In the world of social media marketing, TikTok has rapidly emerged as a powerhouse platform, captivating millions of users worldwide. But we know many marketing leaders are still scratching their heads and wondering what this means for them. So if you know you need to harness the potential of ads on TikTok to promote your brand, but you have no idea where to start, this blog is your ultimate guide.
As the final instalment of our three-part media buying series, Hurricane’s Anna Jackson gives us the inside scoop on the world of TikTok advertising. From understanding your target audience and making the most out of the platform’s creative features (which let us tell you, is a lot of fun) to optimisation, get ready to master the art of ads on TikTok and create campaigns that leave a big lasting impression.
Tip #1: Know Your Target Audience
You’ve heard us say it time and time again but before diving headfirst into creating ads on TikTok, it’s crucial to take a step back and gain an understanding of your target audience. Why is this important? Well, TikTok is a platform that caters to a wide range of users with diverse interests, demographics, and behaviours and your target audience here might have key differences from your broader ones, or ones on other platforms.
By understanding your target audience, you’ll be able to speak their language, tap into their interests, and address their pain points effectively. This is especially key for TikTok as it has a diverse and rapidly evolving community, with specific trends, challenges, and content preferences. So Anna suggests “focusing on creating unique and original content specifically for TikTok, rather than repurposing videos from other platforms. TikTok users appreciate authenticity and creativity, so it’s essential to tailor your content to the TikTok format and style. Embrace the platform’s trends, challenges, and creative tools to showcase your business in a way that feels authentic to TikTok.
Tip #2: Eye-Catching Visuals
In the fast-paced world of TikTok, where attention spans are short and competition for views is fierce, Tip #2 for creating a successful TikTok Ad is to use eye-catching visuals. With millions of videos vying for users’ attention, capturing their interest from the very first second is important.
Whether it’s beautiful landscapes, colourful animations, or striking close-ups, visuals that are appealing have a higher chance of capturing viewers’ attention as they scroll through their feeds. Experiment with filters, transitions, and text overlays to add an extra layer of interest. These elements can help convey emotions, stories or highlight key points, making your videos more memorable.
This can be simpler than you might think too. An effective tool at your fingertips is to leverage TikTok’s built-in effects and features. Explore the platform’s extensive library of effects, stickers, and AR filters to add an extra wow factor to your content. These tools can transform an ordinary clip into something extraordinary without taking heaps of time. By using these techniques, you’ll be well on your way to creating visually captivating content that engages your audience.
Tip #3: Trending Music and Hashtags
Staying up-to-date with the latest trends is vital if you’re looking to engage your audience and increase your reach. That’s why Tip #3 is all about incorporating trending music and hashtags into your TikTok content. TikTok thrives on music, offering a vast library of popular songs and remixes. Using trending music in your videos connects you with the existing buzz and makes your content relatable. Hashtags are crucial too, as they boost discoverability.
Anna’s top tip? “Explore the “Discover” page on TikTok, where you’ll find a curated selection of trending content, challenges, and songs. Keep an eye on the “For You” page as well, as it showcases popular videos and emerging trends.” But, remember using trending music and hashtags isn’t just about jumping on the bandwagon if you want your ad to deliver brand value. It’s essential to ensure that the content you create aligns with your message and resonates with your target audience. So, that being said, choose the trending elements that are relevant to your brand tone of voice and subject matter, and let them inspire you.
Tip #4: A Clear Call to Action
In the highly addictive TikTok environment, capturing the fleeting attention of users is key. That brings us to Tip #4: have a clear call to action. Anna says that “in order to make the most of your content, you must have a clear and compelling CTA that prompts viewers to take action.”
For instance, if you want users to visit your website, display your URL prominently on the screen. If you want them to follow your account, encourage them to tap the “Follow” button with an attention-grabbing arrow or an enticing caption. Also, timing is everything when it comes to CTAs on TikTok. Given the platform’s short-form nature, it’s essential to place your CTA strategically within the video. Aim to introduce your CTA early on, preferably within the first few seconds, to capture users’ attention before they scroll past.
In Conclusion
Creating successful ads on TikTok requires a strategic approach that combines creativity, an understanding of the platform, and a clear objective. By following these four tips you’ll be well on your way to landing results for your business.
Need help with your ads on TikTok? Contact Hurricane today for expert consultancy, or a general chat about what you’re looking for.
