While COVID-19 is still spreading like wildfire in my city I have been self-isolating to help stop the spread and while in isolation I have picked up a lot of new hobbies. This time has also allowed me to refocus on some of my other passions, for instance, social media! The biggest being Instagram. I love the ‘gram because it acts as a sort of visual diary that allows the creator to express themselves and connect with others in their community all over the world! Here are a couple of books that I have picked up that have helped me up my Insta game in a big way.

InstaStyle by Tessa Burton

Whether your passion is fitness, fashion, food, or anything in between, you can turn that passion into a business that will inspire and influence others! Instagram is the place where trends break, tastes are made, and brands are launched, and it’s packed with insightful analytics and handy business tools that will help you elevate your social media presence to the next level. But how do you get there?

InstaStyle is a must-have guide for any Instagrammer who aspires to become an influencer. You’ll learn to create your brand, connect with others, and share the way you see the world! Tezza (@tezza) and other well-known Instagram influencers will show you how they’ve procured their platforms, and teach you how to tell compelling visual stories that will help your build your own brand.

How can you make a significant impact in the digital world and stand out among all the noise? 

Digital strategist and “growth hacker” Brendan Kane has the answer and will show you how—in 30 days or less. A wizard of the social media sphere, Kane has built online platforms for A-listers including Taylor Swift and Rihanna. He’s advised brands such as MTV, Skechers, Vice and IKEA on how to establish and grow their digital audience and engagement. Kane has spent his career discovering the best tools to turn any no-name into a top influencer simply by speaking into a camera or publishing a popular blog—and now he’ll share his secrets with you.

The right brand identity has the power to attract, engage and compel people to do business with you. But for many entrepreneurs, creating an effective brand can be a challenge. Whether you're a start-up on a lemonade budget, or a seasoned entrepreneur planning on working with a professional, an understanding of the process is essential. In this comprehensive workbook, Fiona Humberstone will walk you through the process of styling your brand. From finding your focus, creating an inspirational vision and unlocking the power of colour psychology; Fiona will help you understand the design details that will make your business irresistible.

With over three million Instagram fans, Aimee Song knows a thing or two about taking the perfect Instagram photo. And Instagram is so much more than a platform for pretty pictures. It’s the fastest-growing social media network with an engaged community, a major marketing tool for brands, a place where Beyoncé drops her albums, and a hub where products can be bought with a simple double tap. Including everything from fashion, travel, food, décor, and more, Aimee includes insider tips on curating a gorgeous feed and growing an audience.

Instagram is a digital wonderland of stunning photographs and inspirational images, but how can you make sure that your own photos stand out amidst the rainbow of eye candy? To master Instagram and earn that coveted double tap of approval, you need to have a strong personal brand and an aspirational style that captures the viewer. Styling for Instagram will help you achieve both. 

Author Leela Cyd has an eye for photography and keen sense of digital media―and she has the Instagram following to prove it. Full of gorgeous, full-color inspiration images, Styling for Instagram is full of her expert advice on how to make the most of Instagram. From tips on arranging the perfect composition and styling your shots to using natural lighting and telling story with your work, the book will help you capture the attention of the Instagram community.

So, have you read any of these books? What hobbies have you picked up in quarantine?

By guest editor,
Alicia  (IG: @thebookishpuff) 

About the guest editor: 

Alicia is currently the resident blogger over at The Bookish Puff and aspiring author. Raised under the southern sun she is a true eternal optimist with a deep love of history, stories, and a shameless addiction to caffeine. When she’s not on the internet writing about books, you can find her baking up a storm in her kitchen, watching true crime documentaries, sipping on coffee while chatting with friends, or getting lost in nature. She currently lives with her boyfriend and two crazy cats in Charleston, South Carolina in the United States.