A Guide to Tik Tok for First Timers

This week I did a little research into Tik Tok to try and figure out how to use it as a business. I’d heard rumors that Tik Tok was better for promoting yourself than Instagram Reels and I wanted to get down to it. So, I did a deep dive into Tik Tok to figure out how to make my own videos and how to make them go viral. I’m not exactly at cat lawyer level just yet, but I think I’ve uncovered a few tricks that can bring anyone Tik Tok success. If you’re a lingerie brand or style influencer or just trying your best to pass the time in these days of Covid-19, this blog post if for you.

 Step 1: Put Yourself Out There

While the app is popular with young kids, the largest demographic of users is actually between the ages of 18 and 34. That made me a little more comfortable, but I’ll admit I did feel silly creating my account. Opening a business means connecting and communicating with people. When I thought of it like that, recording myself for Tik Tok videos seemed less scary.

Step 2: Decide What You Want to Post

I found that there are a few keys to making great content on Tik Tok.

-Storytelling: Tik Tok is a storytelling app, and as a small business owner you are in a position to tell it.

-Entertainment: You have to capture your audience’s attention—with humor a story or a great dance—so they watch your full video.

-Authenticity: Following the trends on Tik Tok is important to getting your videos viewed (we’ll get to that next), however if you’re faking it people will know. If you enjoy making your videos chances are your followers will enjoy them, too.

For me, I stick to posting behind-the-scenes videos of starting a small business and some peeks into my person life. I want Filly Rose customers to get to know me and since I don’t have a brick -and-mortar store they can walk into, Tik Tok seems like the best alternative.

A great tool to use if you’re feeling a little shy at first is the Duet feature. This creates a split screen that shows your video on one side and the original video on the other. Pick your favorite performing artist and mimic their dance moves. If you’re like me (despite the years of cheerleading practice) your duet with Jennifer Lopez can turn out to be highly entertaining without having to spend hours learning her dance moves.

Step 3: Take Advantage of Trending Sounds and Hashtags

Here’s what I learned about Tik Tok’s algorithm that makes it advantageous to small business owners: Instead of the user scrolling through a feed from accounts they follow, they are directed to a “For You” page that features suggested videos based on their account settings, previous interactions and viewing preferences. That means you can land in front of consumers just by using the right hashtags.

 Spend some time in the “Discover” tab of your profile. This is where you will find what hashtags, challenges and songs are trending, and a feed of all the videos within those tags. When you record you own videos, be sure to search under the Tik Tok Viral playlist for songs. There is a huge library of music users can select from but using the top 10 trending songs will give you a better chance at landing organically in someone’s “For You” feed.

 Step 4: Engage with Others

Tik Tok is a social media platform so you will be rewarded in the algorithm for engaging with other accounts. Be sure to like and comment on other users’ videos and reply to comments left on yours.

 Let me know if you use any of these tips in your own Tik Tok account and how they work out for you! Share in the comments any tips of your own. Let’s grow this community, one dance challenge at a time!

If you are on Tik Tok, come visit Filly Rose on Tik Tok and leave me some love there! @shopfillyrose