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

Introduction

In 2022, I shared my journey on how I sell thousands of books using TikTok, and since then, the platform has continued to evolve. Today, I'm excited to present you with an updated tutorial specifically designed for creatives looking to market their products effectively. Whether you're an author, artist, or musician, TikTok remains one of the best platforms for reaching your audience and boosting sales.

Why TikTok?

Before diving in, it's essential to understand that selecting the right social media platform is a personal decision based on your goals and audience. If TikTok is available to you, I highly recommend giving it a try. However, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations. While it's possible to achieve rapid success with viral content, this is not the norm. It took me several months to see a consistent rise in sales, which requires dedication and patience.

Notably, one of my most successful videos sold 7,000 books in a couple of weeks, racking up over 10 million views. While this is an incredible achievement, the more common experience involves a gradual build-up of sales as your content continuously exposes new viewers to your creative work.

Setting Up Your TikTok Account

Let's dive into the updates and strategies you can implement:

  1. Create Your Account: If you're new to TikTok, take some time to engage with content before you begin posting. After creating your account, spend a few days exploring different content and engaging with others. This will help TikTok categorize your account appropriately and prevent it from being flagged as a bot.

  2. Profile Optimization: Choose between a business or personal account. A business account offers valuable analytics but restricts music access due to licensing. After setting this up, add an engaging profile picture and write a concise bio, ideally a mission statement that summarizes your creative work.

  3. Explore Your Niche: Search for your genre or category on TikTok and observe the different styles of content. Engage by liking, commenting, and following creators in your niche—just be mindful not to follow too many accounts too quickly, as this can flag your account as spam.

Content Ideas for Creatives

Once you're comfortable with the platform, it’s time to create your first video. Here are some popular content styles that have emerged recently:

  1. Get Ready With Me Videos: These mini-vlogs allow you to showcase your creative process. For example, artists can film a time-lapse of setting up a painting or authors can share their writing process.

  2. Aesthetic Videos: Compile stock images or videos that represent your book or creative work. Using resources like Unsplash or Canva, you can search for visuals that resonate with your genre. Pair these visuals with music from TikTok's library and add text that describes your project.

  3. Carousels: Similar to Instagram, TikTok now allows carousel posts where users can swipe through several photos. Add a compelling text hook to encourage users to interact with the entire set.

  4. Text-Only Posts: As a new feature, TikTok allows text-only content. While it hasn't gained significant popularity, it may work for those just starting to communicate ideas without the pressure of video creation.

  5. TikTok Shop: If you're selling products, consider utilizing TikTok Shop, which allows you to sell directly within the app. This feature enjoys significant promotion from TikTok, and creators have found success selling various products through it.

Tips for Success on TikTok

Starting on TikTok doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here are a few reassurances:

  • Repurpose Content: You can reuse successful hooks and visuals, allowing you to promote various aspects of your creative work without starting from scratch each time.

  • Consistency is Key: In the beginning, you may need to invest more time creating content as you explore what resonates. However, over time, you’ll discover effective strategies and patterns that work.

  • Book Talk Blueprint: If you're an author looking for comprehensive guidance, I offer a detailed course called the Book Talk Blueprint, designed to help authors leverage TikTok for sales.

In the near future, I'll also release a TikTok guide tailored for various types of creatives beyond authors.

Conclusion

I hope you found this article helpful! If you’re already on TikTok, feel free to leave your handle in the comments so I can check out your work. Thank you for reading, and best of luck on your TikTok journey!

Keywords

TikTok, author marketing, creative products, viral content, social media strategies, audience engagement, TikTok Shop, content creation, repurposing content, Book Talk Blueprint.

FAQ

1. How long does it take to start seeing sales on TikTok?
It typically takes a few months of consistent posting and engaging with the community to see an increase in sales.

2. Should I create a business or personal account on TikTok?
It depends on your goals. A business account provides analytics but restricts music access, while a personal account offers more music options.

3. Can I repurpose my content on TikTok?
Yes! You can reuse successful hooks, visuals, and ideas from previous posts to save time and effort.

4. Is TikTok Shop worth using?
Absolutely! TikTok Shop is being heavily promoted by the platform and allows you to sell products directly within the app.

5. What types of videos work best for creatives?
Popular video styles include Get Ready With Me, aesthetic videos, carousels, and text-only posts. Experiment to see what resonates with your audience!

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