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5 TikTok Marketing Tips for Consumer Brands of the Future

The Socialfix Kickass Content Team

Written by The Socialfix Kickass Content Team

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Social networking sites are the media for interaction. Their true strength lies in their community engagement potential. Every few years a new platform reshapes the way we interact in this shared media space. And the time for TikTok marketing has come.

New platforms seek to capture the zeitgeist of our time. TikTok is no exception. So, we’re diving into the top 5 TikTok marketing tips for consumer brands to help you win over the new generation of consumers. 

How TikTok is Winning the Social Media Game

TikTok is extremely popular with young people who tend to love bright lights, loud music, and intensity.  The platform is an eclectic mix of micro-video content, comedy skits, lip-syncing, dancing, and music.

 Variety

Digital natives are addicted to TikTok for a reason. As Delilah Joseph, a teenager herself, explains “there’s a dancing/wannabe-funny side… a dark humor side, and Amish side… There’s a place for everyone”.

To young people, the platform feels authentic, with users posting practically anything that comes to mind. Sharing only the perfect aspects of life creates a divide. 

Authenticity

Some videos on TikTok are plain weird, others are boring, others are hilarious. What sets the platform apart is that most videos are not planned- with users sharing them without expecting much. 

TikTok is part of a larger trend for authenticity, inclusion, and creativity that younger generations embrace. For digital marketers, the platform offers an opportunity to be part of culture creation. Brands can serve as cultural resources by adopting authentic and consistent behaviors. 

Exposure

From dance and music to photography, travel, hobbies, and fitness, all categories are gaining user attention. Each category offers an opportunity for exposure- and businesses that can leverage short-form video for their brand messaging will be early winners. 

The relatively low competition offers a huge opportunity to engage with users at a low cost. The best part is that there are plenty of good ways to sell your brand. To name a few – collaborating with influencers, starting a branded channel, and using unique hashtags. 

1. Start a Brand Channel and Post Trendy Content

Have a branded channel on TikTok. That will allow you to experiment with different forms of content. You can use the app’s editing tools, soundbites, effects, and built-in filters to create engaging and authentic content. 

TikTok Effects

TikTok Effects

Trending content categories to focus on are diary/vlog, pets, movie & TV, video games, and comedy.  Growth categories not to miss include news & events, sports news, photography, and music. 

News media are already catching up. E-news, for example, has gained an astonishing 1.5 million followers on TikTok.

ENews TikTok Page

ENews TikTok Page

@enews

You gotta fake fake fake fake fake it, til you make it.

♬ original sound – E! News

With millions of people forced to stay home, cooking-related content has gained in popularity. Look at Lynja’s cooking channel- an entertaining and extremely popular – 4.9 million followers.

Cooking with Lynja

Cooking with Lynja

 

@cookingwithlynja

Caramel Marshmellow Cookies my guy

♬ original sound – Lynja

Cooking with Lynja Feed

Cooking with Lynja Feed

The platform’s camping, nature, livestock, and poultry also got a huge boost as many feel the need to connect with nature. (TikTok for Business).

TikTok for Business

Fashion is another hot category in South Korea (Trend Report) while the Thai community enjoys reviewing ingredients, sharing recipes, and offering tips on healthy eating (Trend Report).

Lilly Van Brooklyn‘s TikTok profile is one of the top fashion profiles on the platform.

"https://later.com/blog/tiktok-marketing-tips/#tell

@lillyvanbrooklyn

✨ Glowing ✨in my fav summertime moisturizers #LoveLaMer #ad #skincare

♬ This Magic Moment – Drifters

2. Collaborate with Influencers 

Leveraging the influencer community is also a great way to expand your brand reach and create connections outside your network.

 To run a successful campaign, you need to include influencers who know the platform’s ins and outs as opposed to those focused on Instagram or Facebook. 

Choose an influencer based on their engagement rate and audience metrics such as location, gender, age, and interests. You can also use TikTok’s Creative Place to meet top creators and see whether they are a good fit for your brand and marketing strategy

3. Create a Buyer Persona 

Young customers are the most likely to avoid advertising, according to the AdReaction: Engaging Gen X, Y, and Z, a study by Kantar Millward Brown. Gen Zs – those aged 16 – 25 – prefer humorous commercials and short videos under 10 seconds. They like to co-create with brands too.

The vast majority (69 percent) of young people avoid ads compared to 56 percent for Generation X. 

As young people are one of the hardest groups to reach, it pays to create a buyer persona and identify common problems, goals, and traits that your audience has. 

First, you want to interview your prospects and customers to find out what they like about your service or products. You probably need to rely on third-party networks and referrals as well.

