Why YouTube Success Isn’t Just About Likes or Subscribers Anymore

Why I'm Writing This - YouTube's Algorithm Has Changed

I'm no YouTube expert, but I'm definitely a research addict. 

I've spent countless hours watching tutorials, reading articles, and just observing what works (and what doesn't) on my own channel, StumpedRiddles. 

What I've come to realize—and it might surprise you—is that the old metrics of YouTube success aren't the only thing that matter anymore. 

So, I thought I'd share some of what I've learned.

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It's Not Just About Likes or Subscribers Anymore

We've all heard it before: get more subscribers, get more likes, and you'll grow. And yes, those metrics still matter—but they're no longer the whole picture. 

In fact, you can have a video blow up even if you have zero subscribers. I've seen it happen. The reason? Interest-based retention.

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What Is Interest-Based Retention?

This is the real game-changer. 

YouTube's algorithm (which is constantly evolving) is getting smarter at feeding content based on a viewer's actual interests. 

It's examining search history, viewing behavior, and even the types of videos people finish and rewatch. The algorithm then pushes videos not just because they're popular, but because they match someone's interests. 

YouTube and much of social media are building their own version of TikTok's For You Page.

You might be thinking, "Well, if I subscribe to a channel, it's because I'm interested in what they have to say." Sounds logical, right? But surprisingly, that's not always how it plays out. Think about how many channels you've subscribed to, only to rarely—if ever—watch their videos again. We've all done it. Subscribing doesn't always equal ongoing interest or engagement.

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How This Changes Everything

This shift means that the focus is less on building a massive following and more on creating content that resonates deeply with a specific audience. 

You don't need thousands of subscribers to make a splash. You just need the right video to reach the right people.

I've seen some of my own riddle videos gain more traction than I expected—not because they were perfectly edited or had fancy intros, but because the riddle struck a sweet spot in the interests of certain viewers. 

That's encouraging, especially for creators just starting out.

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Niche Growth Is Slower (But Powerful)

Here's something else I've learned the hard way: niche content tends to grow more slowly. If you're not making videos in a massive trend space like gaming or beauty, growth takes time. 

I wrote more about this last week, but it's worth repeating—being in a niche like riddles means you're not trying to reach everyone. You're aiming for your people.

And that's actually a good thing. Your community becomes more engaged, and your content is more likely to be shared among people who genuinely care.

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The First Three Seconds Matter (A Lot)

One of the most essential pieces of advice I've heard repeatedly (and am still trying to master myself) is this: the first three seconds of your video are everything. That's your hook. If someone doesn't connect with those first few moments, they scroll. Period.

So, I'm experimenting with ways to capture attention fast. Whether it's a powerful statement, a visual twist, or a bold question—I'm trying to start strong. Because if the algorithm notices people clicking away too fast, your video is basically toast.

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New Ideas vs. Recycled Content

Now let's talk content. The internet is saturated with duplicate, recycled content. That's just the way it is. 

But here's something I remind myself of: even old ideas can feel fresh if you find the right angle.

That's what I try to do with StumpedRiddles. There are tons of riddles out there, sure—but I try to inject personality, humor, and a little twist. 

It's not about inventing a whole new concept every time. It's about presenting it in a way that feels new or different.

Here's my latest creation to spark interest - the creation of the Riddle Sisters! Four young ladies with different personalities reading riddles and competing for attention. Their names are "Pink-Haired-Patsy, Educated Ellie, Gentle Violet, and Wild Roxy." 

Here's Educated Ellie's most recent riddle post!

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Final Thoughts (AKA What I'm Still Learning)

I'm still figuring all of this out, but I wanted to share these nuggets in case they help someone else. 

The biggest takeaway? You don't need a million likes or subscribers to be successful on YouTube. You just need a good idea, a solid hook, and a clear sense of who your video is for.

And honestly, I think that's kind of exciting.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Is My YouTube Channel Growing? What the Research Actually Says

 

Is My YouTube Channel Growing or Am I Just Going Through the Motions? What I Found Out

Like many content creators who have committed serious time and effort to YouTube, I reached a point where I had to ask myself: Is this going anywhere? Am I building something, or am I just talking into the void?

After uploading hundreds of riddle niche videos and slowly gaining subscribers, I started wondering whether my pace was "normal" or a sign that maybe YouTube just wasn't going to work out for me. 

