How to Simplify Social Media and Still Book Clients with Wildcard Captions
If posting on Instagram feels like a part-time job you didn’t sign up for, you’re not alone. Between choosing an image, writing a caption, optimizing hashtags, and hoping someone actually sees it - it’s no wonder most photographers dread showing up online.
But what if social media didn’t have to feel so exhausting?
In Episode 11 of The Work Between, we’re sharing a simple content strategy that will save you hours every month: Wildcard Captions.
Wildcard captions are reusable, versatile, and written in your voice - so you can pair them with almost any image and still build trust, connection, and bookings.
What Are Wildcard Captions?
Wildcard captions are intentional, evergreen captions that work with any type of image - maternity, newborn, family, studio, or outdoor. They aren’t generic quotes or copy/paste fluff. They’re real, thoughtful, and grounded in your values.
Examples of wildcard caption topics:
A note about hair and makeup (works with maternity or newborn images)
A short post about styling support or emotional labor
A reminder that toddlers being wild is part of the process
A caption about why clients book early, no matter the session type
You write them once - and use them again and again, without your feed ever feeling repetitive or robotic.
Why Wildcard Captions Work
Let’s be honest: photographers waste more time writing captions than posting photos.
Wildcard captions eliminate that “What should I say?” brain fog and give you a flexible library of posts that:
Build brand trust and connection
Reinforce your core values and services
Help you show up consistently (even on busy weeks)
Reduce decision fatigue and scheduling stress
And because they’re written in your voice, they never feel stale.
How to Use ChatGPT to Write Wildcard Captions That Sound Like You
Yes, you can absolutely write wildcard captions on your own, but if you want to speed things up, here’s how to use ChatGPT to generate them quickly (and well):
Step 1: Train the voice
Tell ChatGPT:
You are my brand voice assistant. I’m a high-end family photographer and I want captions that sound warm, calm, emotionally intelligent, and a little witty - not generic or poetic. Use keywords like “[Your City] family photographer” naturally, but avoid cliché phrases like “timeless,” “capture,” or “stress-free.” My goal is to connect with moms and parents while showcasing a full-service experience.
Step 2: Use this prompt:
Write 10 Instagram captions that work with any image. Topics could include hair and makeup, wardrobe styling, session expectations, working with toddlers, and the value of full-service photography. Tone should feel like a smart best friend - non-salesy, warm, and grounded.
Step 3: Review and save
Paste the captions into your content calendar. Edit any lines that need a stronger hook or specific detail - but the bulk of the writing is done.
How to Batch a Month of Content in One Hour
Once you’ve got your wildcard captions ready, here’s how to turn them into a full month of social media content:
Upload your images to your scheduler (like Plann, Later, or Planoly). Include a mix of session types for visual variety.
Paste in your captions from your wildcard library or Google doc.
Mix and match: Pair any caption with any image that feels like a natural fit—there are no wrong combos.
Tweak if needed: Adjust the opening line or add a personal detail if you want.
Schedule everything. You're done.
This system = social media clarity in under an hour.
Prompts to Build Your Own Wildcard Caption Library
Want to create more captions that sound like you? Start with these tried-and-true prompts:
“Write a caption that builds connection with moms and includes a keyword for [your city] family photography.”
“Write a grounded, emotional caption about how fast babies grow - without sounding cheesy.”
“Give me a funny, relatable caption about how family photos aren’t awful when someone else handles the details.”
“Write a caption that explains what makes my client experience different - without sounding like a pitch.”
“Write a caption that subtly encourages booking, but feels like a friend giving good advice.”
Repeat these with your tone guidelines - and save your favorites in a running document.
Ask Us Anything:
Q: I feel like I’ve used the same ideas too many times - won’t people get bored?
A: Nope. Your audience doesn’t see every post - and repetition is actually what builds brand recognition. If your messaging is aligned, you’re not being boring. You’re being consistent.
🎧 Listen to Episode 11: How to Simplify Social Media and Still Book Clients with Wildcard Captions
Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
📎 Want help building a marketing system that fits your life? Try MOTIV free for 7 days. We’ll help you organize your ideas, simplify your strategy, and stay consistent - without burning out.
Final Thought:
Social media doesn’t have to feel like a full-time job.
With a library of wildcard captions written in your voice, you can show up with confidence, clarity, and connection - without reinventing the wheel every week.
