Instagram is constantly evolving, and for authors, it’s both a challenge and an opportunity. With tools like Reels, the power of cross-posting to Facebook, and Instagram’s increasing shift toward interest-based content delivery, growing a following can feel like an uphill battle. But here’s the thing: it’s not impossible. In fact, with the right strategies, you can build a strong, engaged audience that loves what you create.
One of the most important things we’ve learned? Understanding your reader is everything. It’s not just about posting content—it’s about knowing what to post, where to post it, and how to make it resonate. In this week's blog, we’ll dive into everything from Trial Reels to cross-posting, cleaning up spam followers, and connecting with your audience in meaningful ways.
The Instagram Shift: Why “Follow” Feels Optional
Instagram seems to be moving towards more of a TikTok-style algorithm, where users are shown content based on their interests rather than just the accounts they follow. This means your posts and Reels have the potential to reach beyond your followers, but it also means people aren’t as quick to hit that follow button anymore.
For authors, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity:
- The challenge: You can’t rely on followers alone to see your content.
- The opportunity: If your content is interesting and engaging, Instagram’s algorithm can put it in front of new readers who might not have found you otherwise.
The key is to make your content so compelling that viewers want to follow you—not because they need to in order to see your posts, but because they can’t wait to see more of what you’re creating.
Cross-Posting to Facebook: Why It’s a No-Brainer
Let’s talk about cross-posting to Facebook, because if you’re not doing it, you’re missing out on a massive opportunity.
When you post a Reel to Instagram, you have the option to click a button and share it to Facebook as well. That’s it—no extra work, just an extra click. And that one little click could potentially get your content in front of tens of thousands of additional viewers.
Here’s why this is so important:
- Different audiences: While Instagram and Facebook share some overlap, they also cater to different demographics. Facebook tends to skew slightly older (think late Millennials, Gen X, and beyond), while Instagram has a younger audience (early 20s to mid-30s). That said, we’ve seen both platforms perform well for all genres—whether it’s dark romance, contemporary, or anything in between.
We’ve seen Reels that get 23 views on Instagram go on to rack up 50,000 views on Facebook after being cross-posted. Why? Because the Facebook algorithm found the right audience for that content, even when Instagram didn’t.
It doesn’t hurt to cross-post. It takes no extra effort, and the potential payoff is HUGE. If you’re not sure which platform works better for your audience, cross-posting is a great way to test and see where your readers are.
Understanding Your Audience and Knowing Where They Are
We’ve noticed some trends when it comes to content performance on these platforms, but it’s important to say this upfront: there are no hard and fast rules.
- We’ve seen darker, moodier content (like mafia or dark romance) perform incredibly well on Instagram, where younger audiences tend to favor bold, dramatic visuals.
- On the flip side, we’ve seen contemporary romance and lighter stories absolutely explode on Facebook, where older audiences are more likely to engage with heartfelt, modern-day content.
But remember: both types of content can do well on either platform. It all depends on your specific audience. That’s why understanding your reader is so important. When you know who your ideal audience is, you’ll know where to focus your time and energy.
For example:
- If your readers love dark romance, you might lean into Instagram’s younger audience—but don’t ignore Facebook, because there’s still potential there.
- If your readers love contemporary romance, Facebook might naturally bring you more engagement—but Instagram could still surprise you.
The point is, test everything. Cross-post, analyze your results, and let the data guide you.
Trial Reels: A Game-Changer for Reaching New Audiences
One of the newer tools Instagram offers is Trial Reels, and for authors who feel stuck in a bubble of only reaching their existing followers, this feature can be a game-changer.
When you check your Instagram insights, you might notice that the majority of your interactions and reach are coming from people who already follow you. While that’s great for engagement, it’s not ideal for growing your audience. That’s where Trial Reels come into play.
How Trial Reels Work
Trial Reels are designed specifically to help you reach new audiences:
1. Reach non-followers first: When you post a Trial Reel, Instagram shows it to users who *don’t* follow you first, making it a great way to break out of your existing audience bubble.
2. 24-hour testing period: For the first 24 hours, your Trial Reel is shared exclusively with non-followers who Instagram thinks might be interested in your content.
