- TikTok branding guide: dos and don’ts
- Published 21/09/2023
- 6 min Read
- Written by Anastasia Zaichko
Table of contents
TikTok has already made a significant impact on sound, culture, and branding: it has over 1M monthly active users, and, according to the research by BuzzGuru, with the help of TikTok, you can reach approximately 12.8% of all the people on Earth.
With its short-form video content and its unique emphasis on music and sound bites, TikTok has become a pivotal tool for brands aiming to resonate with a younger and highly engaged audience.
From catchy dance trends to viral challenges, TikTok offers a fresh and innovative space for brands to craft memorable campaigns. However, its unique ecosystem requires an understanding distinct from traditional social media platforms. Brands venturing into the world of TikTok often find themselves in unfamiliar territory, making it crucial to learn the nuances of the platform to ensure a successful branding journey.
So, how to brand on TikTok? In this TikTok branding guide, the influencer marketing experts from the Famesters agency will help you delve deep into the dos and don’ts of TikTok branding, helping you navigate this influential platform to create lasting impressions and foster meaningful engagements.
UNDERSTANDING TIKTOK MARKETING
TikTok marketing is the strategic use of the TikTok platform to promote a brand, product, or service. This form of marketing encompasses various tactics, such as influencer partnerships, organic content creation, and direct advertising. Its significance lies in the platform’s vast reach and the authentic connections it fosters between brands and consumers.
How to brand in TikTok? At its core, TikTok marketing isn’t just about selling — it’s about storytelling. Brands have the opportunity to leverage the platform’s unique features to showcase their identity, share their values, and engage in real-time conversations with their audience. Some key benefits of TikTok marketing include:
- Increasing brand awareness: With its algorithm that emphasizes content discoverability, even new brands can gain rapid visibility on TikTok.
- Building engaged communities: The platform’s emphasis on user-generated content and challenges encourages active participation, allowing brands to foster tight-knit communities.
- Gaining feedback and insights: The immediate and candid feedback from users can be invaluable for brands looking to refine their products or services.
How TikTok differs from other social media platforms
- Content nature: While platforms like Instagram and Facebook often emphasize polished and curated visuals, TikTok celebrates spontaneity and authenticity. Raw, unfiltered videos often outperform over-produced ones.
- Algorithm dynamics: TikTok’s ‘For You’ page is designed to surface content from creators of all sizes, not just those with large followings. This democratized approach means that even new brands or creators have the chance for viral success.
- Sound-centric approach: Unlike other platforms where sound might be secondary, TikTok places a heavy emphasis on audio. Viral songs and soundbites can propel a brand’s message far and wide, making sound selection crucial for content creation.
- User behavior: TikTok users often spend hours scrolling through the app, leading to longer engagement times. This provides brands a greater window to capture their audience’s attention.
- Cultural impact: Trends on TikTok have a significant spillover effect, influencing broader pop culture. Brands can, therefore, tap into global trends and movements, amplifying their reach beyond the platform.
While the core principles of branding and storytelling remain consistent across all platforms, TikTok’s unique attributes demand a tailored approach. By understanding and respecting the platform’s culture and nuances, you can position your brand for success in the dynamic world of TikTok marketing. The Famesters agency is here to help you with this – contact us to start the work!
DOS: EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR TIKTOK BRANDING
TikTok is more than just a platform for viral dances and lip-syncing; it’s a goldmine for brand marketers when used strategically.
Read more on the topic:
Here are some of the effective strategies brands should consider for their TikTok campaigns:
1. Engage with TikTok influencers
Collaborate with mega-stars for massive reach: Associating with TikTok celebrities can give your brand instant recognition, especially among their huge follower base.
Partner with rising stars or niche influencers for authentic engagement: These influencers often have more engaged followers who trust their recommendations, making collaborations appear genuine and less like an advertisement.
