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Social Media Marketing

Explore trend predictions, omni-channel strategies, and best practices from industry leaders on effective branding, content planning, campaign management, influencer marketing, and more. Meet your social media audience where they are with the right message at the right time.
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two women social media managers sitting at a table looking at a laptop, planning social media strategy
Hire10 Best Social Media Managers to Hire in 2024Ever felt overwhelmed by social media? You're not alone. With over half the world using social media, navigating through the myriad platforms packed with competing brands poses a significant challenge for businesses. This is where an experienced social media manager can step in, helping you navigate this uphill task by effectively promoting your products or services so you can stand out in the crowded digital landscape. » Grow your business organically with our transparent social media packages. Our top picks for the best Social Media Managers 1. Skarlet R. - Best overall 2. James R.- Best for businesses in literature 3. Angel M.- Best for SaaS and business-focussed management 4. Brielle C.- Best for influencer outreach 5. Cree J.- Best for recreational SMM 6. Phil D.- Best for TikTok management 7. Jessica S.- Best for targeting wellness, health, fitness and outdoors 8. Rachel M.- Best for the cosmetics and fashion industry 9. Courtney E.- Best for handling a broad range of SMM channels 10. LaNell A.- Best for development and fintech What is a Social Media Manager? A social media manager is responsible for managing your brand's online presence. This involves curating content, engaging with audiences, and implementing strategies across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn. They analyze performance metrics, craft compelling posts, and uphold the brand's image to enhance visibility and interaction. Social media is essential for every business Social media has completely transformed the way brands market their products and services. There are entire companies built on social media, and many Direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands have found success through creativity on social media. With that said, most companies use social media to promote blog posts and webinars or to occasionally announce job openings. They don't know how to use social media to grow an online community, run UGC campaigns, work with influencers, or get thousands of users to post pictures and reviews of their products. Another common missed opportunity is that brands don't know which platforms to post content on. Sometimes, brands focus on the wrong social media channels for their business, leaving a lot of money on the table. This is where Mayple comes in. We have an online community of hand-picked social media experts who have worked with some of the biggest global brands. We vet each one and match the right expert with proven industry experience to your brand. » Find out how we use AI to match brands with the right professionals. Why your business needs a social media marketer Social media is changing all the time. New social media platforms are popping up on the scene, as are algorithm adjustments and new post formats that a brand should be aware of. Collaborating with a savvy social media marketer proficient in the latest designs can significantly boost impressions, transforming your online presence. Also, many brands use social media at the beginning of their marketing funnel, at the awareness stage. They post interesting articles to get attention, targeting new users who have never heard of them. A skilled social media manager can tailor targeted content for leads or customers at each stage of the marketing funnel. An expert social media manager can use social media to: Publish posts that delight and educate your customersCreate content for those users with the highest purchase intentEducate the customer to increase brand loyalty, referrals, and word-of-mouth Another huge aspect of social media is that customers often use these platforms (like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter) to ask questions or bring up issues. A brand needs someone on the team to field these requests to the customer service team and solve them promptly. This is crucial for your brand's reputation and increasing lifetime customer value (CLV). Hire a Social Media Manager with data-backed results Social media management came into its own with the emergence of social networking platforms like Friendster (2002), MySpace (2003), and subsequently, Facebook (2004). As these platforms gained popularity, businesses recognized the marketing potential they offered. Consequently, there arose a need for managing and curating content, engaging audiences, and analyzing metrics to ensure effective communication. Over time, the field of social media management evolved, encompassing diverse platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn. Professionals specializing in optimizing brand presence and engagement across these various social media channels became integral to the industry. Trying to gauge how good a Social Media Manager is can be a bit of a challenge. Mayple provides a valuable alternative, liberating you from the reliance on reviews and flashy sales pitches. By offering a data-driven approach, Mayple delivers insights into actual performance metrics and tangible results, enhancing the reliability and depth of the evaluation process.
