As an author, Instagram isn’t just for sharing pretty pictures, it’s a powerful tool to grow your audience, connect with readers, build your brand, and ultimately sell more books. I’ve seen many authors thrive on Instagram, and after years of using the platform myself, I’ve learned what it takes to create a profile that really draws in your target audience. Today I’m here to explain how to set up an Instagram author account that gets you–and your work–noticed.
How to set up an Instagram author account
Discover how to set up an Instagram author account by following these simple steps:
1. Create your profile
To start using Instagram, the first step is to create your profile. You'll need a valid email address or phone number to sign up. Once you've set up your account, you can move on to the next step, where you'll learn more about choosing the perfect handle and profile picture to represent your author brand.
Attention authors looking to make the most of other social media platforms: Best Marketing Practices for Authors Using Social Media
2. Select your handle
When choosing the right handle (@handle) for your Instagram profile as an author, keep it simple and memorable. Ideally, use your name or pen name so readers can easily find you. If your name is already taken, you can add "author" or "writes" after your name. For example, your handle might be @imogeneadamsauthor.
3. Choose the perfect profile picture
When choosing an Instagram profile picture as an author, go for a high-quality image that feels approachable and reflects your unique personality. A friendly headshot with a warm smile is a great way to make a connection with potential readers. Don’t be afraid to add a touch of your brand’s style, whether it’s a specific color, backdrop, or something that hints at your genre.
4. Make your Instagram account a business account
To set up your Instagram account as a business author account, start by going to your profile and tapping the three lines in the top-right corner. Select Account type and tools, then Switch to professional account. Follow the prompts and select select Author as your business category.
5. Edit your Instagram author bio
Your Instagram author bio is the brief intro at the top of your profile. This is your chance to share a bit about who you are and the genre you write in. Make sure to mention the title of your book and include a call-to-action for readers who discover you on the platform.
For example, your Instagram author bio could say: "Financial Thriller author. Start reading 'The Shadow of Capital' by clicking the link below!"
Once you’ve finished setting up your Instagram author profile, connect with me at @thebookmarketer on the platform!
6. Pin relevant content
On Instagram, you can pin up to 3 posts to the top of your profile, and they’ll stay there no matter how many new posts you share. It’s a great idea to pin posts that highlight key information you want visitors to see right away, like details about your book or a little more about you as an author. And don't worry, you can always change which posts are pinned whenever you like!
Examples of authors using pinned posts:
Tips for author posts on Instagram
Once you’ve set up your Instagram author profile, you can begin sharing content. While I’ve already written a post where I share five fun ways to promote your book on Instagram, I have some additional pro tips to help you make the most of the platform:
Prioritize Reels
I can't recommend using Instagram Reels enough! Reels are a fantastic way to promote your book because Instagram shows them to users who don’t already follow you, helping you reach new audiences. These are short, vertical videos where you can add music and effects. You might share a quick chat about your book, its themes, or your characters. And if creating video content sounds intimidating, don't worry. I promise it's easier than you think! When it’s time to choose a thumbnail for your reel, make sure it looks great in your feed. It’s also possible to create your own custom thumbnail.
New to Reels? Download my free 4-Day Reels Training.
Hook users in
One of the hottest trends in Reels right now is creating super short videos, about five seconds long, designed to catch a user's attention and make them pause long enough to read your caption. You can do this by adding eye-catching text on the screen or using a simple video of you pointing to the text as it appears. For example, you could flash a headline like, "10 Things Every Business Owner Needs to Know for a Successful First Year," and then direct viewers to the caption, where you dive deeper or share a link to a full article with all the details.
Example:
Post frequently
Post photos as much as possible to keep your audience engaged. I recommend posting 3-4 times a week when you’re starting on the platform. Once you’ve gained a decent following, 2-3 posts a week should do it! You can post single photos or post up to 10 photos in a carousel. Posting photos gives users the chance to get to know more about you as a person and an author. You can also share branded graphics that promote your book or brand. Check out my other blog post, 5 Social Media Post Ideas That Every Author Can Try, for more ideas!
Limit your hashtags
Stick to using no more than 5 hashtags per post to keep things clean and effective. Hashtags are keywords or phrases with the "#" symbol that help categorize content so it’s discoverable to a broader audience interested in specific topics or themes. Focus on hashtags that your audience is likely to search for, rather than ones that are too niche or specific to just your book. For example, #thrillerbook, #thrillerauthor, #thrillerbookclub, or #domesticthriller are all good options for an author in this genre!
Whether you’re in the midst of the writing process or have already finished your book, now is the perfect time to consider a marketing strategy. To help you get started, I’m offering a FREE download of my guide, 10 Things You Need For A Successful Book Launch. This valuable resource is packed with expert tips and strategies to empower you to craft an effective book launch and connect with a larger audience of eager readers.
This is a fantastic guide on setting up an Instagram author account! Your insights into creating a compelling profile and effectively using features like Reels are invaluable for authors looking to expand their reach. The emphasis on a professional handle and engaging bio is particularly important, as these elements can significantly impact how potential readers perceive you.
At Write My Essay NZ, we understand the importance of building your brand, and our write my essay services can help authors focus on their writing while we assist with academic assignments. By alleviating some of your academic pressures, you can dedicate more time to crafting your next bestseller!