5 tips on how to use TikTok for your business

If you want to reach a younger audience, you need to look into TikTok. Almost half of TikTok’s user base is under 30 years old. So if that’s a market you want to target, you should consider creating a TikTok account and a TikTok strategy. In this post, we’ll give you 5 tips on how to use TikTok for your business. Let’s go!

Understand TikTok as a platform

It’s good to understand TikTok as a platform before you start using it for your business. Why? Because you need to understand what appeals to people and what type of content is popular if you want more engagement.

TikTok is typically used for short-form videos that range between 5 seconds and 3 minutes long. The app has a huge music library and in-app editing features, which means it’s easy to create your own content. 

The TikTok algorithm

Another reason why TikTok has grown so popular is because it has a very clever algorithm. Their For You page seems to effortlessly and endlessly share content that you like. And it only gets better! Which makes it hard for people to leave the app, since it keeps showing them great content. Before they know it, just one more video has turned into twenty videos! 

Should you get a TikTok business account?

TikTok offers businesses this neat thing called a business account. It’s not hard to set up, and gives your brand the credibility of being a verified business. It also allows you to set up a TikTok shop and use a link in your profile. Plus, you can download all the analytics, which makes it easier to use the data in reports.

The only downside? You won’t get access to all the commercial sounds. But there are still lots of good sounds that you can use, so a TikTok business account is worth it in our opinion.  

5 tips on how to use TikTok for your business

1. Showcase the value of your product within 3 seconds

Users want to quickly see the value of your video. So, try to show your USP (unique selling point) at the very start. Ideally, in the first three seconds of your video. Otherwise, people will just scroll away. 

For example, let’s say you sell ultra-strong iPhone cases. You could film a scene where you drop the phone from the second floor, then show your viewers that it didn’t get scratched. Of course, there are tons of ways to showcase the unique value of your business. It all depends on your product. Just remember to keep it to the point!

2. Try not to sell 

Unlike other platforms, you should build a connection with your audience on TikTok before you try to sell them anything. In fact, it’s better not to be sales-y at all! That type of content typically doesn’t do well. 

Instead, treat TikTok as a way to be authentic with your audience. For example, you could share your journey as a small business owner or showcase your products in fun ways. It will take time to build an audience, but it will be worth it once you’ve found your target audience!

3. Be vulnerable

TikTok users appreciate authenticity and “realness”. That’s why videos where people share their struggles with their small business tend to get a lot of engagement, since people find those stories relatable. 

Some ideas: 

• A “story time” video about how you started your business. A popular trend that fits this topic would be: how it started vs. how it’s going 
• Things you learned during your small business journey
• A mistake you made and what you learned from it

4. Engage with trends

If you want to take TikTok seriously, you shouldn’t post just once a week. Instead, try to post everyday. This will allow you to keep up with TikTok’s algorithm. 

Of course, creating and editing new videos everyday sounds daunting! But there’s tons of ways to create new content. For example, you can hop on trends, make videos of your products, or relate your business to a trending sound. The key is not to take things too seriously. Just have fun! 

Note: Of course, you shouldn’t just be posting trends. Try to have a good balance between planned videos and trendy/fun videos.

5. Utilize UGC for your TikTok ads

If you’re a small business, TikTok ads are a great way to get your name out there. Still, it’s good not to be too sales-y. A great way to avoid this is by boosting videos made by users, otherwise known as user generated content (UGC). These videos will come across as more genuine and authentic than a polished video ad.

Just make sure you ask the creator’s permission before you use their video! 

Whether it’s TikTok or Instagram or another social media platform, it’s good for your SEO to be active on social media. After all, SEO is all about being found. When people search for you, it’s nice if they’re be able to find you on multiple platforms. In fact, with social media being so popular as it is, your audience probably expects you to be on social media!

Plus, Google now shows TikTok videos in the search results too. So if your videos show up there, you will get a nice bit of extra visibility.

Find what works for you

Since TikTok is all about authenticity, you should only create content that you feel comfortable with. Don’t try to shape yourself and your business into something it’s not. People will notice. Instead, find a video style and posting schedule that works for you, and have fun!