How & Why I’m Building A TikTok Following
Good morning, Friends!
This is the final weekend of my move, so I’m writing this a bit early. We’ll be moving Thursday through Monday, and hopefully, that will finally wrap things up.
Also, I just want to give you an update on my health. You probably remember I started this business because I have some chronic health problems. I am able to work on my business when I am well rather than following a set schedule; that works out better than trying to be well at prescribed hours.
I’ve been less well than normal lately, hence no blog post last weekend. Just want to let you know I’m having a minor procedure done on the 27th of January to diagnose what might be going wrong. I expect the answer will involve changing my diet a bit, and I’ll get better soon. Just an FYI, so you know, that’s what’s up with the inconsistency and my health journey.
Nakina’s Nook
Nakina’s Nook is the nickname for my new TikTok channel. You can check it out at this link.
It’s all about my love for books. My goal is to tease people with tidbits from books and get them interested in what’s next and possibly even inspire some reading.
Why?
Why? I want to monetize by getting into the TikTok affiliate shop, and I’d like to see where a book-centered following would lead.
The ultimate goal would be to have a book club membership. I’m not certain this is an undertaking I want to do, I want to see if people are interested in my style of reading.
I wouldn’t want to do a lecture series; I’d be interested in starting and keeping a conversation going.
So, we’ll see how the experience unfolds.
Why Now?
This is particularly important since I live in the US, and as I write this Wednesday morning, the TikTok ban is scheduled to begin on Sunday.
The short answer is I didn’t begin sooner, so I simply began recently. My mentor is giving a six week class on getting into and using TikTok shop. The timing coincided well.
Also, I don’t believe TikTok will go away. If it does, I believe it will come back.
If not? I’ll simply switch platforms. The phenomenon of social shopping has begun or is planned to begin (I’m not sure which) on YouTube and Instagram. And, of course, there are more platforms doing the same thing.
I’m getting practice on TikTok. If I need to change platforms, I will.
Conclusion
Depending on when you read this post, we may already know TikTok’s future in the U.S.
Do you think I should have started to begin with on a different platform? What have you done in regard to TikTok?
Please leave your comments below. I’m interested in what you think 🙂 !
Ciao ’til next time,
Nakina, Your blog really strikes a chord with me as someone navigating both health challenges and building an online presence. I appreciate your approach to flexibility in your work schedule—I’ve had to do the same while balancing my health/family/work journey and my own TikTok content creation. Your focus on books is such a unique and engaging niche, and I think it has great potential for a loyal following. I’m also learning TikTok affiliate marketing, and while the ban is concerning, I agree that adapting to new platforms is key to staying in the game. Wishing you success with Nakina’s Nook and a smooth move—looking forward to seeing where this journey takes you. Atif
Atif Perwiz recently posted…An Update: Restarting, Reshaping, and Reconnecting
Hi, Atif!
Thank you for your well wishes! The move did go smoothly. There’s still much unpacking and cleanup to do, but we’ll wrap that up soon. There’s light at the end of the tunnel! I wish you the best in your health journey. It’s difficult to put health first when all my striving is going towards starting a business, but I’ve learned health is of first importance after all. I wish you success in TikTok as well! Good luck with TikTok shop! I’m sure you’ll master it!
Nakina
Hi Nakina – It seems to have a lot going on right now and I am truly impressed that you are fitting in not only this blog but TikTok and other things in the midst of everything that is happening in your world. Truly admirable! I love the new handle… Nakina’s Nook! I can just imagine you curling up in a “nook” with a great book and then telling us all about it motivating us not only to read it but to learn about ourselves from the words on the page. I love your positive outlook on life and thank you for the reminder that it is possible to look at things clearly in the midst of life’s challenges. Have a Wonderful Weekend!!!
Hey, Ernie, my friend!
Thank you for your positive outlook on my whirlwind life! Lol!
So happy you like the name Nakina’s Nook. That’s exactly where I got the idea from -curling up reading in my armchair in the corner.
I’m looking forward to getting back into the swing of things starting tomorrow. I still have some unpacking to do, but there’s time enough for that. I’m ready to get back to reading!
Nakina
Wow, what a week you’ve had! First off, good luck wrapping up your move—it sounds like a marathon, but you’re so close to the finish line! 🏡💪
Thanks for the health update—it’s amazing how you’re balancing it all while still pushing forward with your business. Hoping your procedure on the 27th gives you some clear answers so you can feel more like yourself soon. ❤️
As for TikTok, I totally get the nerves with all the ban talk, but your approach is spot on. Practice where the audience is now, and pivot if you have to. You’re building skills that’ll translate to any platform—YouTube and Instagram better watch out. 😉 Keep us posted—I’ll be rooting for Nakina’s Nook to go viral!
Hi, Sarah! It has been a long marathon of a move! I’m so glad to be at the unpacking stage! And, thank you for the well wishes.
Thanks for rooting for Nakina’s Nook! I’m ready to get back into action tomorrow. Wouldn’t it be something if it caught on? !! Love your vision!
Nakina
Hi Nakina,
Thank you for sharing everything you’ve been going through, it sounds like a lot, but I admire how you’re handling it all. Moving is such a big task, and adding health concerns to the mix makes it even harder. I hope your procedure on the 27th gives you some clear answers and helps you feel better soon.
Nakina’s Nook is such a beautiful idea. The way you’re combining your passion for books with your business goals is inspiring. Starting conversations about books sounds like a wonderful way to connect with others, and I can see how it could grow into something special, like a book club. I love that you’re exploring this step by step, it feels authentic and thoughtful.
