How you can market your business on TikTok in 2024

Let’s look at the 2024 trends for TikTok, along with tips on how you can start promoting your business on the platform. Join us as we look at the trend report about Creative Bravery and Trend Signals, along with some helpful marketing tips to help you utilise TikTok. 

💎 BUT FIRST, WHAT IS TIKTOK?

Unless you've been living under a rock, TikTok has probably infiltrated your eardrums and taken over your screen. It's not just a social media platform; it's the social media platform, skyrocketing to #1 for all things short, snappy, and downright entertaining.

Imagine if Instagram and YouTube made a baby platform, that they fed nothing but energy drinks. Well, that’s TikTok. TikTok is where users ditch still shots for a dazzling display of short videos, clocking in at a cool 15-60 seconds. It's a digital rollercoaster where creativity knows no bounds.

(Please note that we don’t endorse giving babies energy drinks.)

Why join the TikTok madness?

Well, because it works!

Now, let's tackle the big question: Is TikTok worth your precious time? Spoiler alert – oh, yes, it absolutely is. 

Here's the lowdown:

Engagement: Users spend an average of 11 minutes per session, double the time they dedicate to Pinterest and almost four times more than the quick Instagram scroll. If you're after prolonged audience connections, TikTok is your backstage pass.

Sales: Shopping on TikTok might not be the plan, but it happens. A lot. #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt is a legit hashtag, and 67% of TikTokers confess that the app has nudged them towards a shopping spree.

Connections: TikTok isn't just about content; it's about relationships. Users engage with brands to see a different side, and it works like a charm. A whopping 73% feel a stronger connection with brands they follow on the platform.

💎 CREATIVE BRAVERY

What can we expect from the platform? Well in their official 2024 TikTok trend report, the community will ignite a transformative mindset, which they call Creative Bravery.

So, what is Creative Bravery? 

In short. It’s a mindset and approach that brands are encouraged to adopt in their marketing strategies. 

Creative Bravery is a blend of curiosity, imagination, vulnerability, and courage.

Here's a breakdown of what Creative Bravery entails:

1. Curiosity: Ditch the dull and embrace a curious mindset that catapults you beyond the norms. Dive headfirst into uncharted territories, explore fresh ideas, ride the waves of trends, and play with formats that snatch your audience's attention by the collar.
2. Imagination: Don't just think outside the box – obliterate the box! Tap into the wild, untamed power of your imagination. Paint outside the lines, concoct content that not only stands out but screams, "Look at me!" Get experimental with storytelling acrobatics and toss in visual elements that'll leave your audience in awe.
3. Vulnerability: Strip away the corporate façade and show 'em the real deal. Be open, be authentic, and as we always preach, be relatable! Build personal connections with your audience by baring it all – share genuine experiences, break down those cold, corporate walls, and let your brand become as human as the folks behind the screen.
4. Courage: Playing it safe is for the faint-hearted. Time to kick it up a notch with some calculated risks. Challenge the norms, flip some pancakes, and have the audacity to step out of your cushy comfort zone. Because, let's face it, true creativity doesn't thrive in the safe lane.

In a nutshell, this ain't your grandma's marketing strategy. 

It's about unleashing the chaos, embracing the unknown, and crafting a brand narrative that not only turns heads but leaves a lasting mark. So, buckle up, buttercup! 

“2023 has seen an audience of over 1 billion people regularly coming to TikTok to find community, surprise and delight. In an era where storytelling has become predictable, TikTok showcases creativity without a typical beginning, middle or end.” 
– Sofia Hernandez, Global Head of Business Marketing for TikTok

💎TREND SIGNALS UNLEASHED

Speaking of reports, it’s not just about Creative Bravery, let’s look at one of TikTok’s other recent reports on Trend Signals. No, we're not predicting the next dance craze (well, maybe a little), but we're diving deep into what TikTok calls the sweet spot – Trend Signals, the secret sauce of enduring trends that'll give your brand some serious street cred.

So, what on earth are Trend Signals? 

They're like the treasure maps of the content world, revealing emerging behaviours and interests that savvy brands can turn into gold for their long-term content strategy. Picture it as the ultimate guide to staying ahead of the curve.

Now, let's break down these Trend Signals into three categories that are about to become your marketing BFFs:

1. Curiosity: People aren't here for the 'right answer'; they're here for a rollercoaster of perspectives, new discoveries, and real-life action. TikTokers are like explorers in a digital jungle, 1.8 times more likely to say, “Hey, TikTok, show me something I didn't even know I liked!”
   
   For brands, this means more than just creating content; it's about crafting hyper-relevant, delightful, and downright useful content that piques every curiosity, even the ones buried in the depths of internet obscurity.
2. Storytelling: We're not into your average bedtime stories; we're talking about storytelling that breaks free from the shackles of predictability. TikTok is the stage where narratives go wild, giving brands the chance to unleash the unexpected. Get ready to captivate your audience with tales that don't just tug at heartstrings but tie them into an intricate storytelling knot.
3. Trust: TikTok isn't just a platform; it's a trust-building machine. Brands, your mission – should you choose to accept it – is to bridge the trust gap. Be transparent, be authentic, and let your audience know you've got their backs. (Just an FYI, you should always want to build trust regardless of what platform you’re on.)

Remember – it's not just about trends; it's about seizing opportunities, embracing the chaos, and crafting a brand narrative that doesn't just follow trends; it sets them.

Stay bold, stay curious, and let the Trend Signals be your North Star.