3. Hidden from current followers: Your Trial Reel won't appear in your followers' feeds or on your profile grid unless you decide to share it with everyone later. This gives you the freedom to experiment without worrying about how your core audience will react.
After the 24-hour period, you’ll get insights into how your Trial Reel performed—views, likes, shares, and more. If it does well, you can choose to share it with everyone, including your followers, and add it to your profile grid.
Why Trial Reels Are Perfect for Authors
If you’ve been struggling to reach new audiences, Trial Reels can help you **get over that hurdle**. By showing your content to non-followers first, Instagram gives you the chance to connect with new readers who might not have discovered you otherwise.
Here are some ways authors can use Trial Reels:
- Experiment with new content: Test out different ideas, like book teasers, character spotlights, or behind-the-scenes videos, to see what resonates with new audiences.
- Break out of your bubble: If you’re stuck with the same group of followers engaging with your content, Trial Reels can help you expand your reach beyond your current community.
- Find what works: Trial Reels provide performance insights, so you can see exactly what’s working (and what isn’t) with new audiences. This can help guide your content strategy moving forward.
How to Post a Trial Reel
Creating a Trial Reel is simple:
1. Create your Reel: Just like you normally would.
2. Toggle on Trial Mode: Before sharing, activate the Trial option.
3. Post it: Instagram will handle the rest, showing your Trial Reel to non-followers first.
If your Trial Reel performs well, you can choose to share it with everyone by clicking the "Share to Everyone" option. This makes it visible to your followers and adds it to your profile grid.
Removing Spam Followers: Why It’s Worth the Drop
Here’s a tough truth: spam followers are hurting your account.
If you have a business or professional account, Instagram has introduced a great feature that flags followers who might be bots or spam accounts. While it can be hard to see your follower count drop, removing these accounts is one of the best things you can do for your long-term growth.
Here’s why:
1. Spam followers drag down your engagement rate.
Instagram’s algorithm rewards accounts with high engagement (likes, comments, shares). If a large chunk of your followers are bots, they’re not engaging with your content, which lowers your overall performance.
2. Your insights will be more accurate.
Spam followers skew your analytics, making it harder to figure out what’s working and what isn’t. By removing them, you’ll get a clearer picture of how your real audience interacts with your content.
3. A healthy account matters more than a high follower count.
A smaller, engaged audience is far more valuable than a large, inactive one. Think of it this way: Would you rather have 1,000 followers who love your work and buy your books, or 10,000 followers who don’t even know what you write?
If Instagram flags accounts it suspects are spam, take the time to clean them out. It might sting to see your numbers drop, but your account will be healthier and stronger in the long run.
Strategies to Turn Views Into Followers
Now that we’ve covered cross-posting and cleaning up your account, let’s talk about how to turn those views into loyal followers:
1. Multi-Part Storytelling
Break a key scene from your book into multiple Reels. For example:
- Part One: Tease the setup.
- Part Two: Build the tension.
- Part Three: Leave them wanting more so badly they can't resist buying your book.
This keeps viewers coming back for more and gives them a reason to follow you.
2. Interactive Giveaways
Everyone loves free stuff! Host a giveaway where entry requires following you, liking the post, and tagging a friend.
For example: “Follow me, like this post, and tag a friend for a chance to win a signed copy of my book!”
3. Show Your Process
Share relatable, behind-the-scenes moments from your writing life. Readers love seeing the human side of their favorite authors—whether it’s celebrating a finished chapter or laughing at your cat walking across your keyboard.
4. Experiment with Trial Reels
Use Instagram’s Trial Reels to test new content with non-followers. If a Trial Reel performs well, share it with everyone to maximize its reach.
5. Cross-Post to Facebook
Seriously, cross-posting takes one click. Why not give your content the chance to reach tens of thousands of additional viewers?
The Big Picture: Build a Community, Not Just Numbers
Growing your audience on Instagram (and Facebook) isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building a community of readers who love and support your work. By understanding your readers, creating content that resonates, and utilizing tools like cross-posting and Trial Reels, you can connect with your audience in a meaningful way.
So don’t stress if growth feels slow. Focus on posting authentic, exciting content that speaks to your readers. The followers—and fans—will come.
For more tips on growing your author platform, keep visiting www.thebookprose.com/blog. Let’s grow your audience, one Reel at a time!
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