Instagram seems to be everywhere and on the lips of many. Do
you have a personal Instagram account?
How about an author one?
I was curious about this feature on the social media
horizon. Back a few years ago, everyone was talking about Pinterest. I thought
it of no relevance to me. I enjoyed looking at the pictures of food and vistas,
but there was nothing that drew me into the Pinterest world.
Until. Hmm.
I read an article about authors using Pinterest as part of
their writer’s platform. Hmm. After reading more, I joined up and developed my
boards. I wrote a blog post about Pinterest for authors on this blog. Check it out. I love my Pinterest Boards and am so happy I
started them.
So, here we are a few years later, and I’m thinking, “Hmm.
Is Instagram the new Pinterest in terms of something I should add to my
platform?” I went hunting for the answer. 400 million+ users? Hmm.
After looking at tons of Instagram pictures on dozens of
author sites, I’ve concluded that this one isn’t for me. Instagram is a largely
visual medium with few words. So is Pinterest. One big difference for me,
however, is that I just don’t see posting regular pictures to Instagram so my
fans (they are legion, don’cha know) can follow my plot points or character
development. To be honest, I don’t know how I’d make it work for me.
Maybe you are an author using Instagram very successfully. I’m
happy for you. Post a link in the comments, and I’ll check you out. With
Pinterest, benign neglect works. I periodically add to my boards or even create
a new board as I did for “Intrepid Women.” People find me and follow me with
little effort on my part.
You have to be more intentional with Instagram. It works
best for authors who already have a large following. Those fans want to know see
pictures of the next book signing. Use popular hashtags so you find a new
audience to add to your fans. Also, follow others and interact. This is true of
all social media.
Fans are eager for a cover reveal. They enjoy the pictures
you snap for them to vote on who looks most like your protagonist. You can
announce book releases. Show your human side with pictures of you reading
someone else’s book, of you in your writing nook or researching. Run contests (like
selfies with your book cover; one-sentence stories; dressing like a character,
etc.) and give prizes (like your book; Amazon gift card, etc.). Post a
character’s picture with a teaser quote. Ask questions to get fans interacting.
Instagram has to be for somebody. Sure, Pinterest does, too,
but people (like me) go hunting for food porn and happen across new boards to
follow. People with like interests sort of accidentally find you on Pinterest.
Not so much on Instagram.
If you want to add Instagram to your platform stable, first
build a base of potential followers by announcing on Facebook, Twitter, etc.,
and to your e-mail list that you are on Instagram and encourage them to follow
you. Then post interesting content. Don’t post more than once a day (unless it’s
a book release day, then you can post several times). Follow other authors (and
other creative professionals) to see how they use Instagram. Get ideas
everywhere to keep your content fresh.
Hmm. Did I just talk myself into jumping in to Instagram?
Intrigued? Curious? Want to read more about using Instagram
as an author?
Bloggers need readers. Please share this post with others if
you found it helpful. Here are some copy/paste messages all ready to go.
Facebook: Authors,
should you be using Instagram as part of your platform. Sharon Arthur Moore’s
post gives ideas and other resources if you’re thinking of trying it. http://bit.ly/2xB7cZo
Twitter: @good2tweat
examines how and why #Writers use #Instagram as part of a social media
platform. http://bit.ly/2xB7cZo
