![Online Bookstore: how to post engaging content [content idea list]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-8_74cd69f6-2397-4f74-bfee-0554e429da5a.png?v=1715865514&width=1100)
Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best online bookstores in the world use strategically to attract readers.
We know you're busy managing your bookstore and the thought of handling 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 readers to your site.
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 online bookstore owners.
Get the content idea list made for online bookstore owners
A lot of online 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 an online bookstore
We have analyzed numerous online bookstores' social media strategies while developing our strategy pack for online bookstores - here is what consistently proves effective.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Attract New Customers to Your Online Bookstore |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Book Photos | Visually appealing images of book covers and pages can entice potential customers, encouraging them to explore and purchase. |
| Author Interviews | Featuring interviews with authors builds trust and creates a connection with the audience, making them more likely to buy their books. |
| Customer Reviews | Positive reviews and testimonials from real readers provide social proof and encourage others to buy from your bookstore. |
| Special Offers and Discounts | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and sales can attract new customers looking for deals on books. |
| User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by customers (photos, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity to your brand. |
| Local Collaborations | Partnering with local authors or book clubs can introduce your bookstore to a broader, local audience. |
| Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming book launches, author signings, or virtual reading events can attract new visitors interested in unique experiences. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal book recommendations or holiday-themed collections 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 explore your bookstore. |
| Book Recommendations | Sharing curated lists of popular or staff-favorite books can intrigue readers and motivate them to purchase. |
| Daily Book Highlights | Regularly updating followers with daily book highlights keeps your bookstore top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous purchases. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Staff Stories | Featuring stories about the staff members creates a personal connection and humanizes your brand. |
| Reading Tips | Sharing tips and tricks for enhancing the reading experience 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 online bookstores make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best online bookstores in the world. Replicate them now!
How can online bookstore owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your books are essential.
People judge books by their covers first. Make sure the lighting is good, the books look pristine, 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 releases. 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 online 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’s “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 online bookstores on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, budget-friendly content ideas tailored for online bookstores, complete with practical tips to keep costs low and maximize social media impact.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your online 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 Reviews | Encourage satisfied readers to leave a quick video review on their phone. Offer a small discount on their next purchase 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 Recommendation Videos | Film short, simple book reviews or recommendations 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 book selection process or introduce the team during slow hours. |
| Daily Book Highlights | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for daily book highlights using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a captivating photo. |
| Staff Picks | Feature staff members with their favorite books and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in your store or home office. |
| Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite genres or suggestions for new book arrivals. |
| Local Author Promotions | Collaborate with local authors 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 literary 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 reading experience. |
| Book Display Photos | Create attractive book displays using inexpensive items like bookends, fairy lights, and props from dollar stores. |
| Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as using recycled packaging or supporting local authors. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the book sorting or packaging 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 eBook. |
| 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 online bookstores in the world!
There are online 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 online bookstores
Investing in high-quality social media content for your online bookstore can be a game-changer. Many other bookstores might not put in the effort, giving you a golden opportunity to stand out, capture attention, and build a loyal customer base.
| Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Customers |
|---|---|
| Author Live Q&A Sessions | Hosting live Q&A sessions with popular authors can create a sense of community and attract book lovers from around the world. |
| Virtual Bookstore Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your bookstore, including special sections and reading nooks, can provide a unique experience and entice people to explore your online store. |
| Exclusive Book Releases | Creating buzz with exclusive or limited edition book releases available only through your store can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat customers. |
| Book Club Memberships | Offering exclusive book club memberships where members receive curated book selections and participate in monthly discussions can create a loyal community. |
| AR Book Previews | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology to offer 3D previews of book covers and sample chapters can enhance the shopping experience and attract tech-savvy readers. |
| Themed Reading Events | Hosting themed reading events, such as mystery nights or poetry slams, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
| Reading Challenges | Organizing reading challenges (e.g., read a book a week for a month) can create viral moments, attracting competitive readers and fostering a sense of community. |
| Collaborative Author Events | Partnering with other authors or bookstores to host collaborative events can introduce your store to new audiences and create a buzz in the literary community. |
| Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the authors, the inspiration behind books, or the journey of your bookstore can create an emotional connection with customers. |
| Interactive Book Selection | Allowing customers to vote on upcoming book selections via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to read the books they helped choose. |
| Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as using recycled materials for packaging or supporting sustainable publishing practices, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and media attention. |
| Pop-Up Book Fairs | Operating pop-up book fairs in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new customers who may visit your online 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 about writing techniques or bookbinding can attract literary 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 online bookstores on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many online bookstore owners make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or bring in new customers for 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 reading confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on books, reading 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 online bookstore more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best online bookstores in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your online bookstore
We understand that as an online 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 an online 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 online 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 online 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 online bookstore could make more money!
Most online bookstore owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