So, I did what many creators do when they feel stuck: I started researching.

What I found was a mix of relief, validation, and renewed motivation. 

If you're in the same boat, asking the same questions, here's what I've learned from digging into YouTube growth patterns, expert opinions, and honest feedback from others in similar situations.

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Why I Started—and How My Goals Changed

Initially, my motivation for creating a YouTube channel was straightforward: I needed a platform to host short riddle videos that I could easily embed on individual pages of my website, StumpedRiddles.com. 

Initially, YouTube was just a functional tool—not a platform I had planned to grow.

But as I kept uploading and people started interacting—leaving comments, liking videos, even subscribing—I realized YouTube could be more than a support feature. It could actually become its own avenue for discovery, branding, and connection. 

That's when I started treating my channel as a long-term creative project.

Here's a Typical Riddle Creation For Both YouTube and My Website:

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So… Is My Growth Normal?

At the time I asked myself this, I had uploaded over 400 videos, built several themed playlists, and reached 155 subscribers—with a 90.9% like ratio on my videos. Naturally, I wondered: Is this respectable? Should I be further along by now?

What I experienced isn't unusual at all. Here's what I found:

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1. Niche Channels Grow Slower—but Stronger

One of the first takeaways that jumped out during my research is that niche content takes longer to grow. 

Whether you're posting riddles like I am, or offering tutorials, educational content, or deep-dive commentary, your audience is smaller by default, but often more engaged.

Unlike general entertainment or viral content, niche creators often build deeper connections with their audiences over time. 

The slower pace doesn't mean failure—it means focus.

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2. Most Successful Channels Take 3–5 Years to Build

This one surprised me. I found multiple sources and creator testimonials suggesting that it can take three to five years for a YouTube channel to gain significant traction—especially without shortcuts like trending content, reaction videos, or influencer collaborations.

In hindsight, this made me feel a lot better. What I thought was "slow progress" was actually typical progress. 

Understanding that YouTube is a long game, not a sprint, shifted my mindset and helped me let go of some unrealistic expectations.

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3. Consistency Builds More Than Numbers

I used to wonder whether uploading hundreds of videos with modest views was overkill. But here's what I learned: each video adds to your footprint. On YouTube, volume matters—but only if the content is consistent and aligned with your niche.

Evergreen videos, such as riddles or how-to guides, can attract new viewers long after they're uploaded. 

Some of my earlier videos continue to attract attention months after they are posted. I realized that every upload isn't just a performance—it's a deposit into your future visibility.

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4. Playlists Aren't Just for Organization—They're Strategy

I'd built playlists on my channel mostly to keep things tidy—organizing riddles by themes like health, holidays, and emotions. 

However, what I didn't realize until I delved into the research is that playlists actually aid YouTube's algorithm.

They signal consistency and intent, guide the viewer's experience, and can improve watch time. 

Creating a series called The Riddle Sisters, with fun character-based riddles, also helped give my channel a personality—which matters more than I thought.

One of My Many Playlists:

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5. Engagement Rate Is a Quiet Win

When I saw that my like ratio was over 90%, I wasn't sure if that meant much. 

However, experts say that the engagement rate is one of the most important signals of viewer satisfaction. It may not skyrocket your subscriber count overnight, but it shows that the people who do watch your videos are finding value in them.

That told me I wasn't just yelling into the void—I was actually connecting with the right viewers, even if the crowd was small (for now).

So viewers could see that I'm actually a real person (lol), I created a playlist section where I personally read my riddles. Here's one of them from the playlist: I upload these as shorts:

What YouTube Creators Should Expect (and Accept)

Here's the big picture I walked away with after all that digging:

• YouTube growth is often slow, especially in niche spaces.

• Most creators see meaningful growth only after years of consistent effort.

• Engagement and audience retention are more valuable than raw view counts.

• Creating structure through playlists, themed content, and branding helps both your viewers and the algorithm.

• Uploading regularly—without burning out—is more important than chasing virality.

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So, Should I Keep Going?

That was the big question for me. And after reading what I did, the answer became clear:

Yes, I should.

If anything, the research validated that I wasn't behind—I was right on track. 

The hours I've put into editing, theming, scripting, and uploading are not wasted. They are foundational. According to the experts, they are precisely what a channel like mine should be doing at this stage.

