Why I Started Using TikTok for Business (as a Blogger)
This is the first time I’m ever writing a post about TikTok, and that’s because I finally joined it (last month), started creating videos, and am excited to see where that takes me.
First, let me start with the reasons why I use TikTok for business even though I’m not into video content, or into socials in general, don’t want to show my face on camera, and don’t want to follow trends.
And if you want to see my account, it’s @bloggingwithlidiya.
Why I Joined TikTok
- With Google changing its algorithm and not favouring small publishers anymore, I was inspired to look for alternative sources. And truth is, the search engine route is the long one. Social media is the fast track. I was only using Pinterest till now but as we know, it’s not really a social channel, and it’s perfect for bloggers and content creators. But there’s big potential in TikTok too.
- It crossed 2 billion users, making it one of the top platforms out there. With such a user base, it’s also the place for businesses to be.
- Many bloggers I follow started using TikTok for business too and admit it’s the place to be even though they were’t that excited to join the new platform.
- Short-form video is currently one of the most effective types of content and marketing.
- Growing on TikTok might mean new income streams, often in a direction you never expected.
- It can also lead to collaborations, forming connections, becoming an expert in your niche, and growing your brand. That will indirectly grow your income over time.
- You can monetize in many ways such as working with brands or starting a TikTok shop (an eCommerce feature of the platform) and selling products.
- As I was looking for alternatives for blog traffic and new monetization opportunities, I also considered getting back on Instagram (I used it in the past). The algorithm is so bad, though, that even people with a big following don’t get their content in front of their audience enough, unless it’s a really, really engaged audience. I now repost videos from TikTok on Instagram, but don’t set my expectations high. It’s nice to know I’m creating content for 2 big platforms, though, and that it can pay off after some time.
- Another thing that inspired me to join it is that because so many users and businesses are there, all brands are there too, and they have massive budgets to work with creators/influencers. Which means that if you build a following, brands are likely to find you and collaborate with you. What that collaboration will look like may vary. I, for example, don’t want products, and accept paid collabs only, like I do for my blogs. Some people are happy with products, though. It also depends on your niche, of course.
- You can create faceless content on TikTok and that’s great for introverts, people who want to remain anonymous, or who don’t feel comfortable in front of the camera. That’s what I’m doing. I show my face on my profile photo, but for the rest, it’s just videos of my laptop and the work I’m doing.
- The TikTok algorithm is really good. Not much is happening on Instagram when you create content as a new account, but on TikTok, at least you get some views and a little engagement. My first videos were getting 700-1000 views, now the last ones are down to around 250 views. That’s totally fine, but knowing the content is at least seen by people keeps me going.
- Aesthetics doesn’t matter that much on TikTok. Everything on Instagram is too perfect and too curated. I can’t really do it this way. On TikTok, though, things are messy but in a good way. Anyone can start making videos and improve over time.
- Finally, I also use the platform as a place for inspiration. I follow only people in business that I want to learn from and who empower me and get a daily dose of their content and energy.
The Mindset I Have as a TikTok Creator
I think mindset plays a big role if you’re about to use TikTok for business.
Too many people who don’t have any experience in business and who are looking for a quick way to earn money online are joining it and begging for attention, copying others and producing low-quality content.
Ignore them and do your thing.
I’m relaxed because I already have my online business and won’t rely on TikTok for money or any quick results.
I live in Europe, so even though I serve mostly an American audience, I decided I won’t feel anything about the TikTok ban in the US and any potential consequences. TikTok shows content based on location anyways (at least at first) so mine is shown to nearby countries.
I don’t expect quick results. It was important for me to let go of attachment to the results.
Yes, one day you can wake up and have a viral video, and because of that you can get 10-20K new followers in a day. You don’t know when that will happen, if it will happen, for which video, and what happens next.
I know business owners who had that and also grew their email list thanks to it, but it didn’t change much else. And others who are still waiting for that big hit.
But I don’t want to be defined by that. I want to feel the same way (empowered but also grounded) about my business whether there’s a viral video, or no views at all.
You also have to create a lot of content.
Daily videos. Even 2-3 times a day if you can. And you don’t need to put that much effort into making them perfect because your profile doesn’t need to look good. It’s about the content and whether people like it or not.
Have an open mind and get your creative juices flowing.
I also decided I’d have fun with the new project and see where it takes me, but also give it time. I will likely be posting for months, almost daily, and often a couple times a day, before I make any conclusions.
I will have fun in the process, track results, and find out what content works for the platform and for me.
Also, I consider this a side project until it’s bringing me a significant ROI. So I don’t spend the whole day focused on videos or consuming others’ content. I do have many ideas, though, and can’t wait to publish them all.
What about you?
Are you on TikTok? If you want to follow my journey there, feel free to do so at @bloggingwithlidiya.
So that’s why I started using TikTok for business. I hope that was helpful and inspired you to give it a try (but not define yourself by how that goes) or come back to it and create more videos if you left it behind.