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HOW I SELL BOOKS ON TIKTOK (ultimate booktok guide for authors!)

HOW I SELL BOOKS ON TIKTOK (ultimate booktok guide for authors!)

Please note that the following article is a rewrite of a video script.

Introduction

In this article, I will share my experience and expertise on using TikTok to sell thousands of books as an author. TikTok has been an incredibly effective marketing platform for me, and I want to explain why it's my favorite and also provide some tips to help you master the platform.

About Me

My name is Shelby Lee, a best-selling author with over half a million followers across my social media platforms. I have a background in social media marketing and have worked with large brands. I'm passionate about helping other authors succeed on social media, and I've assisted over 500 authors with TikTok marketing.

The Power of TikTok

TikTok is similar to Facebook and Instagram in their early days when organic growth was dominant. Despite being around for a while, TikTok still offers significant organic reach. In fact, I experienced the most growth on TikTok this year alone. Therefore, it's not too late to get started on this platform.

Why TikTok is Great for Authors

The book talk community on TikTok is fantastic. Many authors have seen their books gain immense popularity due to readers sharing and creating content about their books. TikTok has even helped authors make it to the New York Times bestselling list. If you want to boost your author career, TikTok is the platform to be on.

Informal and Authentic Platform

What sets TikTok apart is its informal and authentic nature. You don't need fancy equipment or editing tools to create content. You can simply use your phone to film videos. Even if you're camera shy, you can still be successful on TikTok. While I recommend overcoming that fear and showing your face occasionally, it's not necessary to do so in 95% of your videos.

Tips for Mastering TikTok

Step 1: Get Acquainted with the Platform

Before creating content, spend some time scrolling through TikTok. Search for your genre or explore book talk to understand what types of content people are posting. Engage with other readers and authors by liking videos. This will help you discover what ideas and formats resonate with your target audience.

Step 2: Perfect your Profile

Optimize your profile by keeping it short and snappy. Clearly define who your ideal readers are and state what you write. Ideally, your username should match your other social media platforms. Although you won't have a link in your bio until you reach a thousand followers, you can link your Instagram to guide traffic there. Direct people to your Instagram bio for external links.

Step 3: Hook Your Audience

To create engaging TikTok videos, you need a compelling hook within the first second. This can be in the form of text, visuals, or audio that captures viewers' attention. Use creative phrases like "Would you read a book that has..." or "This book will make you feel...". Experiment with page flips, spine flips, and other formats that showcase your book effectively.

Step 4: Post Consistently and Analyze

When starting on TikTok, post consistently to attract attention and build your following. Aim for one or two posts per day. Although the exact posting time isn't crucial, analyze your analytics once you gain a following to determine ideal posting times for your audience. Don't skip long periods without posting, as regular activity helps maintain the algorithm's favor.

Step 5: Time-saving Techniques

Repurpose content that works well for you to save time. Once you discover a format or sound that resonates with your audience, stick with it. Create stock content, such as different angle shots of your book, typing, or writing, to have a backlog of footage. Scrolling through social media and saving ideas, sounds, and popular videos can also inspire your content creation.

Step 6: Repurpose Content on Multiple Platforms

Besides TikTok, utilize your content on other platforms such as Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Pinterest Pins, and Facebook Reels. Short, vertical videos perform well on various channels. By repurposing your TikTok content, you can reach a wider audience and maximize your marketing efforts.

Keywords

TikTok, book marketing, author success, organic growth, book talk, authenticity, profile optimization, video hooks, content creation, posting schedule, analytics, repurposing content, stock footage, time-saving techniques, multi-platform approach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Q1: How important is it to show my face in TikTok videos as an author?

    • A: While it's recommended to show your face occasionally, you can achieve success on TikTok without showing your face. Focus on engaging content and authenticity.

  • Q2: How often should I post on TikTok?

    • A: Posting consistently is crucial when starting. Aim for one or two posts per day to attract attention and build your following. Once established, maintain regular activity to keep the algorithm in your favor.

  • Q3: Can I reuse TikTok content on other social media platforms?

    • A: Absolutely! TikTok content can be repurposed on Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, and other platforms. Short, vertical videos perform well across multiple channels.

  • Q4: How can I engage with the book talk community on TikTok?

    • A: Interact with other readers, authors, and book talkers by liking, commenting, and sharing their content. Learn from their successes and adapt them to your own content strategy.

  • Q5: Is it too late to start on TikTok as an author?

    • A: While TikTok has been around for some time, the organic growth and potential for book marketing are still significant. Many authors have achieved great success recently, so it's never too late to join and start building your TikTok presence.

Please note that these FAQs are generated based on the information provided in the script. They aim to address potential questions readers may have regarding TikTok marketing for authors.

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