Meet one of My Latest Creations From The Riddle Sister Series:

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Final Thoughts: Questions Are Good—Just Don't Let Them Stop You

If you've been quietly wondering whether it's worth continuing, whether your results are "respectable," or whether your numbers are normal, you're not alone. 

I asked all those questions, too. And while there's no one-size-fits-all answer, what I found out is this:

YouTube is a long-term platform. Niche creators need patience. But persistence really does matter.

If your channel has heart, structure, and consistency—even with just a few dozen or hundred subscribers—you're already doing better than you think.

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👉 Curious how all this looks in action? You can visit my channel, Stumped Riddles on YouTube, to see how I've structured playlists, themed content, and kept at it—one riddle at a time.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Pinterest vs. Social Media: What Most Creators Get Wrong

 

Why Pinterest Is Different from Other Social Media Platforms

If you've got a pile of content and you're wondering how to get more eyes on it, especially over time, Pinterest might be exactly what you need. While Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are great for engagement in the moment, Pinterest works differently. It's less about real-time interaction and more about long-term discovery.

Let's break it down.

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Pinterest Is a Visual Search Engine

Most people think of Pinterest as a social media platform, but it's actually a visual search engine. That's a game-changer if you're a content creator, blogger, or small business owner.

When people go to Pinterest, they're not necessarily looking to chat or scroll mindlessly—they're looking for ideas, inspiration, and solutions. Think of it like Google, but prettier.

Someone might search:

• "Neutral living room decor ideas"

• "Spring front door wreath"

• "Easy slow cooker recipes"

• "How to start a blog"

And when your pin shows up in those results, you're meeting someone at the exact moment they're interested.

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Content on Pinterest Has a Long Shelf Life

One of the best parts about Pinterest? Your content doesn't disappear after 24 hours.

On platforms like Instagram or TikTok, your post might only get attention for a day or two. But on Pinterest, a well-designed pin can circulate for months, even years.

You can:

• Create a single photo promo with a compelling headline and link it to your blog, shop, YouTube, or lead magnet.

• Schedule that pin to go live next week—or next month.

• Rinse and repeat with all your content.

It's the perfect place to build a library of visual content that keeps working for you behind the scenes.

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Pinterest is Built for Clicks

Unlike many social platforms where outbound links are either hidden or discouraged, Pinterest encourages users to click through. That's why every pin you create can be connected to whatever URL you feel fits best:

• A product page

• A blog post

• A YouTube video

• A landing page

• Even an affiliate link

If your goal is to drive traffic (not just likes or follows), Pinterest should be part of your strategy.

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You Don't Need to Be "On" All the Time

With TikTok or Instagram, consistency usually means showing your face, filming videos, or engaging with comments regularly. But Pinterest doesn't require that kind of presence.

Instead, you can:

• Batch-create your pins

• Schedule them out days (or weeks) apart

• Let the Pinterest algorithm do the rest

This means more breathing room and less pressure to be constantly visible. I use scheduling a great deal. 

I'll create numerous variations of a marketing graphic and schedule them to go out hours, days, or even weeks apart.

Here's an example of a Pinterest graphic I recently created for one of my activity books. 

Note that I created five other original versions of this marketing piece and scheduled them to go out days apart, actually, a few are scheduled to go out weeks apart:

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Got Tons of Content? Pinterest Helps You Use It All

If you're sitting on a treasure trove of blog posts, product photos, videos, or quotes, Pinterest gives you an easy way to repurpose them.

Each piece of content can inspire multiple pins:

• One with a bold title

• Another with a quote or benefit

• A third with just a clean, eye-catching image

The more pins you make, the more chances you have to be found.

Because we may write on numerous topics, having the freedom to create marketing graphics for one location, if you've structured your Pinterest account that way, is incredibly convenient.

An article I posted here several weeks ago about an affordable men's wallet inspired me to create this pin, which leads back to that article; and yes, I created five different versions of this wallet pin to go out at different times to different boards.

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Final Thought: Pinterest Isn't Just Social—It's Strategic

If you spend time creating content but feel like it's getting lost in the shuffle of fast-moving feeds, consider Pinterest. Think of it as your quietly powerful sidekick—always working in the background, helping the right people find your content when they're actively looking for it.

If you have a lot to share but not a lot of time to promote it constantly, let Pinterest do some of the heavy lifting.

