Category: publishing

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.

1. 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!>
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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