You may argue that TikTok is only used by Generation Z who aren’t your target market, and this might be true. Whilst the majority of users are aged 16 – 24, the app is spreading in popularity amongst the rest of the population and now features big brands, celebrities, and even politicians. The other social media giants, Facebook and Instagram also started off as being seen as a young person’s app, and look how they have grown. TikTok is here to stay so maybe it’s time you investigated using it for your business. That’s why you may search for the best place to buy TikTok likes to grow your account quickly.
Many business owners are beginning to see that they could be missing out on a substantial marketing opportunity. Yes, TikTok is different from other social media platforms and you have to approach it in a different way. But in 2021, it’s new enough to get in early and create content for your brand, and also large enough so that you can have an audience immediately.
What makes TikTok different?
TikTok allows users to upload short video clips which can be filmed and edited within the app. These are often accompanied by music, the platform is linked to Apple Music and has a vast array of songs to choose from. TikTok’s algorithm uses artificial intelligence to show users which videos they might want to watch based on their past viewings. The algorithm makes it easy for users to discover new content. It’s not clear exactly how the algorithm works but it seems to be much easier for videos to go viral on TikTok than on other social media platforms.
This level of exposure offers a unique opportunity to reach a new audience. As a business owner, one of the most important things you can have is exposure, this will give you the chance to make new customers. By producing content that appeals to this audience, you will reap the rewards in the future. Video content will enable you to create relatable posts which reveal the personality behind your brand.
One small business that is investigating using TikTok is web designer Koreti, MD Alan Jenkins said ‘It offers exciting opportunities to reach a new audience and grow our exposure. We plan to post videos showing the office, including the office dog, and tutorials on web design’.
Understanding the TikTok platform
If you’re considering using TikTok as a small business marketing tool, start by creating a small business account and exploring the platform. This isn’t the place to make a hard sell for your products. Anything that comes across as an advert isn’t going to get very far on TikTok. That’s why it’s best to first look around and see what other brands are doing.
TikTok is about authenticity and creativity. The content you upload needs to be fun and engaging. By analysing the type of content that works on TikTok and how to interact with others on the platform, your business can fit into the culture of the platform easily.
Ways in which you can use TikTok to promote your business
Try introducing you and your team in a fun way with accompanying music, or give a behind-the-scenes tour to show the workings of your business. If you make a product, video that process step-by-step.
Pet videos are always popular so if you have an office dog, make use of it. Do you or your staff have any inspirational stories, these go down well too. Provide a tutorial on how to start a business. Or if you donate to any charitable causes or help out in the community, document this.
TikTok videos tend to be filmed on users’ phones so there is no need for specialist recording and editing equipment, it can all be done via the app. The platform is not the place for slick, professional-looking videos, you need to produce more personal, quirky content to appeal to users.
If you want your content viewed, it’s important to use the right hashtags on TikTok. Look for the hashtags that are trending and see if any can relate to your business. But don’t just use one because it is popular, it must be linked to your content, otherwise, you will annoy users.
Another way to promote your business on TikTok is by launching a hashtag challenge. A hashtag challenge is when you encourage TikTok users to create or recreate content and add your branded hashtag to it.
3. Tap into User-Generated Content
You can ask your customers to use your business hashtag in their content. Big brands like Nike do this very successfully on TikTok, with millions of users filming their own Nike shoes. So, for instance, if you make wedding dresses, if your customers plan to share part of their big day on the platform, ask them to add your hashtag to the post. This may lead new customers your way.
4. Use TikTok Influencers
There are influencers on TikTok, just like on Instagram and Facebook, and they can be a great way of getting word-of-mouth referrals to your business. Make sure you find someone who is appropriate to your line of business, if you make beauty products you need an influencer who is interested in promoting beauty products, not sportswear.
Generally, the more followers an influencer has, the more expensive they will be, but the potential rewards are great.
5. Advertise
Like other social networks, TikTok has now opened up to advertisers. They offer 4 different types of advert:
- Native content ads – these appear in users feeds in between content in a similar way to those on Instagram or Facebook. You have the option to link to your website or enable app downloads.
- Brand takeovers – these allow you to basically take over TikTok for a day. The ads appear in feeds before anything else and allow a link to your landing page.
- Sponsored hashtag challenges – you can pay to sponsor a hashtag challenge which will put your banner on the Discover page where the hashtag challenge is. Clicking on it will show users your videos of doing the challenge.
- Branded lenses – design a filter that relates to your business, users can use it on their content in 2D or 3D and it will appear in the top 10 trending list.
Conclusion
TikTok for Small Business is a great way to get your brand discovered by a new audience. Especially if you are trying to attract younger customers. Users on TikTok are extremely engaged, love to share content, and visit the site several times a day. You can show off your unique, creative side, add humour to your posts, and find music that your audience can relate to. Remember, the platform is about authenticity, fun, and creativity, not serious high-pressure sales.
