Are you looking for a guide on how you can use TikTok to promote your small business? In our guide below, you can find out all you need to know, including some of our top tips! But first, what is TikTok…?
Since its launch in 2016, TikTok has rapidly become the go-to app for consuming short-form video content. Whilst the network was launched in 2016, much of its popularity was acquired in just three years, mostly due to us all being stuck at home during the Coronavirus pandemic. Sorry if we gave you flashbacks!
But whilst the days of being locked inside our homes have, hopefully, gone away, something remains… TikTok!
TikTok is still one of the world’s most popular social networks, boasting a user base of over 1 billion. It’s safe to say that TikTok is here to stay, and if you’re looking for a place to promote your small business, TikTok is one of your best bets.
Is TikTok a good choice?
To put it simply, TikTok has one of the largest base-level engagement rates when compared to the other main social platforms. TikTok estimates the average engagement on their network is 15% higher than other leading platforms. And you don’t need us to tell you how important engagement is on social media!
Additionally, what attracts a lot of small business owners to TikTok is the very low barrier to entry. You most likely have a smartphone, and if you’re reading this, you definitely have Internet access. With those two things, you have all you need to get started on TikTok!
Now we know why TikTok can play an important part in any digital marketing strategy, how should you use it? Let’s find out…
TikTok for Small Business: Our Top Tips
Keep up with trends
Like any social media platform, the trends move fast. And nowhere is that truer than on TikTok. But, the reward for staying on top of the latest trends can be a huge boost in engagement. The key thing to remember when jumping on a trend is to keep your videos relevant to your brand. If you can tie in trending content with your overall brand mission, then you’re onto a winner.
Use the #SmallBusiness hashtag
Like all other social media platforms, hashtags are vitally important on TikTok. Not only do they help people to find your content, but they can also help with research too. Look through the #SmallBusiness hashtag on TikTok to see how other small businesses are using the platform to grow their brands. See what is and isn’t working for them, and use that to influence your own content.
Regularly create content
The hardest part of growing on any social platform is being consistent. The old phrase “consistency is key” couldn’t be truer than on TikTok. We highly recommend you set aside time each week to batch-create multiple videos that you can post at a later date. It’s important you set yourself a posting schedule that you’ll be able to stick to. Oftentimes, just showing up is the biggest contributing factor to success on TikTok.
Find the right time
If you use Instagram, you already know you can find the optimum time to post content in the analytics. Sadly, TikTok isn’t so open about things like this. The best thing you can do is keep an eye on your content, and the times you post. Make a note of which posting time works best for you, and stick to it for future content.
Use locations
As a small business, you likely want to stick to your geographic area, at least in the early days. When posting to TikTok, make sure you’re mentioning your city/country in your captions. The TikTok algorithm will pick this up, and show your videos to people in the same location.
Don’t sell, sell, sell
TikTok users value authenticity, and as such, they don’t like to be constantly sold to. As is now the case across all social media platforms, you should limit your promotional content to only a handful of posts each month. When in doubt, use The 60 30 10 Framework when planning your content. Remember: if all you post is promotional content, you won’t build an engaged following.
Hire experts
Here at Giraffe, we’re experts in all things social media, including TikTok! Running a business AND handling all the marketing is a lot of work, we get that. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with handling your digital marketing, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today to see how we can spread the word about your small business on TikTok!
