Tips for Starting a Bookstagram Account
If you’ve been searching for tips for starting a Bookstagram account, chances are you’re a reader who can’t stop talking about books and is wondering what it might look like to share that love online. Bookstagram is one of the most fun corners of the internet for book lovers. It’s where readers swap recommendations, talk about new releases, and connect with people who get just as excited about books as you do. If you’ve been curious about how to start a Bookstagram, how to grow a Bookstagram account, or even what it’s like to become a book influencer on Instagram, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’m sharing some simple Bookstagram tips for beginners, from setting up your account to creating posts that other readers actually want to engage with. Whether you’re starting a bookstagram just for fun or hoping to grow your book Instagram account, these tips will help you get started and find your place in the bookish community.
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Do Your Research
Start by following bookish accounts that you love and take notes! What do you like about their content? What messages resonate most with you? Is there a particular style that drew you in and motivated you to hit like or follow? All these questions are helpful when defining your own style, but they can also teach you a lot about reader/follower behavior. Paying attention to the content you enjoy is the best advice for new bookstagrammers and booktokers. Little things like easy-to-read, catchy graphics, and review styles will go a long way to draw followers and keep them coming back for more. You'll understand this behavior better when you discover what draws you in and keeps you engaged.
Choose a Handle
I can't stress enough how important it is that you give some thought to this step. You'll want to choose a handle that represents you, but you also want to select something that other people will remember! Your handle is your first opportunity to brand yourself, so picking a handle that will resonate with other readers and is easy to recall is important. When possible, avoid adding punctuation or other non-alpha characters as they are hard for others to recall when tagging you and engaging in the app. And remember, your handle is a great SEO (search engine optimization) opportunity, so adding words that people search for to find books or genres can help you stand out in a search!
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Identify Your Why
There are A LOT of book accounts now, so knowing your why and your ideal audience is critical when starting out. It may take some time to refine your brand and your why, but having a general idea of what type of follower you're hoping to attract will go a long way in helping you develop a brand that stands out. Can you attract an audience if you are a generalist? Sure, but it will be harder. Take some time to reflect on your reason for joining Bookstagram and what you hope to achieve by posting about books. Are you hoping to connect with other Bookstagrammers or are you hoping to find readers with similar interests? Questions like these can help you identify your Why!
Plan Your Content
Planning ahead is super helpful if your hoping to be consistent (which I highly recommend), but what does this even mean? Start with a list of books to review, wrap-ups, and suggested reading lists. Next, use a calendar to map out a schedule that works for you. Having an idea of what you plan to post and when you will post will help you develop a posting routine that your followers will learn to anticipate. Experiment and adjust according to your schedule, but aim to be consistent. There are some great content scheduling tools out there, so find what works for you and post!
Read, Review, Repeat
Bookish content creation is all about books, so reading is a critical aspect of Bookstagram. Book reviews are the backbone of most bookish accounts, so you'll want to incorporate as many as you can when you're getting started. The more you review, the more advanced reader opportunities you'll get (see this post for more info). Be kind and courteous when reviewing but BE HONEST! Followers appreciate honesty and authenticity. Never tag authors in negative reviews though.
Before You Go
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Hi, I'm Carlie
I’m a historical fiction fanatic passionate about sharing newly released books, book club picks, and the types of stories that linger long after the last lines. If that sounds like the type of books you love to read, then you’re in the right place!
