Creating Your Account (Pitfalls to Avoid)

Setting up your TikTok account might seem straightforward, but there are critical decisions in those first few minutes that can impact your growth for months. Let me save you from the mistakes I made (and watched countless other authors make).

The Username Dilemma

Your username is your TikTok identity. Unlike other platforms, changing it later can hurt your discoverability. Here's what works:

Do:

  • Use your author name or pen name
  • Keep it simple and memorable
  • Match it to your other social platforms if possible

Don't:

  • Add numbers unless they're part of your brand
  • Use underscores or special characters
  • Pick something genre-specific (you might write in other genres later)

Profile Setup That Converts

Your profile is prime real estate. You have seconds to convince someone to follow you.

Profile Photo Strategy

You have three main options, each with distinct advantages:

1. Author Face Shot

  • Builds personal connection fastest
  • Increases trust and relatability
  • Use natural lighting for best results
  • Ensure it's clear at small sizes

2. Brand Logo/Design

  • Professional and versatile
  • Works if you're camera-shy
  • Must be genre-appropriate
  • Keep it simple and readable

3. Book Cover

  • Direct book promotion
  • Works best for single-book focus
  • Can limit your growth as you publish more
  • Consider updating regularly

Pro tip: Whatever you choose, make sure it's readable at thumbnail size. Test it by looking at your profile on different devices.

Bio Optimization: The 80-Character Formula

Your bio needs to convey three critical elements:

  1. What you write
  2. Who it's for
  3. Why they should care

Effective Bio Formulas That Work:

Genre + Unique Element: "Dark fantasy with morally gray heroes 🗡️"

Reader Promise: "Books that keep you up at night 🌙📚"

Author Identity: "Enemies-to-lovers enthusiast ✨ New book ↓"

Trope List: "Found family • Slow burn • Happy endings 🌈"

Strategic Emoji Usage: Use emojis to save precious characters:

  • 📚 = Books/Author
  • 🌶️ = Spice level
  • 🏳️‍🌈 = LGBTQ+ content
  • ✨ = Magic/Fantasy
  • 💕 = Romance
  • 🗡️ = Action/Adventure

1. Link Tree/Hub (Best Choice)

  • Multiple options without overwhelming
  • Track clicks on each link
  • Update without changing bio link
  • Professional appearance

2. Newsletter Signup

  • Builds your email list
  • Creates direct reader connection
  • Higher conversion than book sales

3. Latest Book

  • Direct sales opportunity
  • Update with each release
  • Works best during launch periods

4. Universal Book Link

  • Let readers choose their store
  • International friendly
  • Lower friction for purchases

Critical Settings to Configure

Before you post anything, adjust these settings:

  1. Privacy Settings: Keep your account public. Private accounts don't get discovered.
  2. Comments: Allow all comments initially. You can moderate later.
  3. Duets and Stitches: Enable both. They're powerful discovery tools.
  4. Download: Allow others to download your videos. Shared content expands reach.

Account Type: Creator vs Business

Choose Creator account. It gives you better analytics without limiting your reach. You can switch to Business later if you need advanced features, but Creator mode is perfect for authors starting out.

The Biggest Pitfalls to Avoid

Starting with Promotional Content

Your first posts shouldn't sell anything. Build trust first.

Following Random Accounts

Every follow teaches the algorithm about your interests. Be strategic from day one.

Importing Content from Other Platforms

Those Instagram Reels with watermarks? They'll tank your reach. Create native content.

Overthinking Your Niche

You don't need to declare "I only post about epic fantasy" in your bio. Let your content speak for itself.

Your First 24 Hours

After setting up your account:

  1. Don't post immediately
  2. Spend 30 minutes exploring BookTok
  3. Follow 5-10 authors in your genre
  4. Like and comment genuinely on their content
  5. Let the algorithm learn who you are before you start creating

Profile Maintenance Schedule

Your profile isn't set-and-forget. It's a living tool that should evolve with your author journey.

Weekly Tasks:

  • Check all links are working
  • Update time-sensitive information
  • Review recent follower feedback
  • Adjust based on what's resonating

Monthly Tasks:

  • Refresh bio for current projects
  • Update for new releases
  • Test different bio formulas
  • Analyze link click rates

Quarterly Tasks:

  • Full profile audit
  • Update profile photo if needed
  • Review overall brand consistency
  • Compare to successful authors in your genre

Success Metrics to Track

Know if your profile is working by monitoring:

Profile Visits → Follow Rate

  • Aim for 10%+ conversion
  • If lower, test new bio/photo
  • Check what content drives visits

Link Clicks

  • Track which links get clicked
  • Adjust placement based on data
  • Test different CTAs

DM Inquiries

  • Note common questions
  • Add answers to bio/content
  • Build FAQ highlights

Comment Themes

  • What are people asking about?
  • What confusion can you clear up?
  • What excitement can you amplify?

A Personal Note

I spent three months on a shadowbanned account because I didn't know about VPN issues. If you're using a VPN, disable it when setting up your account. TikTok is sensitive to location inconsistencies in new accounts.

Your profile is your digital business card, your book cover, and your elevator pitch all in one. It's worth spending time to get it right, and even more importantly, keeping it optimized as you grow.

Remember: your account setup is the foundation. Take the extra 30 minutes to get it right. Test different approaches. Track what works. Your future TikTok self (and your readers) will thank you.

Next, we'll dive into how the algorithm actually works, so you can make it your ally instead of your enemy.

Up next

How the TikTok Algorithm Works

Understand the algorithm to make it work for you, not against you.