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TikTok Advertising Influencer Strategies For eCommerce Brands

Introduction

Hello everyone! My name is Savannah Sanchez, and today, I'm diving deep into one of the most exciting aspects of digital marketing: TikTok ad creatives, particularly for eCommerce brands. Since I started working with the TikTok ad platform in April 2020, I have collaborated with several eCommerce clients, including popular brands like BlendJet, Our Place, Thrive Market, Jing, and Kitsch.

Understanding TikTok Advertising

The fundamental truth about TikTok users is that they want to be entertained. If they see content that appears to be an advertisement, they'll swiftly swipe away. When I first began my TikTok advertising journey, I mistakenly thought I could repurpose creatives that were successful on Instagram and Snapchat. Unfortunately, those ads performed poorly. I quickly learned that TikTok ads must look and feel authentic to the platform. It only takes a split second for users to decide whether to engage with your ad or swipe past it, making it crucial to create content that feels native to TikTok.

The Key Takeaway

The most important lesson I’ve learned? Make TikToks, not ads.

How to Create Organic-Looking TikTok Ads

The essence of a successful TikTok advertisement is to collaborate with creators familiar with the platform. These creators understand how to capture attention quickly and present content that feels native to TikTok. When sourcing creators for my eCommerce clients, I focus on those who excel in engaging audiences, allowing them the freedom to unleash their creativity within brand guidelines.

Examples of Successful Collaborations

For instance, we partnered with a creator to showcase Kitsch’s ponytail full tutorial. Product tutorials, unboxing videos, and user-generated content (UGC) have proven to be very effective on TikTok.

Furthermore, TikTok has introduced a beta feature that allows brands to boost posts directly from creators’ accounts. This approach has shown impressive results because it adds a layer of social proof and authenticity; when an influencer posts the content, it doesn’t feel like an ad.

Quick-Fire Tips for Effective TikTok Ads

  1. Striking Visuals: Capture attention with vivid colors and compelling text on screen. Remember that not all users will have sound on, so your message should be clear even without audio.
  2. Short Duration: Aim for ad durations between 9 and 15 seconds. Most information should be on your website; your ad’s job is to grab attention.
  3. Vertical Format: TikTok is all about vertical video. Ensure your content showcases the most important visual elements in the center of the screen to avoid being obstructed by TikTok overlays.
  4. Compelling Call-to-Action: Encourage users to visit your website and make a purchase with enticing phrases like “Shop Now” or “TikTok Exclusive Sale.”
  5. Unique Discount Codes: Provide creators with specific discount codes for their audiences. This method creates better attribution tracking and encourages conversions.
  6. Minimal Text: Keep on-screen text brief and to the point. Avoid overwhelming viewers with too much information.
  7. Engagement-Driven Content: Encourage user interaction through comments to increase visibility on the For You page.
  8. Utilizing Influencer Posts: As mentioned earlier, boosting posts from influencers can enhance social proof and make your ads appear less like traditional advertisements.

Conclusion

Working with TikTok creators and creating engaging, native-looking ads is essential for eCommerce brands looking to succeed on the platform. If you’re interested in optimizing your TikTok advertising strategies or media buying, feel free to reach out to me at my website, The Social Savannah.

Keywords

TikTok, advertising, eCommerce, influencer marketing, ad creatives, user-generated content, brand guidelines, TikTok ads manager, call-to-action, engagement.

FAQ

Q: Why is TikTok an important platform for eCommerce brands?
A: TikTok is a rapidly growing platform with a large, engaged user base that seeks entertainment, making it ideal for brands looking to reach new audiences.

Q: How can brands create effective TikTok ads?
A: Brands should create content that feels organic to TikTok, collaborate with TikTok creators, utilize striking visuals, and present clear calls to action.

Q: What type of content works well for TikTok ads?
A: Content types such as product tutorials, unboxings, comparison videos, and behind-the-scenes content tend to perform well on TikTok.

Q: How can brands measure the effectiveness of their TikTok ads?
A: Brands can use unique discount codes and track engagement metrics such as views, clicks, and comments to gauge ad performance.

Q: What is the significance of using influencer content for TikTok ads?
A: Utilizing influencer content can enhance authenticity, provide social proof, and lead to better engagement and conversion rates compared to traditional ads.

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