Over the last several years, Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms to date. The visually engaging app is easy to use and thriving and growing by the minute. Some writers might be hesitant to jump into Instagram, with the main concern being its focus on images as opposed to text. But regardless of images not being your forte, Instagram offers unique opportunities to interact with your readers and boost your audience in size.
Why is Instagram good for writers?
Instagram has 1 billion active users, with more than half signing on the app daily and 35% signing on multiple times a day. Users are also more open to finding new books as 60% percent of users claim to have discovered a product or service on Instagram.
Speaking of engagement, you have a better chance to gain visibility on Instagram compared to Facebook or Twitter, as the rate of engagement with Instagram is better than all the other social media platforms combined. This offers great potential for writers to reach new readers and develop a stronger engagement with them.
What Should Writers Post on Instagram?
Thinking of content to post every week can be a challenge. You don’t want to tell your followers to go buy your book every single day (if you do, they will most likely unfollow your page.) Here are a few ideas of what you can post:
1. Writing Quotes
Try creating an image with your quote written that you can share with your followers.
2. Behind The Scenes
Take a picture of your desk, writing space, your favorite tree–wherever it is you find yourself writing and finding inspiration.
3. Ask Questions
Try creating an image with questions! Ask for book recommendations, character name ideas, and any number of things that you think of. Questions are a great way to create engagement with your content.
4. Share Writing
Share a snippet of your novel, a short story, or even a poem.
5. Promote Your Work (Sparingly)
Engage people with your content and remind them occasionally where they can find more of you (your books, websites, other social media, etc)
Ways to increase following.
1. Giveaways
One popular trick that always works for building followers and engagement, is to give things away. Try giving away signed copies of your book, prints, posters, and so on!
2. Use Hashtags
One of the best ways to get found on Instagram is through the strategic use of hashtags. With each post, you want to share a thought in the caption, followed by relevant hashtags. Include hashtags popular in the writing community, like #writingcommunity and #bookstagram, but others that are more specific to your post.
Need help setting up your Instagram? We can help. Click here to learn more.
