TikTok for Branding vs. Direct Sales: Strategies for Each

TikTok for Branding vs. Direct Sales: Strategies for Each

TikTok as a trending social media app has proved to be versatile in its functions. As we are in the digital age, activities like branding and direct sales are now being done by social media platforms.

This article is focused on employing TikTok for branding versus employing TikTok for direct sales and the strategies for each.

TikTok For Branding

TikTok has become one of the platforms for various service providers and product sellers to showcase branding and create a niche for themselves.

What is Branding?

Branding is a means of distinguishing one’s product from its substitute. It is simply giving your target audience a clear picture of what your product or service looks like to differentiate it from its substitute or competition.

Goods that have substitutes to a large extent, engage in branding.

We see branding in our everyday lives, from the clothes we wear to the mouthwash we use and even the food we eat.

How Can I Utilise TikTok for Branding?

TikTok is growing at a rapid rate and brands are taking advantage of it. Here are a list of steps to utilise TikTok for Branding:

Get The TikTok App

Getting the app on your phone is the first step to take before one can think of utilising it.

Opt For A TikTok Business Account

The talk of branding is equivalent to business talk and that is what the TikTok business account is for. The TikTok business account differs from a TikTok creator’s account in the following;

  • TikTok business account has tools like ads and analytics
  • The business account is limited in its access to sound clips
  • Business accounts are at liberty to include website links in their profile
  • Allows the use of third-party tools to schedule and manage content on TikTok

Note that this list is not exhaustive and there still exists other differences between the TikTok Business account and TikTok  Creator’s Account.

Brand Your TikTok Business Account

Branding your TikTok account can be done with these steps;

  • Showcase a profile photo or video. Your profile photo should be the logo of your brand which must be the best version as it is people’s first impression of your brand. And if you are opting for a video, an animated version of your logo should be on the list.
  • Include your business name in the name tag
  • Your username should be your business name
  • Inclusion of pronouns; in the case of sole proprietorship (I) partnership (We)
  • Your bio which is 80 characters long max should give an intro of what your business does.
  • Provide your company’s Email
  • It should be mentioned if your business is in cooperation with a non-profit organisation. Or better still, tag them in your profile
  • Input the category your business falls under
  • Connect your other social media accounts like Instagram, YouTube and WhatsApp to your TikTok account

Customise An Auto-message For Direct Messages

Creating an auto-reply for direct messages which includes what your brand is about and its mission is another step to utilising TikTok for branding.

TikTok For Direct Sales

Aside from TikTok’s feature for providing leisurely content, it has also become a marketplace for direct sales.

What Is Direct Sales?

Direct sales is the form of exchange that occurs between the seller and the buyer. Simply put, there is the absence of a middlemen.

Direct sales could also be viewed from the perspective of the sales happening on social media, in the sense that there is no physical marketplace like a store where sales are being made.

How Can I Utilise TikTok For Direct Sales?

TikTok has become a prominent online platform for direct sales. Here is how to utilise TikTok for direct sales;

  • Optimise your profile. Optimising your profile gives your brand the online presence it needs to generate sales. Include your bio, business name and every detail required of you on your profile.
  • Create Compelling Content. Everybody is creating content on TikTok so finding a way to make yours stand out gives you an edge and puts you on the spot for sales.
  • Link your account to the TikTok shop. The TikTok shop allows you to display your products for direct sales. It allows users to include a product catalogue in their profile. This feature is restricted to those over 18 and who have at least 1,000 followers or use a TikTok Business Account.
  • Choice of products being offered for sale. Before you decide to use TikTok as a direct sales agent, you must ensure that your target audience is there and that your product is in vogue. In other words, right place, right time.
  • Grow your followers. For effective utilisation one has to be deliberate in growing their audience. To do this, one can buy TikTok followers, create engaging posts, partner with TikTok influencers and many more.

Summary

Employing TikTok for branding and direct sales are market strategies common among business owners. This article provides you with the knowledge to succeed at it.