Next, you need to collect demographic data through online surveys, in-person, or over the phone. Basic demographic information includes:

  • Location

  • Income

  • Age

  • Gender

  • Family

  • Lifestyle

  • Career path

  • Job 

  • Professional and personal goals 

  • Social media platforms and communication preferences

The next step is to identify common personality traits and motivations. There are people who like consistency while others are interested in trying new things. Some are extroverted, outgoing, and flexible while others are introverted, self-aware, and reflective.

Some people are driven by internal rewards such as helping someone in need or self-improvement. Others strive to achieve rewards such as prizes, money, or promotion. 

Once you are done collecting information, you can use it to craft a message for your buyer persona and target your audience on a deeper level. 

Make sure this information is available to your digital marketing team to refer to at any point. Knowing what is important for consumers and what challenges they face will help you start a dialogue with them.

4. Tell a Story 

Regardless of your niche and the type of video you are marketing, the best way to capture attention is to tell a story.

Vlogger and filmmaker Sawyer Hartman (Later)- a vlogger and filmmaker explains: “Address people’s fears and concerns right off the bat. And then… solve the problem”.

Tell a story to create an emotional connection with customers. Whether you are trying to sell frozen food, beauty, or fashion accessories, you need to humanize your business. 

Storytelling Effect

Storytelling helps you develop true authenticity. Participation, understanding, and receptivity build trust. 

But it is not just every story that builds emotional connection and trust.

Susan Gunelius- CEO of KeySplash Creative, explains: “Boring stories won’t attract and retain readers, but stories brimming with personality can,”  (Neilpatel).

And what a better way to show your brand’s personality than share its origin story- like Selva Negra- a sustainable fashion brand does this wonderfully in their “Within Reach” brand video.

The story you tell should be inspired by all the people contributing to your company’s growth and success. 

Look at Patagonia- part of the brand’s mission is to contribute to the preservation of natural resources and the implementation of fair-trade practices.  A mission they continuously invest in and inspire people to join them. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbLb8EqP_QQ

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5. Use the Right Hashtags for Better TikTok Marketing

Hashtags are easier for users to discover content and help brands to get found on TikTok. The three main types that you can use are branded, topic-based, and hashtag challenges. 

TikTok Marketing & Branded and Challenges Hashtags

Here are a couple of successful examples of branded hashtag challenges to get you inspired. 

The Tonight Show, for example, had a huge success with their #tumbleweedchallenge, where participants had to drop on the ground and roll like a tumbleweed when western music plays. Over 38 million recreations- funny and entertaining way to engage the audience. 

Tumble Weed Challenge- The Tonight Show

Tumbleweed Challenge- The Tonight Show

 

@fallontonight

Jimmy takes the TumbleweedChallenge! Show us your best tumbleweed!

♬ #TumbleweedChallenge – FallonTonight

 

In My Denim Hashtag TikTok

In My Denim Hashtag TikTok

@ourfire

Don’t you wish getting ready was this easy? 😂❤️🔥 #inmydenim #sponsored @guess

♬ #inmydenim I’m a Mess – Bebe Rexha

Guess’s hashtag, in particular, managed to reach a 14,3% engagement rate in just 6 days and continues to grow user-generated content and views. 

Branded hashtags are associated with a certain brand and can be as simple as the name of your product, campaign, tagline, or company name. Use words or phrases that create brand awareness by inspiring consumers to get your company involved in conversations. 

TikTok Marketing & Topic-Based Hashtags

Topic-based hashtags categorize content around specific topics and improve discoverability. 

Among the most popular are  #foryou, #fyp, and #foryoupage that collectively reach the mind-blowing almost 30 trillion views.

#FYP TikTok

#FYP TikTok

@bellapoarch

To the 🐝 🐝 🐝 #fyp

♬ M to the B – Millie B

 

Hashtag challenges, inspire users to participate in creative projects or dance contests or challenge them to create their own version of a song or dance.

Among the most recreated TikTok challenges are those popularized by TikTok star Charli D’Amelio- “The Box”, dances created for Megan The Stallion “Savage” tune, and  Benee ft Gus Dapporton’s “Supalonely”.

Savage Dance Challenge TikTok

Savage Dance Challenge TikTok

@keke.janajah

NEW DANCE ALERT! 🚨 if u use my dance tag me so i can see🤗 @theestallion #writethelyrics #PlayWithLife #foyou #fyp #foryoupage #newdance #savage

♬ Savage – Megan Thee Stallion

 

Supalonely Dance Challenge TikTok

Supalonely Dance Challenge TikTok

@charlidamelio

@zoifishh

♬ Supalonely (feat. Gus Dapperton) – BENEE

These challenges are one of the top TikTok marketing tools that businesses can use to boost brand awareness. Combine the technique with other formats such as branded effects, brand takeover ads, TopView Ads, and In-feed Ads and experiment with your TikTok content.

