Quick Fix Monday: 3 Caption Mistakes You’re Probably Making (And How to Fix Them Fast)

You’ve got the photo. You’ve designed the graphic. You’re ready to post…

…but then you spend 20 minutes trying to write a caption that doesn’t sound boring, forced, or totally random.

Sound familiar?

Writing captions is one of the easiest places to lose your audience — or to hook them in.
And the good news? A few small changes can make a huge difference.

Let’s fix the 3 most common mistakes I see (and yes — they’re super easy to sort out).

Today’s Business Example: A Craft Business

You run a small handmade business selling pottery, macramé, or personalised gifts. You’ve got beautiful visuals — but the captions? They’re not pulling engagement or clicks.

Let’s turn that around.

❌ Mistake 1: Starting with a Weak First Line

If the first line doesn’t catch attention, the rest won’t get read — especially on Instagram and Facebook.

What not to do:

“Hey everyone, just wanted to share…”

Try instead:

• “I almost didn’t post this today — but here’s why I did.”

• “This mug design was inspired by a rainy morning and too much caffeine ☕”

• “Want to know the one product that sells out every time I list it?”

Top tip: Think of it like a headline — bold, intriguing, human.

❌ Mistake 2: Forgetting to Add a Story

Even short ones.

People love to know the why behind your products.

What not to do:

“New listing in the shop today!”

Try instead:

“I made this for a friend who just moved into her new flat — she wanted something calming for her bookshelf.”

Stories make your content relatable. They humanise your brand.

❌ Mistake 3: No Call to Action (CTA)

Don’t leave them hanging. Give your audience a next step, even if it’s small.

Instead of just:

“Hope you like it!”

Say:

“Tag someone who’d love this”
“Tap the link in bio to shop”
“Save this if you’re into cosy vibes + handmade everything”

You’re not being pushy — you’re being clear.