7 Creative Author Instagram Post Ideas for #Bookstagram Success
Hey, book lovers! Instagram is a powerful technology. Nearly 1 billion people use Instagram every month, and Instagram is the second most downloaded app in the Apple store.
And isn't it amazing how #bookstagram has exploded? COVID-19 created a 31% increase in book-related content, probably because we were locked down in our homes. We're talking over 60 million posts - a true testament to the power of books on Instagram. It's become this massive virtual book club, and I'm here for it. That's huge!
For us writers, the dream is to amass a sea of followers on Instagram. We're all aiming to grab publishers' attention and skyrocket our book sales. And guess what? While email marketing is still king – according to McKinsey & Co, email is 40% more effective in driving sales than social media, and book launch expert Tim Grahl says that email is 100x more effective than social media in driving book sales– Instagram holds its own unique charm. I mean, have you seen those Bookstagrammers with over 500k followers? They're not just posting pretty pictures; they're selling thousands of books!
Instagram is more than a platform for us to just post; it's where we can really connect with our readers, both old and new, and ramp up our brand awareness. It's a dynamic space for us to:
Showcase Our Personal Brand: This platform allows us to reveal our true selves, connect with our readers personally, and build a community that genuinely cares about our work.
Create Pre-Launch Excitement: We get to share sneak peeks, teasers, and behind-the-scenes content that builds anticipation for our upcoming books.
Drive Book Sales Far and Wide: By strategically sharing purchase links in our posts or bios, we make it easy for followers to buy our books, extending our reach beyond local bookstores and personal networks.
But the million-dollar question remains: what should we post? It's a question I hear from authors all the time. Finding the right content to share is crucial for building your audience on Instagram.
Chatting About Instagram for Authors: What to Post (With Real Examples!)
Ever find yourself staring at your phone, wondering what on earth to post on Instagram? You're not alone! Let's break down some cool post ideas and examples. Remember, you’re trying to give your followers a peek into your world beyond just the pages of your books.
1. Getting Personal:
Let's start with you! Yes, your books are awesome, but your followers want to know the person behind the pen, so share bits of your life. Follow a few lifestyle bloggers to get a sense of this type of content.
Here are a few content ideas to get your creativity started:
Your morning writing routine
Your crazy cute pet doing something adorable
A family picture
A family recipe
An easy recipe
A quick recipe
A favorite food
A favorite breakfast/lunch/dinner
A favorite cocktail
A recent work trip
A recent vacation
A recent walk or hike
Your exercise routine or lack there of
Your coffee order
A cozy corner of your home
Your favorite corner of your home
Your hobbies
Example: Take Dr. Abraham Verghese, for example. He wrote this amazing book, Covenant of Water, set in beautiful Kerala, India. He often shares stunning pics from his trips to India, connecting his experiences with his book's backdrop. Totally brings his stories to life!
2. All About Your Book:
Your followers are here because they can't get enough of your writing. Show them what's cooking in your literary kitchen!
Here are a few content ideas to get your creativity started:
Book ideation
Book planning
Book reviews
Book events
Planning for book events
Planning for book tours
Packing for book events and book tours
Sneak peek into your writing process for this book
Cover reveals
Cover options
Fun moments from your book tour
Meeting fans during your book tour and event planning
Deleted scenes and chapters
Favorite passages
Difficult passages that you workshopped
Seeing your book in book stores or fairs
Example: Look at Caitlin (Katie) Barasch showing off A Novel Obsession in a bookstore. This is a great post for two reasons: (1) this picture adds credibility to her work because the book is in a bookstore; and (2) the post builds a more personal connection because we can all relate to how proud Katie must feel seeing her book in a bookstore.
3. Writing Wisdom:
Got some clever writing tips up your sleeve? Share them! Your journey and insights could be just what a budding writer needs to hear.
Here are a few content ideas to get your creativity started:
Your writing schedule
Your writing space
Your writing goal
Helpful mindsets that get you through the writing process
Edits you’ve received
Edits you’ve made
The emotional aspects of writing and editing your book
Example: Chandler Baker's got this down. She shares helpful advice, like carving out writing time in a busy day.
4. Quote It Up:
We all love a good quote, right? Share a few quotes that inspire you, or maybe pick a few from your own work that you're really proud of.
