5 Important Lessons I’ve Learned From Starting A Bookstagram

I’ve been blogging for almost a year now. Around the same time, I started a Bookstagram: an Instagram account about books.

In my year on Bookstagram I’ve learned a lot about the book community, social media and even myself. These are just a few lessons I’ve learned.

1. Authenticity Is Important

Authenticity is a three dollar word that gets tossed around a lot these days, but it’s actually an important part of running a social media account.

Even though a Bookstagram is supposed to be about books, it requires a fair amount of sharing about yourself. Because your sharing about yourself and opinions is key, it’s important to be honest and let your uniqueness shine through.

2. Taking Pictures Of Books Is Harder Than It Looks

Some of my earlier photos on Instagram were truly horrendous. Before that, I was something of an amateur photographer, but I mostly took nature photos. I thought switching to taking picture of books would be so easy, but it was so not.

It took a lot of practice and research to learn how to actually take good photos. One of the best tips I learned was find the right background. (That’s why the background on most of my photos is a white blanket.)

I’m still learning how to take good pictures for Instagram, but I think I’m getting better at it.

3. Success Doesn’t Happen Overnight

This is one that I think everyone says, but it’s true. Most Bookstagrammers start out with no followers or platform. Over time, you can build those things, but it takes time.

As I’m writing this post, I have 192 followers. I usually get a like or two on my posts. To some that’s nothing, but to me, it’s incredible.

4. You’ve Got To Find Your People

There are so many different bookstagrammers out there with different styles, genre preferences, and more. This great because it means there’s something for everyone, but it also means that you might have to dig a little more to find accounts that you love.

When I first joined Bookstagram I had no idea how to connect with other readers on the platform. So I started following my favorite authors and then I found follow trains in several book groups on Facebook.

5. There’s So Much To Explore

I still am discovering all the wonderful things Bookstagram has to offer. There challenges, book tags, and thousands of undiscovered books. It’s a whole world based on books that is full of life and joy.

Final Thoughts

Bookstagram is a great place to share about. It is a wonderful community and I am proud to be a member.