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Putting yourself out there on social media can be a new and scary process for authors when it comes to marketing their books. Especially on a platform as visually driven as Instagram. In order to attract your ideal readers and build a strong author platform, there are a few things you must avoid doing on Instagram. Read on to discover the 10 biggest mistakes authors make when marketing their book on Instagram.

 

1. Not Taking Good Photos

\Instagram is a visual platform, there’s no way around that. The best performing photos on Instagram are usually clear, bright photos showing your face or sharable content like graphics and quote posts. So, as funny as that meme is, it’s better to share it in your stories so you can keep your grid clean and cohesive. If you’re having trouble thinking of quick, aesthetic photo ideas, check out my post here.

 

2. Not responding to comments or DMs

Posting and ditching will not help you grow on the platform and it will definitely not allow you to build relationships with readers. Respond to every comment you get on your posts and answer all your DMs. Your followers will appreciate it and you’ll begin to build stronger relationships online and grow your following quicker.

 

3. Not being social at all

The best way to grow on social media is to be social! It’s rare for people to grow a following without regularly engaging with other accounts. A good habit to begin is to start engaging on Instagram for 15 minutes before you post and respond to comments and engage 15 minutes after you post. When you leave a fresh comment, people will be more likely to check out your page to see if you have new content and this will allow you to connect with new readers.

 

4. Not using Hashtags or not using the right ones

Hashtags are one of the best ways for people to find you on Instagram, so if you’re not using them, you’re really hurting your reach. Do a little research and find out which hashtags are the best for your book genre. (P.S. I give all my clients a list of 180+ hashtags to help them with their marketing btw). A few hashtags most authors can use are #authorgram, #authorcommunity, and #authorsofinstagram. Don’t use hashtags that are clearly unrelated to your book. For example, if you’re a romance author don’t use #bakingcookies even if the baking hashtags are more popular, you won’t get quality followers that way. Also, don’t make up hashtags. The point of hashtags is for people to find you so if you’ve made up a hashtag, it’s not very likely people will find you that way.

 

5. Not Using Reels

Reels have exploded on Instagram this past year. Using reels is without a doubt the fastest way to grow on the platform right now and further your reach. So far, my Instagram following is a little short of 300 but my Reels often reach 1,000 to 5,000 people. Similarly, on my writing account, my following is in the mid 2,000s but my biggest Instagram reel has reached 100k users and counting. Seriously consider posting Reels if you want to increase your exposure and have followers come to YOU.

 

 

6. Making your book cover your Instagram profile pic

Humans like connecting with other humans. If you want to start building your influence as an author, you can’t be shy about posting your face because YOU are the reason why people will want to follow you, not because of your book.

 

7. Not providing links to your website or book page

Many authors will not utilize that website portion of their bio to drive followers to their author website or their Amazon book page. Instead, it will be blank or they will post a link to something unrelated like a funny youtube video or a link to their other social media accounts. Since Instagram doesn’t have many link features available as it is, it’s important to utilize the website section to drive people to your Amazon book page, a pre-order page, your GoodReads, or your email list.

 

8. Never Talking About Your Book

Some authors feel a little awkward talking about their book because it can make them feel pushy or salesy. But if someone is following you for months before they find out you’re an author or that you have a book coming out soon, you’re doing a disservice to your potential readers and yourself. Try posting about your book once or twice a week, so that people will know you’re an author and that you have books available.

 

9. Talking about Your Book Too Much

Never talking about your book is one thing, but ONLY talking about your book is equally as bad if not worse. Book marketing is all about relationship building so it’s a little tough to build a relationship with someone if you’re only selling to them. Your followers want to know the person behind the book, so post personal updates and include photos of your favorite things such as food, books you’re loving, your pets and sprinkle information about your book in between those posts. Also, share the love by posting about other authors and their books, because I guarantee you they will do the same for you.

 

10. Not being consistent

Nothing I’ve mentioned so far will ever work if you’re not consistent. Consistency can be different for you than it is for another author. If consistency for you means every day post every day. But if consistency to you is three times a week, post three times a week. Disappearing for weeks or months at a time will break the trust you’ve built with your followers and cause them to lose interest in you, or potentially forget about you. Your audience just needs to have an idea of when you’ll be online, and when they might receive new content.

 

If you want more Instagram tips and strategies like these, check out my free guide below!