TikTok may be a newer social media trend, but it has quickly become one of the most popular, with an audience that ranges from 13-60+. With such a vast array of people using the platform, it’s a great way for businesses to build themselves up and try a new marketing technique they’ve read.
But, TikTok is a bit different from other social media platforms like Facebook, and even Instagram. Whether you’re already using other social media sites for your business or not, it’s important to get a full understanding of how TikTok works, so you can optimize it for your business.
Understanding the TikTok Trend
Why is TikTok so different from other social media platforms? It features 15-60 second videos that users upload to share everything from funny stories to choreographed dances. TikTok trends have taken over the Internet on more than one occasion over the last few years, harboring millions of views and just as many people showing off their own spin on those trends.
With over 1 billion users in the U.S. alone, now is a perfect time for your business to jump on board and start becoming a part of the trend.
But, make sure you’re doing it for the right reason.
If you start to scroll through TikTok, you’ll rarely see a traditional “commercial”. Some companies do advertise, but those who are successful find creative ways to do it that fit the platform. What you should be using TikTok for is to interact with your audience. It’s a great way to directly communicate while promoting your brand. As a part of your digital marketing strategy, using it the right way can help you to:
- Attract new customers
- Generate leads
- Convert current leads
- Boost user engagement
- Build a better brand
Your first step in using TikTok for your business? Make sure you understand how to use it, or people will scroll past your account
How to Get Started
The second step?
Stop. Don’t set up an account yet.
Before you dive into the world of TikTok, even if you think you know the basics of how to use it, you have to determine how your business wants to use it. Having a brainstorming session with your marketing team can be a big help when it comes to developing your specific strategy. Your session should include:
- Identifying your topic
- Setting a good foundation
- Having a clear agenda
- Identifying the right brainstorming technique
- Utilizing the right tools and resources
Working with other people before officially going live on your TikTok will help you to have a clearer vision and goal(s). It’s crucial to stay “on brand” on every platform, even if you only have 15 seconds to do it.
If you’re still struggling to get started, do some research on brands that are already killing it on TikTok, including the NBA, the Washington Post, and Chipotle. These companies have used creative ways to gain followers and get attention through the platform. Things like hashtags, challenges, and interactive campaigns have brought them a lot of TikTok success.
Amazon is another brand that does really well on TikTok, but not necessarily from their own account. Instead, they rely on influencers to help them connect with fans and customers.
Influencers with a lot of followers can show off products and give reviews realistically and honestly that people connect with. It’s a great option for your business if you have goods or services people are willing to talk about.
Making it Work
Once you’ve finally started to put out some creative videos, check out the data. You should be taking a close look at all of your social media accounts regularly. But, as you get started with TikTok, looking at your analytics will quickly help you to see if your strategy is working or if you should try a different approach.
If your videos aren’t going “viral,” that’s okay. Don’t make decisions out of fear if you feel like your current strategy isn’t paying off. Instead, try to focus on the things that have been working, and capitalize on that data by creating more similar content.
It’s a perfect opportunity to have another brainstorming session and reevaluate how you should be using the platform.
The bottom line? Don’t give up on TikTok. It can take some getting used to because it’s so different. But, part of its popularity is that it can give people a lot of information in a very short amount of time.
If you can find ways to do that while boosting your brand and letting your creativity shine, TikTok can be a huge social media asset to your business’s future success. Keep these tips in mind to develop your ideal strategy, put it into place, and tweak it as necessary. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to have fun while you’re doing it.
