If you’re looking to grow on TikTok from scratch, you’re in the right place. Despite what you might think, it’s not too late to start. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact strategy to build your TikTok presence, from the fundamentals to some common pitfalls that many creators face. Stick around till the end, and you’ll learn how to avoid those mistakes and maximize your growth potential!
Start by Studying the Platform
Believe it or not, the first step to TikTok growth isn’t creating content—it’s understanding the platform. TikTok is a unique space, and to thrive, you need to study its dynamics. Begin by consuming content strategically. Instead of mindlessly scrolling, pay attention to the details:
- What types of content keep you engaged?
- What makes you skip or share a video?
- What elements (like text overlays, opening shots, or trending audios) catch your attention?
By spending just 30 minutes a day with a focused approach, you’ll start to see patterns and trends that you can incorporate into your own content. Over time, this practice will become second nature, and you’ll be able to adapt your strategy based on what’s working.
Set Up Your Profile for Success
Before you dive into content creation, ensure your profile is optimized. Why? Imagine one of your videos goes viral but doesn’t translate into followers. This happens when there’s a disconnect between the content and your profile. To avoid this, make sure that your profile photo, username, name, and bio clearly represent who you are and what value you offer. Here’s how to do it:
Profile Photo & Username: Make these consistent with your niche. For example, if you’re focusing on health and wellness, choose a name like “Jade Wellness” and use a profile photo that reflects this theme.
Name: Use keywords that help people find you, such as “Smoothie Recipes” or “Social Media Coach.” TikTok’s search algorithm favors names that include terms people are searching for.
Bio: Instead of focusing on personal details, emphasize what you offer. For instance, “Teaching you how to grow on TikTok” or “Social media tips for creators” are much more effective than generic descriptors.
This setup helps to attract followers when a video brings visitors to your profile, increasing your chances of growth.
Grow Your Email List Early
If you plan to use TikTok as a stepping stone toward becoming a full-time content creator, start building an email list as soon as possible. This might sound like a side project when all you want to do is grow on TikTok, but it can be a game changer. Here’s why:
One creator managed to build a 2,000-person email list alongside her 30,000 new followers on Instagram. When she decided to start offering coaching services, that email list allowed her to sell out her spots with just one message.
Building an email list gives you direct access to your followers outside of social media and can open up new monetization opportunities.
Focus on Your Niche—But Stay Flexible
While choosing a niche is crucial for long-term growth, TikTok’s algorithm is more flexible than other platforms like Instagram or YouTube. A niche helps the algorithm understand who to show your videos to, but it’s not mandatory for success. Here’s how to think about niches:
Narrow Down: Instead of just “fitness,” consider focusing on “at-home workouts for busy moms” or “budget-friendly home decor.”
If You’re Multi-Passionate: Focus on the who instead of the what. Ask yourself who you want to reach and what content they would enjoy.
Sticking to a niche can help TikTok categorize your content more accurately, but if you find it restricting, it’s okay to explore various content ideas until you find what resonates with you.
Rotate Between Content Types
To maintain a steady stream of content, rotate between three types:
Search-Friendly/Evergreen Content: These are valuable, non-trend-based videos that remain relevant over time, like tutorials or recipes.
Trending Content: Trends can boost your visibility quickly, but they come and go. Use them strategically without becoming reliant.
Personal/Creative Content (DGAF Content): This is where you get to be yourself. Share behind-the-scenes moments, personal stories, or anything that lets your audience connect with you on a deeper level.
Balancing these content types ensures that your page remains active, relatable, and discoverable.
Build a Content Calendar
Creating a content calendar helps organize your video ideas and maintain consistency. As you browse TikTok, save trending sounds and video inspirations in collections. Use a tool like Notion to plan out your posts, track ideas, and schedule content. For example, a 30-day challenge where you post 2-3 times daily can significantly boost your follower count.
A well-organized calendar helps you avoid burnout while keeping your TikTok strategy on track. Use tools such as Vizard’s post scheduler to regularly schedule your post on TikTok.
Master Video Length and Consistency
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to video length on TikTok. The ideal length depends on your content type and purpose. For instance, a workout tutorial might benefit from being over two minutes, while a quick recipe could thrive in 20 seconds. Focus on creating engaging, fast-paced content without unnecessary pauses.
When it comes to consistency, aim for a posting frequency that suits your lifestyle. Whether it’s daily or a few times a week, the key is to stick to a schedule that you can maintain over time. Consistency builds momentum, but don’t push yourself beyond your limits.
Engage with Your Audience
Engaging with your followers is crucial for growth on TikTok. Respond to comments, ask questions, and reply with videos when possible. Not only does this help build a community, but it also boosts engagement metrics that TikTok’s algorithm values.
A great tip is to create a video series based on your audience’s questions. This creates a chain of related content that can keep viewers coming back to your page, making your account more discoverable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few mistakes that can hinder your TikTok growth:
Trying to Go Viral Every Time: Focus on providing value rather than chasing virality. Offer content that’s educational, entertaining, relatable, or inspirational to build a strong foundation.
Deleting Posts: Don’t delete videos that don’t perform well initially. TikTok’s algorithm might give them a second chance.
Ignoring Analytics: Study your posts monthly to understand what’s working and what needs adjustment.
Using Irrelevant Hashtags: Stick to hashtags that are directly related to your content to help the algorithm categorize it properly.
Not Responding to Comments: Engaging with your audience builds a stronger community and signals to TikTok that your content is worth sharing.
Final Thoughts: Tailor the Strategy to Your Goals
Remember, there’s no single way to succeed on TikTok. The strategies shared here are a starting point, based on what has worked for others. Experiment with your content, analyze your progress, and refine your approach based on what resonates with your audience. With consistency, creativity, and a bit of patience, you can achieve the growth you’re aiming for.
Ready to dive in? Start by studying the platform and setting up your profile. With these strategies, you’ll be on your way to TikTok success in no time!