You can find me on Pinterest here. There, you'll see the boards I've created over the years. To date, with nearly 12,000 followers, the traffic is between 250,000 and 350,000 monthly views, depending on the time of year. Don't hesitate to follow!

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**If you're into more creative fun, in January of this year (2025), I posted an article on how to use Pinterest's new collage feature. The instructions are here.**

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Navigating the New Year: A Casual Guide to Setting and Achieving Goals

As we embark on a fresh chapter with the new year, setting goals is like sketching the map for our journey ahead. 

However, staying on track can sometimes feel like navigating a maze blindfolded.

From 2024 and on, I've decided to approach the marketing of my books more fearlessly. It sounds crazy to use the word brave in association with marketing; however, when you're not used to hearing your voice on social media, it takes a bit of bravery to jump into video creation.

Let's break down the process into a laid-back strategy to help you set those exciting goals and glide through the year with a sense of accomplishment.

5 Ways to Keep Our Goals on Track in 2024

1. Start Small, Dream Big: Setting goals is like planting seeds for future success. Begin with realistic, achievable targets that align with your aspirations. It's tempting to go big, but starting small allows you to build momentum and gain confidence. That's precisely how I started: one book at a time - and now I have approximately 32 activity books published. Dreaming big is crucial, but let the small victories pave the way for those grand accomplishments. Remember, it's the journey, not just the destination!

2. Create a Roadmap, Not a Rigid Itinerary: Think of your goals as a roadmap rather than a strict itinerary. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, so leave room for flexibility. Craft a general plan, breaking down your goals into manageable steps. This way, you can adjust your course if needed without feeling overwhelmed. A roadmap allows you to enjoy the scenic route while progressing towards your destination.

3. Buddy Up for Accountability: Sharing your goals with a friend or family member adds a layer of accountability and turns the journey into a shared adventure. Find someone who shares similar aspirations or is willing to be your cheerleader. Checking in with each other regularly can make the process more enjoyable and provide the encouragement needed to stay on track.

4. Celebrate Milestones, Big and Small: In the quest for achieving goals, it's easy to focus solely on the finish line. However, celebrate the journey by acknowledging milestones along the way. Whether completing a challenging task or reaching a mini-goal, take a moment to pat yourself on the back. Recognizing these achievements fuels your motivation and adds joy to the process. This year, I'm already learning to slow down, be laser-focused, and tackle each task thoroughly without thinking about the one hundred following items in my head!

5. Learn and Adapt: Goals are not set in stone; they're more like a living, breathing entity that evolves with you. Embrace the opportunity to learn from setbacks and successes alike. If a particular approach isn't working, be open to tweaking your strategy. The beauty of setting goals is the growth and self-discovery that accompany the journey. Stay adaptable, and remember that the path to success is often winding.

As you dive into the new year with your goals in tow, keep it casual, enjoy the process, and savor every step of the way. Whether you're aiming for personal growth, career milestones, or health and wellness, remember that you can shape your narrative.

 Here's to a year filled with achievement, resilience, and the satisfaction of making your dreams a reality!

Check out this latest item off of my marketing checklist: the beginning of videos using my own voice (oh, that was scary, but I'll keep at it):

@stumpedriddles #riddles #brainteaser #mindexercise #stumpedriddles ♬ original sound - Barbara

Follow me on TikTok @stumpedriddles - More at StumpedBooks.com - On my Author Page on Amazon

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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The Power of Journaling - The Pathway to a Positive Mindset

In a world filled with constant distractions and stressors, journaling is a timeless practice that nurtures our mental well-being and fosters a positive mindset. 

Recognizing the stresses that face us daily, I've designed and created five different styles of prompt journals over the past several years. My research began with the fundamentals of journaling, why it matters, and how it helps to create a positive mindset.

In this article, I delve into why journaling is essential to maintaining a positive mindset and offer five practical tips to ensure a successful and fulfilling journaling practice.

Why Journaling Helps With Attaining Positive Mindset:

By putting pen to paper, we unlock a portal to self-discovery, introspection, and emotional release. 

Journaling provides a safe self-care haven to express our thoughts, emotions, and experiences, allowing us to gain clarity, reduce anxiety, and cultivate gratitude.

Emotional Catharsis: Journaling provides a healthy outlet for processing and releasing emotions, reducing the burden of unresolved feelings and promoting a sense of relief.

Self-Reflection: Regularly writing in a journal allows us to gain insight into our thoughts and behavior patterns, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth.

