How to Boost Your Instagram Engagement as an Author (Even When the Algorithm Is Against You)
So your views are low, your engagement is dropping, and you're wondering if Instagram just isn't built for authors. Sound familiar?
Every time Instagram updates its algorithm (which feels like every other week), it can shake up your engagement. And while that’s frustrating, here’s the good news: you don’t have to work for the algorithm - you can make the algorithm work for you.
In this post, I’ll show you a simple, repeatable content strategy that helps both fiction and non-fiction authors attract more readers, build engagement, and sell more books - without feeling like you’re constantly chasing trends.
Why Instagram Engagement Drops (and What You Can Do About It)
If your engagement is down, one of these factors is likely at play:
Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes content that keeps people engaged for longer (carousel posts, Reels, and conversations in the comments).
If your content isn’t getting interactions quickly, Instagram assumes it’s not relevant and stops pushing it to more people.
A drop in engagement can snowball—low engagement leads to less reach, which leads to even lower engagement.
But here’s the key takeaway: The more you focus on creating content your audience actually wants, the more engagement you’ll build - regardless of the algorithm.
The 3 Types of Instagram Content Authors Should Cycle Through Weekly
Rather than posting randomly and hoping for the best, use this strategic content rotation to keep your engagement steady and your audience growing.
1. Connection Content (This is Your Engagement Booster)
What It Is: Posts that help you connect with your readers and audience in a relatable, meaningful way.
Here’s what that would look like…
For Fiction Authors:
Books you’re currently reading (this naturally attracts readers in your genre).
Bookish struggles or habits (TBR piles, favorite tropes, unpopular opinions).
Behind-the-scenes of your writing process, outlining, or character development inspiration.
For Non-Fiction Authors:
Thought-provoking industry insights, trends, or lessons related to your book’s topic.
Personal stories that relate to your expertise or message.
Quick, valuable tips or takeaways that align with your book’s theme.
Why It Works: Connection content encourages likes, shares, and comments. This tells Instagram your content is valuable. This is especially helpful when engagement feels low.
2. Promotional Content (You Have to Talk About Your Book!)
What It Is: Posts that introduce new readers to your work and encourage them to take the next step - whether that’s following you, signing up for your email list, or purchasing your book.
It would look like…
For Fiction Authors:
Your book’s hook, a teaser or snippet from your book.
A behind-the-scenes look at your inspiration, research, or creative process.
An announcement about your book’s availability, pre-order, or upcoming launch.
For Non-Fiction Authors:
A short, actionable tip pulled from your book.
A case study, testimonial, or success story related to your topic.
A call-to-action to download your freebie or to join your email list.
Why It Works: If you don’t talk about your book, people won’t know it exists. The key is balancing promotional content with connection and value-driven content so your audience stays engaged.
3. Nurturing Content (Turn Followers into a Loyal Community)
What It Is: Posts designed to spark conversation, deepen engagement, and strengthen relationships with your audience.
Here’s how to do that…
For Fiction Authors:
Interactive posts (polls, quizzes, “this or that” book preferences).
Ask your audience questions about their favorite books, genres, or reading habits.
Behind-the-scenes glimpses of your daily writing life.
For Non-Fiction Authors:
Invite audience discussion with a thought-provoking question.
Share a reader testimonial or success story and ask for others to share their experiences.
Post a quick win or small action step that helps your audience get results.
Why It Works: When readers feel like they’re part of a community, they engage more often and are more likely to stick around, support your work, and buy your book. Creating a nurtured audience also creates repeat buyers for your future books, speaking events, and other offerings you might have.
How to Fix Low Engagement (Even When Instagram Feels Unpredictable)
If you’re struggling with engagement, follow this action plan:
Lean into connection posts first. They tend to get the fastest engagement boost.
Keep posting promotional and nurturing content. Keep a good balance so your audience stays interested and they know what you offer.
Experiment with different formats (Carousels, Reels, interactive Stories).
Encourage conversation. Ask direct and easy to answer questions in your captions.
Stay consistent. Even when engagement is low, keep showing up.
The Bottom Line: Instead of chasing trends or feeling like you’re at the mercy of Instagram’s algorithm, focus on creating content that builds relationships, provides value, and nurtures your audience. When you do that consistently, engagement will follow.
Your Next Steps: Take Action Now
Which type of post are you going to focus on this week? Leave a comment and let me know.
If you want a step-by-step guide to book marketing that actually works, grab my free Book Marketing Blueprint and start building your audience the right way.