2. Create original content
Understand the essence of TikTok and its trends: Rather than replicating content from other platforms, brands should embrace the authenticity and spontaneity that TikTok users appreciate.
Dive into branded hashtag challenges and duets. Encouraging users to participate in branded challenges or to react to your content through duets can exponentially increase your content’s reach and engagement.
3. Invest in TikTok advertising
Utilize in-feed ads and branded effects. These advertising tools can put your brand in front of a larger, targeted audience, amplifying your message.
Ensure your ad content aligns with your brand voice. Consistency in branding is crucial. Ensure your TikTok advertisements remain true to your brand’s personality and message.
4. Leverage TikTok for business
Access real-time metrics and audience insights. TikTok for Business provides comprehensive analytics, helping brands understand their performance and make informed decisions.
Add business-specific details to your profile. This ensures clarity for potential customers or collaborators, increasing your brand’s credibility.
5. Stay updated with TikTok trends
Continuously explore the ‘For You’ page. Being proactive in spotting trends can give your brand the first-mover advantage.
BuzzGuru
Educate yourself on the TikTok algorithm. Knowing how the platform’s algorithm works can help in optimizing content for maximum visibility and engagement.
6. Define and understand your target audience
Study TikTok demographics and adjust your strategy accordingly. Different age groups, regions, and interest groups interact differently on TikTok. It’s essential to tailor content to your primary audience for maximum resonance.
Source: BuzzGuru
Discover overlapping interests and subgroups. Leveraging common interests can make your brand more relatable to a broader range of TikTok users.Read more on the topic:
Incorporating these strategies will not only elevate your brand presence on TikTok but also foster genuine connections with your target audience, leading to long-term brand loyalty and success.
Don’ts: Common mistakes to avoid in branding on TikTok
TikTok’s dynamic environment offers a plethora of opportunities, but there are pitfalls that brands need to sidestep. Here’s a guide to the common mistakes brands make on TikTok and how to steer clear of them:
1. Avoid being too formal
TikTok is about fun, creativity, and spontaneity. The platform thrives on genuine interactions and off-the-cuff content. Avoid overproduced or overly corporate videos. Instead, adopt a more relaxed and genuine tone that resonates with the TikTok community.
2. Don’t neglect analytics
Track your progress and adjust strategies accordingly. TikTok provides robust analytics for business accounts. By neglecting this, you miss out on vital insights about what’s working and what isn’t. Regularly reviewing these metrics ensures your strategies remain effective. The Famesters agency makes an emphasis on reporting and provides you with detailed analytics on your TikTok campaign.
3. Avoid copying competitors directly
Perform a competitive audit, but ensure your branding remains unique. While it’s beneficial to understand what competitors are doing, replicating their strategies won’t set you apart. Your brand voice and content should remain authentic to who you are, helping you carve out your own niche on the platform.
4. Don’t rely solely on going viral
While virality can boost your brand, consistency and authenticity are key. While every brand hopes for that viral moment, it shouldn’t be the only goal. Viral content can be fleeting; thus, a consistent posting schedule and genuine engagement with your audience build a more sustainable presence.
5. Don’t neglect your existing audience
While exploring new demographics, don’t alienate your current followers. As you aim to expand your reach, remember the followers who have been with you from the start. Engage with them, respond to their comments, and continue creating content that caters to their interests.
In the vast ocean of TikTok, it’s easy to get carried away by its fast-paced nature. However, by being mindful of these pitfalls and prioritizing authentic engagements, brands can enjoy sustained success and a loyal follower base on the platform.
CONCLUSION
TikTok’s unique and vibrant landscape offers brands an unparalleled platform to connect with a diverse audience. By embracing the platform’s essence, while being aware of common pitfalls, you can craft a successful and authentic presence. Remember, consistency, genuine engagement, and staying true to your brand’s voice are the keystones of TikTok branding success. Contact Famesters to start your branding on TikTok and conquer new loyal audiences now!
