Today’s authors must have a platform to market their books. In addition to a personal website, email lists, speaking engagements, and traditional book signing events, publishers expect to see your presence on social media. The bigger the numbers of people you have following your account, the better chance you have of a publisher considering your proposal. They want those contacts to turn into sales.
One of the top places to develop platform is Instagram, a popular photo and video networking service. Instagram has millions of active users across the globe on a daily basis. Many of those viewers make purchases based on someone they encountered on Instagram. Those are two compelling reasons to get started!
I’m not tech savvy, so I approached the whole project with trepidation. However, knowing the role it played in my overall writing journey, I kept at it. Step by step, I learned mistakes to avoid and techniques to succeed.
I came to love my Instagram community. And I’ve enjoyed benefits from it. I got hired as an article writer for Story Embers through an Instagram ad. I conduct interviews with authors through Instagram. I’ve paired with other authors to promote their books. I even met Kelli McKinney, the writer I’m guest blogging for today, through Instagram! Best of all, when I put a book proposal together, my followers are a cornerstone for the marketing section.
But what if you don’t know the basics of Instagram? Where do you start? And how do you build momentum? In this part one of a two part article, I will explore how to get started.
You’ve Got to Actually Sign Up
This seems like an obvious first step, but for those not familiar with the service, the whole process can be intimidating. However, YouTube provides many practical ‘how-to’ videos to guide you through the sign-up process. I used this link. Just remember, authors need a public business account. It provides a breakdown of statistics, including new followers, profile views, number and reach of your posts, and more.
Your Username and Bio
When you sign up, you’ll need a username. And writers, YOU are the brand, so using your name is perfect. If possible, keep the same username across all your social media platforms.
Next, create a short bio. Instagram limits the word count. Many authors use a catchphrase that sums up what they are all about. Mine is love, laugh, learn. That makes sense since I post positive affirmations, write humor, and teach. Along with the catchphrase, you can include who represents you, what you write, or book titles. Always include a link to your website.
Engaging Posts
Engaging posts will do much to boost your followers. But a word of caution: don’t push your product too much. Instagrammers often lose interest in authors who post picture after picture of their book. Instead, share more authentic posts—your crazy pet, a funny poem, a favorite Scripture verse, or an emotional hardship/victory. Be real. That’s what readers crave.
But I’m an author. That is true. So of course, you want to share projects you’re working on or the good news about an award you won. But couch that in the broader picture of the everyday you. Because if your audience doesn’t know you, they won’t be interested in what you have to sell.
What else?
- Post an attractive feed. Use quality pictures with your brand in mind. Try free photo based apps like Unsplash or Pixaby.
- Put words on your image. I use an app called Phonto to add text to my images.
- Use filters to create a custom color scheme for your posts. Think branding.
- Videos (Reels). Readers have short attention spans. Cater to that by recording and posting a Reel, which is a 15-second multi-clip video with audio tracks and other features. This short guide on YouTube might be helpful.
- Stories. Like Snapchat, the images disappear after 24 hours. Interested follows access your stories by clicking on your profile picture. Here is a how-to guide.
Now you know enough to get started on Instagram. In part two of this article, I will tackle how to grow your audience.
Elementary school teacher Lori Z. Scott usually writes fiction because, like an atom, she makes up everything. Her down time is filled with two quirky habits: chronic doodling and inventing lames jokes. Neither one impresses her principal (or friends/parents/casual strangers), but they do help inspire her writing.
Somehow, her odd musings led her to accidentally write a ten-title bestselling chapter book series and on purpose write over 150 short stories, articles, essays, poems, and devotions. Lori also contributed to over a dozen books, mostly so she would have an excuse to give people for not folding her laundry. (Hey! Busy writing here!)
Lori enjoys speaking, leading workshops, and visiting local elementary schools to share her writing journey. Follow her on Instagram @Lori.Z.Scott.
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