Example: Kristin Hannah is all about this. She posts powerful quotes about strong women that echo the themes about brave women in her books.
5. What's Happening in Your Author World:
Hey, got an exciting event or interview coming up? Don't keep it a secret! Share the details with your followers. It's like giving them a VIP pass to your author life. They love seeing what goes on behind the curtain, making them feel part of your journey.
Example: Take Colleen Hoover, for instance. She's always giving her fans sneak peeks into her book events. It's like being there without having to leave your couch!
6. Beyond the Book:
Your books have themes, right? And your followers have interests? Post content that ties in with your book's themes or content your audience will enjoy. Think wider - like social issues, lifestyle tips, fashion, workouts, hobbies, or food.
Example: Mindy Kaling does this fabulously. She mixes her love for fashion with her writing. One day, her post is about her latest read, and the next, it's this adorable pink dress she's rocking. Keeps things fresh and fun!
7. Boosting Other Writers:
In the world of words, lifting each other up pays dividends. When you find a book you love, talk about it on your Insta. It's a win-win – you support a fellow writer, and your followers get tipped off about another great read and see you as their culture guide.
Example: Emily Henry promoted Katherine Center’s The Bodyguard. It's like spreading good book karma.
Let's Talk About Making the Most of Different Instagram Post Formats
Instagram is not just about posting random stuff. It's also about picking the right format to tell our stories and connect with our audience. So, let's break down the best Instagram formats and how to rock them!
All About Instagram Reels
First up, let's chat about Reels. These short videos are the rockstars of Instagram right now. Reels are getting loads of love, with engagement rates hovering around 1.23% compared to 1% for carousels and 0.72% for posts. Instagram reels have a 30% reach rate, compared to 14% for carousels and 13% for posts. And only 14% of content on Instagram is video.
Take advantage of this opportunity for growth by releasing a reel at least once a week or as often as possible.
Don't stress about making your reels super polished or professional. Authenticity is key! You can find some cool, easy-to-use templates on Canva, or just hit record and start chatting about your latest book, writing tips, or even what coffee you're sipping on while writing.
And if you repurpose these Reels for TikTok, especially with #BookTok, you're tapping into a goldmine. BookTok is a big deal, seriously boosting book sales, especially in the YA genre. According to data analyst Brenna Connor, booktok contributed to 43 million unit sales in 2022, with YA titles comprising 28% of these BookTok-driven sales. Since the #BookTok hashtag garners a staggering 42 billion views as of 2022, leveraging #booktok is crucial.
So, embrace your inner filmmaker and start rolling!
Carousel Posts: Your Mini Storybooks
Now, let's talk about carousels. Only about 14% of Instagram content is carousels, and carousels often get the most engagement, so there’s much opportunity for more carousel content. Think of them as mini-storybooks on your Instagram page. They're great for diving deeper into your content and really engaging your followers. Here's why they're awesome:
More Time, More Love: People spend more time flipping through carousels, which means they're really getting into your content.
Chat It Up: Carousels get more comments and likes than regular posts. It's like having a mini book club right there on your post.
Perfect for Snackable Content: Break down your posts into bite-sized chunks. It's perfect for folks scrolling on their phones.
Catch Their Eye: Instagram loves to show off carousels, so they often get more visibility.
Keep 'Em Swiping: The swipe-through format is kind of like turning pages in a book – people can't wait to see what's next.
Mixing It Up with Regular Posts
So, we've talked about the cool stuff like reels and carousels, but let's not forget about good ol' regular posts. They're like the comforting chapter of a good book in the fast-paced world of Instagram. They give your feed a sense of stability and familiarity. My tip? Try mixing one reel, one regular post, and one carousel each week. This way, your feed stays fresh, engaging, and, most importantly, uniquely you.
Getting Personal with Instagram Stories
Stories are like candid snapshots of our daily lives. They're perfect for sharing those little moments – maybe a sneak peek of your writing space, a quick hello from your morning walk, or even a goofy pet video.
Here's a fun fact: 58% of Instagram users are tuning into Stories daily! And with an average reach rate of 6.9% (Socialbakers, 2023) and a completion rate of 85% (Instagram, 2023), it's clear that people really get into these short, personal glimpses.
Remember, your feed is the polished book cover, but your Stories? They're the intriguing footnotes that give your audience a peek into your author's life.