Gratitude Cultivation: By jotting down things we are grateful for, we shift our focus from negativity to positivity, fostering an attitude of appreciation and contentment.

Stress Reduction: Journaling can lower stress levels as it helps us organize our thoughts and encourages problem-solving and coping strategies.

Positive Affirmations: Writing positive affirmations and declarations can boost self-confidence and reinforce a positive self-image.

Tips for Successful Journaling:

Set a Regular Schedule: Establish a consistent journaling routine, whether it's daily, weekly, or whenever you feel the need to express yourself. Consistency will make journaling a habit.

Create a Sacred Space: Designate a special corner or use a beautiful journal to make your writing experience more enjoyable and encourage you to return to it regularly.

Embrace Freewriting: Don't worry about grammar or structure; just let your thoughts flow freely onto the page. This technique helps you bypass your inner critic and fosters authentic expression.

Focus on the Positive: While it's important to acknowledge challenges, try to shift your focus toward positive experiences, gratitude, and achievements in your journal entries.

Use Prompts and Themes: When you need inspiration, use journaling prompts or themes to kickstart your writing. Explore topics like personal growth, aspirations, or daily wins.

Journaling is an invaluable companion on the journey to a positive mindset, providing us with a space to process emotions, gain insight, and cultivate gratitude. Putting our innermost thoughts onto paper carries the power to heal, uplift, and transform our perspectives on life. 

Journaling Can Be A Challenging Commitment to Make

It can be tough to write in a journal every single day, but it's important to keep up with it, even if we miss a few days.

That's why I've compiled these easy-to-use prompt journals featured below and available on Amazon.

These journals are designed with specific topics in mind and offer handy prompts that help you keep track of your emotions and thoughts about whatever's going on in your life.

And here's a neat feature in several of these journals - you can score your mood. It's a nifty way to see how you're feeling over time and better understand your overall disposition.

You can check out the journals below; they're available on Amazon:

Gratitude Prompt Journal My Happy Tracker: A Helpful Guide to Track What Makes You Happy and Help You Visualize Triggers and TrendsWhy I Feel Good Today: A Fun Colorful Monthly Workbook to Instantly Track Good Feelings - For Teens and AdultsI Need Help Thinking Positive: A Negative Thoughts Workbook For Adults - 31 Days with Four Easy Prompt Questions Repeated Daily to Track Those ... What Common Threads May Be Triggering ThemWhy I Feel Bad Today: A Casual Full Color Workbook For Teens and AdultsSelf Awareness Workbook - Comprehensive Introspection: 196 Detailed and Thought Provoking Questions to Ask Yourself

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Review of 3 Free Useful Services for the Self-Publishing Maniac

As many of you already know, I've been on a self-publishing journey for several years. 

I have to say that I understand what it means to truly love what you do! I find all I want to do is create activity books.

Self-publishing is an endless learning curve. I spend a ton of time listening to "Guru" training on YouTube and investigating products and services to make the process easier.

If you're a self-publisher, I thought I'd share some must-have tools. 

1. ISBN Barcode Generator

If you are using your own ISBN numbers (the number that goes on the back of your book, on the pricing barcode), you'll need to generate a barcode to put on the back of your book. 

My favorite free service is Bookow - here is the link to Bookow. 

The service is free, but they do offer an opportunity to make a donation if you so choose.

There are many other free barcode generator services online, but Bookow is my favorite.

2. KDP Cover Calculator:

If you're self-publishing books through KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), Amazon's self-publishing service, you'll want to keep the KDP Cover Calculator page saved for easy access.

To ensure the cover's margins are correctly allocated, you'll want to create a template you can save and bring over to the design platform you're using to make your cover. 

You'll need to know how many pages your book is, so don't bother creating your cover until you do! 

KDP Cover Calculator is easy - simply fill in the blanks and download the cover template.

Here's the link to KDP Cover Calculator.

3. Canva for Professional Cover and Interior Designs:

Canva offers a free version; however, I've recently switched to the paid version. 

The free version works perfectly fine, and if you're just starting your self-publishing journey, go with the free version to start. That's what I did. 

There's a learning curve with Canva; however, it's worth it! In 2019 I published my first book and had no idea how to create my own cover from scratch. Eventually, I was able to use KDP's cover creator and import my own front page. 

