The social media landscape is competitive. The platforms on offer rival each other in terms of where you should invest your time and efforts, and once you’ve made that choice you’re competing with everyone else to ensure you get seen. As a business owner, you think you’ve got your strategy sorted then all of a sudden TikTok rises to fame and becomes a formidable platform for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and now you’re wondering if you should be dropping something and switching over, or do you simply add TikTok to your current strategy? If you’re a business owner or marketer looking to expand your digital presence, here are five reasons why you should be using TikTok as a key component of your marketing strategy.

1. Boost Brand Awareness with TikTok’s Unprecedented Reach

TikTok’s algorithm is designed to showcase content based on user preferences, enabling even new accounts to achieve significant reach quickly. For SMEs, this means your content can be seen by a vast audience without needing a large follower base. The potential for virality is high, making TikTok an excellent platform for boosting brand awareness and reaching new customers globally. Leveraging trending hashtags and engaging content can amplify your visibility far beyond your current marketing methods.

2. Create Engaging Content with TikTok’s Creative Tools

TikTok thrives on creativity, offering a unique space for you to engage with your audience in innovative ways. With an array of tools for video editing, sound integration, and effects, you can produce captivating content that resonates with users. This creativity can differentiate your brand, making your marketing campaigns more memorable and effective. Whether showcasing ‘how to’ style tutorials, behind-the-scenes content, or customer testimonials, TikTok provides the perfect medium to highlight your brand’s personality.

3. Build a Loyal Community through Customer Engagement on TikTok

TikTok offers a sense of community and interaction, which is invaluable for any business looking to build a loyal customer base. By participating in trends and challenges and responding to comments, you have the opportunity to engage with your audience on a personal level. This interaction strengthens customer relationships and provides valuable insights into customer preferences and behaviours. Engaging content can encourage user-generated content, further promoting your brand organically.

4. Maximize ROI with Cost-Effective TikTok Advertising

For SMEs, budget constraints can be a significant challenge. TikTok offers cost-effective advertising options that can deliver substantial returns on investment. In-Feed Ads, Branded Hashtag Challenges, and Branded Effects are tailored to drive engagement and conversions without requiring a large budget. I’ve described this as cost-effective; however, I’ll admit you’re looking at committing a larger budget than you might do for Meta Ads. Although, from what I’ve seen, depending on your sectors, you’ll likely get more valuable results here.) In addition, collaborating with TikTok influencers can amplify your reach and credibility. These influencers can introduce your products to their followers in a genuine, relatable manner, driving brand loyalty and sales.

5. Enhance Your Skills with TikTok’s Educational Content

Train TikTok the right way, and your feed will soon show you that TikTok serves as an educational platform where businesses can learn and grow. Many users share valuable content on digital marketing, business strategies, and industry-specific tips. SMEs can leverage this knowledge to refine their own operation and stay ahead of the competition. Additionally, creating TikTok content helps businesses develop essential skills in video production, storytelling, and audience engagement, which are critical in the digital marketing landscape and skills that can be utilised on all social media platforms.

So, are you convinced?

Before launching your TikTok account, you need to conduct some fairly thorough research. Look for your target audience and understand their preferences by exploring relevant hashtags and popular content within your industry. What’s eliciting a response? Is it specific hashtags or a combination of hashtags? Is there a style to the content that’s being engaged with the most? Analyze your competitors’ TikTok presence to identify what works and what doesn’t. Develop your content plan ensuring it aligns with your brand’s voice, style and objectives, remember consistency and relevance are always the keys to success. By strategically planning your approach, you can create impactful content that resonates with your audience and maximises your reach on TikTok. The one thing I’d suggest that is different about this platform is the need for continuous research here, trends change all the time due to the level of creativity it offers.

TikTok is more than just another social media platform; it’s a powerful marketing tool that can significantly benefit SMEs. By harnessing its reach, creativity, community engagement, cost-effective advertising, and educational potential, you can achieve growth and visibility for your audience. Don’t miss out on the opportunities TikTok offers – integrate it into your marketing strategy. If you need some help getting started, we’re here for you.