Hello readers!
Today we have with us your favourite bookish content creators talking about their journey on Bookstagram. Keep reading to find out their tips and tricks of content creation.
What is the biggest challenge you face as a book content creator?
Puty says: In Indonesia, books are not among the most popular content categories. If we want to reach a wider audience, not only the bookish community, we must make the content relatable and not only about the book itself. There were times when I worried if I oversimplified things just to make the content engaging. However, when the content reached people who don’t usually read books and got them interested, it felt very fulfilling for me.
Antonia says: As a book content creator (in the Philippines), the biggest challenge I face is constantly being active on my page and always trying to be on the good side of the algorithm amidst the daily hustles of life and reading schedules outside these social media platforms. Yet, it’s a learning process and we cannot, on all occasions, be on the bright side. Acceptance makes everything easier and when feeling lost, internalize and go back to why you even started your page in the first place. It will make you feel grounded, wholesome, and inspired again.
Czarina says: I think the biggest challenge is trying to start your account, in the first place; all your self-doubt gets to you before you even begin making one. To be honest, it gets easier once you finally decide to cross that line, find your own pace, find your own aesthetic. After all, there is no clear-cut rule when it comes to content creation: the more you post, the more you hone your creativity. The only thing you need to do first is let go of your inhibitions and take that first step.
Meg says: I definitely feel deflated at times while building a reading community and retaining the audience. I know it is very much out of a creator’s control if the algorithm is not necessarily showing your content to the people who follow you (same goes with your following! I rarely see some of my booksta friends’ posts nowadays if I don’t search for them), but of course this pushes me to think out of the box and experiment with other styles, types of posts etc. that stretches out from what I usually do, and it is always rewarding to see it finally pay off! Every obstacle is a learning opportunity for me, and I would love to continue tackling these problems and improve my content that I put out for sure!
Grace says: I would say my biggest challenge is finding the balance in life to keep up with books, writing, and creating content. I admit I have days where I just run out of inspiration. The dry spell feels extremely horrible, no sugar coating it. However, I always use this period to gather back my drive, whether it’s through changing my current read, going to a library/bookstore in town, or putting on my go-to playlists. Pinterest is also my best friend, because there’s always a wide variety of ideas I can find on the platform! Having said that, I hope I will eventually find (and cultivate) a rhythm which suits me best.
Kriti says: The biggest challenge for me is keeping up with the latest trends and keeping up with the ‘trendy’ books! Bookish content is not just about book reviews these days, it’s also about ‘aesthetics’ and making content that goes viral. Following the new trends that are going viral on the platform is a challenge in itself. Then there’s not giving into the number game, to not let all these things affect what you read and how to make and engage with content. At the end of the day, bookish content is all about reading and talking about books you love.
What is that one tip or advice you would like to share with budding content creators on Bookstagram/BookTok?
Puty says: Start small and with books that interest you. Building an audience takes time, so trust the process. At the end of the day, the content of the books you read may serve as your reading log, and it may help someone to discover their new favorite book.
Antonia says: Always aim to be your most authentic self and make it your core etiquette as you grow and thrive in this community, especially in these fast-paced and ever-changing platforms that we use. Give credit where it’s due and do it with modesty, elegance, and grace at all times.
Czarina says: Consistency. I know this one is overplayed but consistency when it comes to posting does not necessarily mean doing it everyday—it is about setting a set of days when you can commit to posting. In my case, I try to upload photos and reels around 3-4 times a week at a time that is convenient to me.
Meg says: Find your own niche and build your bookstagram brand around it! Explore what you love posting most and stick with that because the last thing you wanna feel is too burnt out to create content! In short, create content that you love!
Grace says: Stay determined and focused on your goals on these platforms, but most importantly, enjoy what you’re reading and build friendships! Some of my favorite books and several longest lasting connections were discovered and formed through bookstagram. I love this community so much.
Kriti says: Read books you love, talk about them, focus on meeting like-minded people, and don’t let the number game get to you. And my two cents on content creation: if you want to make more content, you also have to consume more content to come up with new ideas.
That’s all for today, folks!
Question for you: Would you rather live in the world of the book you’re reading or hang out with the characters of your current read? Click here to watch some fun responses!
