Just like other social media platforms, TikTok also uses algorithms that play a big part in determining the success of a TikTok video. Simply put, algorithms in computing are processes or a set of rules, guidelines, or instructions to address a particular problem
TikTok’s algorithm features an AI (artificial intelligence) that can serve as a guide for content creators. Creators, from individuals to small to medium enterprises often pick which videos to create or which new content they believe will work to promote their business.
It didn’t take long before small e-commerce businesses took notice of TikTok’s massive impact to generate huge numbers and sustain their growth in the marketplace.
But are there still other ways for young entrepreneurs to go over the popular short-form video hosting service to sell more of their products in these times? Let’s find out.
But first, let’s discuss and understand why TikTok has evolved beyond the social media platform that lures youngsters and even not-so-young individuals to post short videos of them singing, dancing, and getting silly which transforms them into instant online sensations within hours.
What makes TikTok tick for business?
It all starts with catchy filters, eye-popping special effects, and infectious songs to create that short video that suddenly goes viral just before the day ends.
From coming up with a fun theme song to inserting clips of testimonials from customers who share a few words about the company’s best products, TikTok provides a time-tested platform that only needs a few seconds to catch the attention of your target market which can lead to a substantial growth of your fanbase.
While it is probably a trade secret to know how TikTok’s algorithm works, individuals and companies can still use time-tested strategies.
Ways to take advantage of TikTok algorithm
Hashtags. In the age of social media, picking the best hashtags comes a long way in luring your target market. Trending and relevant hashtags must be strategically placed in every TikTok caption to generate the most views of your video.
Generate as many catchy hashtags as you can and post them, as TikTok will be there every step of the way to provide you with the numbers to determine which one rocks and which one falls short.
The catchy hashtags and the goofiest dance moves can attract attention, but they can only do so much with trending songs that go with it.
Catchy songs
Owners of small businesses should pore over the TikTok feed and look for those catchy songs – whether it’s old or new ones – that are trending before picking which ones fit your marketing campaigns to boost those numbers.
If you’re wondering why some catchy yet classic songs are coming back to life by trending among TikTok’s fanbase, it’s because some creative minds have figured out that old songs have a certain appeal and can still catch the fancy of the younger crowd and thus remain relevant on social media.
Look for more challenges
The concept of “challenges” began through dance moves that range from unorthodox to bizarre yet funny where creators urge the public to check it out and try it.
With a trendy song, a trendy video, and a catchy hashtag to boot, challenges keep TikTok’s users engaged. And businesses can use these challenges while promoting their company or their products to catch a bigger chunk of their target market.
Taking part in challenges comes with eye-catching hashtags that give your company a chance to land on TikTok For You Page and lead you to a bigger market base in no time.
Timing is everything
It has been proven that most users flock to TikTok from the afternoon to the evening. Small businesses can pick up a thing or two from that to promote their products to a wider audience by posting those trending videos.
In those preferred hours, TikTok users consume as much as 52 minutes in the popular app to get updated on the latest songs, videos, and challenges before deciding which of them they can use for their own content.
Post often
Another way to keep your company engaged with potential customers, aside from often taking part in challenges, is to post as much as possible in your preferred forum or platform aside from TikTok. It may take time to hit the mark with the most trending hashtags and videos, but posting as much as you can won’t hurt your chances in getting more attention.
For example, users in the US open their TikTok app eight times a day with an average of 4.9 minutes a day, according to the platform. This means the more posts you make, the better your chances to get more views and reach out to a large group of customers.
Think global
New entrepreneurs often start small to start their businesses to temper expectations. But that’s not the case on social media, where a catchy video that goes viral in a matter of hours makes a huge difference.
Users who create their videos on TikTok can be identified based on their frequency of posting in a particular city or country. Once their hit becomes a hit in these specific locations, successful creators often look beyond these locations. Spend time to take a look at what’s trending where, and take it from there.
Save your posts
If you think popular celebrities and online sensations delete their old content to make way for new ones on their respective platforms, think again.
Sure, some old content may no longer be seen on TikTok or in other social media platforms. But most successful content creators still keep their old videos and other content for future usage to mash them with prospective new content.
A trending video that went viral two years ago may be old stuff for most people. But don’t count out the surge of new users that visit TikTok and other popular apps through the years, And most of them want to revisit old content which could make your video relevant again.
Stay engaged
Small businesses who want to boost their products and grow sales on other platforms aside from TikTok must remain positive and keep posting away. More exposure leads to more chances of getting more views.
Conclusion
A missed hit on hashtags and challenges should not dampen your mood nor discourage you from posting. The key here for content creators is to keep coming up with catchy content – from videos to captions to hashtags – and the views will eventually come out.
TikTok may have produced one of the best – if not the best – algorithms that make a difference to businesses in the past few years, But taking the best parts from the platform may be the best way to go moving forward.
