Before you dive into this article, you should probably know that we will not be discussing the hottest TikTok hashtags and challenges. We could, but this article would be old news before you even open it. Instead of focusing on the hottest new choreography, we will be revealing the bigger picture for 2023. So, if you are looking to use TikTok to improve your marketing efforts, you have come to the right place.
To have a strong TikTok marketing strategy, you have to pay attention to every minute detail. You can get whiplash from how quickly things change over on TikTok. To succeed on this app, you really have to understand the cultural forces and shifting attitudes that shape behavior. Get a pen, paper and an open mind, because I am about to introduce you to some of the biggest TikTok trends for businesses, nonprofits and churches right now.
TikTok Paid Advertising
It gets to be really overwhelming when you are trying to decide where to spend your limited marketing budget, but TikTok should be a top contender on your list because ad reach was up by 14.6% at the end of last year. This number may show that people are viewing your content, but what it doesn’t show is how TikTok users are very receptive to branded content.
When you are creating your TikTok ad, you have to think outside the box. TikTok ads must be interesting, visually appealing and valuable. Do not settle for the straightforward donation request and throw in something that pops. I know this sounds overwhelming, but you can easily do this by using the app’s editing features and filters.
Entertaining Your Followers
35% of TikTok users use the app specifically for research purposes. That means the majority of the individuals on TikTok are seeking entertainment. Hootsuite’s latest digital report found that 78.2% of TikTokers want to watch something funny or entertaining. That means if you can make your ad stand out and entertaining, you will gain supporters for life. TikTok’s internal studies show that ads that are rated highly for entertainment also rank high for brand love and purchase intent. For nonprofits and churches, this means you could attract new donors, volunteers, partnerships, staff members, etc.
Gen Z’s Search Engine of Choice
When we think of the words “search engine,” most of us think of Google. However, Gen Z seems to be using social media as their primary research tool. In September 2022, New York Times reported that 40% of social media users aged 18-24 turn to TikTok or Instagram when they need to look up information.
Please note that this does not mean your website and SEO knowledge should be erased from your memory. The majority of people are still tracking your nonprofit or church the “old-fashioned” way through Google. It would just be wise to utilize this information so you can reach every potential donor or supporter.
Use Your Real Face(s)
People across all social media platforms love to see real, smiling faces. This means you will get more engagement, follows and support if you use yourself, your volunteers or someone who your organization may have positively impacted. By doing this, you are showing that there are real people behind the account and you start building trust with your viewers. When your content is relevant and meaningful, your followers will start to build a connection with you and your nonprofit or church. TikTok users also feel more connected to industry and subject matter experts. They enjoy hearing knowledge and insider advice in the videos.
So in conclusion, you will want to make TikTok a top priority when creating your marketing strategy. When writing out a content calendar, make sure you are creating videos that are educational, entertaining and have real people from your organization. If you want more marketing tips, you can follow us on TikTok here or join our FREE marketing resource Facebook group for nonprofit and church leaders here. God bless!