TikTok is an app launched in 2016 and took off in the US in the late 2010s and early 2020s. However, it’s still a relatively new platform compared to other mainstream social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Because of this, there are still many misconceptions about TikTok. Many unfamiliar with the app still see it as a place where teens dance to whatever popular song. However, the platform has much more to offer. It’s a massive place for brands and influencers, making it an ideal platform to promote your business and build your community on TikTok. This post will discuss why TikTok can promote your business and how you can approach it.

It’s Not Just Early Gen Z

Again, many people think that TikTok is a place overrun by teens and early 20s folks, but this could not be further from the case. While they still make up the majority of people, there’s a sizable amount of folks in their mid to late 20s, 30s, and even 40s and beyond.

Because of this, your business can reach various demographics through TikTok’s power.

It Can Be a Way to Promote Content in a Creative Fashion

TikTok is most defined by its short videos that are less than a minute. While it’s possible to have longer videos, short-form, vertical videos are still the bread and butter of TikTok. If you have a creative side, these videos can be fun to showcase your products, get in on the latest trends, and give behind-the-scenes looks at your business.

TikTok’s video makers, filters, and creativity can make your business stand out. Unfortunately, we cannot tell you what videos you should make for your business; this ultimately depends on your creativity and business type.

TikTok is a platform that rewards experimentation. So take that box and think outside of it.

The Algorithm Makes it Easy to Know Your Audience

TikTok has a fierce algorithm that recommends videos based on what videos you like and what hashtags you use. So if you’re figuring out who your audience is, using relative hashtags can give you a treasure trove of content your audience is uploading and liking.

You can use this to make content that will attract your audience. Don’t be afraid to get a little inspired and research. Also, check out what significant brands like Nike are doing with their uploads. It can give you some ideas.

It’s Much Easier to Get Views Than on Other Platforms

With other platforms, it sometimes feels like an uphill battle for your post to go viral or to attract followers. While using the right hashtags and keywords and posting content regularly eventually gives you the audience you deserve, the problem is that many social media websites require you to invest in advertising to make a dent.

While TikTok has its advertising program, it’s still easier to reach people organically than other sites. So if you are frustrated at not getting enough Instagram followers or YouTube views, try TikTok, as it can give you the break you deserve.

When Should You Not Market on TikTok?

With that said, there are some reasons why you may not want to use TikTok. After all, you cannot be on every social media platform, and there are times when TikTok may not be fruitful for you, so you should focus on another platform. Here are some signs that TikTok may not be the best for your business:

● Your audience is older (40+)● Your audience is not interested in video content● Your business does not want to create lighthearted content relatable to the audience.

Otherwise, TikTok is an excellent place, and even with these reasons, it may still be worth it. For example, there is an older audience on TikTok, and making serious videos is possible.

How to Make Excellent TikTok Content

Now that we’ve discussed why you should be on TikTok, here are some tips to remember when making content.

Basic Video Tips

Again, we cannot tell you what to make, as this can depend on your brand and your audience. However, you should follow some objective rules when making your videos.

● Make videos that focus on the person. While showcasing your products can work, having a face in it can make your audience likelier to relate to you.● Try not to be too sales-y in your videos. People like it better when the video feels authentic and not another advertisement.● Why so serious? TikTok is a platform that promotes lightheartedness. So try to be humorous in your videos, and ensure it does not feel forced.● If you can, incorporate pets, food, or other content popular with TikTokers.● TikTok is all about trends. So participating in the latest dance, trend, or challenge can bring you popularity.

Making your videos with all these checkboxes makes it likelier to go viral and gain followers.

Don’t Forget the Hashtags

Hashtags are as vital on TikTok as any other business. When using hashtags, don’t use the ones everyone else is using—study hashtags used by similar businesses. Create your own branded hashtags and create challenges that use them.

The more focused your hashtags can be while still having usage, the better.

Photo by Nik on Unsplash

Engage With our Audience

This rule is evident in any social media marketing. Your audience wants to see you as more than a brand and, instead, someone who will talk to them like a friend. One way you can do this is to engage.

You probably already know that you should like and reply to comments. However, on TikTok, this is only the beginning. Your audience members may perform duets, use your products, respond to your videos, or make their own.

When this happens, comment on them and share them. So many people on TikTok want to go viral, and boosting them makes it likelier that they will engage with your product. You can even respond to their videos and make duets of your own.

On TikTok, the best business strategy is not to be seen as another business but instead as a person. If you do this, people will naturally support you.

Use TikTok for Business and Make Ads

Like most social media platforms, TikTok allows you to make a profile specifically for business. Launched in 2020, it was a sign that TikTok is more than just an app for teens.

TikTok for Business allows you to make ads. For example, you can make TopView ads appear when a user opens the app. In addition, you can make ads that pop between content. You can even promote a branded hashtag. There are many unique ways you can promote yourself on TikTok that other social media platforms don’t have.

As a business, you must check this out and create content your audience will love. With that said, what ads work to attract your audience?

Once again, creating something that does not feel too much like an advertisement would be best. If your audience feels like they’re being advertised to, they’ll skip that ad fast. So instead, you need to create something that grabs their attention and gives them a call to action. Give the audience why they should check out your profile and follow you.

Partner With Influencers

Like Instagram, TikTok is known for its influencer culture. This is an Internet celebrity with a loyal audience following, and thus, can influence them into making purchases. If you partner with a TikTok influencer, you can bring your product to a new audience.

Ideally, you’ll want to partner with an influencer with a large or engaged audience who has promoted similar products. Choosing a product not part of the influencer’s usual niche may not resonate with the audience.

Partnering with influencers can require an investment, and how much you spend can depend on the influencer themselves. Smaller accounts may be ideal at first; it’s much easier to partner with someone with tens of thousands of followers than millions.

When reaching out to an influencer, do not be intimidated. Instead, state your intentions, and negotiate a deal. This way, you can develop something that will satisfy both parties.

Look at Your Competition

Here’s another bit of common knowledge that some businesses may not be doing. You must look towards your competition if you want to succeed. TikTok makes it simple for you to search for businesses offering similar products.

See how they make their videos, and look at their profiles. We are not saying you should copy them whole cloth; instead, see them as inspiration. How can you make similar videos but with your own style? For example, if they have unique hashtags, can you create something with your branding to attract the same audience?

Conclusion

TikTok is not an app you want to miss. However, in most business situations, it can benefit from starting a TikTok profile, even if you feel your audience is not there. As long as you create great content that utilizes all of TikTok’s hashtags, you can obtain a loyal following that will love to try your products.

Author

Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. Laura’s spirit for adventure and passion for people blaze through House of Coco. She founded House of Coco in 2014 and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen.

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