Perfect advice for introverts who don’t like dealing with a lot of people. I am an introvert. I have a lot of insecurities. So how can I possibly make a go of this online marketing thing if I’m frightened to put myself out there? How can I grow a TikTok following without speaking?
I’m twenty-seven years old, I’ve no money and no prospects. I’m already a burden to my parents and I’m frightened.
_ Charlotte Lucas, Pride & Prejudice
Why TikTok?
As of August 2023, TikTok has over 1 billion active users per month.
- Approximately 46% of users are between the ages of 20 and 39.
- TikTok has about 80 million monthly active users in the United States.
- TikTok users love the app. They spend an average of a WHOPPING 95 minutes per day (over 1.5 hours) in the platform (source: SensorTower.com).
TikTok Algorithm
While other social media platforms have revealed their algorithm (albeit, they often change things), TikTok’s algorithm is a secret. Basically, TikTok sends you content in your For You Page (#fyp) based on your interests. For example: if you search cooking channels (aka: #CookTok), the algorithm thinks that you want more of the same. So that is what you will see. If you get tired of that content, all you need to do is search for something else (i.e. funny videos) and moving forward, TikTok will comply – that is what will be in your feed.
Here are some tips:
- Stay away from overly used hashtags (i.e. #fyp)
- Hashtags should match the content (wording) in your video – use the 3×3 method. 3 Hashtags targeting your niche/audience, 3 hastags targeting the problem, and 3 hashtags that target the solution
- Create your own unique brandable hashtag
Who is Your Target Audience
If you are just starting out with a niche, the best advice is to choose yourself as your target audience. Who are you? How old are you? What is your financial situation? What do you do for work or what are your hobbies? What problems do you have that need to be solved?
Answer those questions and follow up with a solution.
Suppose you are in the pet or dog training niche. Maybe you have a dog that eats the chocolates out of the litter box (Problem) 🤮. What solution(s) can you offer to solve that problem? 💡
Essentially, posts should be relatable and inspire others to take action.
So I’ve Started My Account, Now What?
Wait.
Let that marinate.
It’s natural for users on TikTok to create an account and perhaps upload a photo in their bio. Generally speaking, users do not upload content immediately; rather, users of TikTok begin as consumers. The idea is to replicate the normal behavior of a regular TikTok user. So, wait a couple of weeks before uploading any content.
What Kind of Content Should I Upload?
The first 15+ posts should add value. The goal is to build authority, reputation andexpertise in your niche. Consumers will readily buy from people they know, like and trust. Value posts include: educational, tutorials, how-to, lists, reply to questions, etc. Give people a reason to follow you. Avoid asking your audience to click the link in your bio. Instead, ask for a follow and or a comment. Tell the user what to do next.
After your account has reached 1000 followers, you will be able to add a link in your bio and you can go Live (more on that in another post). It is at this point that you can begin to rotate types of posts. Visibility posts will keep you relevant, value posts builds authority, connection posts cultivate know, like and trust. And finally, sprinkle in a few monetization posts – there should only be a few of these – you don’t want to come across as spammy.
Types of Posts
| Social Selling Framework | Types of Posts |
|---|---|
| Visibility | Relatable Reels, Quotes, Infographics, Stats, Polls |
| Value | Tutorials, Problem Solving, A vs. B, Questions |
| Conversion | Lead Magnet/Opt-In |
| Connection | Personal Transformation, Epiphany, Mindset & Belief Shifts, A Day in the Life |
Utilize Trends and Sounds
Trends and sounds give you the opportunity to get your message out there in a variety of ways. Get creative. Some coaches will tell you not to use the most popular trends and sounds because your content may become lost. Experiment, track, and see what works best.
Do Your Homework
Spend time (at least 30-60 minutes per day) researching what is happening in your niche. It will help you to create relevant content. Some things to consider:
- What kinds of questions are people asking?
- What kind of content is trending well (10k+ likes)?
- Search for niche keywords.
- Search for trending sounds (how many videos are trending using that particular sound)
- Look for ideas on YouTube, Pinterest, and other social media sites.
It is important to post content that is evergreen (timeless). Things change, of course. But relative to where the industry is today, content should be evergreen.
Once you have completed your research for the week, then bulk create content. It’s great if you can create content every day, but you know … life happens. If you work towards bulk creation for the week, then you don’t have to worry about missing a day.
How Do I Make A Good TikTok Video?
The attention span of people is getting shorter and shorter. So it’s more important than ever to get to the point immediately.
- Hooks – these are stop the scroll statements
- Relevant content – this should build upon the hook or solve the problem
- Add and highlight words
- Good lighting
- Interesting background
- Use transitions
- Ask for enagement (like, comment, save, follow, share)
- Keep it Short! 10 seconds is ideal, although not always possible
Closing Thoughts
TikTok is an excellent platform to grow quickly, however, it will never be passive. Your content must be current, relevant and engaging. Aim to post 1-3x per day. The more you post, the more your confidence will grow. So why not start today?
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