How to Get Your Business Started on TikTok
TikTok is gaining popularity among the general population. It is now the third largest of the Big Five worldwide social networks (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Twitter). With its rapid growth rate, it's no wonder why more businesses are creating accounts.
With over 1.8 billion users predicted by the end of 2023, your potential reach is limitless. That is if you do it right. Darwill's expert team has curated a list of tips on how to get your business started on TikTok. Lean on us to help you choose the right social media platforms for your business.
What We Know About TikTok
TikTok helps brands expand their reach and get in front of customers and prospects. While the user base is primarily Gen Z, it is also used by millennials and even some boomers. The viral short video app provides instant gratification to users who spend an average of 45 minutes per day scrolling through content on the app. TikTok's algorithm shows videos based on the user's interests, likes, watch time, search queries, engagement, and who they follow. These insights allow the user's feed to be unique and tailored to them. This creates a unique experience where the app knows you better than you know yourself.
The search functionality of TikTok is also challenging existing social search engines. TikTok’s tailored content is like no other search engine. Users leverage the apps' advanced indexing and ranking capabilities to produce relevant and accurate search results. The right content can be found on the result page even if the keywords or hashtags aren't in the video or caption. TikTok's impressive search has many users turning to it over search engines and social platforms.
Important TikTok Tips to Get Started
With the right social strategy, you can grow your brand and expand your reach on TikTok. Here are some tips to get started.
Understand the Platform
Familiarize yourself with TikTok's format, style, and trends. Explore the app, watch popular videos, and understand the culture. This will help you create a solid content strategy that resonates with the TikTok community. Trends are changing daily, and consuming TikTok content is as important as it is to make it.
Define Your Target Audience
Identify your target audience on TikTok. Knowing whom you want to reach will help you tailor your content and messaging to appeal to them. Defining your audience will also help when you start to run TikTok ads.
Create Engaging Content
TikTok is all about short, attention-grabbing videos. Be creative, fun, and unique with your content. Use trending music, effects, and filters to make your videos stand out. See which ones are trending and how you can adapt the trends to align with your message. Start videos off with strong call-to-actions. We also recommend using voiceovers to make the content feel more personal. For some viewers, it can even make the content easier to digest.
Brand Your Profile
Remember your brand guidelines when creating your username and adding a profile picture. Make sure your bio communicates what your business is about. Include a link to your website or other social media channels. Match the tone, message, and visuals across all your social platforms. Having a uniform look and feel across all channels is crucial to consumers recognizing your brand.
Consistency is Key
Post on a regular and consistent basis. Building a presence on TikTok requires consistent effort and content creation. The recommended frequency of posts is always changing. It's important to update your best practices as it pertains to your content calendar.
Leverage Hashtags
Use relevant and trending hashtags and keywords in your captions and video titles. This can help to increase your videos' discoverability. Research popular hashtags in your niche and incorporate them into your posts. As mentioned above, TikTok is becoming a large search engine. Many have even forfeited Google searches to find available content on TikTok instead.
Stay Relevant and Trendy
The most demanding yet vital aspect of an effective TikTok strategy is staying relevant and trendy. Succeeding on TikTok involves monitoring emerging trends and participating in ones that align with your niche. It's important to note that TikTok trends have a short lifespan, often only a few days. So, if you have a viral video idea, you should immediately act on it. Maintaining a list of potential trends and taking time each week to generate relevant content will help you boost engagement.
Engage with the Community
Respond to comments, messages, and mentions. Engaging with your audience shows that you care about them and helps build a loyal following.
Collaborate with Influencers
Partnering with popular TikTok influencers can expose your brand to a broader audience. Find influencers who align with your brand values. Collaborate with them on content or promotions. This should only be considered once you are ready to diversify how you use your budget after looking at historical data and performance.
Analyze Insights
TikTok provides insights and analytics for business accounts. Use these metrics to understand which content performs best across your audience and adjust your strategy.
Cross-Promote on Other Platforms
Share your TikTok videos on other social media platforms. This can help to drive traffic and gain new followers.
Run Contests, Promotions, and Giveaways
Organize contests or giveaways to encourage engagement and growth. Offering prizes and incentives can attract more followers and increase brand awareness.
Stay Authentic
TikTok users appreciate authenticity. Be genuine and transparent in your content to connect with your audience on a deeper level. It's best for your content to not feel like an ad.
Tell a Story
Engaging storytelling is essential on TikTok. TikTok is more than jumping on trends. It's about building a connection. Use the platform's short-form video format to tell captivating stories about your brand, products, or services. Focus on making your audience feel and nurture a connection with your brand.
Take the Next Step with Darwill
Now that you know how to get started let Darwill optimize your TikTok to its full potential. Our expert team of digital marketers will create the best social media plan based on your industry and goals. We'll help you ideate and manage a content calendar for organic and paid social posts. Whether it's TikTok or another platform, we're dedicated to your social media success. Get noticed on social today.
