If you’re a business owner feeling a bit ‘out of the loop’ with social media platforms like TikTok, the first thing to know is that you’re not alone. There are many entrepreneurs and business owners out there who struggle with using TikTok as an effective business tool.
We know that social media marketing can be confusing, especially if you have no idea where to start. With this in mind, we’ve put together a comprehensive TikTok business guide to get you started.
Why use TikTok to promote your business?
TikTok is far more than just a platform for viral dance challenges and funny videos — it’s actually an incredibly powerful tool for businesses, too.
As of August 2024, TikTok has over 1.04 million monthly active users. A significant portion of these users are based in the UK. With such a wide-spread and engaged user base, TikTok marketing is an easily accessible open door for businesses to reach new customers and boost brand visibility.
So, why consider TikTok marketing for your business?
- Access to a highly engaged audience: TikTok users spend an average of 95 minutes daily on the app, so it’s no surprise that the platform went viral as quickly as it did. This level of engagement is almost unmatched compared to Instagram and Facebook, so it’s a goldmine for businesses looking to increase their reach and build a sustainable customer base.
- Engagement from diverse demographics: Whilst TikTok is popular amongst younger audiences, its user base is currently expanding across all age groups. No matter your business niche, you can rest assured that your content will reach the right people. This is thanks to TikTok’s mega-specific algorithm!
- Advertise on a budget: Compared to other platforms, TikTok offers more budget-friendly advertising solutions, allowing small businesses to compete with larger brands without a massive marketing budget. You may find that one of your videos goes viral in a matter of hours without spending a single penny.
How to create a TikTok business account
To begin your TikTok marketing journey, you must set up a business account.
- Download the TikTok app: You’ll find the app on your phone’s app store, and it’s available on both iOS and Android devices.
- Create an account: Sign up using your email, phone number, or social media business accounts. Make sure you make a note of your log-in details for the future! We recommend making a username as related to your business as possible so users know who you are and what you do.
- Switch to a business account: A TikTok business account will grant you access to some informative analytics, including views, interactions, and audience engagement information. Go to your profile settings, select ‘Manage Account,’ and choose ‘Switch to Business Account’ to get started.
These tools will help you understand your audience better and refine your TikTok marketing strategy (which we’ll go into in just a moment!)
Tips for developing a TikTok marketing strategy
Creating a successful TikTok marketing strategy involves understanding what works on the platform. Here are some tips for getting started with “business TikTok”.
- Know your audience: Understanding who your target audience is and what type of content they engage with is the best thing to start with.
Get comfortable playing around with TikTok’s analytics tools for follower insights. You can then use this to tailor your content accordingly. - Know what you want: Before putting together any business strategy, it’s important to know your goal. Whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, or boosting sales, having clear goals will help you measure the success of your TikTok marketing efforts.
- Keep learning and stay updated: TikTok is all about trends. Staying on top of the latest challenges, sounds, and hashtags can help your business stay top-of-the-game.
Top tip: take 30 minutes or so out of your day to interact and engage with different videos on your business account to see what your competitors are up to.
What type of content works best on TikTok?
The thing with TikTok is that all users crave authenticity and entertainment in short-form videos. Content that feels genuine and relatable performs best, so it’s important to stay true to your brand persona and mission in every video you create.
Here are a few TikTok content ideas that could help boost your business.
Behind-the-scenes (BTS) videos
Showcasing the behind-the-scenes operations of your business can make your brand more relatable.
For example, if you run a bakery, consider posting videos of the baking process, delivery day, or a day in the life of your team, from their morning routine to closing up shop. Sometimes, the more simple, the better.
User-generated content (UGC)
If your business offers a product, encourage your customers to create content featuring your products or services. This not only provides you with free content to re-share, but it will also help build trust and authenticity around your brand.
Educational content
Make videos sharing tips, how-tos, or industry insights to position your business as an industry thought leader. This type of content is not only informative but also highly shareable between TikTok users within your niche.
Challenges and trends
Hop on the viral bus and participate in trending challenges — or you could even try creating your own! This will significantly boost user engagement and show the personality of your brand. This could be as simple as using a trending audio and linking it to your business.
Boost your business’s marketing efforts with Essex Leaflet Angel
We hope you can see the business potential that TikTok offers. Don’t forget that combining your TikTok marketing strategy with traditional methods like leaflet distribution can further extend your brand’s reach — one being on the ground in your local area and the other spreading your name across the UK!
At Essex Leaflet Angel, we specialise in creating targeted leaflet campaigns in Essex to complement your digital efforts. Think this could be for you? Get in touch with our team and explore our leaflet distribution services to see how we can help you and your business today.