by 
When I first joined Bookstagram, I’ll be honest—I felt lost.
I had a handful of followers (mostly friends and family), and I’d scroll through other accounts wondering how they managed to make everything look so aesthetic.
If you’re feeling the same, don’t worry! Growing your Bookstagram account takes time, but with the right approach, it can also be a lot of fun.
In this post, I’m sharing 10 practical ways you can grow your Bookstagram account, connect with more readers, and make your feed shine.
These are tips I’ve either tried myself or seen others use successfully. Let’s get started!
1. Create a Cohesive Aesthetic
Why It Matters
When someone stumbles across your profile, the first thing they notice is how your feed looks.
Think of your grid as your “bookstore window”—it’s your chance to grab their attention.
A cohesive aesthetic makes your feed look polished and inviting.
How to Achieve It
I. Pick a Theme
Decide on a general vibe for your feed. Do you love warm tones, soft pastels, or moody dark themes?
Maybe you enjoy using natural backdrops like plants and wooden tables.
Whatever you choose, stick with it so your photos feel consistent.
II. Use Consistent Filters
Filters or editing styles tie your photos together.
Apps like Lightroom let you save custom presets, so every image can have the same tone and feel.
III. High-Quality Photos
This doesn’t mean you need a fancy camera!
Good lighting and sharp focus go a long way.
Try taking pictures near a window or outside for natural light.
Tools That Help
- Canva: Perfect for creating story highlights, quote posts, or other graphics.
- Snapseed: Great for editing brightness, contrast, and saturation.
- Lightroom: Ideal for creating and applying filters consistently.
Your aesthetic is the first impression new followers will get—make it count!
2. Post Consistently
Why It Matters
Instagram rewards consistency.
Posting regularly not only keeps your followers engaged but also increases your chances of being discovered by new people.
How Often Should You Post?
Aim for 3–4 posts a week to keep your account active without overwhelming yourself.
If daily posting feels manageable, go for it! But the key is to maintain a pace you can stick with.
Tips for Staying Consistent
I. Batch Your Content
Take photos for multiple posts in one sitting.
This saves time and helps you avoid scrambling for content later.
II. Use Scheduling Tools
Apps like Later or Planoly let you schedule posts in advance, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting.
III. Mix It Up
Alternate between different types of content—reviews, flat lays, reels, and bookish memes. Variety keeps your feed interesting!
Remember, consistency doesn’t mean perfection. Life happens, and it’s okay to miss a post now and then.
3. Leverage Instagram Reels and Stories
Why It Matters
Instagram loves video content. Reels, in particular, are shown to a wider audience than regular posts, making them a fantastic way to reach new followers.
Stories, on the other hand, help you connect with your current followers in a more casual, behind-the-scenes way.
Ideas for Reels
- Quick Book Recommendations: Share 3–5 books you love in under 30 seconds.
- Bookshelf Tours: Show off your shelves or reorganize them on camera.
- Unboxings: Got book mail? Film the unwrapping process—it’s oddly satisfying to watch!
- Trendy Videos: Adapt popular Instagram trends to bookish content.
Making the Most of Stories
Stories are perfect for engagement. Use features like:
- Polls: Ask, “Which book should I read next?” or “Do you prefer ebooks or physical books?”
- Questions: Let followers ask for recommendations or share their favorite genres.
- Link Stickers: If you have a blog or affiliate links, direct traffic through your stories.
The key is to have fun with it! People love seeing your personality shine through.
Related: 55 Beginner-Friendly Reel Ideas for Your Bookstagram
4. Engage with the Community
Why It Matters
Bookstagram isn’t just about posting—it’s about connecting.
When you engage with others, you’re building relationships, which often leads to more followers.
How to Engage
I. Comment on Other Posts
Don’t just drop a generic “Nice pic!”—leave thoughtful comments that show you’ve read the caption or noticed details in the photo.
II. Reply to Comments on Your Posts
If someone takes the time to comment, reply to them!
It keeps the conversation going and shows you value their input.
III. Join Challenges
Participate in hashtag challenges like #BookishBingo or #BooksAndCoffee.
