In 2021 Instagram announced that user numbers had exceeded 1.21 billion users, and over 500 million users log into the network daily. In a moderately short time, Instagram has evolved into the world’s quickest-growing social media network. However, Instagram for authors remains a mystery for many.
While visibility has become more unreachable on Facebook and Twitter, rates of attention on Instagram have skyrocketed. Studies show that Instagram users are 58 times more likely to comment on, like, or share a post than Facebook users and 120 times more likely than Twitter users.
For authors wanting to acquire new readers and support ties with existing fans, Instagram is an influential marketing tool. Now is the moment to begin taking your author’s account thoughtfully.
Like all social media, Instagram can become part of a book sales funnel. You begin with building awareness and lead your audience into the deal. Instagram is a method for readers to discover you and for a relationship of trust to be made. The more attractive your Instagram, the more readers you will be capable of reaching.
Are you laboring to make your written work visually engaging? Here are the actionable tips you need to boost your book sales using the world’s most popular social media platform.
1) Optimize your Instagram Bio
You only have one photo and 150 characters for your Instagram profile so make them count. A successful Instagram profile should appeal to your readers and give them a taste of your author’s brand. Ensure you have a relevant, easy-to-find username and a clear photo (a headshot or author logo works perfectly here). This photo should be the same across your social media accounts to give your readers a sense of consistency.
Sum up your work in the first line of your bio. Next, make it concise and relevant to your readers using keywords they are likely searching. Finally, add a call-to-action link directing readers where you want them to go.
2) Get Video Testimonials and Post them as Reels
Getting Video testimonials are a great way to show social proof and give your potential buyers a little push towards buying your book. Video is one of the most, if not the most, powerful ways to show people what others think of you and your work.
When it comes to getting video testimonials, there are two types of videos you can contact: those from famous people in your field or everyday readers. Getting videos from regular readers may be more accessible if you’re starting. You can use a service like Fiverr or Upwork to find people who will read your book and leave a video testimonial for a small fee.
Post your video testimonials as Reels on Instagram. Reels are the most popular content on the platform, so this is a great way to get your videos seen by more people.
3) Post-High-Quality Images
You don’t need to be a professional photographer to create a unique Instagram feed. The essential components of any photograph are composition and lighting. Take some time to get these right before you press the capture button. Get familiar with your phone camera. Try out different Instagram filters and free photography apps. Do not be afraid to get creative with unusual angles or effects.
4) Make it Social
Do not be that person clamoring at everyone about your book. Instagram is about providing your reader’s value, not just selling to them. Take time to interact with your readers, answer their questions, respond to comments, and like and comment on photos. Show support and interest in your readers and fellow authors and aim to connect with them authentically.
5) Use Relevant Hashtags
An enormous number of images are posted to Instagram every day. Hashtags allow users to sort through this overload and find what they seek. In addition, using hashtags enables you to classify your content by subject matter and increase readers’ likelihood of seeing your posts. You can utilize up to 30 hashtags per Instagram post. While experts are divided on how many you should use, studies show that posts with 11 or more tags obtain the highest engagement rates.
Using hashtags is one of the best ways to make your content discoverable on Instagram.
6) Don’t Forget about Instagram Stories
Stories are 24-hour images or videos displayed on the top of a user’s Instagram feed. They can be a significant part of your profile, providing little snippets for your readers into your daily life. You can add a sticker hashtag to your stories to increase their visibility and swipe up links to parts of your website or book-buying sites. You can also highlight stories to become a permanent part of your profile.
Some Instagrammers have started using these highlights to show off business services strategically. For example, authors can use story highlights to showcase books and behind-the-scenes clips to build anticipation with a work in progress or promote limited-time price offers.
7) Go Live
Use the live feature to host a Q&A session with your fans, give a virtual book reading, or take your followers behind the scenes of your writing process. The live feature is a great way to connect with followers in real-time and build hype for upcoming projects.
8) Run Instagram Ads to Your Target Readers
You can use the boosted posts feature to get your content in front of more people or use the Instagram Ads platform to create a targeted ad campaign to reach new audiences based on their interests.
When creating your Instagram ad campaigns, it’s essential to use high-quality visuals and descriptive copy to let people know what your book is about and why they should read it.
9) Work With Influencers
If you don’t have a large following on Instagram, consider working with an influencer who does. This could be another author in your genre, a book blogger, or anyone with a large following who would be interested in promoting your work.
You can use the search function on Instagram to find potential influencers to work with or a tool like BuzzSumo to find popular accounts in your book’s niche.
Other creative ways to promote your book using Instagram include:
10) Utilizing the bio section to post a link to your book’s landing page or website. You can use free tools like Linkin. Bio by Later automatically generates links from your Instagram posts to anywhere you want them to go. Make sure the URL in your bio is constantly updated so people can easily find your latest work.
11) You are hosting a giveaway or contest related to your book. For example, you could ask people to post a photo of themselves reading your book and use a specific hashtag for a chance to win a signed copy.
12) Sharing behind-the-scenes photos or videos of your writing process, book signings, or other events related to your work. This helps give your followers a more personal look at your life as an author and makes them feel more connected to you and your work.
13) Post quotes from your book or other inspiring quotes that relate to the themes of your work.
14) Share photos or videos of you speaking about your book at events or on television.
15) Post photos of your book cover or other promotional materials for your upcoming release.
No matter what type of content you decide to share, it’s essential to be strategic about how often you post and which hashtags you use. A good rule of thumb is to post 1-2 times per day (any more than that, and you risk overwhelming your audience.
Ready to discuss your Instagram Strategy?
We have discussed 17 excellent suggestions to market your book on Instagram. However, there are many other methods we can help your Instagram marketing strategy. If you need help implementing a personal approach, we look forward to providing you with the necessary value.
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, do not hesitate to reach out and schedule a meeting with us. Our years of experience in social marketing will help provide you with the tools needed to gain followers and convert them into buyers.
