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How to create a bookstagram (10 tips to get you started)

7/1/2017

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Everyone who takes photos dreams of that one picture that will change their account forever. That one picture with just the right lighting and an engaging color scheme. The reality of Instagram, however is a bit more... frustrating. Here are ten tips to get you closer to your dream bookstagram account!

Tip #1

First and foremost set up an Instagram account. Don't forget to set your account to public or else brands and other bookstagramers will not be able to see your photos. 
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Bookish usernames will make your Instagram more relevant especially if your audience consists mostly of bookworms.

Tip #2

Choose a theme! A theme can be a certain color scheme or a certain filter that you use for all or most of your photos. Here are some examples of consistent themes. Once you find a theme that you like, stick to it!
To help you choose a theme, I created a short quiz for you guys.
Which theme goes with your personality?

Tip #3

Post regularly, this way you will develop a regular audience. If you connect your Instagram to Facebook you will gain access to statistics for each photo you post. You will be able to see which days and at what time of day you get the most engagement.

Tip #4

Get inspired. Follow other bookstagramers and take part in challenges and tags. Challenge yourself and realize that it takes time to get better. Use the props around you. You don't need to go out and buy fancy props and brand new books for every photo. Use what you have. There are hundreds of challenges out there to give you an idea of what you want to do. In fact I am actually co-hosting a July challenge. I would love it if you would join myself and others in this creative challenge. 
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Tip #5

Always use hashtags in your photos. You are guaranteed to get more engagement if you just use hashtags. Notice that I used 26 hashtags, and got 175 likes. 
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Tip #6

Develop your own style. Personally I like to take my photos outside, usually in the grass. I like to project a very upbeat vibe on my Instagram so I stick to vibrant colors and props that remind my audience of the outdoors.

Tip #7

Be creative and don't be afraid to stand out. I tried for the longest time to take indoor photos but it just never worked. However I've seen hundreds of Instagramers take gorgeous photos on their coffee table or using a bed sheet. Indoor photos have never been my forte, however when I started taking photos outside the difference was startling. 
WARNING, awful photos ahead!
These are all from my early days on bookstagram and while I may not be the most amazing photographer out there I do think that I have improved. 
These are some of my first photos when I began experimenting with the outdoors and natural lighting.

Tip #8

Don't be a negative nelly. People react to positivity and will return to your page if they feel like you are being genuine and nice.

Tip #9

Tell a story, more specifically tell your story. Integrate your other hobbies. Do you have a lot of pets? Do you play tennis? Do you like video games? Are you on the swim team? 

Tip #10

This is a two in one. First off always use natural lighting. This will make your editing allot easier. Second when it comes to editing less is more. Invest in a nice editing app (I use Enlight, but there hundreds out there) and fine tune your photo as little as possible.  
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Notice how saturated and over edited this photo is. It's overwhelming!

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Whereas this photo has been edited to bring out the blue paint on my hand and that is about it. 
Let me know what you thought. Did this help? Let me know on Instagram at @livsbookshelf
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    Welcome to my bookblog!

    I am an American book blogger who loves to write. I love story's that have the power to change a person. 

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  • Blog
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  • About
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