Top Mistakes on TikTok

More and more businesses are getting on TikTok to market their products and services. It's changing how we search for information and how we connect with brands.

If you've been following along, you know there are a TON of reasons to market your business on TikTok, like the fact that its algorithm makes your content visible longer than other social media platforms.

However, it's not as simple as whipping out your phone and filming. There are a few mistakes that I see businesses making on TikTok that can easily be avoided.

Too Much How-To Content

One of the biggest mistakes I see businesses making on TikTok is that they focus too much on how-to content. You're skipping steps - you need to build a foundation first. Let your audience get to know you and trust you so that they trust you when you give them the "how to".

Free content should focus on WHO your customer is, WHAT they need, and WHY they should buy from you. Provide value upfront without selling too hard.

Paid content can dive into the HOW to get to the end results, but it's really important that you build that foundation first.

Remember: WHO, WHAT and WHY.

Your Content Is Not Linked To What You Sell

Another mistake that I see businesses making on TikTok is that their content isn't linked to what they sell. This can be a little tricky because you want to follow trends on TikTok. However, you do NOT have to follow every trend.

Ask yourself, "Are my videos inspiring, educational or entertaining?"

If it doesn't match your brand or doesn't connect to what you actually do, it's okay to leave it behind. Your videos should inspire, educate, and entertain - but always in a way that aligns with your brand.

It's Not About You!

The first mistake is all about you. Social media and first dates have one thing in common: do NOT talk too much about yourself!

If this is a story, then you are not the hero - your audience is!  

You should be providing value upfront without selling too hard. Once your audience trusts you, they'll be more likely to buy from you.

Be sure to focus on the hero (your customer) and not yourself.

What's The Next Step?

Okay, you have a great video that entertains, puts your customer first and hits a trend just right.

There's one thing missing: a strong call to action. Tell your audience what they need to do next! 

If the audience you're targeting is a cold audience, meaning they do not know you or what you do, go with a soft call to action. My recommendations: "Like for Part 2", "Comment and share your story", or "Follow for more!"

A warm audience is where they are beginning to get to know you. Encourage your audience to take the next step with something such as "Claim your freebie", or "Subscribe!". A hot audience is ready to work with you is ready to get started, so use a call to action like "Let's get started" and "RSVP today!". 

Grow Your Business on TikTok

There you have it! Four mistakes that businesses make on TikTok and how to avoid them.

About Samantha Vlasceanu: Samantha is on a mission to convince businesses and brands that TikTok is not just for our teenagers (and no dancing required)! When COVID-19 hit, her other traveling business had to shut down and she had to pivot - FAST. That's when she realized that she'd been organically reaching her audience on TikTok all along and realized the power TikTok could have for businesses if they gave them a chance. Fast forward to today, Sam works with marketing agencies, coaches, lawyers, corporate Brands - you name it! Sam ensures all her clients are using the app with intention as a sales funnel in finding their target audience and coaching the strategies of converting their followers into ACTUAL paying clients.

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