Introduction
In recent years, Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms. From its easy-to-use setup and highly engaging nature, Instagram offers special opportunities to interact with readers.
The latest report on Instagram shows it has over one billion monthly users, and 60 percent of those viewers log in daily. These numbers indicate that the platform is now the fastest-growing social media platform. Writers who use Instagram can easily connect with their readers.
Let’s explain how writers can use Instagram to promote their stories.
“One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple.”—Jack Kerouac
Prerequisites
If you want to create an Instagram page for your brand, make it a business page rather than a personal account. A big perk of this is Instagram Insights. Businesses can get all the information they need about their account performance and the effectiveness of their posts from Instagram Insights. Once you have at least one hundred followers, Instagram Insights also provides you with comprehensive demographic information about your followers, including their gender, age, where they live by city and country, and peak activity times.
However, be warned that when you switch to a business profile, you will lose two features:
1. The option to mark posts as private
2. The option to link to several Facebook pages; instead, you link your Instagram account to the Facebook page of your company.
Here's how you can get set up with an Instagram business account:
Download the Instagram app
Unlike other social media platforms, Instagram works best on mobile. It’s free, and you can find it to download on almost every app store available.
Make an Account
Instagram users can create an account using email addresses, phone numbers, or through their Facebook if they have one.
Create a Business Page
Come up with a title for your brand and choose a category that best describes it.
Edit Your Profile
When you click "Edit Profile," you can add a photo, bio, and website link. If you’re unsure where to start when building your profile, think about what business accounts you’ve seen that you like. What information do they provide to followers? What did they do right?
An amazing Instagram bio should it include:
· A succinct explanation of the work your organization does
· Your sector (restaurant, business services, retail, shopping, etc.)
· A tone of voice that embodies the personality of your brand
· Contact details (email, address, phone number, etc.)
Once you decide how you want your profile to look, the fun part comes. Using Instagram to your advantage requires consistency and patience. Let's take a look at how writers can win on Instagram.
“Don’t Let the Light within you dim to satisfy the people whose light doesn’t shine as brightly as yours.”—Dane Thomas.
How to Win on Instagram
Writers who use Instagram to promote their work strategically can have great success. Here are some easy tips for engaging your target readership on the platform:
Strategically Use Hashtags
To help your posts be seen, use as many hashtags as possible. Instagram hashtags are a tool for labeling and categorizing your content. Afterward, they assist Instagram in showing your posts to the appropriate people. But, be warned that Instagram limits your hashtag use to thirty per post. If you exceed that number, the social media site deletes your caption.
Here are some examples of book-related hashtags:
Giveaways
Running giveaways can help you gain followers while promoting your story simultaneously. An Instagram contest, also known as an Instagram giveaway, is a promotional activity in which a business or artist gives an Instagram user a gift of a good or service. They allow your audience to engage with your content and business, generating likes and comments that are ideal for the algorithm.
Remember the 80/20 Rule
The Pareto principle, sometimes referred to as the 80/20 rule, is a marketing tactic that states that 20 percent of the work you do yields 80 percent of the results. The concept originated with economist Vilfredo Pareto, who discovered that 20 percent of his country's land belonged to the remaining 80 percent of its population.
For example: a business might have a few best-selling products that account for 80 percent of overall revenues. By introducing new updates or enhanced features to give customers better quality and promote more purchases, you can concentrate on upgrading the top 20 percent of products or services rather than continuing to push low-selling items.
Self-promoting repeatedly can turn off your followers, resulting in an unfollow.
Engage in Every Way
Take notes on what other Instagrammers do to promote their work and engage with their posts. Interacting with readers about shared passions can result in new followers.
Post as Often as Possible
Do not go for days or weeks without posting and try to post something daily. Doing so will keep your work top of mind and show Instagram that you're an active user.
Social Media Marketing Work for Writers
Social media is a powerful tool to reach a broad audience, and having the right post to promote your story can get your great engagement on new followers.
Social media can be a great way to connect with other writers by interacting with their posts. Engagement with these writers and their following not only offers a chance at building community but it can also increase your chances at getting your work seen
Engage with other writers to increase your chances of getting your work seen. One way to this is Instagram Live, which gives you a direct connection to your audience. The key here is to focus on making it personal and fun. In turn, this can attract a bigger audience to your writing. You can offer free advice, host an “ask-me-anything” sessions, or even do behind-the-scenes tours. Some of that engagement can also lead to publication opportunities and insights from other writers.
Collaborating and connecting with readers can get you more exposure for your work. Writers can participate in challenges, support other projects, or host new ones. Use this opportunity to connect with as many people as possible.
Sharing the backstory of your work on Instagram is a great way to attract new readers. If you're writing a book, this social media site is a great way to advertise the cover. Writers can take pictures of the first few lines and ask followers to share them with hashtags. You can also host a contest with your book as a prize.
“We are all imperfections that deserve love." —Nivya
Conclusion
Writers who use Instagram correctly can grow their brand and reach a broad audience. Connecting with highly engaged readers will get your work noticed. If you choose to try out Instagram to promote your work, remember consistency. Try to post as often as possible.
Instagram is a social network. The more social you are, the more connections you will form. Be sure to also use as many hashtags as possible to help get your work out there. Instagram allows thirty hashtags per post. Using more can have your caption deleted.
For more information on using Instagram for writers, please feel free to comment below or email info@crazednovelist.com.
Resources
Kindlepreneur – Dave Chesson breaks down who writers can get the most out of using Instagram for their work.
10 Instagram Tips for Writers – Jane Friedman explains ten simple tips for writers to win at Instagram.
ProWritingAid - Lesley Vos breaks down how writers can use Instagram to their advantage. Self-Publishing School – Carmen Pinto explains how to use Instagram for your books.
Kevin Petrochko is a guest writer for A.E. Williams Editorial who has worked with clients in multiple industries writing content for websites and blogs. As a former journalist, Kevin has contributed sports writing to multiple publications. You can connect with him on Twitter, LinkedIn, and through email.
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