Suppose you’ve already invested some time and money into TikTok advertising. In that case, it’s normal to feel slightly frustrated—especially if your fanbase or engagement metrics aren’t being recognized by the ever-changing algorithm. 

Nevertheless, TikTok is still taking the world by storm, so it might be time to rethink your advertising strategy if you’re still not generating a profitable ROI.

How To Use TikTok to Promote Your Business

The last time we shared tips and insights about this social media platform, TikTok had already solidified its reputation as the “must-have” app among Gen Zers. But lately, this platform has drawn in more millennial users and even baby boomers with its emergence of new categories, trends, and hashtags that appeal to their interests.

The following are just a few examples of communities currently gaining billions of views on TikTok:

#granniesoftiktok 

#momlife

#familytime

TikTok has quickly transformed into a platform for people of every age group to come together to share quick tips, information, life hacks, and products on a variety of topics that range from kitchen must-haves to helpful parenting advice—passed down from generations.”

This knowledge-sharing trend has created a unique opportunity for businesses to promote their products as solutions to everyday dilemmas or annoyances in a new, fun, and engaging way. 

Okay, so where does your business fit into the equation? 

Before you can answer this question, you first need to understand who your target audience is. Since TikTok has now fully expanded to various generations, you’ll want to keep your advertising efforts focused on creating content that appeals to a particular niche (such as booktok, fashion, story times, animals, fitness, etc.) vs. trying to attract everyone on the platform. 

Tips for Growing TikTok Followers

A common mistake most businesses make when launching a branded TikTok account is trying to increase its followers vs. improving the number of “right” followers.

If you manage other social media campaigns, you know that trying to connect with everyone, regardless of their demographic, location, or pain points doesn’t generate quality leads or conversions.

Instead, you want to attract TikTokers who are already interested in the type of products or services you offer. This way, when you post content, they are likely to engage more.

Once you’ve identified your target audience, the next step is creating content that is interesting, engaging, and appeals to their specific niche.

Educate and Entertain

Content that aims to educate and entertain users consistently outperforms content that merely advertises a product.

The key here is to provide as much value to your audience as possible when it comes to creating TikTok ads and videos. This is why the first step of understanding who your audience is, what they like, and what they’re struggling with is so essential to your advertising game plan.

Therefore, when you start to plan your content, always ask yourself: 

What’s in it for them?

Here are a few other follow-up questions to consider:

• Does the ad show how my product or service makes their lives easier or better?
• Am I providing value to their day? 
• Am I teaching them something they don’t already know?
• Am I trying to make them laugh or invoke a happy memory?
• Am I posting content that is worth sharing?
• Does my content prompt response or action?

Connect with Other Brands

Don’t be afraid to get social with other TikTok users and content creators. Look for opportunities to collaborate with other brands, whether you start a hashtag challenge, participate in an existing trend, comment on other videos, or utilize duet or stitch features. 

Remember, staying social allows you to gain more exposure for your brand, in addition to making positive connections with other influencers. It also demonstrates to users that you’re not just here to promote your products or services. Instead, you’re here to share tips, join the discourse, and make a positive impact—which are all attractive qualities users want to see from brands.

The more social you become on TikTok, the more engagement you can expect from other users.

Leverage Cross-Channel Marketing

You likely manage multiple customer touch points, including a website, Pinterest, Twitter, or other social channels. So be sure you’re promoting your brand’s TikTok videos on these platforms by removing the watermark and updating the sound to ensure the video does not get penalized by the algorithms. It will also help reach audiences who may not be on all the same networks.

Promoting your videos on other platforms can also save the time and resources that you would typically need to create content from scratch. It also demonstrates to new users that your company is producing quality content all over the internet—keeping you top of mind!

A Final Note

Another essential piece of advice for growing TikTok followers is to leverage popular trends, sounds, and hashtags relevant to your brand. The trick here is to not go after EVERY trend, however. Instead, choose the ones in the niche you’re targeting participating in that will allow you to share value and add to the conversation!

Need Help Growing TikTok Followers?

We can help! At East Shore Marketing, our team can help you build a successful TikTok strategy that allows you to reach your target audience, connect with other influencers, and generate more engagement and sales.

By closely monitoring your TikTok performance, we can also help you identify which content produces the best engagement and which time of day you reach the most users.

Whether you’re new to advertising on TikTok or need help growing your fanbase, we’ll help you develop a strategy that generates a better ROI.

Ready to get started? Contact us today for a consultation.