So, you're thinking about starting a book review blog? That's fantastic! As the world of online content evolves, so does how we share our love of books. A dedicated blog is a great start—but relying on it alone for visibility might be missing a trick. This guide is fully updated for 2025 and reflects what's working now—for hobbyists, influencers, and indie reviewers alike.
Part 1: Starting Your Book Review Blog
Every blog starts with a spark—an idea, a book that moved you, or a desire to share your reads with the world. In 2025, book blogging isn't just about posting reviews. It's about building a presence, starting conversations, and creating a reader-friendly experience across platforms.
The Evolution of Blogging
Traditionally, blogging meant writing and waiting for readers to discover you. Today, discovery happens on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Your blog is still your home base—but social media is where you meet new readers.
Platforms like WordPress (customization), Substack (email-based), and Blogger (free + easy) each have strengths. The real key? Visibility—not just setup.
Speaking of getting started - want my complete guide to launch your book blog in just 7 days? Join fellow aspiring bloggers getting practical tips below!
Choosing your platform is like picking your home base—it needs to fit your comfort level and goals. Here's what each option really offers:
Substack feels more like writing a newsletter that happens to live online. It's incredibly beginner-friendly, has built-in discovery features, and makes monetization simple with paid subscriptions. The downside? Less customization and you're building on someone else's platform.
Blogger is the easiest starting point—completely free, backed by Google, and requires zero technical knowledge. You won't win any design awards, but you can start writing reviews today without spending a dime or learning code.
💡 Quickstart for New Book Bloggers
- Pick a platform: Blogger, WordPress, or Substack
- Claim your bookish handle on IG, TikTok, Pinterest
- Choose your niche: genre, tone, or format
- Write your first review—even if it's messy!
Your handle becomes your brand across every platform, so choose wisely. Keep it short, memorable, and book-related without being too narrow. Something like "ReadingWithSarah" works better than "SarahsHistoricalRomanceReviews"—you might want to branch out later!
Consistency matters because readers should be able to find you everywhere. If @BookwormEmma is taken on Instagram, try variations like @BookwormEmmaReads or @EmmaReadsBooks rather than completely different names on each platform.
Can't get your first choice? Don't stress. Add "reads," "books," or "reviews" to your preferred name, or try subtle variations. The content quality matters more than the perfect handle, but consistency across platforms will help readers find and remember you.
📢 Why Visibility Matters
Most readers won't find your site through search alone. You must bring your content to where your readers are—on social media platforms.
📋 Your First Week Checklist
Once you've chosen your platform and claimed your handles, here's what to tackle first:
- Create essential pages: About (who you are and what you read), Contact (how publishers can reach you), and Review Policy (your rating system and preferences)
- Write your first post: Even if it's messy! A simple "Hello, I'm starting a book blog" post gets the ball rolling
- Set up basic design: Pick a clean, readable theme and add a simple header image
- Connect your accounts: Link your social media profiles to your blog and vice versa
- Plan your next three posts: Having a small content pipeline removes the "what do I write next?" panic
Remember: done is better than perfect. You can always improve these elements as you grow!
Your Book Reviews Need a Social Spotlight
Your blog is your home base, but your visibility often starts elsewhere. Consider posting a mini version of your review on Instagram or creating a TikTok "first impressions" video as you're reading. Link back to the full review on your blog to drive traffic.
Think of your blog as your bookcase—organized, permanent, and yours. Social media? That's your storefront window. Invite people in.
Top Platforms for Sharing Your Reviews
Goodreads: Post spoiler-tagged reviews and engage with reading groups.
Bookstagram: Great for visuals, short captions, and Reels.
BookTok: Powerful for quick, catchy reviews or themed lists.
Facebook: Connect, share, and drive traffic with every post.
Pinterest: Use Pins to drive direct traffic to your blog posts.
YouTube: Longer form "BookTube" reviews and haul videos.
Strategy: Hook on Social, Deliver on Your Blog
Social media helps you create buzz. Your blog lets you expand. Here's how to use both:
- Generate Buzz: Tease quotes, ask questions, and share behind-the-scenes moments. For example, post a quick video showing your TBR stack with a voiceover teasing the review you're writing.
- Test Content: See which teaser gets the most engagement. If a quote from a spicy scene gets saved 100+ times on Instagram, that's your cue to expand it in your review post.
- Deepen on the Blog: Use the blog to go further: include spoiler sections, author insights, or trope breakdowns that don't fit in a short post.
Coming Up...
Now that your blog and social channels are working together, it's time to explore how to grow your presence. In Part 2, we'll dive deeper into how each social platform works and how to create promotional content that draws clicks and builds loyalty.
Next in the Series: Promoting Your Book Blog Across Social Media – Learn how to build your presence on Bookstagram, BookTok, and more!
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