Why I started my Bookstagram account

Three years ago it was my New Year’s Resolution to start a Bookstagram account. I loved scrolling through the photos on my feed, so it was time to contribute to this little community myself. On the 3rd of January, BooksNest was born.

My Bookstagram has come a long old way since I created it. I didn’t really know what I was doing, nor did I have a theme, or much in the way of aesthetically pleasing props and books. Below is an example of the first few months of my account. I gradually developed my book collection, got more into YA and found out the candles and pumpkins are great props. It was fairly all over the place, with me being unable to settle on a particular theme or location for my photos.

I love to read, I have always loved to read. I also love photography, so to me, combining the two together seemed logical. When you join the Bookstagram community you are instantly part of such a lovely group of people from all over the world. I have made so many new friendships and have been encouraged to take on so many new opportunities. My blog has grown into it’s own and my Twitter account is booming with supporter and followers, both of which I probably wouldn’t have pursued without my Bookstagram. I honestly can’t believe the journey I have come on since creating this account over three years ago. It certainly all started here.

A lot has changed in my life since I started this account, but a big difference for me is that I now work in social media marketing. I was able to transform my social accounts into an asset for job hunting and growing my experience. I wouldn’t consider myself a social media expert, but I certainly could be one day and this has been a huge help. As surprising as it sounds, putting photos of books on Instagram has helped me grow in my confidence as a photographer, a writer and a digital marketer.

My feed has transitioned in more recent years to something a bit more concise and with an actual theme. My current warm and cosy feed is my longest standing and I love it. I haven’t had the itch to change and I’m glad, it allows me to add in so many varied set ups and has no restrictions really. I don’t post because I feel I have to, I post because I absolutely love being part of the Bookstagram hashtag and seeing my account grow. Recently one of my posts reached over 14k in likes (maybe more by the time this goes live) and I was so happy. I felt like I had reached a point of everything I had created really being seen. As a content creator, going into it I knew that I wasn’t necessarily going to get seen, but this is proof that people like what I am doing and there is no better feeling than that.

I would love to know why you joined the Bookstagram community and what your handle is, please let me know in the comments below!