InstaLibrary: Extend your Reach and Engage with your Community on Instagram

Instagram & the Library!

#Introduction

• burlingame_library
• losangeleslibrary
• sfpubliclibrary

(I was there for that race and took a photo in front -- see below)

#Background of #Instagram

• Started in 2010, FB owned since 2012
• King of social engagement
• #9 - Top 15 Smartphone Apps
• Free app
• Mobile first
• Instagram has more users than twitter & pinterest

Burlingame - most interaction w/instagram (vs. FB, pinterest, & twitter)

#TheBasics

• make sure handle is consistent w/twitter, pinterest, etc.
• Post ONLY beautiful photos & videos (videos = 15 sec., loop)
• Use editing tools
• add text & #hashtags
• Tag location & people

#bookstagrammers

#ContentCreation (for video)

• Hyperlapse - take video in real time and speed up
• Layout - Collage app (allows you to also mirror your image)
• Boomerang - easily create an animated gif using 5 pictures from the shutter tool on your camera
• GoPro
• iMotion - allows you to create stop motion videos
• iMovie
• Repost app 

#Experience

• Go with how your users like to experience your library
• New Library Card Showoff
• Book Stacks
• Architecture

#Engagement

• Explore the # of your community and comment, like on other users' photos
• Can search location and see what people are posting
• LAPL trains each branch on how to manage their own instagram accounts
• "LAPL on Instagram" -- re-posting/screen shot via blog/pinterest
• #burlingameofthrones (w/a throne of books)
• put a poster saying take a pic and tag us w/their throne of books
• 100 day challenge (actually created for artists/crafters, but used by the library)

#InstaMeet - Programs w/Instagram

• Gets instagram users together based on a theme or location
• This was my first #InstaMeet!

#PopularLibraryHashtags

• #librarylife
• #libraries
• #shelfie
• #libraryshelfie
• #books
• #bookstagram
• #librariesofinstagram
• #bookface
• Always search your hashtags to see what other people might be posting without realizing they're using the right/wrong hashtag
• # are completely public domain and you can't control what other people post w/the #
• #bookfacefriday !!!!!
• #libraryinmyhand (an original # that libraries embraced -- great way to embrace mobile library services)

#Analytics

• Iconosquare - gives you the best posting time, who's liked your photos the most, demographics, etc.
• Keep your followers engaged and provide what they DO want (even if it's not what YOU want...maybe)

#Marketing

• Announce your account on email newsletters, flyers, website, bookmarks, email signature
• Use other social media accounts to promote the start of Instagram
• Link your IG posts to those other Social Media outlets
• Word of mouth
• Follow other libraries

#ProTips

• Have a gameplan -- who, what, when, where, why?
• Choose clear, concise user name
• Create a strong description for your account
• Participate in # campaigns & Instagram challenges
• Create your own #
• Have fun!
• Photos + stills more likes than videos
• Photos w/faces more likes
• More engagement when you mention other users
• Posts w/location = 79% higher engagement
• How much time?
• at least 1 per day
• Probably 20-30 min per day (just for instagram)