:
Use a 60/30/10 rule:
Aim for 4–5 feed posts per week + daily stories. Don't overpost. Consistency beats frequency.
Don't leave placeholder text. Write out:
Writing captions that convert is the #1 skill clients pay for. Prove you can write hooks that stop the scroll and calls to action people follow.
The first line is everything. Write 20 hooks for your fake brand using these formulas:
Each caption should follow this structure:
Keep paragraphs short, 2–3 lines max. Most people read on their phones.
Clients love hashtag banks. Create 4–5 saved hashtag sets (each 20 tags) for different post types:
Mix big (100k+), medium (10–100k), and small (under 10k) hashtags in each set.
Head back to the Path and carry on with the next task.
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