Hashtags: Your Secret Weapon
Now, let's chat hashtags. They're like the keywords of Instagram. You can throw in up to 30 per post, but let's focus on making each one count. Posts with hashtags get way more love – think 124% more comments and 85% more likes (Sprout Social, 2023).
The sweet spot? Around 20-30 hashtags per post. Choose hashtags that relate to your audience and what they're into. For authors, the hashtags #booktok and #bookstagram are also like the golden tickets to the bookish community on Instagram.
Mixing up your post types, getting personal with Stories, and smartly using hashtags set the stage for a more dynamic, connected, and engaging presence on Instagram. You’ll be sharing your journey as an author and your work and connecting with the community that loves your work just as much as you do! 📚✨📸
Using Captions and Geotags Strategically
Always post a caption with each Instagram post - ideally between 138 and 150 words.
Did you know that posts that include a geo-location receive nearly 80% more engagement than posts that don’t?! Reminder to always add a geo-location to your posts.
Figuring Out How Often to Post on Instagram: Let's Chat Posting Frequency
So, how often should you hit that 'post' button on Instagram? Well, it's kinda like asking how many cups of coffee you need in a day – it varies for everyone!
Sure, some Insta gurus might tell you to post twice a day, but let's be real: we're writers, not full-time influencers. Our days are packed with writing, editing, and maybe some daydreaming... So, aiming for something like 1-3 posts a week? That's more like it.
Consistency is your best friend here. It's better to share a few quality posts each week than to bombard your followers with a ton of content. Think of it as giving your followers a regular dose of you and your work without overwhelming them.
Content Creation Strategy for Authors on Instagram:
A practical approach to content creation that I often recommend involves two key steps: (1) determining your posting frequency and (2) selecting your content themes.
For instance, if you plan to post twice a week, you could focus on two specific areas - a mix of updates about your book and features on other authors. This way, you consistently create content around these chosen themes each week.
Alternatively, you could diversify by covering your book, other writers, personal anecdotes, and topics related to your work. For example, one week could be dedicated to your book and fellow authors, and the next week could spotlight your personal life and book-related topics.
This cycle ensures a consistent content stream, creates cohesive content, and simplifies the creation process, as you always have a clear starting point.
Practice Makes Perfect: Honing Your Instagram Skills
When it comes to conquering the Instagram game as an author, mindset is everything. I get it; posting content can feel daunting. You might worry about not being "good enough" or getting it "just right."
But here's the deal: doing well on Instagram is a skill; like any skill, it requires practice. The more you post, the better you'll become. Not convinced? Take a scroll through the early posts of any big account. I promise even the most incredible brands had humble, not-so-polished beginnings.
The key? Start before you feel ready, and just keep practicing. You'll find your groove and develop your unique voice; before you know it, you'll be an Instagram pro!
And if you need a little extra help crafting those killer posts, why not lean on ChatGPT? Check out our handy ChatGPT guide to get you started on creating awesome content.
Trust me, you've got this!
Conclusion:
Remember, Instagram isn't just about selling your latest book; it's a space to connect, share a bit of your world, and chat with a community that loves books as much as you do. These tips and ideas are about making your Instagram as engaging and true to you as possible.
And hey, if you're hungry for more Instagram wisdom, check out my other post, where I dive into some nifty tips and strategies to set up an Instagram account as awesome as your writing.
And if you’re not into Instagram, that’s ok, too. Pick another platform to build your audience: TikTok, Facebook, or YouTube.
And no matter which platform you build, always build your email list!! Social media is great for new fans to discover you, but you nurture the relationship and convert followers into paying fans through email. Direct your social media traffic onto your email list to make the most money and build your loyal lifelong fanbase.
Best-selling author James Clear said that there’s no amount of Instagram followers he would trade for his email list, his most valuable asset.
About Powerhouse Strategy:
Powerhouse Strategy works with authors, podcasters, and thought leaders to build their online platform through digital strategy, SEO, newsletters, custom Squarespace websites, website maintenance packages, copywriting, and Squarespace templates.
What do you think? Leave a comment below!
Was this article helpful? Did you learn something new? What’s one action item for you based on this article?
Know someone who might find this useful?
If you found this post helpful, please share it with someone else who might find it helpful.
