woman sitting in front of pink background with a stack of books in her lap; how to create a bookstagram

Welcome to the world of Bookstagram! If you’re a book lover and want to share your passion for reading with a community of like-minded individuals, you’re going to want to create a Bookstagram account on Instagram. It’s the perfect way to connect with fellow bibliophiles, find new books, share your own book, and share your literary adventures.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of setting up your Bookstagram account, provide tips for taking captivating book photos, and share strategies for growing your Bookstagram following.

What is Bookstagram?

Bookstagram is an Instagram account about books. Bookstagrammers share photos, videos, book reviews, book recommendations, and engaging discussions. It’s a space where Instagram users can connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate a shared passion for books.

Set Up a Bookstagram Account on Instagram

1. Choose your Bookstagram username or handle for your Instagram account.

The first step in creating your Bookstagram account is choosing a username. You’ll also want to highlight your love for books somehow in your username. Consider using book-themed variations, such as @booksby_____, @_____slibrary, @_____sreads, or @_____sbooks. Make sure it’s catchy, unique, and easy for people to remember.

2. Upload a profile picture.

Choose a profile picture that represents your Bookstagram account. It could be a photo of yourself with a book or another image that reflects your literary interests. Make sure it’s clear, visually appealing, and captures the essence of your Bookstagram persona.

3. Write a bio that reflects your bookstagram account.

Craft an Instagram bio that reflects your Bookstagram account’s personality and interests. Include your name, what people will gain by following you, and some of the top genres you enjoy reading. Add a touch of creativity to make your bio stand out from the crowd and don’t be afraid to show your unique personality.

4. Add a website link.

Include a website link in your profile that directs followers to your Goodreads account or a website where you post longer-form book reviews. This gives followers the ability to explore your in-depth book recommendations and dive deeper into your literary thoughts.

5. Choose a professional/creator account instead of a personal Instagram account.

Select a professional or creator account rather than a personal Instagram account when you set up your account. You’ll gain access to valuable post insights, which will enable you to better understand your audience, analyze engagement, and tailor your content to meet their preferences.

Gather Props to Use in Your Bookstagram Photos

Props are one of the key aspects of creating visually appealing Bookstagram photos. They help you enhance the overall composition and theme of your images. Here are some prop ideas to consider:

  • Bookmarks
  • Bookshelves
  • Candles
  • Coffee mugs
  • Coffee shop backgrounds
  • Colored paper
  • Cozy spots on the couch
  • Flowers
  • Leaves
  • Scarves
  • Seasonal items
  • Tabletops
  • Throw blankets and decorative pillows
  • Trays
  • Twinkly lights
  • Wooden boards

You can find great, inexpensive novelty items on Amazon, at craft stores, or even the Dollar Tree. Plus, shop your home for items that can serve as props in your Bookstagram photos.

Take Lighting Into Consideration

When it comes to capturing stunning Bookstagram photos, lighting plays a crucial role. Here are some tips to consider:

  • Utilize natural light as much as possible. Find a well-lit area near a window or step outside and take advantage of natural sunlight. If natural light doesn’t work for you, have a ring light on hand to help balance the light for your photos.
  • Experiment with different lighting setups to set the desired theme and tone for your Bookstagram feed. Soft, diffused light can create a cozy and intimate ambiance, and bright, natural light can instill a fresh and vibrant feel to your photos.
  • For consistency, try to take your book photos at the same time of day when the lighting conditions are favorable.

Taking Your Photos

Capturing high-quality book photos is essential for creating an engaging Bookstagram account. Here are some tips to help you capture stunning bookish images:

  • Use a traditional camera or a high-quality smartphone camera to ensure clarity and detail in your photos.
  • Experiment with different angles, perspectives, and compositions to add interest to your shots.
  • Edit your photos using apps like Canva, Lightroom, VSCO, or even the built-in editing tools within your phone’s photo app. You can adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation, or apply filters to enhance the overall aesthetic of your images.

Posting to Your Bookstagram

Once you have a few photos ready, it’s time to start posting. Here are some tips to make the most out of your Bookstagram posts:

  • Choose a caption that complements your photo and sparks engagement. Share your thoughts about the book, ask questions, or invite your followers to join a discussion in the comments section.
  • Make use of all of Instagram’s features, including reels, stories, carousel posts, guides, and single-photo posts, to showcase your content in different formats and engage with your audience.
  • Post consistently to keep your followers engaged and ensure your feed remains active.
  • Utilize bookstagram hashtags to expand your reach and connect with the broader Bookstagram community. In addition, you can use popular hashtags related to the book, tag the author and publisher, and also consider including location-specific hashtags.
  • Vary your images to provide a diverse range of book-related content. Mix up book covers, flat lays, bookshelf photos, and other creative shots to keep your feed engaging and fun.

How to Gain Followers

When it comes to building a strong Bookstagram following, it’ll take some time and effort. Here are four strategies to help you grow your Bookstagram community:

  1. Engage with other Bookstagrammers on Instagram by liking, commenting, and sharing their posts. This interaction helps build connections and increases visibility on your posts.
  2. Follow similar Bookstagram accounts that align with your interests and regularly engage with their content. This can lead to reciprocal followers and collaborations.
  3. Participate in reading challenges or book tags to connect with a broader book-loving community on Instagram and showcase your reading preferences.
  4. Host a giveaway to incentivize engagement and attract new followers. Consider partnering with authors, publishers, or other Bookstagrammers to make the giveaway more enticing.

 

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