Since releasing my latest novel, Words Unspoken, I’ve temporarily set aside the creative process of writing to dive headfirst into the whirlwind of promotion and marketing. It’s been an adventure—sometimes exhilarating, sometimes overwhelming—but every step has taught me something new.

My primary focus has been carving out a presence on BookTok, the vibrant corner of TikTok where book lovers unite. As an indie author, getting noticed in such a dynamic space is crucial, so I also opened a TikTok Shop to showcase the novels I currently have published. However, what seemed like a straightforward process at first glance quickly revealed itself to be a maze of details and challenges.

Setting up an offsite storefront on Shopify and connecting it with the TikTok Shop turned out to be more time-consuming and involved than I anticipated. The sheer amount of information required and the numerous hurdles to sync the platforms were daunting. While TikTok doesn’t require an external store, I chose to go this route for the added flexibility it offers. This way, I can showcase my Shopify storefront across various sites and social media platforms. It’s a strategic move that I believe will pay off in the long run, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

Creating and posting videos on TikTok itself is relatively easy, but finding an audience is an entirely different story. I’ve had some videos soar with thousands of views, likes, and shares, while others barely made a ripple. TikTok’s algorithms are a mystery, and it’s frustrating trying to understand why one video hits the mark and another doesn’t. While the platform does provide tools to track what’s trending in specific genres like BookTok, success still feels like a game of chance. I’m constantly researching and learning from other authors who seem to have cracked the code, hoping to apply those insights to my own efforts.

In addition to my new BookTok endeavors, I’ve also explored more traditional routes like direct mail marketing on book promotion sites, though with limited success. I’m considering the possibility of organizing a “book tour” through a tour provider, which could open new doors for promotion. I’m always on the lookout for fresh opportunities to get the word out about my books, understanding more and more that marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. Every seed planted today has the potential to bloom down the road.

So, as I juggle the marketing madness with writing the next installment of the Leesburg Ghost Adventures Series, I’d love to hear from anyone with marketing tips or success stories. It’s a journey, and I’m learning that persistence is key. Wish me luck?

TikTok Page: https://www.tiktok.com/@kdphillips714

Shopify Storefront: https://c47a49-02.myshopify.com/