TikTok Algorithm

Hashtags are a bit of a mystery for brands, and there is a good reason why. It is not entirely clear how the platform’s algorithm works. One thing is certain, however-using unique hashtags help brands to drive more eyes to their content and attract more followers.  That’s why if you are looking to gain more attention but are unsure where to start, you can go through hashtags by category. Include health, friendship, dance, motivational, and general TikTok hashtags. 

Marketing on TikTok is a great way for brands to reach new audiences and promote products. In addition, the platform offers a range of ads options to increase brand awareness. Some are including brand takeover, biddable ads, and hashtag challenges.

Image Social Media Like

If you are thinking about adding TikTok to your social media marketing mix, there are plenty of other ways to utilize it for marketing. Post trendy content, use unique hashtags, collaborate with influencers, research your audience, and tell a good story to prompt engagement and showcase your brand. 

Summing Up

TikTok Logo 2

While TikTok has a way to go before it catches with other social media channels, it is getting harder for businesses to ignore it. With nearly 690 million global active users and an increasingly diversified audience, having a presence on TikTok is an option worth considering.

The platform is still uncharted territory for most businesses, but the earlier you start creating TikTok content- the less competition you will face. TikTok is also an opportunity to show your creative side, reach Gen Zs where they are, and connect with wider audiences at a relatively low cost.

For brands, this is also a great opportunity to connect with consumers in more enjoyable and exciting ways. 

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TIKTOK MARKETING AGENCY FAQs
Is Socialfix a TikTok Marketing Agency?

Yes, we are! We help clients navigate and succeed in any social media platform their audience is following. 

Can Socialfix Help Me with my TikTok Influencer Campaigns?

Yes, we can! Contact us and we’ll go over the details together.

What Are Socialfix TikTok Marketing Rates?

Every customer’s marketing needs are individual. We need to know what you’re looking for to achieve before that. Send us a message and let’s get talking. 

Can You Advertise on TikTok?

Yes! As for any other social media, we can create kick-ass ad campaigns for TikTok tailored to our customers’ brand and goals.

How Do I develop a TikTok Marketing Strategy?

First, identify your goals. Do content research to pinpoint the type that serves your needs. Use analytics to measure results. Or simply give us a call- we’ll help with all that and more. 

Should I Work With a TikTok Influencer Agency?

Working with professionals from a TikTok influencer agency gives you a competitive edge because it allows you to tap into their knowledge and expertise without the steep learning curve.

What Are the Advantages of TikTok Advertising Over Other Social Media Platforms?

TikTok has a massive audience, great engagement rates, feels authentic and is tailored to the next generation of buyers. All that makes it an influential platform brands have to have a presence on.

Does Socialfix Have a TikTok Influencer Marketing Hub I Can Join?

Join our newsletter, for the latest TikTok influencer news, and everything digital marketing-related. 

What Is the Best Strategy When Marketing on TikTok?

Authenticity is the number one strategy for TikTok.

What Should a TikTok Influencer Charge?

Influencer’s charges are strictly individual and depend on their popularity, engagement, and the services they provide.

Does TikTok Marketing work for business?

Yes, absolutely! TikTok is a great platform for building brand awareness and attracting potential customers.

What Is the Best time to Post on TikTok?

There isn’t a single best time to post on TikTok. It depends on many factors- the type of content, audience, location among others. According to Influencer marketing between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST) are good hours to try.

Can I Sell Products on TikTok?

Yes, you can! TikTok is an awesome place to market your products.

Is TikTok Good for Marketing a Music Brand?

TikTok is ideal for music brands. The video platform is arguably the best social channel to promote a music brand. Dance challenges accompanied by awesome music are among the most demanded type of content on the platform.

Can I Promote my Music on TikTok?

Yes, absolutely. Try starting a dance challenge using your branded hashtag- TikTok creators and fans love a challenge!

Is TikTok Good for B2B Marketing and Advertising?

That will depend on your brand and goals. TikTok might not be the best B2B advertising platform and is yet to reach the popularity and effectiveness of LinkedIn in that segment.

What Influencer Is best on TikTok: Micro vs Macro?

Different influencers can help you with different marketing goals. Start by establishing your objectives and let’s talk about the rest.

What Is an Alternative to TikTok?

TikTok has a several competitors worth looking at- Clash, Triller, Dubsmash, Byte, Lomtif, and of course Instagram.

Is TikTok still a Good Social Media Platform in 2021?

Yes, totally! With the massive 689 million monthly users TikTok is more relevant than ever. And judging by its speedy growth, the platform is just starting to break user gaining records. 

TikTok vs Instagram vs YouTube: Which Is Better?

To be able to answer this question you’ll need to look at your digital goals, type brand, audience (B2C, B2B, etc). They are all awesome platforms with different purposes. 

TikTok is the most userfriendly. YouTube is the best in educational long-form content, Instagram is still the leading influencer marketing platform. 

Wondering how to evaluate your marketing needs? Hit us up, we’ll help you strive in the highly competitive digital marketing world. 

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