5 Ways to Use Instagram Slideshow to Promote Your Next Book

instagram-1474231_1280Working on building a community online and promoting your latest book at the same time?

Not every social media platform is right for every writer, author, book or need. LinkedIn is probably not the best place to promote a book like Fifty Shades of Grey, but it is perfect for an author promoting a book on how to make a career change or build a network.

One social media platform commonly overlooked by writers is Instagram. Instagram is an online photo sharing social network, and before you judge promoting a book here, know that the site has over 500 million active users per day and ONE BILLION active users per month.

With that many visitors, you’re bound to reach a larger audience if you take time to learn how to utilize this promotional tool.

How Does Instagram Slideshow Work?

Download and open the app on your smartphone or tablet. At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see a square icon where you can create a new “gallery.” On the next screen, you’ll see pictures appear that are currently on your device. Select which photos you’d like to share and Instagram will create an eye-catching slideshow. Additionally, there is an option to share your slideshow on other social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to achieve even greater reach.

How do you make this technique work for you? Here are 5 creative ways you can use an Instagram slideshow to showcase you and your work

1. Give a Sneak Peek

library-108544_1280Readers want to get to know the person behind the words. Post pictures that you are comfortable sharing like photos from events and places you go.

Here are some ideas on how to give viewers a “peek” into your life and your written word.

  • Make regular runs to the bookstore? Share what you are purchasing and reading.
  • Take pictures when you receive your arc copies in the mail.
  • Snap some screenshots of the editing process.
  • Share your work space.
  • Have someone take pics of you during the next book signing or public event. (Always!)
  • Fan mail, old rejection letters, or other correspondence.

Readers will connect with you when they see that you share similar interests. Everyone likes to get a peek into the private lives of their influencers and this is a great way to share more but in a less intrusive way than live video.

2. Provide Inspiration

All the rage on social media is creating and sharing memes. Find graphics that are beautiful (and copyright free – try Pixabay) and quotes that not only are relatable but also evoke an emotional response. This will create a stronger network and boost your organic social reach. These images are more likely to be shared on other pages, platforms and networks so make sure they are branded (with your website and logo) and lead viewers back to you.

3. Showcase the Work

book-1014197_1280The first thing that attracts a reader at a bookstore is a stunning or interesting cover. The same goes for Instagram.

If this is your first book, and you have an awesome cover, readers in your genre will flock to see what your book is about. Put together a slideshare of images of the front cover, back cover, dedication page or index, and the first page of the first chapter.

4. Organize a Contest

As a marketing tactic, have fans send in their photos and give the winner a free copy of your book, a signed bookplate, or some other swag. It may seem counterintuitive to give away your book for free, but a  contest will spread news across the web about your next best-selling book and build your following and presence online.

5. Follow Other Writers, Authors and Bloggers

Instagram is a social media platform, so don’t forget to network with your fellow writers and authors and other people in your industry. Especially if you are a new author, this is your chance to connect with experienced authors and build influence and credibility. Plus, following others who are already utilizing Instagram could help inspire you when creating your own content.

How do you use Instagram to build your writer and author presence online?

Melody Jones, Social Media Aspirin™Melody Jones is Dispenser-in-Chief of Social Media Aspirin™ for Writers and Authors. She helps take the pain out of social media! Check out her services and learn how your can reduce your social media pain – and get back to doing what you love.

Top Three Thursday: Social Media News You Can Use

Top Three ThursdayWelcome to my Thursday feature. Here’s where I link three useful and interesting articles from excellent information sources all about social media and marketing subjects.

As you know, changes are always happening in the world of social media. We have a lot to keep up with!

Facebook has announced in their blog titled “Facebook Live Updates for Mentions” that they have made some changes to the format of their Mentions platform to improve the quality of Facebook live events. These new updates are designed to allow the person that is going live to plan ahead, moderate comments, view the status of their broadcast in real time, and trim their video afterwards, if desired.

Pinterest released their Pinterest 100: Top Ideas to Try in 2017. This collaborative list was created using the top saved and shared pins of 2016. The list predicts what will be the popular trends of 2017 and is a useful tool for business owners to keep in touch with their customers and their interests. Plus, it’s just plain interesting to see what made the Top 100!

Twitter created a list of examples of how Fortune 500 companies chose to leverage Twitter to create positive results and accomplish goals. Adweek outlined some of these strategies in their recent blog post Success Stories from Twitter’s Front Lines. These annual insights are great for planning your own social media marketing for 2017.

See you next week with another edition of Top Three Thursday: Social News You Can Use.

Melody Jones is your social media aspirin. She helps take the pain out of social media for you! Check out her services and see which one can reduce your social media pain the most.

Top Three Thursday: Social Media News You Can Use

Top Three Thursday

Top Three ThursdayWelcome to my Thursday feature. Here’s where I link three useful and interesting articles from excellent information sources all about social media and marketing subjects.

As you know, changes are always happening in the world of social media. We have a lot to keep up with!

 

Facebook released a new report on Millennials and brand loyalty. It is estimated that 77% of Millennials remain loyal to a brand, but only 37% of those customers will become repeat buyers. The article is titled “Modern Loyalty: Love in a Time of Infinite Choice” and describes what causes this generation of consumers to remain loyal to a brand or move onto another company. Understanding your customer is crucial in sustaining your business.

LinkedIn made some updates to their “Endorsements” feature on their platform. Endorsements are helpful in finding a new job as well as in aiding employers in hiring a new employee. In one of LinkedIn’s recent articles “Expert Tips for Making Skills on Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out”, they explain how to use this feature to its full potential and improve your LinkedIn profile.

In Mashable’s recent article “Everything Your Small Business Needs to Know About the Evolving World of Marketing” they outline some very helpful attributes of a healthy marketing strategy. Topics range from how to engage with your audience on their level to seeking advice from experienced mentors. The article is full of instructional videos outlining these strategies. These words of wisdom are sure to motivate and inspire you as you curate, create and schedule your social media.

See you next week with another edition of Top Three Thursday: Social News You Can Use.

Melody Jones is your social media aspirin. She helps take the pain out of social media for you! Check out her services and see which one can reduce your social media pain the most.