For a while now, I've been able to fully design my own covers with my own ISBN numbers and barcodes. I was baffled and intimidated about all of this a few years ago! After much practice and reading, it is much less daunting today. 

Once you get the swing of it, you'll be able to create some gorgeous covers using Canva.

This lady on YouTube has an excellent beginner tutorial on Canva.

You can check out Canva.com here. 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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How to Get an ISBN Number for Self-Published Books and What is an Imprint?

 

Over the past couple of years, I've been sharing my self-publishing journey.

Although I've published 16 activity books to date, built a website to promote them, and created a social media following, I'm not an expert! I wanted to stipulate that upfront. 

This article addresses some of the questions I had about ISBN Numbers and Imprints and what I've learned firsthand.

After checking out this article, you should google this topic; there are so many incredibly qualified professionals on this subject. 

During my many hours of research, this is one of my favorite articles on the topic of Imprints - worth the read.

My Own Googled Questions About ISBNs and Imprints:

1. What is An ISBN - For the purposes of this article, I include it for You

ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It's the little hard-to-read 13-digit unique number inside the Barcode on the back of a book. It identifies the book nationally and internationally. I won't get into much more about ISBNs for this article. There's more to understand, but we'll leave it here.

2. Every Book (Other than Low Content Books) Needs/is Assigned an ISBN Number on Amazon (and other Self-Publishing Platforms) - However, you can put your own ISBN on low-content books

If you've ever self-published on Amazon, you'll understand what I'm talking about. 

During the Amazon KDP book upload process, you'll be asked whether you want to provide your own ISBN and associated Barcode or if you would like Amazon to provide one for free. 

I started self-publishing in 2019, and due to a lack of knowledge, I opted for Amazon's free ISBN.

As a side note, eBooks don't need ISBNs, although I assigned my own to every ebook from the beginning. I did that because I knew I wouldn't have to worry about how in the heck to get a barcode and put it on the darn book! 

Barcode uploads and where to get them, along with the ISBN numbers, had me in a pickle when just starting out! 

So I took the easy way out in those early days. 

That was smart for me because I wasn't sure how long I would be committed to this self-publishing journey. Today, in 2022, I'm fully committed, so it was time to learn much more!

3. Where to Get an ISBN Number?

Canada:

Canadians are very lucky; ISBNs are free through the Government of Canada (ISBN Canada, also known as Library and Archives Canada). Sign up here, create an account, get your numbers, follow the instructions, and best of all, the customer service is fantastic! 

USA:

For those in the United States, you can get them through a company called Bowker. Unfortunately, they're not free, not even close to free. As of this date, one ISBN can cost approximately $125 and ten ISBNs are $295. You can view their pricing page here.

4. Where to Create a Barcode to Upload Onto Your Book When You're Providing Your ISBN?

The Barcode is pretty easy to create. This is the website I use to create my barcodes. 

5. Use Amazon's Template Generator to Figure Out Where the Barcode Goes When Creating Covers

Here is a link to Amazon's template generator. It creates a template you can put over the top of your book cover, so you know the margins and where the Barcode goes. 

*TIP* If you're using Canva to create book covers, drag the template over the properly measured custom design and increase the transparency so you can see through the template.

6. What is an Imprint? This confused me the most!

Amazon asks for the 'Imprint' information when you're providing your own ISBN.

I will not attempt to give you an in-depth explanation of  Imprints because, honestly, I could never do it justice! 

Provided below is a summary and a link to an excellent article from Ingram Spark about Imprints:

According this Ingram Spark Article: "The Imprint Page is the page that appears on the back of the Title Page. It contains everything we need to know about who wrote the book, who the publisher is, how we can contact them, where the book was printed, what the ISBN is"

7. Choosing An Imprint Name

There are so many things to consider when choosing your imprint name. Yikes. That's a whole other topic.

Famous publishing companies have multiple Imprint names. For example, Penguin House has nearly 275 independently published imprints. 

From what I've read so far, an Imprint doesn't have to be a legally named identifier. However, for goodness sake, don't pick a name that could be a copyright violation against another company!

With ISBN Canada, where I register my ISBN numbers, there are alternate identities (besides my own name) that I can list that relate to my book(s). 

Since I built a website called StumpedRiddles.com and feature all my activity books there, I added "Stumped Riddles" to my ISBN Canada profile as an identifier attached to my name. I use Stumped Riddles as my Imprint name.

