With over one billion monthly users, TikTok is quickly becoming one of the most popular social media platforms (especially for those aged 10-20). So it’s not surprising to see more and more authors making a move to the video-sharing app and including videos in their marketing strategy. Of course, there’s still a place for other social media channels like Instagram and Facebook. Yet, it’s undeniable that you can reach more people quickly when you show up on TikTok.
If you’re an author who’s looking for new ways to expand your reach, sell more books, learn, create and entertain your audience, it’s time you checked out Tik Tok. And before you say, “I can’t create videos” or “not another platform to learn”, we’ll show you just how easy it is to get started with Tik Tok.
Why authors are using TikTok to promote their books
Simply put, using Tik Tok allows you to reach more people fast. But that’s not the only reason authors are hanging out there. You’re more likely to become a viral sensation, it’s easy to edit and share videos and reach highly engaged users in your niche. Once you have enough followers, you can add links to your website, create a business account and even cross-promote your videos on other social media platforms.
How to promote your books on TikTok (a step-by-step guide)
Okay, now you know why you need to promote your books on TikTok, let’s show you how easy it is to start creating and posting videos.
Step 1. Set up your account
First things first, let’s get you set up. It will only take a few minutes to make an account. Download the Tik Tok app on your phone, and follow the prompts like your name, email address, and date of birth. Once you’ve set up your account, you can click the “edit profile” button, where you’ll be able to add a profile picture, username, a short bio and update your interests.
Step 2. Find other authors (competitor research)
Let the fun begin as TikTok automatically starts suggesting videos within the “for you” tab. We recommend curating your feed by searching for author-related content using popular hashtags like #booktok and #authortok. As you scroll, you can love, comment, save or share the videos enjoy and follow the authors you find inspiring. Get familiar with the different content styles, find trending sounds and keep an eye out for similar videos you’d like to mimic. You’ll soon discover what style relates to who you are and what feels most natural to you.
Step 3. Plan your TikTok strategy
Like any social media platform, it’s always a good idea to have a strategy. It should outline the frequency of posts and style of videos and include a mixture of promotional, educational, inspirational and entertaining content. With TikTok they are all about trending sounds, and SEO-worthy captions (fun fact: they just added more characters to use in your captions) and speaking of SEO they are competing with YouTube so this has been the main focus as of late for them. So make sure you are including keywords that are related to your book genre or trope.
Step 4. Create & post your first video
Get ready. It’s time to create your first video! Hit the plus icon at the bottom centre of your screen to enter the video editing hub (note you can only create videos on your phone, not desktop). There are options to import videos and photos, record yourself, add text, and effects, change the speed, add music, and so many other fun features. You might want to keep your first video simple and create a one-minute recording introducing yourself. Play around with the more straightforward features like adding captions, stickers and filters. The more practice you have, the better (and faster) you’ll get at creating content. Once you’re happy with your video, hit next, choose your cover image (make it engaging), add your hashtags and a caption, tag people and hit “post”.
Step 5. Post and post again
Now you’re officially part of the Tik Tok universe, get into the habit of posting content regularly, ideally once a day. While you’re getting started, one of the best ways to build your following is to create quick 5-10 second clips using trending audio related to your niche, whether a song snippet or voiceover designed for you to mime. Once you’ve got a few posts under your belt, you might want to get creative and start editing clips together or pair trending audio with your own voiceovers. You can also stitch other peoples content and add in your books, e.g if you want this you’ll love my book.
Tips for creating great Tik Tok videos
- Keep them short (between 5-20 seconds)
- Use trending sounds
- Post during busy times
- Create challenge posts
- Interact with your readers, ask them questions, reply to their comments
- Post relevant content that’s going to engage your ideal readers
TikTok video ideas for authors
- Writing, reading or publishing tips
- Book cover reveal
- Quotes from your books
- Favourite books lists
- Your writing process
- Challenges as a writer
- A day in your life
- Get to know you – share your hobbies and interest
- What inspires you
- New book unboxing
- BTS at book signings, book readings and other events
- Giveaways and competitions
- Plus so much more! Have fun, be creative and find what works for you
The best hashtags to use on Tik Tok as an author
#author #authortok #authorsoftiktok #studytube #bookreveal #booktok #books #indiebooktok #grammar #writer #writertok #authortok #writing #writingabook #fantasybook #writertok #writersoftiktok #characters #youngwriter #youngauthor #teenauthor #book #foryoupage #fyp
Start using TikTok to promote your books
Excited to connect with your audience on Tik Tok but have no idea where to start? Book a 1:1 strategy call, and The Daring Press team will help you become a TikTok pro in no time.