TikTok now has 1.2 billion monthly active users and has been downloaded over 3 billion times. For any business, that is a lot of potential brand exposure. But what exactly is TikTok and do you fully understand it?
Many people don’t, especially when it comes to its practical uses for business. Read on as we discuss the TikTok app and how you can apply it to your marketing efforts.
Table Of Contents
What Is TikTok?
While everyone has heard of TikTok, very few people know what it is, let alone understand how it can help their business. It is a video-sharing app that allows you to post small snippets of video, with sounds, filters, and graphics added. Like many social media platforms, it uses a series of hashtags to improve exposure.
The application also has a very clever algorithm that shows you videos you may be interested in. As soon as it opens, you will be presented with new videos. You can follow the creators, like the videos, or even share them.
Uploading a video is just as easy and is where the real marketing potential lies. You simply click the plus button at the bottom of the screen, create a video on your phone, and lay the music over the top.
Using TikTok for Business
Using TikTok for business is not that different from using it as a personal account. However, there are some rules you must follow and tips you can use to get the most from it.
Download the TikTok App and Set Up an Account
If you don’t already have a phone for specific business purposes, then get one. That way, you can keep your personal TikTok account and your personal one separate. As you often need to authenticate profiles using phone numbers, it helps to have them on different devices.
Once you are into the app, make sure you keep your account consistent with your branding. Make sure it has your business logos and name easily visible.
Know Your Goals
Like any successful campaign, Tik Tok marketing needs to have a specific goal. Some of the most used targets are collected below.
- Grow brand awareness
- Increase sales
- Increase website traffic
- Target future clients or employees
If not, it makes it hard to measure the success of the campaign itself. You will struggle to refine and improve it, as you don’t have a definitive outcome.
Test Your Video Content
TikTok for business will only work if you have the right video content. Yet the only way to know if it will work is to put it out there into the public domain. This creates a catch-22 situation where you have to put content out that may not work.
In this instance, it pays to do it while your following is small. Create a range of videos and see what gets the best reaction or drives engagement. When you have ones that resonate, you can create similar ones and repurpose them on other social media platforms.
Utilizing Trends
TikTok for business marketing can take a huge jump forward if you manage to utilize trends. While it started as a platform for music and video, it now has a very wide range of subjects on it. This allows for the creation of imaginative viral campaigns.
A trend is something that one person does, such as a comedy routine or dance, then shares. Soon, others do their version and brand them with hashtags. Before long, a trend has started and people begin to lap up videos and ideas that are part of them.
If you manage to be part of a trend, it increases your brand exposure. Check through the page of suggestions and see what trends are current. There is always a new one, so it won’t take long until you find one you can take part in.
Create a Consistent Content Calendar
When you first start using TikTok for business, it may seem like your content is not gaining traction. Don’t give up. Until you get followers, it can be hard for the algorithms to notice you and get the ball rolling.
Create a content calendar when you start. Put any holidays, company dates, or events on it and create the content way in advance. Post regularly and keep doing it consistently.
Eventually, your videos will start to get likes and interactions. Before you know it, you will have an engaged audience ready to support your business.
Hashtags are words and phrases that mark themes in content. For example, if your video was about cars, you may add #car #automobile #drive, and so forth. This tells the platform what your content is about and lets people find you easily.
It helps to spend some time on your hashtags. When you get the right ones, you can attract the attention of potential customers interested in your niche or industry. The best tactic is to employ a mix of general hashtags and more targeted, specific ones.
TikTok for Business Marketing Content Tips
Most online video content should be polished and have high production values. However, that is not the case when you are on TikTok.
Authentic, DIY videos are always going to do much better on this platform. Try to get your brand personality across by using funny, entertaining content.
If your brand is not one for humor, then go for something more straight-laced. Keep it DIY, but make some informative videos, perhaps educating customers. Make sure the posts are visually appealing and they should attract attention.
Starting on the TikTok App
Now you know about the TikTok app, you just need to decide if it is for you. Not all businesses will suit their demographic and it is a long-term commitment. However, with time and patience, it can reap huge rewards.
This article is one of many to help your business thrive. From social media to digital marketing, we can help you get a foothold in the digital economy with our other articles.