You can get creative with your Imprint identifier that goes inside your book.

Here's the Imprint I created that will go at the bottom of my book's copyright page.

If you're in the USA and using Bowker to get your ISBNs, I'm sorry I can't help you with whether you can list alternate identities for the purpose of Imprints associated with the ISBN. 

8. Did You Know You Can Search for Any ISBN Online?

There's a website called ISBN Search that allows you to enter the ISBN for any book to help you find it. 

Ok, that's enough for today; self-publishing is a constant learning curve!

Additional Self-Publishing Articles:

1. Basic Tips for the Newbie Self-Publisher
2. Matte or Glossy Book Covers
3. Confessions of a Newbie Self-Publisher
4. 5 Helpful Self-Publishing Tools
5. 3 Tips for a Newbie Self-Publisher
6. How to Get Started on Your First eBook
7. 5 Handy FREE Tools for Self-Publishing
8. Newbie TikTok for Business 

Barbara's Author Page on Amazon 

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Self Publishing 100 Activity Books - A Huge Personal Goal

Most of you who know me know that I have a goal of publishing 100 activity books.

Although this goal is ingrained in my being, I had no idea how to achieve that milestone.

My Newest Activity Book, Easy Sudoku for Adults, Helped Me Breakthrough Being Stuck - Let me Share How

Since 2019, I've published 14 activity books and 1 poetry book for a total of 15 books. That figure includes the newest book "Easy Sudoku for Adults." I've been stuck, and it is absolutely part of the process.

"The How Breakthrough"

I'm not one to wallow in problems. Without a doubt, finding solutions is part of who I am. In the case of finding a way to publish 100 activity books, I've had to think and think and think!

There are numerous 'how-to' videos on self-publishing; I've watched many of them. The guidance is out there; however, finding what works for you and how to implement suggestions is hard.

Most importantly, many how-to's include an automation process that isn't personal. 

Automating is essential, but not at the expense of your product's quality or personalization. Having said that, I've found an efficient way to automate WITH personalization.

So, in summary, work as hard as you can to automate and duplicate, but still, keep your books personal to you. In other words, don't just upload auto-generated activities or content, but do find a way to generate them so you can personalize them!

Never Compromise Quality

• Finding programs that generate your puzzles (or whatever your project is) can help. However, they are not the answer to speed! 
• To achieve volume, you need speed, but not at the expense of quality.
• You still have to find a way to personalize your book. Make them a reflection of you!
• Check the negative reviews on the competition of other books in your genre. Use those negative reviews as tips for your newly created book.
• When creating a book, always think about fulfilling a need or solving a problem. 
• Think about the consumer.
• Take pride in your creations; after all, your name is attached to them.
• Oh, that's another thing; I only use my given name, which keeps me honoring my own personal level of integrity.
• Don't take negative reviews to heart. You will get them; they do hurt. But use those to improve your books! 
• With Amazon self-publishing, I aim to stay within a three to five-star review rating on each book. So far, so good. 
• I'm all over negative reviews! I read them, and if the complaint is legitimate, I modify my book based on that review ONLY if it makes sense!
• Don't be afraid to completely revamp a book if you believe it will help your overall reviews to be positive. I re-did the layout of all 7 of my riddle books for both paperback and ebook versions! That project re-do took me three months!

Automating Includes Developing a Functioning, Duplicatable System

• Find and use a word processing systems that allow for easy duplication for the next book in a series.
• Develop consistent templates that can be used, reused, and modified.

For Those Who Don't Have Expensive Word Processing or Other Graphics Programs, Here's What I Use

• I don't have the paid version of Microsoft Word, so I downloaded "Liberty Office" for free. I use those for my Riddle Books.
• I use the free version of Canva for my Wordsearch and Sudoko books and probably all other activity books I have yet to create.
• I create my own book title pages using the free version of Adobe, Adobe-Spark.
• I use the free version of "Gimp" to change the DPI on my book covers to printable quality.

Create a Website That Will House All of Your Books

• I plan to expand to other self-publishing companies. I'm only publishing on Amazon's KDP, but my long-term plan is to expand to other self-publishing services. I'm in the middle of learning more about that process. My brain hurts, lol. With your own website, you can direct all your marketing to your website so that when you do expand to other self-publishing companies, you can simply add those options directly to your website. 
• I rarely ever direct link to Amazon when marketing my books. I don't like having links out there that could potentially change! For that reason, I link to my website.
• Decide upon a navigation system on your website that makes sense with the books you are creating. I have created a menu on my website that features; Riddles, Answers, Wordsearch Books, and Sudoku Books. I can expand that as I make more books. 
• When you're creating your site, give thought to your planned growth.

