Should Your Business Use TikTok?

TikTok has long been the home of the content creator, with the Creator Fund and TikTok shop making it easier than ever for individuals to make money from this video-sharing platform. But is TikTok effective for businesses? Can you find new customers, cement your status as a trusted brand, and improve your bottom line just by posting to a video-sharing app? With the right techniques, as well as plenty of views on your videos, there's definitely a way to make it happen.

Here are some aspects to consider if you're wondering whether TikTok is right for you.

TikTok has a reputation for being used primarily by Gen Z and millenial, but these days its audience is becoming more diverse. That being said, if you're aiming at consumers aged 60 and above, TikTok might not be the best medium for your message. Consider whether your audience is likely to use TikTok before pouring your efforts into an account.

Some types of brands are more suited to TikTok than others. TikTok content tends to be fun and playful, so if your social media presence is more formal, TikTok might not suit you. Do note, however, that nowadays consumers are seeking brands that feel more human rather than faceless corporations. If you want to make your image a little less stuffy, a TikTok account could be just the thing for it.

TikTok allows for marketing in a few different ways - promotional content, creator collaborations, and TikTok ads. If your social media presence is lacking or you're looking for a way to boost your marketing campaign without breaking the bank, TikTok can be an easy and effective change to make.

TikTok marketing can go hand in hand with more traditional marketing methods to bring your products or services to a younger, wider audience.

Naturally, getting started with any new marketing campaign requires an evaluation of your budget. The good news is that TikTok is generally a cheap platform to use. Sure, if you decide to place official TikTok ads or pay a creator for promotional content you'll have to eat into your budget. But just posting on TikTok is completely free of charge, and, if you put enough effort into your content, you won't have to spend a penny on ads. While budget should obviously be a consideration, TikTok is probably one of the cheapest ways to advertise.

TikTok is suitable for all businesses, but it can be particularly lucrative for businesses with online shops. Brick-and-mortar-only stores can definitely get something out of TikTok, but the ability to add links and open a TikTok Shop make it ideal for online businesses.

If you've considered creating an online presence but don't have one yet, TikTok can help you eCommerce store take off thanks to easy, cheap, and effective marketing options. Create your online store alongside your TikTok account for the best chance of success.

While you don't have to be an expert content creator to make the most of TikTok, users these days do want some added value from videos they watch, whether it's expert advice or an in-depth how-to guide. The more value you provide to followers, the more likes you'll receive.

Before getting started on TikTok, consider whether you'll be able to add value with your content. If you're a hair brand, for example, your customers want to see more than just videos of you selling products. They're also looking for styling or haircare tips.

Decided to get started with TikTok? You've made the right decision. Here are some tips to help get you started.

Your follower count isn't everything on TikTok, but it is important. If you grow your followers, TikTok's algorithm will be more likely to show your content to a wider group of users. Likewise, more followers means more people to like and engage with your content, and, ultimately, buy your products. To give yourself a head start while you work on a long-term strategy, buy followers. By buying followers, you'll give yourself a ready-made audience and a set of customers for your products.

One of the most effective ways to reach customers is by collaborating with content creators. Not only can they put a new twist on your content, but you'll also be able to cast a wider net and capture the interest of their ready-made audience. With a creator's seal of approval, consumers are more likely to trust your products, even if they've never bought from you before.

The key to increasing your conversion rate is removing friction and making the user journey easier. One way to do so is by creating a TikTok Shop. Not only does doing so allow you to create content that takes users directly to your products, but it also removes friction from the user journey by allowing people who visit your profile to buy your products without even leaving the app.

Market research is necessary for TikTok, just like it would be for a new product launch. Check out the type of content your competitors make and your audience watches, and see if you can do a better job or put a unique spin on similar content. Look for content that pulls in likes and views and take inspiration.

While not every single business is suited to TikTok, most businesses will see huge benefits from joining the platform, such as a wider reach, a better conversion rate, and increased profits. You can reach potential customers you couldn't find elsewhere and humanise your brand, which, in this day and age, is becoming increasingly crucial.