💎 THE TIKTOK CODE

 Alright, let's cut to the chase – TikTok isn't just a passing trend; it's here to stay. This social media whirlwind is no fleeting fad, so if you're not hopping on the TikTok train, you might just be left at the platform.

Sure, TikTok might not be uptight, but don't let the fun and games fool you. It's a powerhouse for brand growth, and if you're not using it, you're missing out on a serious slice of the digital pie.

Get your TikTok business strategy on point, and you'll be the trendsetter everyone's talking about. But beware, my friend – get it wrong, and your brand could become more cringe than a Facebook friend request from your Uncle Alan.

And let's face it, nobody wants to be Uncle Alan.

💎HOW TO ROCK TIKTOK

Good news – becoming a TikTok wizard for your business doesn't require a Hogwarts letter. No need for a social media PhD; this ain't rocket science. In this guide, we'll spill the beans on everything you need to know to strut your stuff on TikTok, grow your business, and maybe even make Uncle Alan a little jealous.

Ready to TikTok and roll? 

Every campaign, every organic piece of content – think of them as golden opportunities. It's not just about showcasing your brand; it's about sharing, listening, and learning. Let's sculpt brand trust and values into a masterpiece, build deeper loyalty both on and off the digital platform.

Now, brace yourself for the stats that'll make your brand strategy heart skip a beat. After a cheeky ad on TikTok, viewers don't just nod and move on; they embrace the brand like a long-lost friend. Here's the lowdown:

• Trust: A whopping 41% surge in trust. That's right – your brand becomes the confidant viewers never knew they needed.
• Loyalty: Buckle up for a 31% increase in brand loyalty. Your audience isn't just sticking around; they're throwing on the loyalty cap like it's a fashion statement.
• Vibes: A 33% rise in viewers saying your brand is a perfect fit for who they are. It's not just a brand; it's a personality match made in TikTok heaven.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Great! You've set up shop on TikTok – now what? Time to ditch the stiff corporate facade, get creative, and turn your brand into the talk of the TikTok town. But how, you ask? 

1. Let's get one thing straight – TikTok isn't your typical sales pitch arena. Users aren't here to be bombarded with ads; they're here to be entertained. So, ditch the hard sell and focus on creating quality, engaging content that speaks the language of TikTokers. Forget the old rulebook; TikTok has its own set of vibes, rhythms, and quirks. Dive in headfirst, follow the TikTok royalty, and observe. What makes their content tick? How do they groove with the community? Tailor your brand's dance moves accordingly.
   
   Start slow, find your rhythm, and post consistently. TikTok suggests 1-4 times a day, but hey, Rome wasn't built in a day. Begin with once a week, feel the vibes, and then amp it up. It's all about finding that sweet spot of fun and manageability.
2. Ready to turn those virtual window-shoppers into loyal customers? Enter TikTok Shop – your in-app shopping spree destination. When you've built a following that could rival a rock concert crowd, it's time to add your products to the TikTok Shop. But hold your horses, cowboy. Before you start the sell-a-thon, build trust. TikTok users aren't buying into a brand they don't trust. So, sprinkle in those promotions gently.
3. Sure, TikTok can be your cash cow, but it's also your playground for building brand love. Use it to build a community, boost customer loyalty, and turn those one-time shoppers into repeat buyers. Engage, entertain, and forget the hidden sales agenda. Let TikTok be the place where your brand dances, sings, and has a good ol' time. Build trust, and the sales will follow naturally.
4. Let your personal brand dazzle alongside your business. Sing, dance, and laugh your way into the hearts of your audience. It's not just about selling; it's about being authentically, unapologetically you.

THE LATEST UPDATES!

Big moves and a bit of drama unfolding in the TikTok realm. The platform that's been dropping beats and making moves is hitting a remix, but don't cue the funeral march just yet – it's a vibe shift waiting to happen.

The silence of the beats

So, TikTok's gone a bit silent lately – turns out, it's the fallout from a showdown with Universal Music Group. The deal between TikTok and Universal hit its expiry date, and both sides couldn't come to a new agreement. 

The impact

Removing the music from TikTok, the soul of the platform, raises questions about its survival. But hey, this ain't a eulogy – it's a remix in the making.

Change is the game, and TikTok's evolution is a silver lining for creators and businesses. The absence of chart-toppers could be the kick in the pants we all needed:

🎙️Podcasters, rise up!

With mainstream tracks taking a backseat, this could be the golden era for podcast agencies to strut their stuff. Engaging snippets, teasers, and highlights – a new realm for podcast promotion awaits!

🎥 Video marketers, steal the show!

Video marketers, this is your stage! TikTok could transform into a visual playground where creative content steals the spotlight. Unleash your video prowess and captivate without relying on the top charts.

🎬Business promotion

Brace yourselves, businesses – it's spotlight time without the backing track! TikTok, with its dynamic and visually driven format, could become the ultimate stage for businesses to showcase, share stories, and connect with audiences in innovative ways. Adaptability is your secret weapon!

🎶DIY audio

Who needs mainstream tracks when users can drop their audio magic? The platform might see a surge in original sounds, voiceovers, and audio branding. Get ready for a DIY audio revolution, where users become the maestros of their TikTok experience.

Change is inevitable, and TikTok's potential musical remix doesn't signal the end – it's a fresh start. As content creators, marketers, and businesses, it's an invitation to explore uncharted vibes, be the trendsetters in this TikTok era, and redefine the social media narrative.

💎 STILL WANT MORE?

We’ll be covering tips on going live on TikTok on our socials soon, don’t want to miss out? Make sure you’re following us. 

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