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How to Work the Instagram Algorithm

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In times like these Instagram can heavily influence your business. The algorithm can be updated frequently, so it’s important to stay on top of it for your content strategy.  

According to Instagram the 6 key factors that influence the Instagram algorithm are:

  1. Interest – How you interact on Instagram plays a role! Who you follow and what type of posts you like. That is why consistently showing up on Instagram is important.
  1. Relationship – Instagram uses your interactions to see who is closest to you (a little creepy but we all know it’s happening). As soon as you follow someone they will monitor how you engage with it.
  1. Timeliness – They care about when you posted, because they want to provide the latest most interesting posts. By finding your personalized best time to post on Instagram you can increase your reach!
  1. Frequency – If you open the app often your feed will be more chronological. However, if you check less often your feed will be based on what Instagram thinks you’ll like. 
  1. Following – If you follow a lot of people then Instagram has more options to choose from so you won’t see all of the posts from everyone’s account. 
  1. Usage – Depending on how often you open the app the more content you will see. 

Now, what do you do with all of this information to improve your engagement? The best thing you can do is drive as many interactions (likes, comments, DM, save, and share). Another way to increase engagement is to use all that Instagram has to offer, such as their newer Reels and Stories. 

Adding hashtags is the most effective way to reach people on Instagram and we want those views don’t we? Search what hashtags will work the best for your posts.

Another helpful tool is to keep track of your Instagram analytics. Use the “Insights” button to see what is working and what isn’t, what post got the most likes, and so forth. 

I know this is a lot of information, but once you have a better understanding on how to use the app you will get more out of it! Make it your focus for the next month if you want more followers or likes and get posting! Let us know how it goes. 

Don’t Limit Yourself!

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Here is your weekly reminder that you can accomplish anything! You shouldn’t limit yourself before it’s even begun. If you can think it you most likely can achieve it, and guess what? There’s so many resources at your disposal to help you get there!

So even while this says “go as far as your mind lets you” the beauty of it is…you can constantly be learning and educating yourself. You don’t think you can get 500 followers? Look into analytics and click rate. The internet is your best friend! AND hey, you found this post to give you the push you need! First step, complete.

If you need more motivation go look at our previous Monday posts and it will be sure to put some pep in your step (and come back for more)!

Happy Monday!

Book Lending 101

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We’ve all been there…a friend gets a glimpse of a book on your shelf that ends up going home with them, but never ends up back on your shelf…

There is a certain book lending etiquette that some people surpass, but here are some tips on how to get your books home safely!

  1. Treat it like a library. 

Give them a return date. And while you’re at it create a slip for them. You can even get really professional and get a library kit!

  1. Keep a list. 

If you don’t want to go as far as writing a slip or purchasing a library kit, keep your own list. Sometimes the lenders are the ones who forget, so write it down on a place where you will see it!

  1. Do a lend for lend. 

Trade books! You are more likely to get your book back when you borrow one as well. 

  1. Bookmarks.

If you are someone who cares about the condition in which your book is returned it might be a safe bet to put a bookmark inside to protect your pages! No dog-eared folds around here!

  1. Sticky notes.

If you really want to secure your books home return, put a sticky note on the last page as a reminder for the lender. 

So remember readers! Be courteous to book lenders and vice versa! 

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Happy Reading!

Hidden Treasures

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Considering this is a literary focused blog we write a lot about how to help and inspire writers/authors. However, sometimes we neglect to focus on the inspiration that is right in front of us. Our families and friends can be instrumental to finding ourselves and sparking creativity. Talk with them, learn with them, and good things may come. 

This is not to say that you might also get a headache, but in all seriousness there is no better way to learn than with and by those around you. 

Happy Monday!

Writing Chapter One

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Your first chapter needs to be the ultimate hook! Something that will encaptivate publishers, agents, and readers (no pressure). But don’t worry, that’s why you’re here…read on to discover the writers chapter one checklist.  

