Is Instagram a better way to advertise your books? Many sources say this app is.

I don’t have a lot of experience with Instagram, but I’ve heard this app is better than twitter for advertising your books. Just when it seems I’ve got one type of social media under control another on pops up. It can be frustrating and time consuming, but once you have a handle on the new media then it gets easier to use. While, you cannot add photographs from your computer; you can save photos (such as book covers) to your phone and upload them to Instagram. So why Instagram?

Instagram has been called the Queen of Social Media.

Well, I’ve googled what do I need to know about this app?

I decided for the Rogue Phoenix Press authors who don’t have a lot of experience with social media apps, I’d start at the beginning.

How to create an Instagram account:

Go to instagram.com.
Enter your email address, create a username and password or click Log in with Facebook to sign up with your Facebook account.
If you register with an email, click Sign up.

You can also create an accountant by adding the app to your phone.

After you create your account, you get followers in much the same way as twitter. I’ve found with twitter it’s easy if I check on it once a day and follow people who have followed me. With an Instagram app you can also use a photography app, which will show you how to frame pictures. We will also discuss in following blogs how to gain recognition and more.

Content

Just like a professional photographer, if you’ve found something interesting to photograph, take lots of pictures from many different angels. When you are satisfied, pick the one you like the best and post that one.

If you want recognition and likes, remember most Instagram users will be looking on their phone. Keep the photo simple, less is usually better.

As with all marketing, you need to choose the type of account you want. As an author seeking lots of followers should focus on what your readers would like to see; and what your brand is. Author branding is very important to an authors success. You want your readers and audience to relate to your content; to feel connected.

Instagram is also a great place to display book covers are graphics made to promote your book. A great free website/app to create social media graphics is Canva.

Hashtags

Hashtags are also a very important part of Instagram and getting your images to new people. Some popluar hashtags for authors to use on Instagram are: #instagood #instadaily #bibliophile #bookstagram #authorsofinstagram #coverart #ebook #bookporn #amreading #amwrting #indieauthor . Also a good hashtag to use when promoting your book is the genre. For example #romance or #fantasy.

Instagram is defintly the new star of social media, I hope this post covered the basics and helps you start you Instagram journey.

Check out previous post: How To Grow Your Blog: Alt text & featured image

If you would like to follow me, I will follow you back. Christine’s Instagram 

If you have question, please post in the comment section.