How To Start And Grow Your Bookstagram Account.

 How to Start and Grow your Bookstagram.

  By - @_readwith_me

@_readwith_me

How to start and grow and your bookstagram account is question which is often asked.

Let's begin by understanding -

What Is Bookstagram? 

If you are someone who loves reading then you probably would've come across the most wonderful community on Instagram, popularly known as - Bookstagram. 

It's a community of Readers, Authors and Book Lovers from all over the world who loves to read, share, rate and document what they are reading, along with some fun bookish challanges, hauls, reels etc. 

How To Start A Bookstagram?

Now let’s get into the nitty gritty of how to start a book instagram account! These simple steps below make creating a bookstagram super quick and easy.

1. Choose a Bookstagram Handle - 

First things first, you need to set up an Instagram account. If you want to properly immerse yourself in bookstagram then I suggest creating a new account dedicated to books, rather than converting an existing, personal account.

In doing so, you’ll have to choose yourself a bookstagram handle. But what to choose?! The possibilities are truly endless.

You need to think about why you’re starting a bookstagram account for some name inspiration. If you’ve got an existing book blog then obviously using the same name across your social media channels is advisable. If not, then it’s time to get your thinking cap on.

Have a little brainstorm about what kind of content you’re going to post and the vibe you’re aiming for. A combination of words related to those two themes, or even your name, might help you come with something good!

Tip - AVOID INCLUDING NUMBERS IN YOUR USERNAME. 

2. Write a Great Bio for Bookstagram.

Now that you’ve chosen your bookstagram handle, it’s time to fill out your profile and write yourself a little bio to give a little insight into your account.

My bookstagram bio contains four lines in which I explain: what genre I like, with my content’s aim i.e Reviews and Recommendations, and DM for any collaborations and a link to my blog.

3. Convert your account to a creator account

If you want to grow you bookstagram, I’d highly recommend making the (free) switch from a personal account to a creator account.

This will give you an insight into your Instagram stats including information about where your followers are located and what time they’re usually online.

HOW TO GROW ON INSTAGRAM 

Now that you have set up a bookstagram account it's time to learn about how to grow on Bookstagram. 

1. Engagement is the key.

Engage, Engage and Engage and then you need to engage some more. This is extremely important to show the Instagram algorithm that you’re involved with their app, you need to invest some time in it. This is one of the most basic tip but it really works.

Like, Comment and Share. If you want people to engage with your posts you need to engage with their posts. 

Always engage 15 minutes prior and after posting. This will increase your reach and boost your engagement.

2. Hastags 

Don't be scared of using hastags. Instagram allows upto 30 hashtags in a single post. Hashtags allow people who aren’t following you to see your posts, and that’s a crucial way to increase engagement + gain followers. 

Don't use the same hastags in every post. Instagram might block them. 

Here are some hashtags that you can use- 

#bookstagram #books #book #booklover #bibliophile #goodreads #epicreads #booknerds #bookish #bookchallenge #bookishfeatures #bookbooksandbooks #booknerdigans #bookstagrammer #bookcommunity #booklovers #booklove #reviews #bookrecs # recommendations #bookreviewers

3. Instagram Stories 

While Instagram stories may not have the same reach as feed posts do, they are so important for your IG strategy and you should be using them.  

• Create Polls.
• Ask Questions.
• Use the emoji slider.

4. Consistency

In order to be successful on bookstagram you need to post consistently. Consistency does not  mean posting daily, it means the quality of your content should be consistent. Plan your posts in advance, if you can't post book reviews frequently then post other bookish content.

Here are some examples of bookstagram QOTD - 

• QOTD - What are you currently reading?
• QOTD - What's your favourite place to read?
• QOTD- What's your favourite genre? 
• QOTD - Who is your favourite author?

5. Creativity

Many bookstagrammers uses a theme to accentuate their account. Having a theme is not necessary but it does helps to make your profile look less cluttered. If you're a beginner, experiment with your style and see what works best for you.

Just make sure that your posts are creative enough to grab attention.

6. Have FUN! 

Last but not the least, Have Fun! You need to remember why you joined this community. 

Being on bookstagram is much more than worrying about why your followers aren't increasing or why you're not getting enough likes on your posts. 

Make new friends and Share your love for books.  

ENJOY!!

I really hope you found this blog useful. Let me know if you have anything to add to this list, in the comment section. Make sure to follow me on my Instagram account '@_readwith_me' if you haven't already!