How Marketers Can Successfully Utilize the TikTok Boom: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is TikTok?

"TikTok is a social media app that allows users to create and share short videos on any topic. The app enables users to create videos up to 60 seconds long, often set to music or audio clips, fostering entertaining and engaging content. Users can interact with these videos through likes, comments, shares, and saves.

How to Create a TikTok Business Account

1. Download the TikTok app from the Apple App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play Store (for Android).
2. Open the app and tap on the “Profile” icon located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
3. Access the settings menu by tapping on the three dots at the top right corner of the screen.
4. Click on “Manage account” and then select “Switch to Pro Account”.
5. Choose the category that best describes your business and complete the required information.
6. Verify your account by providing your phone number or email address.
7. Once your account is verified, you can begin creating content and exploring TikTok.

Understanding TikTok Algorithm

Before delving into content creation, it's crucial to grasp how TikTok operates to ensure optimal engagement. TikTok's primary focus is delivering content to users via the app's main page, known as the For You Page (FYP), offering the highest exposure for your content.

TikTok doesn't primarily show content to your followers. Instead, it prioritizes showcasing it to a select group of non-followers on the FYP. To succeed within the algorithm, it's imperative to capture the attention of these non-followers.

If this initial group finds the content appealing, it will then be shared with a broader audience. If this extended audience also responds positively, the content could potentially reach an even wider audience. Understanding and leveraging this dynamic can significantly enhance the performance of your content on TikTok.

How to Create Engaging Content

Now that we understand how TikTok's algorithms function, our next step is to ensure that the first wave of users who see your content finds it engaging. This initial engagement is crucial for reaching a broader audience. Therefore, creating engaging content is essential.

Establish a Connection and Inject Personality and Relatability

Begin your videos with a semi-introduction in a warm and approachable manner, considering that many viewers may not be your followers and may not be familiar with you. Humanize your content by infusing it with relatability and a personal touch, speaking directly to your audience to make it feel like a conversation with a friend. When viewers can relate to you, they are more likely to feel a genuine connection and become more engaged with your content.

Consistent Posting Schedule

Consistency is key on TikTok. Aim to post regularly, ideally 2-3 times a week. This consistent presence keeps your audience engaged and eagerly anticipating your next piece of content.

Leverage Live Streaming

Going live on TikTok is an excellent way to interact with your followers and non-followers in real-time. It provides a platform to answer questions, address comments, and add a more personal touch to your content. This direct interaction helps nurture your relationship with your audience, leading to increased engagement and loyalty.

Partnering with Influencers

Collaborating with influencers in your niche can greatly amplify your reach and credibility. Collaborations introduce your content to their established audience, potentially bringing in new users who share an interest in your content.

Focus on Visual Appeal

Pay attention to visual elements of your videos. Utilize different angles, and consider incorporating text on the screen to enhance engagement. Trimming pauses and seamlessly transitioning from one angle to the next keeps the viewer’s attention and ensures your content remains visually appealing.

Examples of Content to Create

Educational Content

Create videos that provide valuable knowledge or insights relevant to your audience. This can include tutorials, DIY guides, or fun facts.

Behind-the-Scenes Content

Show your audience what goes on behind the scenes in your life. This could involve showcasing day-to-day operations or providing sneak peeks of upcoming projects.

Product Review

Stay updated with the latest trends on TikTok and put your unique spin on them. This might involve participating in popular dance or lip-syncing challenges.

Trend-Based Content

Keep up with the latest trends on TikTok and put your own spin on them. This could involve participating in popular dance or lip-syncing challenges.

Collaborative Duets

Engage with fellow TikTok creators by responding or reacting to their content. This not only exposes your content to their audience but also encourages interaction. Consider utilizing the "stitch" and "repost" features for added visibility and engagement.

How to Measure Success on the Platform

Successful content on TikTok is characterized by high engagement and broad-reaching appeal to large audiences. On TikTok, success is primarily measured by the number of views a video receives. A higher view count indicates better performance, highlighting the effectiveness of your content.

The number of views depends on two core factors: watch time and engagement. Watch time is the total view duration and the percentage of users who watched the entire video. Engagement is measured by various metrics, such as the number of likes, comments, shares, and favorites.

Accumulating more views signals to TikTok that your content is of high quality, prompting broader distribution to a larger audience.

TikTok is a Must-Have Tool for Growing Your Personal Brand

TikTok is a powerful platform that can assist you in reaching a broader audience and enhancing engagement with your audiences. Your content must be engaging, entertaining, relatable, and, most importantly, authentic. By following this step-by-step guide, you can create content that stands out on TikTok and helps you achieve your marketing goals.