• by Barbie Romero , March 18, 2025

Megan Tripp shares the secrets to influencer success, explains how brands can effectively utilize social listening, and highlights a book that was successfully adapted into a movie. She also reveals her all-time favorite books.

1. During the last Planning and Buying Insider Summit, you spoke about BookTok and how you engaged with those on TikTok looking for book recommendations. Since users tend to migrate platforms based on trends, social media moderation policies, or government regulation, are you looking into other social platforms for that audience? 

We are actively monitoring the situation on TikTok as it changes frequently, and we’re working directly with our content creation and influencer partners to assess what other emerging platforms might be attracting BookTok community members. So far, no one-to-one platform replacement has come to light to take TikTok’s place; instead creators are diversifying their content and sharing across many platforms including Threads, YouTube, Bluesky, etc. As a brand, we are focused on continuing to foster community amongst our follower bases, regardless of platform. As partners for our bookish content creators, we are focused on how we can help creators continue to build and engage their communities wherever they are.

2. Any advice for brands hiring influencers that will be a seamless fit that doesn’t alienate the influencer’s followers?  

I recommend doing as deep a dive as possible into the content of the creator that you’re considering. What niche are they deeply embedded in, and what niches do they dabble in? If your brand aligns with either of those niches, they will be a seamless fit. I would also assess how frequently the creator engages in sponsored content, and how seamlessly they blend it into their regular content. You’re always looking for those who have a majority of non-sponsored content on their page, or creators who are selective with the brands they work with, and focus on those partnerships that align best with their niches. This fosters deeper trust with their followers, resulting in their sponsored content carrying more weight, and increasing your overall impact with your partnership.

1. As a marketer, what is the one thing you continuously do and recommend others do too?

Consistently scroll on social media, and learn from that social listening. What are your consumers or potential consumers discussing? How are they discussing it and what language do they use to speak to each other? How can you blend that vernacular into your brand voice and reach the consumers where they already have a thriving community? In what ways are creators in your brand’s niche on social media approaching their content and what elements of those approaches can you blend with your brand goals for your brand’s content?

2. Often when books get made into movies, readers feel that the material isn’t reflective of the book. Is there a movie you think does a book justice? 

I am a deeply devoted fan of the 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. I think it captures the overall vibe of the original novel so well, and Knightley and Macfadyen’s performances never get old.

3. What is your favorite book of all time that you go back to over and over again?

I could reread Frankenstein by Mary Shelley endlessly (and talk about it even more endlessly) but as far as favorite books published in this century, I would have to say Mostly Dead Things by Kristen Arnett (who has a new book coming later this year: Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One) 

If you’re interested in submitting content for future editions, please reach out to our Managing Editor, Barbie Romero at Barbie@MediaPost.com.