Social Media Promotion? Really?

It's not that I especially care, but I don't get how TikTok works for authors. I posted a rudimentary video on Sunday; just a Canva-adapted template, and it has received no views. I don't even know how that's possible. Wouldn't someone stumble upon it simply by accident? It's set to "public". I don't have a lot of patience for things I don't care about, so I'll give the site one more chance before I abandon it completely. I uploaded another Canva video a few minutes ago, and if that one gets no views, I'm done. 

For promoting on social media, really, none of the sites work, but if I had to pick a "best" from the lot, I'd go with X. At least I get a bit of engagement on X, albeit just people selling their services, but that's true of Facebook and Instagram, too. So, why is X any better? It's not as clunky, for one. In fact, it's not clunky at all. Posting is a breeze; notifications tell you if someone liked your post and who that is (if you care). DM's are straightforward. Respond or don't respond. Mute someone if they bug you enough, without having to be rude and unfollow them. 

Instagram and Facebook are great for attracting people who want to sell you their services (of which I require none). That's the only attention I've gotten on these sites. Yesterday, I even posted on FB, thanking these people for their attention, but telling them I'm broke, so I won't be taking them up on their offers. I'll admit that my distaste for Facebook likely colors my view of the site, but even when I was trying to engage, it was really impossible. I probably should use LinkedIn more, but I'm dubious about its effectiveness in driving sales.

I feel like I must have done something yesterday, promotion-wise, but I can't put my finger on anything. I did take a look at my (free) Book Award Pro account, which is supposed to have new opportunities each week; and let's just say I'm glad I chose the free option. One review site they gave me didn't list its pricing, so I emailed them. They responded, asking for my book link and said they'd then "let me know". I don't think it should work that way. Different pricing depending on the book? No thanks. I wasn't serious about them to begin with, and I'm definitely not now. Also, the contests I'm presented with are either too expensive to enter or I don't even qualify (e.g., a contest for California authors, when I live in Minnesota). 

I'm pretty much over my contest entry phase. The remainders that are legit mostly cost too much to enter. I did enter the National Book Critics Circle competition, which is free. This does make me laugh, because it's a competition that includes even trade-published books, so good luck, me! You know, I just don't care if I look like a fool. How am I supposed to get my work out there if I'm afraid to make a fool of myself? 

Nevertheless, I haven't given up promoting...yet. I figure if I run out of things to do, something new will present itself. Or I'll just keep bombarding the social media sites with homemade book promos, 'til I drive everyone away.