Best Practices on Instagram
When you hear about networking platforms or building a presence on social
media, hear authors generally talk about Facebook, Twitter, and blogging
straight away. Sometimes podcasting and Google+ are mentioned.
Instagram?
On our own networks, while writing this we asked our member
of writers what questions they had about Instagram. Writer, podcaster, and
photographer J.R. Blackwell said point-blank “Should I even bother?” Shinn e went
on to say she didn’t think Instagram was a bad platform and as she is a
professional photographer, we would have been surprised if she thought it was
but the question was how would it be a good platform for authors?
What a great question.
Instagram is a social media outlet writers in general do not seriously
consider a viable promotion platform. They may try it out for a brief spell, have
a bit of fun, and then forget they have the app on their smartphone. With the
right approach and application, though, Instagram can provide a treasure trove of
visual content for a writer. Now, before you think that “visual content” for a
writer consists of nothing more than a picture of a laptop with a work-in-
progress on the screen (which we’ve found that followers on Instagram and
elsewhere do respond to!), think again. It’s possible to cast a more imaginative
net by including character inspirations, behind-the-scenes research or travel, or
even a quick link back to your blog. You must go beyond a writer’s desk or book
signings. The key is how you approach your content.
Author Appearances
Book signings can only be so interesting. A snapshot of you with pen at the
ready and books arranged neatly is fine, but then what? Depending on the
appearance and the location, quite a bit. If you are appearing with other authors
on a panel discussion, you can take a photo of the discussion. After the panel,
why not snap a candid shot with the other authors or editors attending? I Ask if
they are on Instagram so you can tag them accordingly, but make sure you spell
their names right! You can also post Instagrams that document your travel to
various conventions and conferences where you will be presenting. Geotag
where each of these moments is taking place and invite readers within driving
distance to join you there. You can also repost images or video from other
authors’ feeds to boost the signal, provided you know of other Instagram-using
writers who are attending the event with you.
Upcoming Releases, Special Events, and Cover Reveals
Do you have a date for your next novel or approval from your publisher to reveal
your next book cover Instagram allows you to easily share artwork pertaining to
your upcoming launch. Whether it is an original graphic cooked up in the image
editor or a cropped section of your cover, Instagram with Iconosquare added
into the mix gives you the ability to send out a single post across seven social
networks. This post can point back to one central location, whether it’s your
blog, a link to pre-order your book, or another place on the Internet. You can
also create original artwork publicizing special events a crowd funding event, a
charity anthology, or an upcoming appearance where you will be participating.
The image you create for Instagram can also serve as your own branded artwork
for the event in question.
Know Instagram Competitions
Competitions are a proven way to increase your number of followers on
Instagram, but don’t go this route until you have at least a small following. It’s
hard to make a splash if only a few people are following you.
Right off the bat, Instagram is nice enough to spell out rules for
promotional guidelines. You are responsible for the lawful operation of your
contest this makes sure Instagram isn't in trouble if you fail to obey local laws.
You cannot ask your readers to inaccurately tag content or people in their
entries. All promotions must have a note from Instagram that releases the
company of responsibility, and all entrants must point out that Instagram is not
endorsing, sponsoring, or administering the contest. Instagram will not help out
with your promotion nor give you any advice pertaining to it. Finally, you must
agree that you are running the contest at your own risk. Keep those guidelines in
mind while you design your giveaway. User-generated content competitions are
popular on Instagram and a great way to encourage creativity among your
followers. They also have the advantage of not running afoul of any local laws
governing sweepstakes.
In order to fit in all the rules, prizes, and directions for entrants, you should
create a post or page on your blog or website. You then put this URL in your
Instagram post. The hashtag that you are using to keep track of entrants will be
included as well.
So what do you ask people to do? Keep it simple, and make sure it involves
nothing dangerous or too outrageous. A picture of a participant with your book
photo book dressed up like a character, or posing with something
significant to the book an artifact or some related item are all good choices. Or
you could go with something related to your genre that is more open to
interpretation.
Whether on Instagram or any social network, when hosting
competitions, make sure the prize is enticing enough. It doesn't have
to be expensive. Advanced Reading Copies make great prizes, or
you can offer a selection of items related to your book. books aboutand often gives away
well-thought-out prize packs of items with superhero themes.
Before launching the competition, make your own competition graphic to post
on Instagram, and make sure it is attention grabbing and contains the hashtag
you have come up with.
Don't forget to spread the word about your competition via your other social
networks.
Teasers and Motivationals
Selections from your upcoming release are always great teases to get readers
excited, but in the social media arena, authors need to grab a reader’s attention.
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