AKA #Bookstagram - A geeky little corner of the internet designated for the celebration of all things bookish. If you're wondering where to start, here are a few handy tips.
#1 Choose a Bookish Handle (Name).
Take your time with this one. Not that you can’t change it afterwards, but make sure your name is one you like and lets people know you're here for the books.
#2 Write a Bio
This is best kept short and sweet - Who are you? What are you doing here?
Is there anything we should know about you?
I often include my current read, as this is a good conversation starter.
#3 Take a Photo
Preferably a book photo - no frills necessary! You’ll adapt your own style for creating images as you go. Take inspiration from what you read, the accounts you follow and what kind of aesthetic pleases you. P.S. Lighting is everything!
#4 Manage Your Expectations
Don’t expect to gain hundreds of followers straight away, try not to focus on your follower count at all. Just enjoy documenting your reading journey and discovering more new book recommendations than you can handle. Make some shelf space too, your book collection is about to grow faster than it ever has before.
#5 Keep Track
You have probably already been keeping a note of the books you read. Some people find using Apps like Goodreads or Storygraph helps them to keep track of their reading statistics in more depth. If recording what you read on these sites feels too much, then don't bother. Do what makes you happy. A list on my phone works pretty well for me most of the time.
#6 Write a Book Review
Don't overthink this or feel pressure to write more than a few lines, if that's all you want to do. Short and succinct book reviews will be just as appreciated as the longwinded ones, even more so actually. Instgram is a very visual medium. Tell people how the book made you feel and what it was like to read. Star ratings are popular but not necessary.
#7 Start Creating
This is the fun bit, get creative! There are hundreds of bookish post ideas out there for you to use, you do not have to come up with them on your own. However, if you do have some new ideas, use them, experiment and enjoy them.
#8 Follow Others
Follow accounts whose images and content inspire you. This is really important, don't just follow hundreds of accounts hoping they'll follow you back. Follow accounts if their content grabs you. If it is relatable, or it teaches you something. You will then have a feed full of valuable content at your disposal.
#9 Post Regularly
Even if it is once a month to start with - go at your own pace. This is supposed to be a joyful expression of your passion for books, not a digital marketing job. If you can create enough content to post every day and you love interacting with people every day, then go for it!
When life gets busy, and you're not feeling creative, don't feel bad about not posting. Pace yourself, give yourself space to breathe and keep going when you're ready.
#10 Start Connecting
Like, Comment, Share. Start conversations and make friends. Engaging with fellow bookworms is why most of us are here. It will open up new opportunities and experiences - (see my previous post about how to make friends)
Welcome to Bookstagram, you're going to love it!
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