TL;DR: buy my sweet social media templates on Etsy. My Instagram templates are beautiful and totally worth a few bucks.

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Master’s in Creative Writing and Publishing

In the summer of 2024, I will be finishing my master’s in creative writing and publishing at Western Colorado University. My professors are all heavy hitters in the independent (and traditional) publishing realm, and I take their direction and advice seriously. The program director, Kevin J. Anderson from WordFire Press (think Dune, Star Wars, The X Files…yeah, that Kevin J. Anderson), has never faltered regarding social media. His advice: get on social media (if you can and aren’t already) and post content. 

But because Kevin is the least gimmicky guy ever (part of what drew me to his program), he has always told us not just to post but to post quality content that serves a meaningful purpose for readers and fans.

For authors, there are multiple social media options, but when it comes to visual appeal, Instagram reigns supreme. With more than two billion active users monthly, the potential reach and impact of this platform are unparalleled. This level of use, however, requires care and concern when crafting good Instagram posts, especially if you are a niche creator (like authors!) and quality trumps quantity for your loyal audience.

Luckily, I make rad social media templates, and they are available in my Etsy shop, The Practical Post.

One-of-a-kind Instagram Post Templates to Set You Apart

The adage “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” rings especially true on Instagram. This saying is particularly poignant for niche creators like fantasy authors, cosplay enthusiasts, gamers, and sci-fi fanatics. A compelling post captures attention within seconds, enticing users to engage. The quality of your posts sets the tone for the credibility of your author brand, and because fantasy and sci-fi consumers are likely drawn to gorgeous, one-of-a-kind content already, you need to have that to have your audience.

To meet this need, I have created my social media templates with bold colors and maximalist designs. I have focused on packed yet streamlined graphics that grab attention right away. In an age of minimalism, this style of template has been difficult to find. I needed them, I couldn’t find them, so I made them myself. Don’t get me wrong, I love the sleek and chic look of minimalism, but I am a maximalist at heart, and I have come to accept that. I also know I am not the only one.

Building Your Author Brand with Unique Social Media Templates

Consistency in your Instagram posts cultivates brand identity and recognition among your readers. A cohesive, consistent feed with striking aesthetics, themes, and graphics reinforces your author values and distinguishes you from the rest. Consistency doesn’t have to mean bland, and over time, the recognition of your unique brand will translate to more readers.

This unique brand style can be incredibly difficult to achieve, especially if digital design is not your strength. That’s where the ease of Canva comes in, or—even better—the ease of just buying beautiful templates right on Etsy. You can have gorgeous cohesion for only a few bucks. And did I mention all templates are completely customizable with Canva Pro? Because they are, and it’s amazing.

Readers Engage With Quality Content on Social Media

Engagement is the lifeblood of social media success, and good Instagram posts are catalysts for positive interaction. Striking content encourages likes, comments, shares, and saves, thereby connecting you with more readers. Design Force has a great article on the best practices when it comes to Instagram content, and unsurprisingly, this is their first suggestion:

There are oodles of post templates on Etsy for all platforms—and they are gorgeous. I have used them myself and recommended them to many people. However, when it comes to niche templates, especially Instagram templates for authors, those can be much more difficult to track down. I love those packs of two or three hundred (or even a thousand!) social media templates that allow quick and fast social media content. Conversely, the downside is that many people already use them or something similar. They are simply mass-produced, and although those templates absolutely serve a purpose, they might not always serve your purpose as an author. Take a look at what Design Force says on the matter:

When you really want to stand out, you need unique, tailored content that few others will have. This is the very reason I started creating social media templates on Canva. I needed them myself, and I knew many other creators who needed them as well. Geared toward out-of-box content creators who love fantasy and sci-fi, my designs are bold and unique and allow more niche creators to shine online.

Tap Into That Social Media Algorithm with Unique Templates 

If you are an author, drive book sales by breaking the trance of your doomscrolling audience. As a gamer, garner more stream views with attention-grabbing posts that set you apart. Are you an influencing prepper? Use my dystopian packs to remind everyone just how depressing the world can be.

And don’t forget that Instagram’s algorithm favors content that receives high levels of engagement. Good Instagram posts that generate likes, comments, and shares are more likely to appear in users’ feeds and search results. By consistently producing quality content that aligns with the interests of your readers, you optimize your visibility and reach, maximizing organic growth and exposure. It is a waste of time to pump out content that no one is going to see.

So Basically, Check out my Etsy Shop

By prioritizing quality, consistency, engagement, and authenticity, niche creators—like yourself—can cultivate a compelling brand narrative and unlock opportunities for growth and innovation. If you are looking for unique Instagram templates—especially striking Instagram templates for authors—mine might be an option for you; they are cool and beautiful. Most of my current designs require Canva Pro to edit effectively, but designs that are editable with a free version of Canva are on the horizon. Canva Pro is 1000 percent worth it, though. Let me tell you. I will write an entire love letter to Canva later, but for now, just know that it’s the best.

Visit my Etsy shop to check them out. New designs are added frequently. Please and thank you!