Marketing Struggles as an Indie Romance Author – Why I Won’t Give Up

As an indie romance author, I dream of the day when one of my book videos goes viral—when thousands (or millions!) of readers suddenly discover my stories and rush to grab a copy. But let’s be real… that hasn’t happened yet. Marketing is tough, and while I pour my heart into it, the reality is that social media algorithms can be unpredictable. However, I refuse to give up, and I don’t want other authors to either!

That’s why I’m sharing how I market my books, what’s working for me, and the marketing strategies I avoid.

How I Market My Books on Social Media

-Creating Ads with Canva & CapCut

Visuals matter! I use Canva to design eye-catching graphics and CapCut to edit engaging video ads that showcase my books in the best light.

-Posting at Peak Times

Timing is everything. I make sure to post when people are actually scrolling on social media—11 AM (mid-morning break time) and after 4 PM (when people get off work or school).

-Using Relevant Hashtags

The right hashtags help my books reach the right readers. I always use hashtags that fit my genre, like #SpicyReads, #RomanceBooks, #BWWMRomance, and more.

-Boosting Views with TikTok Promotions

Unlike other paid promotions I’ve tried, TikTok promotions actually work! They increase views and engagement, helping my content reach a wider audience.

Marketing Strategies I AVOID

-Posting at the Wrong Times

I don’t waste my time posting when people are busy at work or school. If no one’s online, my content won’t get the attention it deserves.

-Facebook Ads (Never Again!)

I gave Facebook ads a shot, and instead of book sales, I got scammers pretending to be Facebook employees trying to steal my info. Hard pass.

-Paying Instagram Book Reviewers

Many claim to have thousands of followers, but their engagement is super low—which means my book won’t actually reach that many readers. Most are just looking for a quick payment, not genuinely helping indie authors.

-Paying for Book Reviews

I’ve tried it before, and honestly, I wasn’t happy with the results. Instead, I focus on organic reviews from real readers who love my books.

Final Thoughts – I’m Not Giving Up

Marketing is a long game, and while I haven’t hit viral status yet, I know that consistency is key. I’ll keep showing up, keep promoting, and keep finding my readers because I know they’re out there!

To my fellow authors struggling with marketing: don’t give up! Try different strategies, track what works, and avoid what doesn’t. One day, we’ll look back and see just how far we’ve come.

Want to support my books? Check them out here: www.royalreedswrites.com 💕📖

If you have any other tips, feel free to share below!