TIKTOK: SHOULD YOU USE IT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
TikTok, launched in 2016, is a social media app where users can share videos to public audiences. These videos generally range from fifteen to sixty seconds. Videos gain exposure through the “For You Page” or FYP, giving users the option to scroll through. They can be videos from people they follow, popular videos, or videos catered to the viewer based on the patterns of past videos they have watched.
The decision to use TikTok as a business tool depends on your company and what you are trying to gain through video exposure. We’ve compiled some helpful tips for you to learn how to create a TikTok strategy that suits the needs of your business.
What Are You Advertising?
Different social media platforms have different age ranges for users. For TikTok, 80% of American users are between the ages of 16 and 34. If you’re advertising a product or service that young adults wouldn’t need to use, or simply wouldn’t find interesting, then it would be better to use a different social platform, such as Facebook or Instagram.
Social media platforms, like Instagram, also operate differently based on the type of content posted. If you’re looking to only post pictures, Instagram is the way to go. TikTok is purely short form video content, so make sure you can create a narrative around your product or service.
In short, yes, use TikTok for your company, but only use it if you’re looking for a younger adult audience, and wish to make video content.
Understanding TikTok
There are ways to use TikTok as an advertising tool beyond posting videos on your profile. Here are some other ways to grow your audience:
Influencer Marketing: Working with TikTok influencers can help to reach an entirely new audience who may not have seen your page on their own. An influencer would be seen on more “For You” pages, and would be seen more often by a wider audience. They can inspire others to not only look into your product, but to make videos of their own about it. Ask yourself: will people want to make videos reviewing my product? Will people believe that your product will bring them more views?
Hashtags: The use of hashtags in the caption of each video increases engagement with current and potential viewers and can help build a name for your brand.
An Engaging Bio: Before following, many TikTok users will check the account to see what kind of videos they make. Having a short and interesting description of your business will help gain followers who want to see the kind of content you advertise. Make sure to post consistently. Creating a schedule for how often and what time of day videos are posted, and sticking to it, will aid in getting views over time.
Following The Trends: Content Creation
At the end of the day, most users are on TikTok for fast-paced entertainment. Since TikTok videos are so quick, they need to get right to the point and capture attention so that viewers don’t scroll after a second. Liking or replying to comments on your video can help show engagement with your audience, and prove that there are real, interesting people behind the company’s social media.
Responding casually, or having a casual/funny tone in your videos, will make you seem more relatable to an audience. For example, showing someone holding the phone in selfie mode and talking into the camera looks homemade but not aesthetically displeasing.
It’s not just TikTok videos that pass quickly, but the trends as well. TikTok trends have been seen in popular dances and making jokes out of popular audios, and it’s good to know what’s popular. However, TikTok trends die very quickly and become out of touch as new trends emerge. Perhaps partake in a TikTok trend or dance if it can relate to your product, but try to release that video at the height of the trends popularity. Keep in mind the mechanics of the app. Videos can be edited off or on TikTok and uploaded. When you can, use popular audios, voice-overs, and on-screen text to your advantage.
If you are looking for a young adult audience and want to make short video content, then TikTok can be a rewarding place to advertise. Both small and large businesses use TikTok successfully everyday to promote themselves and their content. So long as you make quality, consistent content, and have a sprinkle of popular audios, your account will grow. If you’re looking for advice on how to grow your business on TikTok, our team is here to help! From account building to channel management, Joba can create a social media strategy that makes your business shine.
