Why Your Brand Needs to Be On TikTok

The perception of TikTok as a platform solely for teenagers is outdated. It's a platform for everyone, and your brand needs to be present.

• 80% of TikTok users are between the ages of 16 and 34, indicating a growing user base across demographics.
• Millennials, the biggest spending generation, are active on TikTok, making it a prime platform for reaching potential customers.
• TikTok allows you to find your niche, build a community, and connect with your target market.

Why Views Will Grow Your TikTok Account

Unlike other platforms, TikTok prioritizes content based on views, not follower count. This means you have an equal chance of appearing on the "For You" page, regardless of your follower number.

• The "For You" page recommends content based on what the algorithm believes you'll enjoy.
• This creates an opportunity for organic reach and engagement for creators.
• Focusing on optimizing for views should be a priority.

How to Get More Views on TikTok in 8 Proven Ways

1. Consume Content

To create compelling content, you need to understand what works on TikTok. Datt recommends consuming content daily and analyzing trends.

• Identify ten brands performing well on TikTok.
• Scroll through their content and favorite the ones you like.
• Review the content, analyze what's getting views, and understand their target market.
• Replicate similar concepts relevant to your brand and product(s) while maintaining your brand identity.
• Look out for trending themes such as song trends, soundbite trends, headline trends, challenge trends, and stitch trends.

2. Be Relatable

TikTok thrives on relatability. Focus on creating content that connects with your audience, inspires, educates, and entertains.

• Consider having founders get in front of the camera to create content.
• Authenticity and human connection resonate with audiences.
• Your content should be relatable, inspiring, educational, and entertaining.

3. Create Proactive and Reactive Content

Datt advocates for a balanced approach, combining planned content with timely responses to trends.

• Proactive content can be planned out on a monthly basis, aligned with your brand strategy or marketing campaigns.
• Reactive content is generated based on trending themes and adapted to your brand.
• Use tools like CapCut and Maker Ai to easily edit content to fit TikTok trends.

4. Always Start with a Hook

You have seconds to capture attention on TikTok. Start with a captivating hook to draw viewers in.

• Use catchy phrases like "Is it just me or..." or "I wish I knew about [BLANK] sooner."
• Engage viewers with questions and prompts for interaction.

5. Showcase User-Generated Content (UGC)

Incorporate user-generated content to expand your reach and generate authentic engagement.

• Manually reach out to creators and influencers, but be mindful of time commitment.
• Utilize TikTok's Creator Marketplace, but be prepared for potential high costs.
• Partner with a social media agency for expertise and resource management.

6. Create Interactive Content

Foster engagement with interactive content, encouraging your audience to participate.

• Share behind-the-scenes content.
• Feature user-generated content.
• Use captivating hooks.
• Include strong calls to action.
• Utilize augmented reality (AR) experiences through filters.

7. Use Relevant Hashtags, Captions, and SEO

While video content is paramount, optimize your TikTok presence with strategic hashtags, engaging captions, and SEO.

• Hashtags: Use a mix of niche hashtags and broader category hashtags, starting with three in the caption and up to ten in the first comment.
• Captions: Keep captions short, punchy, and encourage audience participation.
• SEO: Embed relevant keywords in on-screen text, captions, hashtags, sound effects, and music to enhance visibility.

8. Founder and Behind-the-scenes Content

Connect with your audience on a deeper level by showcasing founder content and behind-the-scenes glimpses.

• Get comfortable with being in front of the camera as a founder to foster a personal connection with your audience.
• Share behind-the-scenes content or "day in the life" videos to create a sense of team spirit and transparency.

Quick Hacks to Get More Views on TikTok

Datt emphasizes the ever-evolving nature of TikTok, requiring adaptability and continuous testing of new strategies.

• Utilize Spark Ads to boost high-performing content.
• Encourage viewers to watch your videos until the end.
• Identify the optimal time for uploading content, experimenting to find the peak engagement hours.
• Engage with other users on the platform using your brand's TikTok account.

Common Mistakes on TikTok

Avoid these common pitfalls to enhance your chances of success on TikTok.

• Producing content that resembles a traditional advertisement.
• Creating content that feels overproduced or too formal.
• Failing to include a captivating hook or delaying its introduction.
• Focusing too heavily on product promotion.
• Creating overly long videos that lose viewer attention.

Monetize Your Social Media Following

Learn how to leverage TikTok views for ecommerce growth in Datt's foundr+ course Social Media Monetization. You'll learn how to maximize reach on TikTok and Instagram, engage followers, and convert them into loyal customers.