Seven Ashes Productions — Workshop Resource

Pixels
to Post

You already know you should be posting more.
The problem isn't motivation — it's not having a system.
This is the system.

What you'll take away

After This

01

Write posts that hold attention — using a 5-part structure borrowed from film

02

Batch your content in one 2–4 hour session and not think about it again until next week

03

Know exactly what to post on Facebook, Google Business, and Instagram — and when

04

Shoot professional-looking content on your phone without expensive gear

05

Walk away with your first week of content already mapped

Use the arrows below — or your keyboard — to move through each section.

Section 01 — Content Pillars

Stop Guessing.

If you ever wonder "what should I post?" — the answer should always live inside one of your pillars.

Content pillars turn creation from guessing into a system. They reduce decision fatigue and give every post a reason to exist.

→ 6 pillars follow on the next slide

Section 01 — The Six Pillars

Your Content Menu

Education
Build Trust

FAQs you answer daily · Tips & common mistakes · How-to breakdowns

GBPIGFB
Personality
Humanize

Founder story · Behind-the-scenes · Values & mission

IGFB
Community
Local Trust

Local events & partnerships · Customer shoutouts · Community involvement

FBGBP
Proof
Show, Don't Tell

Client testimonials · Before-and-after visuals · Case studies or quick wins

GBPIGFB
Process
Reduce Uncertainty

What working with you looks like · Tools, workflows, setups

GBPIG
Offers
Convert — Sparingly

Limited-time offers · Booking reminders · New service announcements

All platforms
Section 02 — Micro Story Arc

The 5-Part Structure

Every post that earns attention follows a shape. This 5-part arc — adapted from StoryBrand and Pixar's story formulas — gives your content a beginning, middle, and end that earns both attention and action.

Story-driven content increases recall. Structure removes guesswork.

Section 02 — The Hero's Journey

Hook → Context → Value → Emotion → CTA

01
Hook
The Hook
"Why should I pay attention?"
"If you're posting and nothing's happening — it's probably not the algorithm."
02
Context
The Context
"Why does this matter right now?"
"Running a small business means wearing a lot of hats. Marketing ends up last."
03
Value
The Value
"What can I apply from this?"
"Content pillars give you a small set of topics to pull from — no starting from scratch."
04
Emotion
Emotional Connection
"Why should I care?"
"Having a system builds confidence — because you're no longer guessing."
05
CTA
Call to Action
"What should I do next?"
"Create three content pillars today and pull your next post from one of them."
Section 03 — Content Batching

Meal Prep for Social Media

Batching = grouping similar tasks so you create more in less time, without constantly switching gears. One focused session per week replaces daily scrambling. Three modes — don't mix them.

15–20 min
Idea Mode

"What am I going to say?" — Write only. 3 education ideas, 3 proof ideas, 3 personality ideas. No filming.

60–90 min
Production Mode

"What do I need to capture?" — Set up near a window. 3 talking clips, 2 BTS clips, 3 photos. No editing.

30–45 min
Editing Mode

"How do I turn this into posts?" — Trim, add text, save square + vertical versions. Write captions.

Section 04 — Platform: Facebook
Facebook
A digital community bulletin board — not a billboard

What performs · 3–7×/week

  • Photos and short videos
  • Reels repurposed from Instagram
  • Longer captions — context matters here
  • Community-driven content and updates

Do

  • Share community-focused content (events, milestones)
  • Engage with every comment and message
  • Repurpose Instagram content consistently

Don't

  • Only post promotions or sales
  • Post without captions
  • Over-post then disappear for weeks
  • Ignore comments or messages
Section 04 — Platform: Google Business Profile
Google Business
Clarity and trust — not creativity. Answer: What do you do? Who is it for?

What performs · 1×/week min

  • "What's New" posts
  • Service highlights with specifics
  • Behind-the-scenes photos
  • Frequently asked questions answered

Do

  • Use real photos of your business and team
  • Answer one customer question per post
  • Think "helpful sign" — not marketing slogan
  • Respond to reviews professionally

Don't

  • Ignore the profile after setup
  • Use only stock photos
  • Write vague posts like "We offer great service!"
  • Overstuff with hashtags or emojis
Section 04 — Platform: Instagram
Instagram
Connection and visibility — not perfection. 3–5×/week

What performs · 3–5×/week

  • Short-form reels with strong hooks (5–12 sec)
  • Behind-the-scenes content
  • Before-and-after visuals
  • Text overlays — many watch without sound

Do

  • Focus on Reels with a hook in the first 3 seconds
  • Show process, personality, and behind-the-scenes
  • Use simple CTAs: Save, Share, Comment, Follow

Don't

  • Overthink production — authenticity beats polish
  • Chase every trend if it doesn't fit your brand
  • Post without a hook in the first 2–3 seconds
  • Disappear for weeks at a time
Section 05 — Format Guide

Post, Story, or Reel?

Post

Sharing information that should live longer and be easy to find again.

Best for

Education · Announcements · Visual grid consistency

Story

In-the-moment updates that don't need to perform or reach new audiences. 24 hours.

Best for

Behind-the-scenes · Daily updates · Personality & culture

Reel

Reach new people. Algorithm-favored, shareable, built for discovery. Lives indefinitely.

Best for

Education in short form · Process demos · Converting browsers to followers

Section 06 — Production Basics

Use What You Have

Don't focus on what you don't have. Expensive gear doesn't guarantee great results — understanding your equipment does.

Smartphone Fundamentals

Use the rear camera · Clean the lens · Never use digital zoom — move closer instead · Record 4K/60fps · Enable grid lines · Lock focus and exposure

Audio & Framing

Clip lav mic 6–8 inches below chin · A visible mic is better than bad audio · Leave headroom above the subject · Place one light 45° above eye level

Three-Point Lighting

Key light shapes the face · Fill light softens shadows · Rim light separates subject from background. With one light — prioritize the key light, 45° above eye level.

Framing Rules

Head room = space between head and top of frame · Lead room = space in front of the eyeline. Lighting technique + framing = instant professionalism.

Section 07 — Gear Recommendations

Two Tools. Real Difference.

We use these. Our clients use these. A 00 wireless mic and a 00 wand light will outperform phone audio and natural light every single time. Steven Soderbergh shot a full theatrical release on an iPhone. Your product video will be fine.
Wireless Mic
GVM-MIC LM2

2.4 GHz wireless dual clip-on mic system with intelligent noise reduction. Clear voice recording straight to your phone or camera.

Ring Light
GVM-18S LED

18-inch, 55W bi-color ring light. 3200–5600K adjustable temp, CRI 97, Bluetooth remote. Flattering, even light for video and product content.

Smartphone Rig
GVM TL-10S

Two-handle smartphone video rig with built-in 5600K LED light. Steadier shots and controllable lighting from one lightweight unit.

Use code 7ASHESPROD at checkout for 10% off GVM gear
This is the system.

Want us to build it
with you?

Content doesn't have to be a guessing game. Seven Ashes Productions works with local and regional businesses to build content systems that actually run — from strategy through production.

Book a free consultation →
Seven Ashes Productions
← → to navigate
Leave a Review
Pixels to Post
Message ready — copy it and send in Slack
Open DM with Julio in Slack
Paste the copied message in the DM, then send.