TikTok is the most recent social media app to gain a popular following and wide user base. TikToks are short videos, mostly under a minute but usually around 30-45 seconds. TikTok users fall into a much younger demographic, between the ages of 12-36 on average. It’s a great way to bring some humor into your brand and attract a younger audience. Like all platforms, TikTok has its quirks. One thing that’s really popular on TikTok is posting “dance” videos or “song” videos that encourage other users to learn the dance or song and then post their own version. It is by far a more comedic platform than Facebook or Instagram, and the levity makes it a fun platform to be part of.
TikTok is good for your marketing strategy if you’re hoping to attract younger clients. It excels in suggesting videos that each user might like, so your videos have a better chance of reaching a larger audience. It can work for both direct and indirect marketing, but it’s best suited for creating brand recognition and loyalty.
Creating Good TikToks
TikTok is currently an app-only platform. You can film videos within the TikTok app, or you can film them on your phone and import them. Use the in-app editor to stitch together sections of videos, add music, text, effects, and voiceovers to create a micro-video. There are many ways to craft an engaging TikTok, so take the time to watch some to get ideas before you start making your own.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when filming and editing your videos:
Don’t try to do too much with one video. Each video should be about a specific subject. Don’t try to cram too much in.
Focus on your voice, not your pitch. TikTok is used primarily for entertainment, so try to keep your salespitches to a minimum. Instead, focus on showcasing your brand voice and personality. It’s okay if not every post is about jewelry, but each video should still be relevant to your store.
Use hashtags. Hashtags help your videos get discovered. Pick a few that work for you and use them in each video. Don’t forget to give your video a short caption. Short and sweet (1-5 words plus an emoji or two) is common.
Play with TikTok features. TikTok offers some unique capabilities, such as “Duets,” where you can edit yourself in next to another user’s video, and the “Stitch” feature, which lets you add on to someone else’s video. Not only do these help you interact with other users, but they are easy ways to produce ideas for content.
This episode of In the Loupe discusses TikTok in-depth and provides some prompts to get started with.