It doesn’t take a marketing wiz to notice the reach of TikTok. With more and more brands utilizing this platform in 2024, it’s time to stop worrying about missing the next big trend and create it yourself.
TikTok enables users to reach a broader audience than ever, targeting a new generation of customers. But how can you leverage the power of TikTok for your company, and how do you stand out from the crowd? Here’s how to create an effective business strategy for TikTok this year.
What is TikTok?
TikTok is a form of social media that allows users to make short videos, about 15-30 seconds in length, and broadcast their creations to the 3.5 billion users who have downloaded the app across the world. Videos are usually made from a computer or phone camera and often consist of dancing, comedy, or short informational snippets.
Launched in its present form in 2018, TikTok has grown in record time. This social media site is used by billions of people worldwide. It has an extremely large geographical reach and is currently one of the best ways to connect with younger generations.
Why TikTok for Marketing?
TikTok is literally a treasure trove for marketers. By leveraging the trend-influencing power of younger generations, TikTok can be used to generate B2B and B2C collaboration. There are a multitude of reasons why a business should start integrating TikTok into their marketing strategy, with the biggest advantages being:
1. Wide-Ranging Demographics
TikTok is used worldwide by individuals of all ages. Brands can use TikTok to reach audiences outside their current demographic in different countries and age groups. Most TikTok users are between 18 and 19 years old; the second highest demographic is 20 to 29.
2. Power of Creativity
TikTok enables users to maximize their creativity. This creativity inspires others, which generates trends and fast-growth followings.
3. Part of the Trend
At the heart of TikTok is creating trends and viral content. This is advantageous for two reasons - one, that your brand can explode in popularity and awareness should it start a trend; and second, as a marketer, you can be aware of what is popular among different demographics (trending songs, interests, tastes, ideas, etc.). Knowing these active trends allows your brand to communicate in ways most likely to be accepted and remembered.
4. Gain Awareness
TikTok uses an algorithm that promotes content to users based on their interests. Using TikTok, therefore, allows brands to increase brand awareness and reach entirely new audiences greatly.
5. Engaged, Loyal Audience
A big part of TikTok is the creators. Some creators gather a significant following of thousands or even millions of users who enjoy watching their content. These users show loyalty and high engagement with the influencers they follow, which can be a powerful tool for brands to become a part of.
TikTok Tips for Success
Before starting with your TikTok strategy, here are a few general tips for making high-quality and engaging content:
- Grab viewers’ attention using a captivating hook.
- Engage with feedback and initiate conversations.
- Respond to comments by creating TikToks in response.
- Optimize your post timing for maximum interaction.
- Share your successes and setbacks.
- Showcase your expertise.
- Be concise and straight to the point.
- Experiment with different video formats.
- Use relevant hashtags
- Incorporate catchy music and tunes.
Create an Effective Strategy
TikTok is a transformative marketing tool, but how can one harness it? The key to successfully implementing TikTok is to create a thorough and effective strategy. Businesses must recognize their strengths and how they match against the reach and quick-engagement potential of the platform. Create an effective TikTok strategy using the following steps:
1. Understand TikTok’s Evolving Landscape
The first and most important step is to take your initial step into the world of TikTok. Since its inception, TikTok has transformed from a platform for entertainment to a hub of diverse content, including brand promotions and business strategies. More people of different ages are trying it, and so should you!
Don’t be shy. Give the free app a quick download and scroll through the available content. Only having used the site itself, will you be able to understand how it works and what’s possible.
2. Define Target Audience
Like any other successful marketing strategy, a critical decision is defining your target audience or market. Your target audience is the demographic of users you will focus on connecting with most to match them with your products or services.
Once you’ve defined your target market, you can start learning more about them. What is the audience’s age, location, interests, and goals? Content that’s for everyone is for no one. Hone in on your target audience for the best possible marketing strategy.
3. Content Creation and Trends
Content is what TikTok is all about. Creating authentic, engaging, trend-driven content is the secret to the highest impressions. Whether participating in viral challenges or creating original, humorous content, staying true to your brand while keeping up with trends is key. Also, consider the timing and frequency of your posts to maximize engagement.
Take a look at competitors or businesses in adjacent fields. What content are they making that is successful? How can it be implemented into your own brand?
4. TikTok Features and Controls
TikTok offers many features like filters, effects, and music options that can enhance your content. Other features include the ability to target specific age groups, regions, keywords, and trends.
Understanding and utilizing these features can set your content apart. Don’t forget to explore TikTok’s business tools for detailed insights and advertising options.
5. Encourage Engagement
While TikTok is all about creating content, the real magic is the community created from it. Users can comment and share content; an effective strategy should include encouraging this engagement as much as possible. More engagement means the TikTok algorithm will promote it to more people.
Some ideas for encouraging engagement include:
- Responding to comments and questions
- Offering giveaways/ prizes for people who comment and share content
- Connect with other content creators
6. Build a Community
Your brand can begin growing a following by encouraging engagement and creating relevant content. Individuals interested in your content, products, or services can follow your brand’s page for future content, share it with their friends, and help spread the word.
7. Partnerships, Collaborations, Campaigns
Collaborating with influencers can be a powerful strategy on TikTok. Choose influencers who align with your brand values and genuinely connect with your audience. This authenticity can significantly boost your brand’s credibility and reach on the platform.
Furthermore, influencers tend to have loyal fanbases. Should an influencer’s followers see that they are enjoying a certain product or service, the brand gains recognition, and new potential customers can quickly flow.
8. Measure and Adjust
Metrics like engagement rate, video views, and follower growth can all be extremely helpful, so don’t put all your energy into the number of followers and likes you have. This data can help refine your strategy and ensure your content hits the mark.
Should your metrics not be where you want them or expect them to be, consider adjusting the content you create, including visuals, duration, placement, etc.
9. Take a Creative Leap
The final aspect of an effective marketing strategy on TikTok is to take that creative leap. Names and brands have been made on this app alone. With creativity, excitement, and passion for your business, your brand could be the next company millions are discussing. Trends are set on TikTok nearly every day; with a little courage, your trend could be next.
The Bottom Line
TikTok has revolutionized marketing in less than four years. It may seem daunting at first, but your brand can ride the wave of popularity and soar in awareness.
Don’t wait while the next trend is being set; the time is now to make a splash on TikTok! If you’re ready to take your business to the next level on TikTok but need some help getting started, contact the friendly experts at Beyond Blue Media today.
