Published on

How I Sell Books on TikTok (Updated 2024 Guide for Authors & Creatives!)

Introduction

To date, the most popular video on this YouTube channel is the first video I ever posted about how I sell thousands of books on TikTok. However, things have changed since I posted that video in 2022. So today, I am bringing you a new and updated TikTok tutorial for creatives. TikTok is still one of the best platforms for creatives looking to sell their products. If you're not yet on TikTok, I highly recommend it!

Before I get started, I want to say that it is really up to each individual to decide what social media platforms are best for them. Do your research. If TikTok is available to you, I highly recommend jumping in and giving it a try. While many videos out there will tell you that you can sell thousands of books by tomorrow, that’s not what you'll find here. It took me a few months to start seeing a slight increase in sales, and they continued to grow from there. It takes dedication and consistency to start seeing results.

Yes, you can go viral right away, and that’s awesome when it happens. One of my most popular videos sold me 7,000 books within a couple of weeks, getting over 10 million views. But typically, it’s not super common to go viral immediately. What is great about TikTok is its capacity to bring a gradual stream of new people exposed to your work, resulting in a steady increase in sales.

So let's dive into the content updates that have happened since my last video. I’ll share some video ideas and examples, and my top tips for creating successful videos.

New Account Setup

If you are new to the channel, my name is Shelby Lee, and I am a marketing coach for creatives. I've worked with over 2,000 authors, musicians, artists, and more to help them sell more on social media. As an author myself, I have over half a million followers across social media, and I’ve sold over 50,000 books in just the past two years using organic social media strategies. So, I’m excited to jump into this tutorial and share my top tips with you.

  1. Creating Your Account: Lately, I’ve seen more issues with people starting new accounts and posting immediately, causing TikTok to categorize them as bot accounts and subsequently banning them. Therefore, I recommend taking a few days to engage with others on the platform before posting.

  2. Choose Between Business or Personal Account: Business accounts offer great analytics but have limited music options due to licensing restrictions. A personal account provides access to a broader music library. Choose based on your needs.

  3. Profile Picture and Bio: Set an engaging profile picture that matches the vibe of your work. Use the limited space in your bio to write a mission statement.

  4. Engage with Content: Search for your genre/category and interact with relevant content. This helps you learn about the types of content that work well on TikTok.

Types of Videos and Tips

  1. Mini Vlogs (Get Ready With Me): These are great for showing behind-the-scenes of your creative process. For example, artists can show the process of creating a painting.

  2. Aesthetic Videos: Combine stock images or videos that represent your work. Use texts to describe your book/music/art. Websites like Unsplash, Canva, Pixabay, or Pexels are good sources for these visuals.

  3. Hooks: Engage viewers immediately. Experiment with different hooks to find what works best for you.

  4. Carousels and Text Posts: TikTok now offers carousel and text-only posts. While these have been slow to take off, they are worth experimenting with.

  5. TikTok Shop: TikTok Shop allows you to sell directly on the platform. It comes with a commission but is highly recommended as TikTok pushes these accounts.

Repurposing Content

Reuse your successful hooks and visuals periodically to keep your content creation process easier. Change up some aspects to keep things fresh but rely on past successes to guide new content.

Comprehensive Guides

If you’re an author curious about TikTok, check out my comprehensive guide, the BookTok Blueprint. For other creatives, I’m working on a TikTok for Creatives Guide.

Keywords

  • TikTok
  • Creatives
  • Sell Books
  • Marketing Coach
  • Social Media
  • Artists
  • Video Tips
  • Engagement
  • Account Setup
  • Mini Vlogs
  • Aesthetic Videos
  • Hooks
  • TikTok Shop

FAQs

How long does it take to start seeing results on TikTok?

It typically takes a few months of dedication and consistency to start seeing an increase in sales.

Is it necessary to go viral to sell books on TikTok?

While it’s great if you go viral, consistent, gradual growth is more common and sustainable.

Should I choose a business or personal account?

It depends on your needs. Business accounts offer analytics but limited music options. Personal accounts have fewer restrictions.

How should I engage with content as a new user?

Spend a few days liking, commenting, and following relevant accounts to avoid being mistaken for a bot.

What are some effective video types for creatives?

Mini vlogs, aesthetic videos, carousels, and effective use of hooks can help capture attention and engage viewers.

Can I repurpose content on TikTok?

Yes, you can reuse successful hooks and visuals while changing some elements to keep your content fresh.

What is TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop allows you to sell products directly on TikTok. It’s pushed heavily by the platform, making it worth trying despite the commission.

Is there a comprehensive guide available for authors?

Yes, there’s a guide called the BookTok Blueprint. For other creatives, a specific TikTok for Creatives Guide is in the works.

Read More