In this day and age, the internet is a necessary tool for any author who wants to make an impact on the literary scene. And if you want to be as competitive as possible in the book marketing arena, you will need to be able to look at social media as a book marketing service and use it as efficiently as possible. This is because a multitude of people rely on social media sites for a multitude of things. One such social media site that has been gaining traction in the past few years is Instagram.
But what is Instagram really? How can it make your book marketing more effective? Instagram is a social media app that allows users to share their photos and videos online. The said photos and videos can be edited by various built in features. Overall, Instagram is a multifaceted and effective app that can really jumpstart your book marketing strategies and gain you a truly avid fan base. But like any tool you will need to have the ability to use it properly.
Here are 7 Instagram tips for authors:
- Know your target market
Like any book marketing strategy you should first know your target market before you make any moves in your Instagram campaign. This is because if you rush the process and start your Instagram campaign without identifying your target market, you will technically be doing your campaign in the dark.
So before you run your Instagram campaign you should know your target market and know their Instagram habits. By doing so, you will be able to come up with a focused Instagram campaign that will cater specifically to your chosen market. This will also help you to avoid wasting precious time and resources on unresponsive markets.
- Hashtags are key
Instagram for authors is a very potent book marketing tool. This is because it is one of the most widely used social media sites in the world. But if you truly want to use Instagram as effectively and efficiently as possible, it is important that you know how to use it properly. One tip you should always remember when using Instagram is that hashtags are extremely important. In many ways, hashtags are key. Hashtags are important because they allow readers to cut through the digital clutter and focus on the main points of the content. Hashtags are extremely useful for Instagram users because they can help you engage with a multitude of potential followers. By using hashtags you can organically lead your followers to more content through topics and content that you provide. All in all, hashtags are a great way to make your Instagram profile easier to discover.
- Remember to make your content as attractive as possible
If there is one Instagram tip for authors that you should remember, it is to make your content as attractive as possible. And seeing as photos and videos are the main attraction for most Instagram users, it is thus important that you pay extra attention to the quality of photos and videos you upload. Who knows? This may mean the difference between failure and success.
- Use Instagram as an author platform
If you truly want to jumpstart the book marketing process, it is imperative that you create an author platform. An author platform is a marketing platform from where you can conduct your book marketing campaigns. And in this internet dependent age, it is always a good a good idea to have as many author platforms as possible. You can create a book blog and use Instagram also. That way, both sites can complement one another and ultimately expand your range of influence. Here are some tips on using Instagram as an author platform.
- Through your Instagram, you can show aspects of your life as a writer. Whether it is through photos or videos, it is all up to you. The important thing is that you show your followers how you live as a writer.
- Use the various filters that are built into Instagram. This will allow you to be more creative with your content and attract a bigger fan base for your work.
- Identify the peak time to release new content.
- Host giveaway contests and events through your Instagram account.
- Post excerpts and quotes from your book and other works.
- Reach out to influencers
In this day and age, bloggers are highly influential. This is because a myriad of people look to bloggers for information and reviews on certain products. Established companies even go so far as to ask influential bloggers to use and review their products. This is why you should reach out to as many book bloggers as possible. Influential book bloggers usually have a thriving fan base, and getting a good review from even just one of them can do wonders for your writing career.
- Be as consistent as possible
When it comes to marketing a book, you should always be consistent in every aspect of the process. This is especially true when it comes to your Instagram campaign. Try to post content as consistently as possible. By posting content at a regular rate, you will not only enhance your chances of expanding your fan base, you are also showing your current fan base that you respect them and that you value their continued support.
- Let loose your creativity
If there is an upside to marketing your book through Instagram it is the fact that you can let loose your creative side. To use Instagram in your book marketing takes an artistic spirit and a passion for your work. This is because Instagram is an app that usually caters to artistic people. What with all the great functions that allow you to edit videos and pictures. So if you are going to use Instagram in your book marketing, don’t hold back. Let loose all your creative impulses. It is an attractive trait that will help you make a rapport with fellow artists and potential fans.
The BookVenture Company hopes this article was useful.
To enjoy more articles and blogs, please follow us on BookVenture Facebook and BookVenture Twitter. BookVenture is always ready to help you on your self-publishing journey.