6 Reasons your brand should be on TikTok

In the last few years, no social media platform has received the buzz that TikTok has. 

The standout success of recent years, TikTok has exploded in popularity to become the defining social media platform for Generation Z. As sign ups to other major social media platforms have slowed, users across the age ranges have flocked to TikTok. Currently, the most downloaded app in the world, TikTok announced in September 2021 that it had reached 1 billion global monthly active users. Available in over 150 countries, the latest figures indicate that marketers can reach roughly 12.8% of all the people on Earth using ads on TikTok today

Distinct from Facebook or Twitter where people share statuses, images, and varied multimedia, TikTok content is entirely made up of very short-form videos. These videos are presented to you in a continuous feed automatically generated by the algorithm, according to your interests. You can also search for content. With its vast audience and forgiving ‘interest-led’ algorithm, you can find more opportunities to ‘go viral’ than on other platforms. 

Though most closely associated with Generation Z, the user base is growing older, and a staggering 45% of brands used TikTok in their influencer marketing campaigns in 2021. It’s also clear that TikTok is steadily becoming a force to be reckoned with for B2B marketing. If your business has yet to get involved, we have outlined below the 6 reasons why your brand should be on TikTok.

REASON 1

TikTok lets you get noticed

Exposure on TikTok isn’t gatekept by huge players. TikTok is a search engine, and unlike other platforms which prioritise social connections, its algorithm selects content based on your interests. This gives new brands an equal chance of growing on the platform. 

REASON 2

You can reach your target audience

TikTok has a huge and very fast-growing audience. TikTok has various advertising options and if your digital marketing activities tap into this audience, you can reach your target market faster than you otherwise would. This is especially true if your business needs to recruit or reach young consumers, 60% of TikTok users are Gen Zers and as a culturally influential group with huge sway over consumer trends and decision making, reaching them can bring significant returns to your business. 

REASON 3

You can build your brand

TikTok can be a great place to develop your brand identity. TikTok’s format lends itself to light-hearted, authentic and funny content. It’s not a place for stale brand updates, but it can be fantastic for tutorials, product launches, behind-the-scenes or even funny videos with your staff. Creative videos, or fun short responses to TikTok trends, can convey your business’s human side and grow awareness for your brand. 

REASON 4

You can make direct sales through TikTok

TikTok has a full-service commerce solution in the UK, meaning you can showcase and sell products directly on TikTok through in-feed videos, LIVEs, and the product showcase tab. Now is a good time to be selling over socials. Social commerce has massive potential for growth. In-app purchases are increasingly popular, with Gen Z currently leading the charge with a strong preference for shopping on smartphones over browsers, as well as directly on social media. Consumers now expect an ever more frictionless online shopping experience, and by shortening the customers’ buying journey, you can use social commerce to boost sales.

REASON 5

You can take advantage of user-generated content

If TikTok users have purchased your goods or services, TikTok is a great place to take advantage of user-generated content and to share content that TikTok users make about your brand. TikTok has a more authentic character than other platforms, and customer video reviews in particular provide valuable social proof that users trust. If you are uncertain, this is an easy, cost-effective way of engaging with an audience on TikTok and in combination with social commerce, can drive direct sales. 

REASON 6

You can get involved in with influencer marketing

TikTok is a great way to partner with relevant influencers who have already built a following. If you are interested in building credibility as a brand, tapping into an influencer’s following can be an extremely effective way of building up awareness and trust in your brand. TikTok has a number of strengths that lend themselves to this. TikTok’s authentic feel engenders a sense of trust, and interests can be very niche on TikTok. It’s a unique environment that allows not just celebrities but micro-influencers to flourish. This means you can find room for your brand even if your business’s expertise is very specific. Together with user-generated content from customers, and direct sales, this could be a powerful combination.   

Whether you are interested in sharing videos created by your team, user-generated content, influencer-created content, advertisements, or a mixture, there are a multitude of ways in which your brand can benefit from getting on TikTok.

Need help getting on TikTok? Visit our services page to learn more about how we can support you with your social media marketing and sales strategy.