A couple of months ago I started on TikTok… and had no idea what I was doing. This is a pretty common opinion. Everyone I talk to on TikTok is muddling through their daily videos trying to figure out how to get followers, views, likes, comments, and shares.
I have it all figured out. (let the laughter commence!)
Okay, okay, I don’t have it all figured out. But here is what I’d do if you want to follow in my fabulous footsteps… and my almost 1000 followers.
- Decide on the type of videos you want to make.
- I want to sell my book, but those videos don’t get views on my account
- TikTok is the LONG game.
- Writing videos get views. So, those are the ones I make
- I will sprinkle in book videos too with the plan of making more as I get more followers <a plan!>
- I believe hashtags help
- I have seen a LOT of debates. Some say none, some say one or two, some say ALL the hashtags
- I find the videos with hashtags help, the more the merrier
- Some people say using hashtags with MORE followers is better. I find the ones with fewer followers work better, it’s like I’ve found my people.
- Use focused hashtags, not just anything that pops in your head, the hashtags should align with the video you’re posting. I don’t use the same ones every time.
- This is BIG and I just started attempting this… it takes time – if someone engages with your account – ENGAGE BACK, make your community stronger.
- I know, you’re thinking, ‘But Huckle, this will take forever!’, but trust me, it’s worth it. You don’t have to do a lot, but they’ve given you love, share it back.
- Everyone is trying to grow their account.
- This is just me… don’t make EVERY video music only.
- Maybe this is just me, but I need some talking… I will engage more if I can hear something from you.
- I may be the only person who thinks this.
- Personally, I have found two (2!!) videos a day works best. When I have done a third, it doesn’t get views.
- You can do the effects videos “what type of cheese am I?” and other silliness.
- If you are joining a community like #booktok, or #indiewriters realize it is a small community. People have opinions, be nice.
- I had a friend who gave his opinions and got a lot of hate comments. We are all people, and if it isn’t helpful, maybe just swipe past to the next video.
- Only engage with the videos you want to see more of or you’ll be inundated with more of what you don’t like.
- This goes with following as well. Follow what you want to see.
- On the flip side, you don’t need to make a video telling people who you will and won’t follow, it comes off as rude.
- Personally, if I see someone with a bunch of followers and few they follow, I WILL NOT follow. I need followers. I follow who I think is interesting, but also to get followers.
- Each person has their own opinions, but if you aren’t following, that is your choice.
- Going viral would be amazing… but not everyone does, it’s a slow game we’re playing.
I hope this helps. If you have other thoughts, add them to the comments! If there are enough, I’ll do a follow-up! Don’t forget to join my page if you haven’t!
Cheers!
Huckle
Huckleberry Rahr - Author 