My Final Tip for Today:

You HAVE TO LOVE what you're doing. If you don't, doing the work necessary to achieve any goals is challenging.

I've been stuck along the way, and it's very frustrating. So frustrating that I questioned myself about my goals. But I've long since realized that my goals are real and attainable. 

The biggest tips I can offer anyone taking on a project/passion like this are:

1. Don't quit.
2. Keep going.
3. Take breaks.
4. Develop duplicatable systems.
5. Be willing to learn from your own mistakes.
6. Be ready to make changes.
7. Take breaks when you're fed up.
8. Celebrate every book you publish.
9. Don't let that look of doubt on the face of others affect you in any way.
10. Monitor the sales activity for the books in your genre.
11. Keyword research every book you create.
12. Make sure your goal is what you want.
13. Visualize where you want to be in a year.
14. And as my friend Margaret said to me once, "Trust Yourself." I have carried that piece of advice with me for years. Thank you, my friend.

Introducing My 15th Activity Book - Easy Sudoku for Adults

Additional Self-Publishing Articles:

1. Basic Tips for the Newbie Self-Publisher
2. Matte or Glossy Book Covers
3. Confessions of a Newbie Self-Publisher
4. 5 Helpful Self-Publishing Tools
5. 3 Tips for a Newbie Self-Publisher
6. How to Get Started on Your First eBook
7. 5 Handy FREE Tools for Self-Publishing

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Newbie TikTok for Business Tips - Check it Out

A Review of Newbie TikTok for Business Tips

In my last post, I talked about how I was just starting out with my plunge into the world of TikTok. 

Today's post will expand a bit further on some of the additional things I've learned.

The Previous Post Focused on How You Can Upload Photos to TikTok, Versus Creating Videos

Many who stay away from TikTok for Business do so because they don't want to put themselves on video. 

Most of us small businesses can't afford to hire companies to create videos, so we believe TikTok is not a viable business tool.

I was like most everyone: I thought TikTok only worked for video creations. Having said that, uniquely interesting, useful, and even funny video creation is the best way to market for business on TikTok.

However, because I write Riddle Books featuring my own written riddles, I found myself potentially being an exception to that rule. 

Using TikTok to feature my riddles is an excellent marketing tool. 

I upload my created graphics for each riddle, then enhance their interest with special fun characters and music.

Do you have interesting images you could enhance and promote on TikTok?

You can enhance your photos with:

• Text to Speech
• Voice Over (if you want to use your voice)
• Special Elements (funny icons etc)
• Text
• Background Music

Did You Know There Are Places Online to Get Royalty Free Video?

I hadn't really thought about it before ... that I could access royalty-free video just like we access royalty-free photos.

The two places I've used so far for photos and videos are Pixabay.com and Pexels.com. Be sure to check the commercial license use for each image and video.

When you select a video for TikTok, use a vertical video.

Newbie Ways to Use TikTok for Your Small Business - Ask Yourself These Questions:

1. Do you have premade, attractive graphics that people would find interesting to look at? 

If the answer is yes, consider TikTok. Enhance that photo with special elements and background music.

Here's an example of one of mine on TikTok.

2. Do you have text that you've incorporated on your photo?

If the answer is yes or no, consider TikTok. With TikTok, you can add text to your photos, so there's no need to make photos with text if you prefer not to.

Here's one of my riddles on TikTok with a plain photo background, text entered from TikTok, with text-to-read activated, directly on TikTok:

3. Would adding text to a stock video be appealing for your product or brand?

If the answer is yes, consider TikTok. I'm currently experimenting with this by putting riddle text typed onto the background of stock videos. It's working artistically so far.

Here's an example of one of my riddles on TikTok using a stock video.

4. Are you able to make short videos from your cell phone?

If the answer is yes, consider TikTok.

These videos don't have to be fancy.

Just panning my backyard, I was able to put a short background video together. 

I uploaded that short backyard video to TikTok, and commenced the creative journey. You can view that riddle here.

Here's an Example of One of My Riddle Graphics Used on TikTok:

Check out how I enhanced this for TikTok

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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