As for TikTok, I think you made the right call by starting there. It’s a great place to build skills and experiment with your ideas. If things change with the platform, you’ll already have experience and can adapt to others like YouTube or Instagram. You’re doing what so many of us struggle with, taking action and figuring it out as you go.
Wishing you strength for the days ahead, both with the move and your health. You’re doing amazing work, and I have no doubt you’ll find success.
Meredith
Meredith Moore recently posted…How to Grow and Monetize on TikTok: Lessons from My Bootcamp
Hello, Meredith!
I’m finally wrapping up the move! Who knew we had so much stuff? LOL!
I’m so glad you like Nakina’s Nook. And I’m glad TikTok is still here for all of us in the US.
Thank you for the well wishes. I still have a lot of unpacking to do, but the pressure is off. And the next step is to figure out my health. I hope that can be figured out on the 27th or soon after.
In the meantime, I’m going to read and share my tidbits on TikTok!
It’s fun that reading is my job!
Nakina
It’s so refreshing to see someone bring their passion for books to life in a fun, engaging way on TikTok. I think your goal of building a community around reading is a brilliant one—especially with the idea of fostering conversations rather than just delivering lectures. That makes it feel more personal and relatable. And as a fellow book lover, I can’t wait to see how you bring your unique style into this space! TikTok is such an amazing platform and I am sure you have already discovered the #BookTok community to share your favorite books with!
Let’s hope this app doesn’t get banned in the US and we can continue to create amazing communities where we get to share our true passions and personalities!
Are you doing lives? A Book Club live would be a really fun way to build a community.
Hi, Alison!
I haven’t done a live yet. I see others doing them in the community, but I’m not sure how they work. I’ll have to stick around them a few times and see what they’re about. I hadn’t thought of having a book club live on TikTok. That is an interesting idea! Maybe I’ll do a live when I finish East of Eden! It is a very popular book in the TikTok community. Thanks for the tip! And I’m so glad TikTok is already back for us. Yay!
Nakina
Your enthusiasm about books will help others to read who previously may not have done so. Then your inspiration can lead to the discussion about the book which is needed in today’s world, not only reading in solitude, but joining with others to understand what they get out of what they read.
As you persist in your reading niche, there will be others who will follow you. I think TikTok is a good platform for this. It is an eclectic group of people who are searching for community and creative expression. That is why I am disappointed that this platform may not be there for us. Sure you can point to the other platforms where we can excel with what we learn with Dean, but it’s not the same. But I am not complaining just pointing out how I feel.
But most importantly, take care of yourself as you heal from your most recent health challenges. Relax and read a good book!
Hi, Kate!
You make such a great point. Books are more than just fun. They are relevant to today’s concerns. They give ideas of what questions should be asked and warnings of what to avoid and what to expect, etc.
I am so glad TikTok is already back for us! It is a unique platform; though others are similar, the TikTok community has a different feel. It seems less contrived and more authentic.
I will take your orders, Nurse Kate! When I’m healing, I’ll be curled up with a good book! It’ll either be East of Eden or, if I’ve finished that, Anna Karenina. Looking forward to it!
Nakina
Hi Nakina,
A lot of people love books 📚 me included. You have chosen a popular and interesting niche that will never lack of content. And it looks like you have plenty of good ideas to make it live.👍
Regarding the ban, I think you should start going outside TikTok. I would be surprised that this situation finds a way out soon.
Martin
Hey, Martin!
I’m surprised as well! TikTok left, but it returned sooner than expected. Yay! I think you are right about needing more than just TikTok. The future of TikTok is still uncertain, so I will also be looking into Instagram and YouTube. I might as well make content for all three channels. It will be little work to add them once I get used to using them.
I’m so glad you’re liking the book channel. The move is wrapping up, and I plan to get back to making videos tomorrow! The excitement continues!
Nakina
Hi Nakina,
Thank you for sharing your journey through moving and managing your health while building your TikTok following! I’m glad to hear you’re focusing on your well-being first—self-care is essential, especially when navigating chronic health issues.
I love the concept behind Nakina’s Nook! The idea of teasing readers with snippets from books sounds engaging and can definitely spark interest in your audience. Building a book club membership is a fantastic long-term goal, and I think fostering conversations around your reading style will resonate well with followers.
You bring up a valid point about TikTok’s potential changes. It’s wise to gain experience on the platform while keeping your options open should you need to switch gears. The world of social shopping is evolving, and there are plenty of opportunities on various platforms.
Keep pushing forward with your content, and I look forward to seeing how your TikTok journey unfolds. Best of luck with your procedure on the 27th—wishing you a smooth recovery!
Take care, The Best Is Yet To Come!
Ezequiel
Hi, Ezequiel!
Thank you for your well wishes! As I respond, it’s Monday. TikTok has left and returned already, so I get to continue there! But I should also learn how to post on YouTube and Instagram. Once I get past the learning curve, making the same video three times will be easy enough.
I know TikTok likes you to create your video within their app. I expect the other two platforms to be the same. But once I get past that learning curve, it should be easy.
So much to do and share! I’m looking forward to it 🙂
Nakina
Hi Nakina,
I think a channel about books would be a lot of fun to create and fun to follow – as I am a big collector of books too – although I have been known to buy a book and not read it for years.
It’s a character flaw…
But – congrats on the blog and on the Tik Tok channel (is that what they call it on Tik Tok?).
I have just gone over and followed you on Tik Tok, so I’ll get to see some more of your videos and keep up with what you are reading.
Looking forward to your updates.
Hi, Sean! LOL! I don’t know if it’s a character flaw to aspire to read more than we can handle at one time, but you see I share the same “flaw!” Lol! This channel will give me an excuse to indulge in book after book and call it work. I think it will be a lot of fun! So glad you’re joining me!
Nakina