TikTok has flown through the roof with over 3 billion downloads, making it the most downloaded non-game app on Google Play and the App Store in 2021. It has finally reached the same popularity status that only four other social media platforms, namely Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, have achieved.
Billions of users around the world are on the short video app avidly watching creative videos from millions of content creators. There is so much potential in this large audience base. That is why big brands, like Nike, are on it as well. And you should be, too.
If you don’t have a social media marketing strategy on TikTok yet, then we’ve got you covered. We’ll teach you how to use TikTok for business and discuss the various benefits of using the platform, and when you’re done check out our other TikTok guides:
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The billion-user platform is a metaphorical fruit tree waiting to be harvested. The platform is ripe with users around the globe that are within reach. To give a more convincing argument of why brands should be on TikTok, here’s a deeper look into the platform’s environment.
TikTok just celebrated the milestone of having over 1 billion active monthly users back in September 2021. This puts the video platform high up in the league of popular social networking sites like Facebook and Instagram.
After the banning of the TikTok app in India in 2020, it took away over 2 billion users. But with the continuous output of creativity on the platform, it still managed to get back on its feet and gain more avid followers over time.
This epic comeback of the company is a testament that the viral video craze is here to stay. Brands and businesses should definitely tap into this ever-growing market. You will absolutely never run out of the audience on this platform.
The largest demographic of TikTok users and viewers fall in the age range of 9 to 29 years old. This is the age when humans are very impressionable. They are easily and heavily influenced by what they see. And every day, they spend hours watching short videos on TikTok.
Watching influencers’ videos on TikTok makes them want to emulate those stars and even dream of becoming TikTokers themselves. The viewers will buy the same clothes and accessories their TikTok idols are wearing. They will even unconditionally trust the brands that are being endorsed by these influencers.
This type of captive audience is the perfect target of businesses and brands. If you want to build a loyal customer base, then it is time to get in on the hype.
Just because the average viewer on TikTok is young, doesn’t mean they don’t have the spending capacity of the older population. It’s quite the opposite, in fact. Gen Z has the tendency to spend their money frivolously.
The younger generation has developed a keen fascination for popularity and social acceptance. They will spend their hard-earned money on consumer products that social influencers are rocking, thinking that these will make them cool and hip as well.
In fact, the company has reported over $2.5 billion in gross revenue just from consumer spending. This places TikTok among the highest consumer spending platforms with the likes of Netflix, YouTube, and Tinder.
So, brands that are looking for more customers and sales are now flocking to the platform. Don’t be left out, take part in this incredible opportunity to grow your business.
TikTok may be home to big brands, but it’s also where once unknown content creators became stars. Thanks to the platform’s algorithm, everybody gets a chance to be seen by its users. And if your content constantly gets tons of engagement, you will have a wider audience and more exposure.
TikTok has recently partnered with Shopify, one of the leading eCommerce sites on the internet. This partnership lets businesses integrate their shop marketing campaign on the TikTok platform. More on this later in another section of the article.
Growing a brand might seem daunting at first. But, with the help of this guide, you’ll be on your way to the top in no time. We’ll teach you how to make money on TikTok just like the successful brands and social influencers on the site. Here’s how:
Just like on other social platforms, having a business account gives you access to marketing tools and analytics that will help you in creating your digital marketing strategy.
Create a business account for your brand by following these steps:
TikTok is mainly created for mobile, though it can be accessed on a computer’s web browser. As such, you can easily create an account right on your mobile device.
Download and install the TikTok app on your mobile device.
Open the app and tap “Me” in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Tap “Sign up” to create your account. You can use your phone number or email address or sign up using an existing social media account of your business.
If you already have a personal profile that you would like to use, simply convert it by following the next steps.
On the app, go to the “Me” page and tap the three dots located in the top right corner.
Tap “Manage account” and then choose “Switch to Business Account.”
Next, select the appropriate category that describes your business accurately. This will help the platform in sending you customized content.
Add your business website to your profile info.
Choose a username – Your username can be the same as your brand name. Just make sure that it is catchy or easy to remember.
Upload a great profile photo – Your profile picture is the face of your brand that users will see first. Choose a photo or brand logo that is clear, in high-definition, and can easily be identified even when displayed as a small icon. The recommended photo size is 200 x 200 pixels.
Write an interesting bio – Make it fun and quirky to fit the taste of the young audiences on the platform. You can also put your business objectives to let people know why they should support your brand. It’s limited to 80 characters, so be concise.
Include your business link – TikTok does not have the option for clickable links in the videos. What you can do is to put your eCommerce or Shopify URL in the bio section of your profile.
Popular content creators all have special merch that they sell to their followers. It is one of the many ways to earn an income online. In fact, merch sales comprise a huge chunk of influencers’ earnings.
Fortunately, TikTok has made it easy for brands and influencers to sell their products. The integration of Shopify and TikTok is a match made in heaven. Get yourself a piece of this heaven by linking your TikTok and Shopify accounts.
Follow these simple steps:
The blue verification badge is a status symbol that is coveted on the platform. TikTok reserves the right to award this badge to exceptional content creators on their site. You cannot apply for it. It can only be earned through your hard work and dedication.
Here are some guidelines on how you can potentially get verification badge. You will need to:
Once you get your blue tick badge, you can wear it proudly on your profile. It lets people know that the video content you produce is of top-notch quality. This also lets users know that your account is legitimate and not just a copycat trying to smooch off of your popularity.
Marketing on social media sites is all about making content to promote your brand. These visual promotions let your audience get to know your brand and your products. The most effective ones are videos that catch audiences’ attention and generate engagement.
Here are some tips to create content that could go viral:
Create more effective content with the help of the platform’s built-in analytics tool. You can constantly check your post engagements to see which ones work and which ones don’t. Post those types of videos that receive a lot of likes and positive comments.
If you have the budget to boost your brand in front, you can avail yourself of TikTok’s influencer marketing campaigns for your business. Get detailed data and audience insight from your sponsored posts.
TikTok offers tons of opportunities for businesses to grow. Boost your brand and watch your TikTok followers and sales increase. Simply follow these tips on how to use TikTok to your advantage.