TikTok | Marketing Your Story Without A Following

Introduction

TikTok has become one of the most intriguing social media platforms for creators looking to publish their works and reach a wider audience. However, navigating its algorithm can be quite challenging, especially for newcomers. If you’ve recently started using TikTok and are posting diligently—five times a day, for example—you may have noticed that your posts often cap out at around 200 views. This phenomenon isn’t unique; many users experience this as they try to establish their presence.

The Algorithm's Effect on Viewership

When you upload a video on TikTok, the platform utilizes a tiered approach to engagement. Initially, your video is shown to a small group of users (around 200). Depending on the engagement it garners, it may advance to the next tier, with viewership expanding to potentially thousands. This model means you have to play a game of chance, hoping that your content resonates with enough people to trigger the algorithm's favor.

A popular strategy to circumvent this limitation is to repost the same video multiple times, presenting it to different waves of viewers. This tactic could potentially lead to improved performance in subsequent rounds, gradually moving your video up the algorithmic ladder. However, this method can become a tiresome cycle of hopeful posting rather than a productive use of your time as a creator.

Experimenting with Content Types

Throughout my TikTok journey, I have experimented with various content formats: edits, carousels, and motion comics. Surprisingly, I discovered that carousel posts – compilations of static images – often had the highest engagement. Insights into these performance metrics revealed that viewers spend more time interacting with gallery posts compared to shorter video formats.

In contrast, while motion comics have their appeal, they demonstrated poorer performance. The drawn-out storytelling style does not align with TikTok's fast-paced environment, where users seek quick gratification. Successful TikTok videos tend to feature compelling hooks and concise narratives that keep viewers engaged, whereas motion comics often lack that snappy appeal.

The TikTok User Base

One disappointing aspect of TikTok is its audience's behavior. Many users exhibit a reluctance to leave the platform, which presents a challenge for creators seeking to grow their reach beyond TikTok. Unlike traditional platforms, TikTok does not readily facilitate hyperlinks, making it difficult for creators to guide their audience to other ventures, such as newsletters or websites. This is particularly frustrating for new users, who find that their ability to engage with the platform's features is limited until they earn a certain status.

Despite these frustrations, TikTok does afford creators valuable analytics. These insights allow us to understand our audience better, including engagement levels and geographic locations. However, the efficacy of this data is diminished when it comes to converting views into a broader audience, particularly since TikTok’s audience is quite different from those on other platforms like Facebook or Instagram.

Conclusion

In summary, TikTok can serve as a powerful marketing tool, exposing a diverse audience to your content. However, the platform's nature makes it challenging to build a dedicated following. As a creator, you may find yourself trapped in a cycle of content creation without the resources needed to convert views into long-term relationships with your audience. Nevertheless, the analytics provided can offer insights that are beneficial, even if they do not translate into immediate growth. If you’ve had your own experiences navigating TikTok, I encourage you to share your insights below.

Keyword

TikTok
Algorithm
Engagement
Viewership
Creators
Content
Posting Strategy
Analytics
Audience

FAQ

Q: Why do my TikTok videos only get 200 views?
A: This is common for new users. TikTok's algorithm initially shows your videos to a small group. If the engagement is high, it may reach a broader audience.

Q: What content formats work best on TikTok?
A: Carousel posts (static images) tend to perform better than motion comics or video edits due to user engagement patterns.

Q: How can I improve my TikTok engagement?
A: Utilize strong hooks to captivate your audience in the introductory moments of your video. Experiment with different content types to see what resonates.

Q: Can I include hyperlinks in my TikTok description?
A: Generally, TikTok does not allow hyperlinks for new users. You need to grow your following before you can utilize features like clickable links.

Q: What insights can I gain from TikTok analytics?
A: TikTok analytics provide data about your audience’s demographics, engagement rates, and where viewers drop off, helping you adapt your content strategy.