They’re a fun way to connect with others and get your posts seen.
IV. Start Conversations in DMs
If you share a love for the same book or author with someone, reach out and chat!
Bookstagram is as much about relationships as it is about books, so don’t be shy.
5. Use Relevant Hashtags Strategically
Why It Matters
Hashtags are like signposts that help new people find your posts.
Use them well, and your content will appear in searches and on the Explore page.
Which Hashtags to Use
- Broad Bookish Tags: #Bookstagram, #Bibliophile, #BookNerd.
- Genre-Specific Tags: If you’re posting a fantasy book, use #FantasyBooks or #EpicReads.
- Popular Tags: Join trending tags like #CurrentlyReading or #BookishFlatlay.
How Many to Use
Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags, but 15–20 targeted ones often work best.
Avoid overly generic tags like #Books, as they’re too crowded to be effective.
6. Collaborate with Others
Why It Matters
Collaborations expose your account to a new audience while strengthening connections within the community.
Collaboration Ideas
- Buddy Reads: Partner with another Bookstagrammer to read and discuss the same book. Share updates in your posts or stories.
- Giveaways: Team up with someone to host a joint giveaway. Bigger prizes attract more attention!
- Shoutouts: Feature each other in stories or posts. It’s a simple way to share the love and gain followers.
Collabs are a win-win—you grow your audience and build friendships along the way.
You May Also Like: 15 Bookstagram Captions That Will Get Your Followers Talking
7. Optimize Your Bio and Profile
Why It Matters
Your bio is like your elevator pitch.
It’s the first thing people read when they visit your profile, so make it count.
What to Include
I. A Clear Bio
Mention your favorite genres, your personality, or what followers can expect (e.g., “Fantasy & Romance Addict | Tea Lover | Honest Book Reviews”).
II. Profile Picture
Use a clear, inviting photo of yourself or a logo that represents your brand.
III. Linktree or Blog Link
If you have other platforms, make it easy for people to find them.
Think of your profile as your Bookstagram “business card.”
8. Host Giveaways
Why It Matters
Who doesn’t love free books?
Giveaways are a fantastic way to attract new followers and thank your existing ones.
How to Host
- Choose a Relevant Prize: Popular books, bookstore gift cards, or bookish merch work well.
- Set Entry Rules: Common rules include “Follow, like this post, and tag a friend.”
- Promote It: Share the giveaway on stories and collaborate with others for more reach.
While giveaways can bring a surge of followers, focus on quality engagement afterward to retain them.
9. Track Your Analytics
Why It Matters
Understanding what works (and what doesn’t) helps you refine your strategy.
Tools to Use
I. Instagram Insights
If you have a business account, you can see which posts perform best, what times your audience is most active, and more.
II. Third-Party Apps
Tools like Later or Sprout Social provide even deeper analytics.
Check your analytics regularly to see patterns and adapt your content accordingly.
Related Post: 16 Must-Try Exciting Content Ideas For Your Bookstagram Account
10. Stay Authentic
Why It Matters
People follow you because they like you.
Authenticity builds trust and keeps followers coming back.
How to Stay Authentic
- Be Honest: Share your true thoughts about books, even if they’re unpopular.
- Show Personality: Post behind-the-scenes moments, like your reading nook or coffee routine.
- Avoid Gimmicks: Don’t buy followers or use bots—it’s not worth it.
The best part of Bookstagram is sharing your genuine love for books. Let that shine!
At the end of the day, Bookstagram is a community, not just a platform.
It’s a space where book lovers from all over the world come together to share their love of stories, authors, and characters.
By using these tips, you’ll not only grow your follower count but also deepen your connections with like-minded readers who truly appreciate your content.
Now that you’ve read through these tips, I’d love to hear from you!
Do you have a favorite strategy for growing your Bookstagram account? Or maybe you’ve tried something unique that worked wonders? Let’s chat in the comments!
Feel free to share your thoughts or ask any questions—I’m always happy to help fellow Bookstagrammers.
Read Next: 10 Bookish Influencer Programs Perfect for Growing Your Bookstagram
