So, you haven’t heard the latest song everyone is dancing to on TikTok this week?
You’re missing out big time. But what is all the fuss is about?
From the launch of YouTube in 2005, to the release of apps like Vine and Musical.ly in 2013 and 2014, video content on social media platforms has always been there. But it is only recently that we’ve seen the true power of it- all thanks to the increasingly popular social media app, TikTok.
With one billion users worldwide, it is safe to say TikTok is currently one of the most well-known social media platforms out. In fact, according to HubSpot, it is the leading platform for short form video content. Short form videos are the top trend for digital marketing in 2022, and it is easy to see why businesses have started to incorporate them into their social media management.
What is TikTok?
So, what actually is it? How does it work? What is the obsession?
To put it simply, TikTok is a free, video-content only, social media sharing platform created in 2016 after formally being called Musical.ly.
Users can view, create and share videos with anyone on the app, not just to their friends or followers like most other sharing platforms. The videos are short clips that can range from 15 seconds to 3 minutes in length, giving the opportunity for a wide variety of content to be shared.
TikTok features what they call a “For You” page that users could spend hours scrolling through if they really wanted. It is, what feels like, a never-ending feed of dance trends, product promotions, famous influencers, singing etc. (the list goes on), that has become highly addicting to a large portion of the population.
This “For You” page almost knows you better than you know yourself. The app uses tools to gather your personal interests to such a deep level it can actually be quite scary. There is currently a lurking suspicion that perhaps TikTok is taking too much information. Some people feel uneasy about the app being owned by a Chinese company and question the extent to which it is being used to spy on us. As you’d imagine, TikTok denies it is intrusive and assures users that our data is safe from the prying eyes of the Chinese Government. All we know for sure is TikTok is definitely here to stay and currently the best performing platform to increase business exposure and engagement.
Not only is it extremely simple to navigate, but it is also incredibly effective in increasing brand awareness and exposure for businesses, which is the focus in all business Digital Marketing and SEO strategies.
Why TikTok is the Fastest Growing Social Media Platform in 2022
According to State of Social Media, statistics show TikTok is indeed the fastest growing social media platform of 2022, but why?
Many believe this is because TikTok homepages are not like those on Instagram or Facebook, which tend to be populated with people you already know or businesses you already follow. TikTok gathers users interests and curates a personally designed feed, making it super easy for companies to reach their target audience.
TikTok is also compatible with other social media platforms and allows you to link directly to them, as well as a business website. This is beneficial in gaining website traffic for your company as well as seeing who is actually interacting with your page.
The benefits of social media on brand growth is very familiar to our population and is one of the many reasons why Perth SEO Agency Studio22 strongly encourages social media marketing in any business, old or new, wanting to increase their brand awareness and exposure.
Is TikTok the Future for Digital Marketing of your business?
Is it worth it to use videos for your business promotion and growth? Do you have the resources necessary to create and make use of video content in your marketing campaigns?
The simple answer is yes, it’s 100% worthwhile and easy. Not just because everyone is doing it, but because video marketing is also one of the most powerful and profitable tools for digital marketing in any company.
Not only is it extremely simple to use and navigate but there is so much high-level knowledge out there on how to use the app and optimise your content to reach the exact audience you are targeting.
You also definitely do not need high end production and equipment to make good content. Online video editing tools are continually improving and becoming cheaper. Even your smartphone can create decent videos. As a matter of fact, TikTok actually prefers simple, authentic videos.
It is the content that counts! Recent research has shown that most users are put off videos that do not adequately explain the product or services. Poor design and low quality didn’t make a difference as much. So don’t over think it. Simply think of the content you like to engage with yourself and why. Short, sharp and instantly captivating is exactly what viewers love, and apparently, so does the TikTok algorithm. Instantly capture any TikTok user’s attention and they are yours.
Unlike other social media platforms, TikTok has been very effective in constantly releasing updates and new features. They’re consistent in releasing new filters, sounds, video editing tools etc. that become quickly known and popular to users. Not only does that make the quality of content better but the platform is kept current, which is extremely important in our quickly evolving digital society.
It also allows easy and instant engagement with both potential and existing customers. You can have immediate communication with viewers through the comments section and following capabilities if you wish.
Video marketing should undoubtedly be a new addition and focus in your promotional toolbox. According to TikTok themselves “New Study Shows Small Businesses are Finding Their Home on TikTok.” Adding TikTok to your Digital Marketing strategy will no doubt be one of the smartest moves you make for your business this year.
Tips to Get Your Business Started
Learn the platform.
There is endless research and knowledge of the app available online. Many experts share statistics and tutorials on YouTube or Google for anyone to see. Working your way through some of this material will put you ahead for when you first download TikTok.
Post at optimal time.
It is important to share content that appeals specifically to your audience’s interests and demographics. However, it is also important to determine what time of day is best to post on TikTok. It is crucial to schedule your content in a way that will reach the largest number of people to generate top-notch engagement.
Research competitors.
Why not learn from those already successful on TikTok? Scope out the competition and decide; What is performing well? What content isn’t getting a large engagement? Start putting together your own research. However, be careful to not directly copy other businesses successful posts. Be unique, creative and make your content your own. You want your branding to be clear, consistent and different to others in your field.
Hashtags
The most used hashtags on TikTok can be used to produce creative content that sets your brand apart. It will also make you more visible to the right people. The TikTok algorithm considers hashtags when deciding what content to promote. TikTok users use hashtags to signify what their videos are about to other people and make them more searchable. TikTokers can search hashtags for content that is relevant to them. You can put yourself in front of the most engaged viewers by using the correct hashtag. They are actively searching for videos like yours.
Know your target market.
If you don’t understand your target audience, you won’t be able to generate compelling content. You can create content that attracts the right people by conducting research on the TikTok target audience. Your digital marketing strategy should not be limited to location, age, gender, and gender. It is also important to understand their interests and behaviour.
Ask the experts.
Partnering with Perth SEO Agencies like Studio22, who have a deep understanding of social media and TikTok content, will be the best thing you can do for your business.
We have extensive experience in creating digital marketing strategies and managing social media accounts, for very well-known companies all over Western Australia. This has equipped us with the knowledge and skills we need to help you achieve your business goals.
Talk to our Marketing Team and discover how we can adapt to your company’s requirements and convert your audience to a great ROI.