TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over 1 billion active users. The app’s short-form video format has captivated audiences of all ages, and its potential for reaching a large audience and going viral has made it an attractive platform for businesses, influencers, and creators alike.
As an author, you may be wondering if TikTok can help you grow your brand and sell more books. The answer is a resounding yes!
In this article, I’ll explore why TikTok is a valuable platform for authors, as well as provide tips and actionable steps for using the app to grow your author brand.
Why TikTok is a Valuable Platform for Authors
TikTok launched in China in 2016 and quickly gained popularity around the world, particularly among younger audiences. In the US alone, there are over 100 million active TikTok users. This presents a huge opportunity for authors to reach a new audience and grow their brand.
One of the key advantages of using TikTok for authors is the ability to reach a large audience. The app’s algorithm prioritizes content that is engaging and relevant to users, which means that even creators with a small following have the potential to go viral and reach millions of viewers.
In addition, TikTok provides an opportunity for authors to show off their personality and creativity. By creating engaging and entertaining content, authors can build a loyal fan base and generate buzz around their books.
Tips for Creating Content on TikTok
Creating content on TikTok can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to understand the platform’s algorithm and trends in order to be successful. Here are some tips for creating engaging content on TikTok:
Understanding TikTok’s Algorithm and Trends
TikTok’s algorithm is designed to show users content that is relevant and engaging. This means that the more views, likes, and shares your content receives, the more likely it is to be shown to a larger audience. To maximize your visibility on the app, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and incorporate them into your content.
Later has a weekly update of new TikTok trends to try. It’s a great resource, especially for those new to TikTok.
Developing a Consistent Brand and Aesthetic
To build a loyal fan base on TikTok, it’s important to develop a consistent brand and aesthetic. This includes choosing a username and profile picture that reflect your brand, as well as developing a consistent visual style for your videos.
If you have a Canva Pro account, the Brand Kit is my favorite feature. It makes it super simple to keep your brand colors, logos, and templates all in one place. While you won’t be using Canva to create TikTok videos all the time, you can use it to make sure your brand remains consistent.
That being said, as your follower base grows, they will be expecting your content to have the same value. So, don’t go in creating content about your walking pad to decide to switch to books after you have followers.
Incorporating Book-related Themes and Topics
While it’s important to create content that is entertaining and engaging, it’s also important to incorporate book-related themes and topics into your videos. This can include anything from book recommendations to sneak peeks into your upcoming releases.
As a best practice, I like to review what other creators are posting, particularly those who’s audience matches mine.
Building a Following on TikTok
Once you’ve started creating content on TikTok, it’s important to focus on building a following and engaging with your audience. Here are some strategies for increasing your visibility on the app:
Utilizing Relevant Hashtags and Trends
One of the best ways to increase your visibility on TikTok is to utilize relevant hashtags and trends. This can help your content reach a larger audience and increase your chances of going viral.
Collaborating with Other Authors and Creators
Collaborating with other authors and creators can be a great way to increase your visibility on TikTok and build your fan base. This can include everything from shoutouts to full-on collaborations.
Measuring Success and Refining Your Strategy
As with any marketing strategy, it’s important to track your engagement and analytics on TikTok in order to measure your success and make adjustments to your approach.
TikTok provides a number of metrics to help you track your engagement and analytics on the app. This includes everything from views and likes to shares and comments.
Based on the data you collect, it’s important to make adjustments to your content and approach. This can include everything from experimenting with different types of content to adjusting your posting schedule.
Finally, it’s important to continue experimenting and trying new things on TikTok. This can help you stay ahead of the curve and continue to grow your audience and brand on the app.
Try TikTok for Yourself
In conclusion, TikTok can be a valuable platform for authors looking to grow their brand and sell more books. By creating engaging content, building a following, and utilizing TikTok for book marketing, authors can reach a new audience and generate buzz around their work.
So why not give TikTok a try and start building your author brand today? With a little bit of creativity and a lot of hard work, you could be the next TikTok sensation!
Taylor Munsell 
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