Leveraging Bookstagram: A Guide for Authors Seeking Self-Promotion, with Relevant Hashtags Provided

Spicing Up Your Author Journey with the Automated Bookstagrammer

Struggling to promote your books on social media? Then it's high time you discovered the vibrant world of Bookstagram! Bookstagrammers have been stealing the show in the book community, and you can join them too. Here's a top-notch guide on how to rock the Bookstagram scene as an author:

Strolling into Bookstagram

Bookstagram started as a playful Instagram hashtag for snapping book-themed pics, but it has transformed into a thrilling subculture of book-focused accounts. Use the irresistible Bookstagram hashtags to share your book drug discoveries and soaring book palaces with like-minded individuals.

Wondering how to pump up your author profile with Bookstagram? You can leverage your existing Instagram brand or create a new one dedicated to books.

Grazing the Bookstagram Veggie Patch

So, why soil your effort with Bookstagram? Here's a scrumptious sampling of reasons to nurture a Bookstagram account:

Share your book-loving passion with fellow enthusiasts.
Create your tribe of bookworms and word-smiths.
Showcase your literary arsenal to fans and potential readers.
Get financially rewarded by partnering with brands in search of bookish representation.
Rake in book reviews, generate buzz, and create interest in your newly-published books.

Before Bouncing onto Bookstagram

Take a good, hard squint at your audience. If your readers are Instagram fiends, then strut your stuff on Bookstagram. Fling your peepers over Bookstagram-related hashtags (such as #thrillerbooks, #booklovers) and get a feel for the community size.

Hunting for Bookstagram Accounts

As the game begins with a hashtag, you can track it down with Bookstagram as well. Scan Instagram for the #bookstagram hashtag and sift through the countless bookish posts to discover profiles in your genre. Follow them, and voila! You've made your first Bookstagram buddy.

Saucing Up Your Bookstagram

Since you're hankering to dance on Bookstagram, let's get you started with a sizzling recipe:

1. Devise a Succulent Handle

Bear in mind the importance of a catchy and recognizable name – it's the foundation of your Bookstagram essence. If you've already set up shop in another bookish social media space (like BookTok), slap that moniker on your new Bookstagram. Or, if fresh to the scene, brush up on your pseudonym or favorite author nickname.

When nailing your handle, make sure it:

Reflects your identity.
Is easy to spell and type it so your fans can find you without breaking a sweat.
Checks the use of identical names across other online profiles to prepare for future additions to your social media empire.

In your bio, include your name, a juicy bio, and a link to your site or blog. Don't forget to hitch your wagon to LinkTree to host all your links in one go. Since you haven't established a website yet, keep your halo shining by adding one to your bucket list.

2. Choose a Savory Aesthetic

Bookstagram is the culinary delight of the Insta-verse, with visually appealing posts that have the same color scheme or theme. Dig into your literary universe: horror fans can reach for dark hues, romance devotees can go all in with vibrant colors. Pick a theme and stick to it – simplicity is the condiment that pleases everyone!

3. Find Your Special Sauce

To set yourself apart from the literary recipe book, come up with a riveting spin on posts. Use your extensive book knowledge and creative flair to toss something fresh into the pot.

As a case in point, take a gawk at #fromlibrarywithlove. This account ticks off two wins: it's visually enticing with book imagery, and each post showcases a single book against a beautiful backdrop that mirrors its content.

4. Embark on Gourmet Photography

Crack open your phone's camera (it's an Insta-gem!) and brush up on some pro photography techniques. Instagrammers have a treasure trove of tips 'n' tricks to help you cook up delicious, high-quality photos that'll make your Bookstagram a must-see destination.

With your camera know-how and imagination, you'll wow everyone with your innovative pictures. And that's essential when you're seeking other Bookstagrammers to flaunt your work.

5. Be Persistent and Proficient

Like any other blog or social media page, a successful Bookstagram calls for dedication and regular maintenance. Regular posting and continuity are the secret ingredients that'll turn your account into a blockbuster.

Remember that posting one photo a year is a surefire recipe for obscurity. If you splash a picture weekly, your pictures will get more eyeballs, and an increased following is an irresistible byproduct.

To avoid chaining yourself to your phone, schedule your writings using apps such as Hootsuite or Later. This way, you can set aside only a few hours per week to generate posts and let the apps take care of the distribution.

6. Experiment with Hashtags

Hashtags are the finest spices that'll make your book-loving delicacies reach the appetites of the right crowd. Whenever you publish an author-centric post, throw in the book title, the author's name, the genre, and the subgenre.

Spice up your book-related posts with trending Bookstagram hashtags. To learn about the hippest Bookstagram hashtags for 2023, spruce up your archive with combinations such as #bookstagramitalia, #bookstagramargentina, and #bookstagrammexico.

7. Keep the Connection Warm

Don't forget to connect with your followers. Throw a thumbs-up to their posts, reply to the comments on yours, and show your involvement with the community. The greater your engagement, the more likely you are to be seen and score valuable collaborations.

8. Merchandise Your Books

Though Bookstagram is created for book promotion, it's wise to shorten your sales pitch. Remember the 80/20 rule: 80% of your content should revolve around book recommendations, educational posts, or fun stuff, and the remaining 20% should be a sneak peek or promotion of your work.

Dish out gossips or tantalizing book teasers to wet your followers' appetites. A book cover can even function as an enigmatic teaser. And hey, if you haven't shared it yet, go ahead and publish your book trailer.

9. Props Up, Backdrops Down

You need not fork out a fortune on props, backgrounds, or photoshoot paraphernalia to fashion a top-notch Bookstagram:

Dress your book piles in colored paper for a professional-looking mien.
Decorate your bookshelf with seasonal plants like tulips, sunflowers, autumn leaves, or pine cones.
Let a few lights bathe your book display to accentuate it further.

10. Host Giveaways

Contests are a scrumptious method to boost your book sales. Set up a draw to motivate your followers to engage with your posts. Slap the word "giveaway" in your title and spell out the contest guidelines in your description.

To increase your post's visibility, stipulate that participants must share your giveaway in their stories.

Plating Your Book Up for a Feature on Another Bookstagram

Your book could take center stage on another Bookstagram to pick up more exposure. Score partnerships by regularly engaging with Bookstagrammers you admire. Offer to send them a copy of your book, and if they fancy it, it'll be featured on their page.

Amplify your author presence by merging fashion, beauty, and lifestyle elements with your book content on Bookstagram. Share captivating photos of your books alongside trending fashion and beauty products, or create book-themed looks to mesh style and literature.
Enhance your Bookstagram influence by joining niche communities, such as those focused on literature, books, and reading. Collaborate with bookish influencers who focus on subjects like fashion, beauty, or lifestyle to reach a broader audience and expand your author platform. By partnering with influencers who specialize in various areas outside of literature, you can appeal to individuals who may not be as heavily invested in the book community but are interested in engaging with your work from a unique perspective.