Balance scale
A level balance whose two pans carry the two sides of one 'trade-off' per page, for a post that weighs choices — each page loads the pans with that trade-off's sides above how to weigh it, and the closing page shows the balance settled with the call to action.
When the AI picks it
MarketiQ’s Creative Director favours the Balance scale for posts that teach, when the message is a contrast (this, not that) or a side-by-side comparison. It is built first to teach.
It reads each post’s goal and shape first, then its own words, the platform and the facts you have, and offers this template only where it fits.
Who it’s for
Any business. Nothing in it assumes what you sell, so the Director can offer it to a software company, a café or a coaching centre alike — whenever the post fits.
Platforms and sizes
| Size | Where |
|---|---|
| 4:51080 × 1350 px | Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads |
Carousel of 3–10 slides. Each size is laid out for its canvas, not cropped; the sample above is the 4:5 version.
What it needs
Only your post. It is made from your copy and your brand kit — there is nothing else to prepare.
Rules the AI follows
Word for word from the template library. The Director follows the copy rules when it writes into the template, and the visual review checks every creative against the visual rules.
Copy rules
- Use it only when the post weighs one thing against another — trade-offs, either/or choices — never for a list of tips or steps.
- Each row is one trade-off: its heading names both sides ('Speed vs polish'), its body says when each side wins; fill 'left'/'right' only with the copy's own words.
- Keep both sides fair: the balance stays level, so never declare a winner the post does not.
Visual rules
- A level balance — base, post, beam, strings and two pans — with a weight on each pan.
- Each trade-off page loads the pans with its two sides (brand colour and ink) above a 'Trade-off N of M' line, the heading and the body.
- The cover shows the pans empty with question marks; the closing page shows them settled with checks.
More Mental models templates
Element tiles
The basics of a craft set as element tiles on a small, generic periodic table (no real elements), for a post that names the essential elements of something
Chessboard
A 'chess' board where one piece works its way up the board, one move per page, for a post that lays out a strategy as deliberate moves in order
Brick by brick
A brick wall that rises one course per page, for a post about 'building blocks' laid in order, each resting on the last
Interlocking gears
A train of meshing gears, big and small, for a post about parts that drive one another
Rope bridge
A rope bridge across a gap laid one plank per page, for a post about getting from where someone is to where they want to be
Spectrum
A knob along one graded scale with a stop per position, for a post that places options between two ends
Rubric
A grading sheet of criteria with empty check boxes, for a post that sets out how to judge something
Prism facets
A glass prism splitting one white beam into a fan of coloured rays on a dark ground, for a post that looks at one subject 'through four lenses'
Make a Balance scale with your brand.
MarketiQ writes the post, picks the template that carries it best — this one, when it fits — and fills it with your logo, colours, facts and copy.