Seven Story Publishing

If you’re relying on luck to grow on Instagram, it’s no wonder you’re feeling stuck.

Success on this platform isn’t random. It’s not about beating the algorithm, going viral, or hoping your posts magically land in front of the right people. It’s about using strategy—so your ideal readers can actually find you, connect with your content, and ultimately buy your books.

Below, we’re breaking down a proven, six-step approach to growing your author platform on Instagram—without guessing, burning out, or relying on luck.

Step 1: Optimize Your Profile for Discoverability

You only have a few seconds to capture someone’s attention when they visit your profile—and if they’re confused, they’ll leave. Readers won’t follow (or buy from) you if they don’t know who you are or what you offer.

A well-optimized profile is a clear, compelling invitation to your ideal audience.

Here’s how to optimize it effectively:

• Name Field: Use searchable keywords that reflect your genre or style. For example, instead of just your name, try “Romance Author | Grumpy x Sunshine” or “Fantasy Author | Slow Burn & Swordplay.” This makes your profile discoverable through Instagram’s search function.
• Bio: Think of your bio as your elevator pitch. Who are you? What do you write? Why should someone follow you? Keep it concise but impactful.
• Link in Bio: Choose one clear call to action. Whether it’s your newsletter sign-up, a preorder link, or a lead magnet like a free chapter download, make sure your link aligns with your current goals.
  

Remember: First impressions matter. Your profile is your storefront—make sure it’s inviting and clear.

Step 2: Create Content That Converts

If your current approach is to post the occasional book promo and hope people bite, it’s time to rethink your content strategy.

Effective content doesn’t just promote—it connects, informs, and inspires.

Focus on creating three core types of content:

1. Value Content: This includes educational, entertaining, or inspirational posts. Think writing tips, bookish facts, relatable reader memes, or personal insights from your author journey.
2. Engagement Content: These posts are designed to spark interaction. Ask for opinions, run “this or that” comparisons, use carousels or graphics that prompt responses, or host book-related discussions.
3. Promotional Content (Done Strategically): Don’t just say “buy my book.” Instead, share behind-the-scenes glimpses, character spotlights, world-building notes, or story tropes your readers love. Make the content as enjoyable as the book itself.

Bottom line: If your feed is just one sales pitch after another, your audience will lose interest. Create content that makes people want to stay—and come back for more.

Step 3: Leverage Storytelling (Even in Captions)

You’re an author—use that skill. Storytelling doesn’t just belong in your books; it belongs in your Instagram captions, too.

If your captions feel flat or transactional, your engagement will suffer. People connect with emotion, not marketing language.

Here’s how to bring storytelling into your captions:

• Start with a hook: Pose a question, set a scene, or share a relatable moment.
• Build curiosity: Share a conflict, emotion, or personal challenge your audience can relate to.
• Lead into your call to action: Whether it’s reading a preview, commenting with their thoughts, or following your page, tie it back to the story.

For example:

• Instead of: “My book is available now—grab your copy!”
• Try: “She was the last person he expected to fall for… and the only one who saw through his walls. That’s the tension driving my latest novel. Want a sneak peek?”

Great storytelling isn’t about selling—it’s about creating connection.

Step 4: Engage Like a Human, Not a Bot

Instagram is a social platform. If you’re not being social, you’re missing the point.

Too many authors treat their accounts like a one-way megaphone. But true growth comes from genuine interaction.

Here’s how to show up intentionally:

• Respond to Comments: Every single comment is an opportunity to start a relationship. Replying shows your audience you care—and it boosts your visibility in the algorithm.
• Start Conversations in DMs: If someone shares your post, tags you, or reacts to your Story, take it as a cue to reach out. Ask what they’re reading or how they found you.
• Engage with Readers (Not Just Other Authors): While author-to-author support is valuable, remember that your ideal reader may not be another writer. Spend time engaging on bookstagram accounts, fan pages, or reading challenge hashtags.

Social media growth is relational—not transactional.

Step 5: Use Instagram Stories to Build Deeper Connections

Instagram Stories are one of the most powerful (yet underutilized) tools for authors.

While your main feed helps attract new followers, Stories keep your current audience connected and engaged.

Here’s how to make the most of Stories:

• Show up daily: Even two to three slides a day can keep you top-of-mind with your audience.
• Show your personality: Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, quick updates from your writing desk, or your reactions to trending bookish content. Let people see you—not just your book.
• Use interactive features: Polls, sliders, questions, and quizzes all increase engagement and signal to the algorithm that people are interested in your content.

Stories don’t need to be curated or polished. They need to be real.

Step 6: Stop Obsessing Over the Algorithm

Yes, Instagram has an algorithm—but it’s not out to get you. In fact, it’s designed to reward content that people find valuable.

Here’s how to work with the algorithm, not against it:

• Post consistently: Three to five times a week is a great rhythm for most authors. Find a schedule you can stick to.
• Prioritize saves and shares: Create posts that people want to come back to or share with others. That might mean offering advice, relatable content, or beautiful quotes from your book.
• Track what’s working: Use your insights to see which posts are driving engagement, saves, or profile visits. Double down on what performs well, and adjust what doesn’t.

Instead of guessing or constantly switching strategies, lean into what works—and let your data guide you.

Final Thoughts

Instagram isn’t “just for fun” when you’re an author trying to build a platform and sell books. It’s a tool—and like any tool, it requires skill and intention to use effectively. The good news? You don’t have to guess your way through this. With a solid strategy, you can build a presence that:

• Attracts the right readers
• Grows your audience organically
• Leads to more book sales without burning you out

I’ve created a free guide that walks you through the exact steps to make this happen. Inside, you’ll learn how to:

• Work with the algorithm instead of trying to “hack” it
• Track the right metrics so you know what’s effective
• Optimize your profile to attract readers who actually care about your genre

Because the truth is simple: Instagram success isn’t random. It’s built. And you can build it, too.

Follow and Connect with Danielle Wright

About

“Danielle is a multi-genre romance author, seamlessly weaving stories that bridge the past and present. From the sweeping depth of historical romance to the raw emotion of contemporary love stories, her work explores themes of healing, resilience, and human connection. She’s also a poet, crafting verses that cut straight to the heart. Whether through prose or poetry, her writing is known for its rich storytelling, deep character exploration, and emotional depth that lingers long after the last page.

“But storytelling isn’t just her passion—it’s her business. With a decade of experience in author branding and digital marketing, Danielle helps indie authors master the art of selling books without feeling salesy. Through her coaching, content creation, and signature program, The Visibility Advantage, she teaches authors how to build powerful, personality-driven brands that attract loyal readers and drive book sales. Her no-fluff, psychology-backed marketing strategies make social media feel effortless, turning overwhelmed writers into confident, strategic marketers.

Whether she’s crafting compelling narratives or helping authors take their brands from barely noticed to bestseller, Danielle’s mission is clear: to make marketing work for authors—without the burnout.

Social Media

Connect with her on Tiktok or Instagram at @roseavenueliterary or visit her website www.roseavenueliterary.com.”