Social media is an essential tool for local and small businesses to cultivate a community and develop loyal customers. The new star on the social media scene? TikTok! Once a platform synonymous with dance challenges and lip-syncing, has rapidly evolved into a must-use social media channel for businesses aiming to connect with customers in a whole new way.
For those who have yet to take the TikTok plunge, below is a quick guide that offers insights into harnessing the platform's power to showcase your brand, engage with customers, and cultivate a thriving community.
Keyword Optimization: Boosting Discoverability
Harness the power of keywords in your video descriptions and hashtags to help your customers, current or potential, find you. These serve as gateways for users to find content that resonates with their interests. Using relevant keywords increases the chances of your content appearing in a user's "For You Page" feed.
Unsure of what keywords to use? Try typing a few keywords about your business ie. sports bike, or women's clothing, into the TikTok search bar's predictive text and see what it suggests.
Hashtag Magic: Up to 5 for Maximum Engagement
While Instagram users might flood their posts with dozens of hashtags, TikTok promotes a more selective approach. Choose up to five meaningful and relevant hashtags to help categorize your content and improve its discoverability. Here's a free tool from Hootsuite to help you find hashtags.
Know Your Audience: Tailor Your Content
The best content speaks directly to its intended audience. Before you hit record, understand who you're talking to. Are they Gen Z fashion enthusiasts? Millennial foodies? Boomer travel buffs? Recognizing your target demographic allows you to curate content that resonates and engages.
Hook Them In: The First Few Seconds Matter
A catchy hook at the beginning of your video can be the difference between a viewer swiping past or sticking around. Whether it's a provocative statement, a gripping visual, or a compelling question, ensure you grab your viewer's attention from the get-go.
Consistency is Key: Post 1-4 Times Daily
TikTok's algorithm favors consistency. Posting frequently increases the chances of your content being seen. Aim for 1-4 posts daily. Don't fret about overproducing—sometimes, the most authentic, on-the-fly videos gain the most traction.
Timing Matters: The 21-34 Second Sweet Spot
While TikTok allows videos up to 3 minutes in length, data suggests that videos ranging between 21 to 34 seconds achieve optimal engagement. They're long enough to convey a message but short enough to retain attention.
Embarking on your TikTok journey can seem daunting, but with these basic principles in hand, you're well on your way to mastering the platform. The TikTok community thrives on creativity, authenticity, and engagement. Showcase your business, engage genuinely with your viewers, and most importantly, have fun doing it. Welcome to the world of TikTok!