Picture this: You’ve spent hours creating a TikTok for your small business. You’ve edited it, added the perfect music, slapped on the trendiest hashtags, and hit “Post.” You sit back and wait for the likes to pour in…and then, crickets. All you’re left with is the cold, lonely void of TikTok’s For You Page (FYP). What gives?
Well, maybe your content landed on the wrong side of TikTok – the one where your potential customers aren’t hanging out. Getting your content in front of the right audience is key to leveraging TikTok for your small business. But don’t stress! I’ve got the tea on how to get you on the side of TikTok your target audience is living their best lives on. Let’s dive in!
The Magical Mystery of TikTok’s Algorithm (And Why You Should Care)
TikTok’s algorithm is a mystical creature with two main goals: to keep users on the app as long as possible and to show them content they actually want to see. When you open TikTok, you’re greeted with the For You Page, a carefully curated feed based on your interactions: the videos you watch, like, share, comment on, and even the ones you skip.
TikTok creates a “filter bubble” for each user – a personalized space where the content matches their preferences. It’s like when Netflix knows you love true crime documentaries and serves them up non-stop (no judgment here). For small businesses, this means that if your content doesn’t resonate with your target audience’s bubble, it might get lost in the sea of dances, memes, and puppy videos.
The challenge? To break into the right bubbles and get cozy on the For You Pages of people who would actually care about what you’re selling. So, how do you make that happen? Keep reading, my friend.
1. Know Thy Target Audience
Before you even think about posting on TikTok, you need to have a solid grasp of who your target audience is. Get super specific here. Are they Gen Z fashion enthusiasts who live for streetwear? Millennials hunting for easy meal prep ideas? The more you know about their interests, behaviors, and pain points, the better.
Knowing your audience allows you to create content that vibes with them. Start by answering these questions:
- What TikTok trends do they engage with?
- Which TikTok creators do they follow?
- What hashtags are they using?
- What kind of humor or messaging resonates with them?
Once you’ve nailed down these details, you’ll have a clearer picture of the type of content that could land on the right side of TikTok.
2. Create Content That’s FYP-Worthy for Your Audience
The key to getting on the right side of TikTok is to make content that your target audience actually wants to watch. TikTok’s algorithm picks up on user interactions, so when people from your target group start liking, commenting, and sharing your videos, the app goes, “Oh hey, this video might be relevant to others in this bubble!” and pushes it out to more people within that demographic.
Here’s how to create that FYP-worthy content:
– Jump on Niche Trends
TikTok is like an endless party, and the best way to get in is to join the right group – aka niche trends. Niche trends cater to specific interests, so hopping on them makes it more likely that your content will reach the audience that cares. For example, if you’re a small business selling eco-friendly products, participate in trends like #EcoTok or #ZeroWaste.
Quick Tip: Use TikTok’s search bar to explore hashtags and trends related to your niche. Keep an eye on what your target audience is interacting with and adapt accordingly.
– Use Trending Sounds That Fit Your Niche
TikTok’s algorithm seems to have a crush on trending sounds. Using a popular sound can help your video find its way onto more FYPs. But it’s not just about hopping on the most viral sound – it’s about choosing sounds that resonate with your target audience. If your niche is health and wellness, pick sounds that align with calming, motivational, or fitness vibes.
– Showcase the Real You (And Keep It Relatable)
TikTok users are allergic to overly polished, corporate-style videos. They crave authenticity and relatability. Let your small business’s personality shine through in a way that aligns with your target audience’s vibe. If they’re into self-deprecating humor, sprinkle that into your content. If they love behind-the-scenes content, show them the chaos of running a small biz. People relate to people, not faceless brands, so get personal!
3. Use Hashtags Wisely (But Don’t Overdo It)
Hashtags are TikTok’s way of categorizing content, and they’re crucial for getting your video on the radar of your target audience. Here’s the strategy:
- Use a mix of niche-specific hashtags (#SmallBusinessTikTok, #HandmadeJewelry) and broader ones (#ForYouPage, #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt).
- Research what hashtags your target audience is using. If they’re interacting with #MomLife or #FitnessGoals, incorporate those into your posts where relevant.
- Avoid using a bazillion hashtags. TikTok’s algorithm appreciates a focused approach. Keep it to around 3-5 hashtags per video.
Pro Tip: Some creators have found success using #fyp or #foryoupage, but these are often oversaturated. Prioritize hashtags that truly reflect your content and target niche.
4. Engage Like It’s Your Full-Time Job (Because It Kind of Is)
Engagement is TikTok’s love language. The more you engage with content similar to your own, the more likely you are to get on the right side of TikTok. Here’s how to get your engagement game on:
- Comment on Popular Videos in Your Niche: Join conversations in the comments section of trending videos within your target niche. Don’t just drop generic comments; add value or share something witty. This can attract viewers to your profile.
- Respond to Comments on Your Own Videos: When users comment on your videos, respond quickly and thoughtfully. This boosts engagement, signaling to TikTok that your content is worthy of being pushed to more users.
- Use Duets and Stitches: This feature allows you to interact directly with other creators’ content, which can help you tap into their audience. Pick videos that are already trending within your target audience’s bubble for maximum impact.
5. Be Consistent, but Don’t Burn Out
TikTok’s algorithm favors active users, so consistency is key. Posting regularly increases your chances of appearing on the FYP of your target audience. However, let’s keep it real – no one has time to churn out 10 TikToks a day. Aim for quality over quantity. Posting 2-3 times a week is a good starting point.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, batch create content on a set day and schedule your posts. This keeps you consistent without eating up all your time.
Wrapping It Up
Getting on the side of TikTok where your target audience is takes a bit of strategy and a sprinkle of TikTok magic. By knowing your audience, creating relevant content, engaging authentically, and using hashtags wisely, you can increase the odds of landing on the FYPs of people who will love what your business offers.
So, go forth and TikTok your way to success! And remember, it’s all about staying true to your brand while keeping up with what your audience cares about.
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