TikTok currently has more than two billion downloads and is continuing to grow in popularity. While the app might have started as a lip-synching app, the platform has evolved into a comprehensive video content hub featuring capabilities similar to other popular social media platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube. It is designed to keep users engaged and coming back. So, is TikTok good for business? If so, how do you get started leveraging the platform?
Brands have seen huge success engaging their users on these platforms through short bite-sized video clips and TitTok offers business owners and marketers a similar opportunity to reach users.
From educational videos to inspirational clips, on-brand promotion, and more, there is no limit to how businesses can use TikTok in their marketing campaigns. Creating a robust social media strategy is crucial in growing your business and TikTok can help you to be creative with your video content, build an engaged community, and market to a younger audience.
Why Your Business Needs To Leverage TikTok
A Large Audience
The true allure of TikTok for businesses is the vast number of users who are active on the platform. Users in the 18-34-year-old range dominate the platform. Initially, younger users adopted it, but more adults are now using the platform too. In fact, in the US, more than one in eight adults aged 18-24 are currently using TikTok. Using TikTok for business, you have an opportunity to expand your reach significantly, especially to younger markets.
Engaged Users
TikTok offers an immersive experience. Users know when they open the app that they will be dedicating their undivided attention to what is playing. As TikTok features video content exclusively which typically requires the sound to be on, users are completely engaged in what they are viewing. Although users might not be on the app specifically to view your content, by creating entertaining content, you can ensure that your content is seen. And, you can increase your audience.
No Distractions
TikTok presents content in a full-screen format. This means that there is nothing else on the screen to detract from the user’s attention. TikTok provides you with an excellent opportunity to gain the full attention of the user. However, it’s up to you to create content that will keep them watching. On average, TikTok users spend 52 minutes on the platform per day. If each video is one minute long, and most are much shorter, this means users will watch more than 52 videos per day. This is a great opportunity to get your message to a niche audience without any distractions.
Now is the Time to Be on TikTok and Beat your Competition
Any brand that targets a younger demographic can benefit greatly from TikTok and many already have. If you are not on TikTok but your competitors are, you could lose out on potential revenue-increasing opportunities going forward. While 89% of marketers have included Facebook marketing in their social media strategy for 2021, only 4% have included TikTok. This is a great opportunity to get started on the platform early so you can put a strategy in place that will benefit your business going forward. With more than 2 billion downloads and only 4% of businesses utilizing the platform, this is an opportunity for you not to be missed!
How To Get Started With TikTok For Business
Set Up Your Account
To set up a TikTok account, simply download the app from the Google Play Store or the App Store, create a username and password, and sign up. TikTok will automatically assign a unique username comprising of random letters and numbers. Be sure to change this to your business name, or whatever handle you use on your other social media channels to ensure consistency with your branding.
Once your account is set up, you will need to add some details. Tap ‘Edit Profile’ in the bottom right-hand corner. From here you can upload a profile picture or video and write your TikTik bio. Both your profile picture and bio should be consistent with your other social media platforms. You have just 80 characters to complete your bio and this will be clearly seen on your profile so make sure it is engaging, informative, and on-brand. Finally, add your website URL to the empty ‘website’ field and link your YouTube and Instagram accounts to your profile. These will be featured next to the ‘Follow’ button on your profile, helping you grow your followers through your existing social account.
Become Familiar With TikTok
Since TikTok is a new platform, there will naturally be a learning curve when you first get started. Take some time to become familiar with the platform before you start using it for your business. Create a personal profile, explore the app, and get comfortable with the platform. Experiment with the platform’s different effects and editing tools to find a look that will fit with your brand. Also, be sure to click on the Discovery tab and follow hashtags to see how other businesses in your niche are using TikTok for marketing.
Find Your Niche
TikTok is a highly-effective tool for reaching targeted niche audiences. Users on TikTok like following accounts with something different offer. With a niche account, you can be more creative with your content and find new opportunities for your business. For example, if your business is in car detailing, you can do quick transformation videos to highlight your work. Sharing niche content consistently is a great way to grow your audience on TikTok and reach the right people.
Create A Content Calendar
When you’re using TikTok for business, you need to clearly outline exactly when you are going to post and how often. Consistency is key on TikTok and having a clearly defined content calendar will help you to stay on track with your marketing strategy. Choose a schedule that you and your team can manage. Three to five times per week is a good starting point. Signing up for a PRO account will give you access to TikTok’s analytics. Analytics can help you to fine-tune your approach over time.
Start Posting
While Instagram is a platform for curated perfection, TikTok users embrace imperfection. When you’re creating your first TikTok post be authentic and showcase your brand’s personality. TikTok is not the platform to take yourself too seriously on. Be creative, have fun, and create engaging content that your audience will engage with and be entertained. Authenticity is more and more difficult to find online nowadays. To make sure your business shines on TikTok avoid focusing on perfection with your posts.
Start Leveraging The Benefits Of TikTok For Business Now!
TikTok is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms in the world. If your business is not already leveraging the benefits of TikTok, then now is the time to start. Get in touch with our team of digital marketing experts at Mikesell Digital Consulting today to find out how we can help you to get started with using TikTok for your business.
