TikTok for Authors Part 2 with Kate Hall, The BookFunnel Podcast Ep 26

Oct 16, 2025

Kate Hall, CEO of Align Digital Solutions and author of over 30 books, shares her journey from struggle to TikTok success. She discusses essential tips for authors on creating engaging content, emphasizing the importance of visual hooks and quality production. Kate reveals how TikTok's algorithm changes impact marketing strategies, advocating for keywords over hashtags. She also explores the benefits of TikTok Shop for book sales and emphasizes the significance of authenticity in content creation, encouraging authors to embrace their unique identities.

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ANECDOTE

TikTok Turned Around Her Career

Kate Hall described how TikTok transformed her stalled author career, taking her from living in a shed to financial stability.
She attributes rapid income recovery to applying TikTok strategies that generated consistent sales.

INSIGHT

TikTok Cracked Down On Slideshows

TikTok has tightened enforcement, suppressing slideshow-style book content because many creators used it to sneak explicit scenes.
Creators must pivot to authentic face or visual-hook content to regain reliable reach.

INSIGHT

Platform Policy Is Politically Driven

TikTok policy shifts are tied to political pressure and possible U.S. sale concerns, so algorithm behavior may reflect regulatory risk.
Platform instability means authors must diversify channels to avoid single-point revenue failure.

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In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, the team welcomes back Kate Hall, a successful author and marketing expert. They discuss the evolving landscape of social media, particularly TikTok, and how authors can adapt their marketing strategies to thrive. Kate shares her personal journey from struggling to successful author, emphasizing the importance of engaging content and the need to pivot in response to platform changes. The conversation also covers practical tips for creating compelling videos, the decline of hashtags, and the significance of visual hooks in content creation. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of book marketing, particularly through platforms like TikTok. They discuss the importance of creating tension and drama in storytelling, the need for relatable elements in high fantasy, and the authenticity required in content creation. The conversation also covers effective management of a TikTok shop, leveraging live streaming for engagement, and practical tips for authors looking to start their journey on TikTok. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the evolving landscape of book promotion and the strategies authors can employ to connect with their audience.

Takeaways

Authors need to adapt to changing social media landscapes.
TikTok's restrictions are impacting how authors market their books.
Visual hooks are essential for engaging content.
Hashtags are becoming less effective; focus on keywords instead.
Creating face content can be more effective than slideshows.
Authors should diversify their content across multiple platforms.
Engaging content should hook viewers in the first three seconds.
Quality video and lighting are crucial for TikTok success.
Authors can use personal stories to connect with their audience.
Consistency and experimentation are key to finding what works. Book marketing on TikTok requires engaging hooks.
Tension in storytelling is crucial for selling books.
Relatable elements help readers connect with high fantasy.
Authenticity in content creation resonates with audiences.
TikTok Shop can significantly boost book sales.
Bundles of books can attract more buyers.
Live streaming can enhance engagement and sales.
Pre-signing books can streamline TikTok Shop management.
Editing videos for TikTok is essential for visibility.
Consistency in posting leads to increased audience engagement.