Disclaimer: Everyone’s books are different so every first chapter will be. There is no perfect formula to a first chapter but there are key elements. 

  1. Introduce the protagonist. 

First things first, we need to know the main character. We don’t need to know descriptive details just yet but enough to know a little bit about them. And don’t forget…for every great protagonist comes a great antagonist.

  1. Establish a point of view. 

What is your story’s point of view? Will you be writing in third person limited, third person omniscient, first person or another POV? Pick one and stick to it!

  1. Set the genre. 

From the first chapter the reader should truly understand what genre they are reading. Is it a romance, science fiction, thriller and so forth? 

  1. Introduce the conflict. 

What is going to keep the reader engaged? Why are they reading this story? Introducing the conflict in the first chapter gives the reader something to look forward to and makes them continue to chapter two. 

  1. Don’t overwhelm the reader.

Try not to throw in too much information in the first chapter. They still have a whole book to read after all! So limit the characters and places you mention in the first chapter. 

And as always..have fun! This is your novel and there’s no right way to write a first chapter, just helpful tips! And if you have any worth sharing let us know!

Happy Writing!

Help Guiding Emily Go Viral!

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Together we are on a mission! A couple missions actually…

  1. To raise money- half of the books proceeds will go to The Foundation for Blind Children
  2. To raise awareness of the issues of isolation that the blind encounter in the sighted community.

Both of these can be accomplished with the help of Guiding Emily. A heartwarming story of how a tragic accident can bring love and courage.

Watch this video below of author, Barbara Hinske explaining how much this book means to her and the blind community. With your help we can give guiding Emily the attention it deserves! Barbara Hinske is currently doing a campaign where a click of a button can share the amazing story of Guiding Emily. And you can help too! Go to her website today and learn how to share Guiding Emily on Twitter and Facebook/Instagram. Every bit helps and we appreciate a simple share of this post.

Together we can achieve results!

Reading Resolutions

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Hello 2020! 

Let’s welcome the new year the way most people do- with great resolutions! It is the time to reflect on the previous year and see where you want to take the new year. Here are literary themed resolutions that you can start in 2020: 

  1. Listen to more audiobooks.

Take a break from your average reading time and pop in an audiobook. It gives you the opportunity to multitask. Listen to your book at the gym, in the car or while you cook!

  1. Take notes while you read.

Expand your mind and think about what you’re reading. Write down your thoughts or quotes. Then you can come back and read your notes later!

  1. Read books on your reading list or create a reading list.

Lists are beautiful! It gives you a reminder of what you want and something to look forward to. If you’re like me, you need a list or else you will forget what you even wanted to read in the first place.

  1. Write more book reviews.

Did you love it or dislike it? Either way write a thoughtful book review to give other people a look inside the book.

  1. Try a different genre.

I know trying new things can be scary, but you might like it! Go outside your comfort zone of historical romance and try a new mystery!

Modify the resolutions to fit you! It always helps to write them down and keep it in a spot that you can use as a daily reminder. 

Happy New Year!

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Everything You Need to Know – National Novel Writing Month

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A few days ago I was seeing NaNoWriMo everywhere and had no idea what it meant. However, after realizing that it stands for (National Novel Writing Month), it now makes sense as to why I saw it a few days ago and why authors and writers were the ones using the term. 

Now I just needed to do more research on what was actually going on around here! And behold, Nanowrimo.org A beacon for all things related to the nonprofit. It is such a wonderful organization that I had no clue existed. It gives support to thousands of writers to share their words and express their love of writing world wide. They have created such an impact and run year-round amazing programs. They truly have become internet famous, in their belief that every story matters. 

Your stories do matter and now I encourage you to write in the spirit of NaNoWriMo! If you did not know about this organization check out their very insightful website where you can also donate to help support. 

NaNoWriMo entails writers to write 50,000 words in the month of November (around 1,667 words per day). It also has to be a novel. See how far you can go, take the pledge!

You’re already six days in!

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