You’ve spent hours crafting the perfect caption. You’ve chosen an on-brand image that makes your aesthetic-loving heart sing. You’ve hit “post” with fingers crossed and a bit of hope in your chest. And then… crickets.
No likes. No comments. No shares. And worst of all? No new eyes on your book.
If this has become a recurring theme, let’s set one thing straight: it’s not that you’re bad at social media. It’s that you’re likely approaching it with a strategy that doesn’t serve your goals as an author.
The game has changed. And in today’s digital landscape, the authors who thrive aren’t necessarily posting more. They’re posting smarter. They understand that engagement is less about quantity and more about intentionality, psychology, and knowing how people actually use these platforms.
So if you’re ready to stop shouting into the void and start connecting with readers who care, let’s break down why your engagement is lagging—and how to turn it around with strategic content that gets noticed, shared, and, most importantly, felt.
Why Your Engagement Is Flatlining (And What To Do About It)
Let’s start with an honest truth: people aren’t scrolling Instagram looking for your book. They’re not out there actively hoping someone will pitch them a new release or post a perfectly-filtered flat lay.
They’re scrolling for something that resonates. They’re craving connection. And if your post doesn’t speak to them directly—or give them a reason to pause—they’ll swipe on by. Even if what you’re sharing is beautiful, heartfelt, or meticulously planned.
Here’s what’s actually getting in your way:
- Your content is too self-focused (more “here’s what I did” than “here’s why you’ll care”).
- You’re not inviting interaction—you’re broadcasting, not conversing.
- You’re using formats that don’t align with how readers consume content.
- You’re inconsistent, or you’re posting without purpose.
Let’s fix each of these, one step at a time.
Step 1: Shift the Spotlight—Make Your Posts About Them, Not You
Here’s the truth: “I” content rarely performs well on its own. That doesn’t mean you can’t share your experience—but it does mean you have to position it in a way that resonates with your audience’s needs, desires, or emotions.Take this common example:
Instead of:
“My book is finally here!”
Try:
“Ever wished you could escape into a story that feels like a warm hug after a long day? That’s exactly what I wrote this for.”
See the difference? One celebrates your milestone. The other offers the reader a reason to care.
Ask yourself before you post:
- Would this resonate with someone who doesn’t know me?
- Does this reflect something my ideal reader might be thinking or feeling?
You’re not just promoting a book. You’re offering an experience, an emotion, a connection. Be their mirror, not just their megaphone.
Step 2: Post Invitations, Not Announcements
Think of your Instagram post like a handwritten invitation, not a press release. A post that simply announces will be scrolled past. But a post that invites your audience into a conversation? That sparks curiosity, emotion, and response.
Examples of engaging, reader-centered prompts:
- “Which character would you rather road trip with: the brooding hero with a heart of gold, or the chaotic, morally gray troublemaker?”
- “Tell me your favorite book trope in three words.”
- “Drop a 📚 if you’ve ever told yourself ‘just one more chapter’—at 2am.”
It’s not about being clever—it’s about being inviting.
Action Step: Include a low-pressure, open-ended question in every 2–3 posts. Skip the yes/no stuff. Invite story. Invite nuance. Invite people to see themselves in the world you’re creating.
Step 3: Use the Right Format for the Right Message
Instagram (and other platforms) don’t just reward content—they reward time spent with content. So your format matters.
Let’s walk through the major formats you should be using—and why they work:
1. Carousels: Deep Connection, One Swipe at a Time
- Great for storytelling, teaching, behind-the-scenes, and value-driven posts.
- Keeps people swiping, which increases time spent on your post.
- Easy to break down complex ideas into digestible parts.
Use carousels for:
✔️ Teasing your book’s emotional themes
✔️ Character introductions or quotes
✔️ Writing lessons or reflections from your journey
2. Reels: Reach + Relatability
No, you don’t need to lip-sync or dance. But you do need to show personality. Readers want to connect with the human behind the book.
Use reels for:
✔️ Reading excerpts aloud (your voice is powerful!)
✔️ Moodboards and aesthetic inspiration
✔️ “Day in the life” or author process snippets
3. Stories with Polls & Questions: Effortless Engagement
Stories are the lowest-friction way for your audience to interact with you. Polls, quizzes, and emoji sliders invite instant participation.
Try this:
- “Which cover concept do you like best?”
- “Have you ever cried at a book ending?”
- “Ask me anything about the book I’m working on!”
Action Step: Audit your last 10 posts. Were they all static images with captions? Time to diversify. Layer in carousels, reels, and interactive stories each week to create momentum.
Step 4: Be Consistent—But Intentional
Let’s clear this up: consistency doesn’t mean daily. It means strategic. What matters most is showing up regularly with content that actually matters to your audience. That means planning with intention—not throwing something together just to post. Try this simple weekly rhythm:
- One value post (tips, inspiration, insight)
- One story-driven post (behind-the-scenes or emotional hook)
- One promotional post (pre-order, excerpt, announcement)
- One engagement post (poll, question, reader-centered prompt)
It’s sustainable, smart, and proven to build trust over time.
Action Step: Plan your content one week at a time. Keep it fluid, but rooted in strategy. This reduces burnout and ensures every post serves a purpose.
Bonus: Repurpose Like a Pro
Don’t reinvent the wheel. If something resonated once, there’s gold in there. Squeeze every drop of value out of it. Here’s how:
- Turn a high-performing caption into a carousel.
- Create a Reel from a thoughtful comment or DM.
- Rework your best-performing post into a newsletter intro.
Think of every piece of content as a seed. You can grow it in multiple places, multiple ways.
You Don’t Need a Massive Following—You Need the Right One
The authors who thrive on Instagram aren’t always the loudest, trendiest, or most followed. They’re the most intentional. They build community, not just visibility. They post with connection in mind—not performance. And you? You can absolutely do the same.
This isn’t about chasing virality or burning out in the name of “consistency.” This is about building a platform that feels like you—and invites your future readers to pull up a chair, stay awhile, and fall in love with your world.
Ready to Build a Visibility Plan That Actually Works?
If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and getting nowhere with your online presence, I’d love to help.
Book a free 1-hour brand strategy session with me and we’ll map out a custom approach to help you:
- Grow an audience that cares
- Build content that connects
- Finally get your book the attention it deserves
👉 [Click www.roseavenueliterary.com to schedule your free session.]
Let’s get your posts working for you—so you can get back to what you do best: telling unforgettable stories.
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.”
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