TikTok, launched globally in 2018, revolutionized social media with its short-form videos. In no time, vertical clips under one minute took over the internet, completely transforming how people create and consume digital.
Just six years later, by 2024, TikTok has been downloaded over 137 million times. With 5.4 billion internet users worldwide, 19.26% are now active TikTok users each month.
Source: TikTok Statistics by Backlinko
What’s great for marketers is that TikTok videos don’t require big budgets or fancy production. Simple, authentic content can make your brand go viral and reach millions.
That’s exactly why you’re here—come get the key!
What is TikTok marketing?
TikTok marketing is all about using the TikTok app to promote your brand or product. It involves creating short, engaging videos that grab attention.
Marketers can use organic content, paid ads, influencer collaborations, and challenges to build brand awareness, connect with users, and drive engagement
What Makes TikTok Marketing So Powerful?
Unlike other traditional social platforms, TikTok stands out with its short, easy-to-digest content. Plus, TikTok lets you get creative by seamlessly integrating effects, music, and filters, making your videos more engaging.
With the support of its powerful algorithm, your videos can reach the right audience—even those who don’t follow you—boosting your chances of going viral.
What’s even better is that TikTok’s main audience is Gen Z, a trend-loving group that enjoys taking part in challenges, hopping on trends, and sharing content. This makes it the perfect place for brands to connect with users and share their message in an authentic, fun way.
Crafting a TikTok Content Strategy in 7 Simple Steps
Like any marketing channel, TikTok thrives on a well-crafted content strategy that speaks to your target audience. We’ve broken down the strategy into 7 key steps. Let’s dive into each step, starting with how to understand your audience.
Step 1: Kickstart with a TikTok Business Account
To kick off your TikTok journey, the first step is switching to a TikTok Business Account—it’s super easy and completely free! Here’s how you do it:
- Access the Settings menu. There are two ways to do this:
1.1. First, open your TikTok app, go to your profile, and tap the Settings icon under your username.
1.2. Alternatively, tap the three-dot menu in the bottom-left corner and select Settings.
- In the Manage Account section, scroll down and tap to open the Business Account option.
- Choose a category that suits your channel, and then click Become a Business.
And just like that, your Business Account is ready! So, why should you go for a Business Account?
Unlike a regular account, a business one provides access to powerful tools such as detailed analytics, advertising options, and exclusive promotional features.
These tools help you monitor your content’s performance, gain deeper insights into your audience, and craft targeted strategies to make smarter, more impactful moves on TikTok.
Step 2: Dream Big with S.M.A.R.T Goals
Every successful strategy starts with clear goals. That’s where the S.M.A.R.T framework comes in—make sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Think about what you want to achieve: do you want to grow your followers, boost engagement, or drive traffic to your website? Having clear goals helps you stay focused and makes it easier to measure your progress along the way.
Step 3: Get Inside Your Audience’s Mind
Your target audience is the key to turning your goals into reality, so understanding them is absolutely crucial. Who are they? What are their interests, pain points, and what trends do they love?
TikTok’s audience is diverse, so use analytics and research to dig deeper into what truly resonates with them. The more tailored and relevant your content is, the stronger the connection you’ll build, driving higher engagement and helping you achieve your goals
Step 4: Spy on Competitors, Spot the Trends
Dive into your competitors’ content to see what’s working—what type of videos are getting the most engagement, and which trends or challenges are they jumping on? This helps you spot audience preferences and identify gaps or opportunities for your own brand.
Don’t just focus on the surface—pay attention to how competitors interact with their followers, their posting frequency, and how they use hashtags and calls to action. This gives you a clearer idea of what strategy drives engagement on TikTok.
Meanwhile, stay on top of the latest TikTok trends, challenges, and viral hashtags. Trends move quickly, so participating in what’s hot can boost your content’s visibility and keep it relevant in a crowded feed.
| ️🏆 Key tips: TikTok thrives on creativity and relevance. So, instead of simply being a trend follower and hoping your audience notices you, become a trendsetter. Add your own unique spin to the trends and make your brand the one that others follow. When you lead, your customers will naturally become your brand’s followers. |
Step 5: Create Content Strategies That Wow
First, take a look at the attached image to get a better understanding of the TikTok platform.
As you can see, TikTok favors original, creative content. That’s why a strong content plan is the backbone of your TikTok strategy.
Keep your content varied—mix entertainment, education, and promotions to engage your audience without overwhelming them. Focus on making your videos shareable; the more people share your content, the higher the chances of it going viral.
Step 6: Tune Your Content for TikTok’s Algorithm
As mentioned before, TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes content that sparks engagement.
To increase your chances of being featured on the For You Page, keep videos short, use trending sounds and hashtags, and post consistently.
Additionally, engage with comments and encourage interaction to signal to the algorithm that your content is worth promoting.
Step 7: Review, Refine, and Reach New Heights
Analyze your performance regularly using TikTok’s analytics tools. Look at metrics like views, likes, shares, and follower growth to see what’s working. Use this data to tweak your strategy and try new approaches. Continuous improvement ensures your content stays fresh, relevant, and effective
Expert Tips for TikTok Success
Discover some practical tips to help you succeed on TikTok:
- Keep it Short: TikTok thrives on short, punchy videos. Aim for videos between 15-30 seconds to keep your audience engaged and encourage them to watch until the end.
- Leverage Trending Hashtags and Sounds: As they are widely searched and followed by TikTok users, using them make your content becomes part of the larger conversation
- Post regularly: Consistency boosts your chances of landing on the For You Page and growing your presence.
- Bonds with Your Audience: TikTok is a social platform, so be social! Respond to comments, engage with other creators, and participate in trends and challenges. Building real relationships with your audience helps foster loyalty and keeps them coming back.
- Use High-Quality Visuals: While TikTok values authenticity, high-quality visuals, lighting, and audio make your content stand out even in a casual setting.
Inspiring TikTok Campaigns You Can Learn From
1. Gymshark – “66 Days: Change Your Life” Challenge
Gymshark used TikTok to promote their fitness campaign, encouraging users to commit to working out for 66 days.
By partnering with influencers and encouraging users to share their fitness journeys, Gymshark created a campaign that felt authentic and motivational, inspiring thousands of TikTok users.
2. Washington Post – “The TikTok Newspaper”
The Washington Post made headlines for embracing TikTok’s casual, fun atmosphere while sharing serious news.
Their content featured humorous takes on current events, using engaging visuals, memes, and clever commentary. It helped them connect with a younger audience and showed that news can be both informative and entertaining.
Get Started with a Winning TikTok Content Strategy!
Now that you have a clear roadmap for creating a winning TikTok content strategy, it’s time to put it into action. Remember, going viral on TikTok isn’t just about trends—it’s about authenticity, creativity, and connecting with your audience.
Need help elevating your brand on TikTok and maximizing your reach? Golden Owl Digital’s here to help! Contact us today to learn more about our Social Media services!
