We all know writers are highly original, and their greatest superpower is creativity. However, they can also excel in a variety of other trades. One such skill is using social media effectively to promote their books.
Everybody is talking about TikTok, a remarkable media platform for unknown artists and those with limited resources to market their products. It might be the best social media platform because of its organic reach, making it easy to find readers and build an audience quickly. While it may be ideal for some, it isn’t perfect for all of us. However, before you decide to discharge it, consider the benefits you can have by using its superb algorithm.
Once you watch a video for over five seconds and then like it, TikTok will display tons of similar stuff for you, and it never ends. You can live the rest of your life scrolling with your finger and watching or try to snap out of it in time to cook your family a meal. Therefore, it can also be hazardous, especially for youngsters.
However, it’s a valuable tool for aspiring writers looking to build their audience, but it demands time and effort. One example is Holly Jackson and her charismatic videos @hojax92. She posts three to five videos a month, more or less, and gets help creating them. If you don’t have support or can’t afford it, there are so many free video editors on the internet. One of my favorites is Movavi..
Why am I mentioning Holly Jackson’s videos? If you find an original approach, like she did, you can engage your readers more and gain new ones. She gives her readers a glimpse into her routines and keeps them informed. I love her charismatic approach, but I am also painfully aware that I don’t do well in front of the camera. Having cameras in my face, even taking occasional selfies, is something I don’t enjoy.
Since I can’t communicate with my readers through videos and show them my routines or work in progress, I must explore another option. That’s where the entrepreneurial skills come into play. To thrive as an entrepreneur, you need to be creative, adaptable, and able to anticipate future changes. Once you master these entrepreneurial superpowers, you can use them in various life situations, not just business.
BE CREATIVE
If being on live camera makes you uncomfortable, have someone else do it for you. This person could be a delighted reader, eager to share a review and give their personal and honest opinion about your book. I suggest they film it at home and then you post it together.
Filming a behind-the-scenes video is another approach to showcase your working routine and connect with your audience. All the reader needs is to hear your voice from behind the camera.
Product videos can provide readers with specific details about your book. You can display a written blurb and highlight some sentences from your book that can serve as a hook. Employ a small whiteboard to enlarge it and make it more catching. Don’t forget to draw hearts and flowers in the corners if it’s a romantic novel. Employ different colored markers for a touch of magic.
You can opt for promos, contests, or giveaways. Contests become more engaging with a live giveaway, whether you host it alone or with someone helping you. The bottom line is to interest as many readers as you can.
If any of these ideas are a good fit for you, I recommend researching online for guidance on creating that kind of video. Plenty of practical examples of good videos to explore, and various free video editors exist. I love Canva and use it for more than just creating videos. It is ideal for beginners because it’s user-friendly, easy to manage, and offers different templates and design ideas. However, if you don’t find it satisfying, I suggest you try Visme with its ready-to-use templates.
ADAPT AND FORESEE THE CHANGES
To comprehend this superpower, let me provide you with a relatable example. Do you remember the time before COVID? Of course, who wouldn’t? We went to our offices and attended courses and seminars in person. When COVID happened, we had to adapt by working, learning, and teaching from home. As businesses adapted, seemingly impossible things became real. Everyone had to adjust to the new circumstances to survive.
The changes are happening constantly, touching everyone, spanning every company, every individual, and even social media such as TikTok. I have been an entrepreneur long enough to know that everything eventually has to transform.
What does it mean precisely in our #booktok case? Well, imagine the rise of AI, and you don’t have to imagine anything—it is already happening. There might come a time when differentiating between a genuine author’s video and an artificially generated one becomes challenging. Should you believe your own eyes and ears? Perhaps you will lose all the trust in any media because it can be falsely created.
We may need to adapt and transition back to in-person seminars and events when that time comes. It might be the only way to connect with your readers, as digital content will lose credibility. In that scenario, everybody relying on social media will have to change their approach completely—no more hiding behind the screens—only tête-à-tête. We’ll see it all in no time.
Whatever happens, whatever changes come, if you learn to adapt, to expect, and prepare adequately, you have won every marketing battle.
