![Bookstore: how to post engaging content [content idea list]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-1_6c1653d7-3edd-4213-ab8c-6dec2a503ddf.png?v=1715865485&width=1100)
Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best bookstores in the world use strategically to attract readers.
We know you're busy running your bookstore and the thought of managing social media might feel like another burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new book lovers to your store.
To help you out we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for bookstore owners.
Get the content idea list made for bookstore owners
A lot of bookstores manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for a bookstore
We have studied dozens of bookstores’ social media accounts when building our strategy pack for bookstores - here is what seems to always work.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Get New Customers in Your Bookstore |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Book Photos | Visually appealing images of book covers and displays can entice potential customers to visit the bookstore and explore the collection. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the store, staff, and book curation process builds trust and creates a connection with the audience. |
| Customer Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from real customers provide social proof and encourage others to visit the bookstore. |
| Specials and Promotions | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and book sales can attract new customers looking for deals. |
| User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by customers (photos, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity. |
| Local Collaborations | Partnering with local authors or businesses can introduce the bookstore to a broader, local audience. |
| Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming events, book signings, or reading sessions can attract new visitors interested in unique experiences. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal book recommendations or holiday-themed displays can attract customers looking for special reading options during those times. |
| Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to visit. |
| Book Recommendations | Sharing recommendations of popular or staff-favorite books can intrigue book enthusiasts and motivate them to visit the bookstore. |
| Daily Updates | Regularly updating followers with new arrivals or daily specials keeps the bookstore top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous visits. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Staff Stories | Featuring stories about the staff members creates a personal connection and humanizes the brand. |
| Reading Tips | Sharing tips and tricks for better reading experiences can engage followers who are avid readers. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or eco-friendly book options appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. |
| Customer Spotlights | Featuring regular customers creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
| Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into customers. |
Some bookstores make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best bookstores in the world. Replicate them now!
How can bookstore owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritise
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your books and store are essential.
People browse with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the books look appealing, and the presentation is inviting.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your bookstore. Behind-the-scenes photos, staff stories, and customer shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential customers excited, highlight any special offers, events, or new arrivals. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new customers.
An example of our marketing pack for bookstore owners
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your bookstore “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your bookstore, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for bookstore owners.
How to Do It Fast and Efficient
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage customers to share their own photos and tag your bookstore. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for bookstores on social media
Our team has curated this list featuring very specific, low-budget content ideas tailored for bookstores, with practical tips to keep costs down and effectively use social media.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your bookstore.
| Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
|---|---|
| Smartphone Book Photos | Use natural light by positioning books near windows during daytime. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
| Customer Testimonials | Ask satisfied readers to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a small discount or a free bookmark as a thank-you. |
| User-Generated Content | Encourage customers to share their book photos by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your bookstore on Instagram. |
| DIY Book Review Videos | Film short, simple book reviews using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at your daily operations or introduce the team during slow hours. |
| New Arrival Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for new arrivals using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a captivating photo. |
| Staff Spotlights | Feature staff members with a casual photo and fun facts about their favorite books. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in the bookstore. |
| Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite genres or suggestions for new book titles. |
| Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
| Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
| Customer Spotlights | Highlight loyal customers with their favorite books. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your bookstore. |
| Book Display Photos | Create attractive book displays using inexpensive items like tablecloths, bookends, and props from dollar stores. |
| Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as recycling old books or using sustainable materials. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the book sorting or shelving process. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
| Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free book. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free bookmark or a small gift card. |
| Seasonal Book Posts | Highlight seasonal reads using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the book to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best bookstores in the world!
There are bookstores that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for bookstores
Investing in top-notch social media content for your bookstore might be worth it because many other places won't bother, giving you a chance to really stand out, grab people's attention, and build a loyal crowd.
| Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Customers |
|---|---|
| Virtual Author Readings | Hosting live or recorded virtual author readings where writers read excerpts from their books can create a sense of community and attract a global audience. |
| Interactive 360° Bookstore Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your bookstore, including cozy reading nooks and special sections, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to visit in person. |
| Limited Edition Book Releases | Creating buzz with limited edition or signed copies of books available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat customers. |
| Book Club Meetings | Hosting exclusive book club meetings where customers can discuss books with authors or experts can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth. |
| AR Book Previews | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your book previews where customers can see 3D representations of book covers or illustrations can enhance the browsing experience and attract tech-savvy readers. |
| Themed Book Events | Hosting themed book events, such as a mystery night or a poetry slam, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
| Reading Challenges | Organizing reading challenges (e.g., reading a certain number of books in a month) can create viral moments, attracting competitive readers and spectators. |
| Collaborative Pop-Up Book Fairs | Partnering with other local bookstores or authors to host pop-up book fairs can introduce your bookstore to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
| Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of certain books, the journey of authors, or the history of your bookstore can create an emotional connection with customers. |
| Interactive Book Selection | Allowing customers to vote on which books to feature in your store via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to read the selections they helped choose. |
| Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as recycled paper books or sustainable sourcing practices, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and media attention. |
| Mobile Bookstore Pop-Ups | Operating a mobile bookstore in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new customers who may visit your main store later. |
| Book Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where customers receive monthly book selections and exclusive content can create a loyal customer base. |
| Immersive Literary Workshops | Hosting workshops where customers can learn writing techniques from authors can attract literature enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
| Flash Mob Reading Events | Organizing flash mob reading events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous readers looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for bookstores on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many bookstore owners make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or bring in new customers to your bookstore.
| Content Type | Why It Never Works for Bookstores | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the bookstore appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your books, staff, and store to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
| Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off followers. | Mix in engaging content like book reviews, author interviews, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
| Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with books or the bookstore confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your bookstore, books, events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
| Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your bookstore's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your bookstore positively. |
| Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on books, community, and your bookstore's unique offerings. |
| Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
| Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate customers looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your customers and value their feedback. |
| Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
| Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your bookstore can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local authors, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
| Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential customers. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value customer input. |
| Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your bookstore seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
| Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
| Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate customers and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for customers to grasp and engage with. |
| Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your bookstore. |
Make your bookstore more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best bookstores in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your bookstore
We understand that as a bookstore owner, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running a bookstore are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically tailored for bookstore owners like you.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your bookstore. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small bookstores on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your bookstore's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your bookstore's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your bookstore could make more money!
Most bookstore owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