social media consultant
Hire10 Best Social Media Consultants to Hire in 2024In the good old days, just posting regularly and giving your content a little boost could get your brand a decent social following. Times have changed, though. With social media now busier than ever, making your business stand out has become a real challenge. That's where the following ten social media consultants come in. They can help you navigate the complex and competitive social media landscape and develop a strategic plan tailored to your specific needs. » Find the ideal social media package for your business. Our top picks for the best social media consultants 1. Gary E.- Best overall 2. Brad J.- Best for diverse social media marketing strategies 3. Gabriela O.- Best for KPI-driven digital advertising 4. Tom M.- Best for programming and development 5. Michael M.- Best for creative social media strategies 6. Alex M.- Best for cross-channel social media marketing 7. Philip J.- Best for B2B and B2C strategies 8. Cody W.- Best for analytical proficiency 9. Katia G.- Best for numbers-based results 10. Ben D.- Best for travel marketing What is a social media consultant? A social media consultant is a digital marketing professional who specializes in planning and advising businesses on social media marketing and strategy. Their focus is on optimizing and growing their client's social media presence. Regardless of whether a business is new to social media or has an established presence already, the role of a social media consultant is to build a roadmap for how your brand can achieve success on social platforms. This could mean more conversions, a higher engagement rate, or value-added partnerships with other brands. How to stay on top of the social media management game Studies show that social media management is set to become a $41.6 billion industry by 2026. With everyone vying for user attention, businesses need savvy strategies to gain market share. These practical tips and strategies can be the key to building a dynamic and successful social media presence, helping you stay sharp in a competitive landscape. Know your audience: Understand your target audience's preferences, behaviors, and interests to tailor content that resonates with them.Content strategy: Develop a diverse content strategy with visuals, videos, blogs, and infographics. Create a content calendar to maintain consistency.Platform optimization: Each platform has unique features and audience behavior. Optimize content for each platform, considering formats, posting times, and audience engagement patterns.Engagement and interaction: Actively engage with your audience by promptly responding to comments, messages, and mentions. Foster a community by initiating discussions and user-generated content.Data-driven decisions: Utilize analytics tools to track performance metrics such as reach, engagement, and conversions. Analyze this data to refine strategies and improve future content.Trend awareness: Stay updated on industry trends, viral topics, and relevant news to create timely and engaging content.Collaborations and partnerships: Collaborate with influencers, other brands, or individuals aligned with your values and audience to expand your reach and credibility.Paid advertising: Utilize targeted advertising to boost visibility and reach specific demographics. Experiment with various ad formats to identify what works best.Consistent brand voice: Maintain a consistent brand voice and visual identity across all platforms to build brand recognition and trust.Adaptability and experimentation: Social media landscapes evolve rapidly. Be adaptable and open to experimenting with new features, trends, and strategies to stay ahead. We know this is a lot; hence we recommend you consider hiring a social media consultant to help lighten the load and improve your chances of success. You can have fantastic content and a cohesive brand identity, but this makes no difference if your intended audience never actually comes across your feed. This is where contracting an experienced social media marketing consultant can make all the difference to brand awareness and engagement online. Hire a Social Media Consultant with data-backed results As the mid-2000s witnessed the rise of platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, social media consultants emerged to seize the marketing and engagement opportunities recognized by businesses all over. Specializing in leveraging social media, these consultants excel in brand growth, community building, content strategy, and targeted advertising. With the evolution of social media's impact on consumer behavior, these consultants became pivotal in guiding businesses to effectively utilize these channels for optimal online presence and customer interaction. Now, evaluating social media consultants can be a real challenge. But with Mayple, there's no need to sift through reviews and flashy sales pitches. Through AI-powered matching, we'll connect you with the top social media consultants in your industry based on your specific needs and goals. Our platform carefully vets each consultant, ensuring they have a proven track record of success and expertise in your niche. With Mayple, you can trust that you'll be working with professionals who can truly make a difference in your social media strategy.
tiktok-strategy
Social Media Marketing21 TikTok Marketing Tricks PLUS Important Stats + ExamplesEvery day, more than a billion people open this social platform to swipe and get entertained. It's addictive, it's fun, and it invites you to create your own content on the platform. And once you get the hang of it, it's hard to let go.  Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the TikTok marketing era: where TikTok's no longer a teen app, but a fully-fledged social media marketing platform brands are camping around.  Want to make the most of it but not sure where to start?  Here's our quick, but comprehensive guide on how to run TikTok marketing that gets your brand attention and conversions.  What is TikTok marketing? TikTok marketing refers to the practice of using TikTok as a promotional channel for brands, products, or services. Businesses can do this using different tactics, like influencer marketing, social media advertising, and/or creating organic content. The main goal behind TikTok marketing is to raise brand awareness, engage your target audience, and drive conversions for your business. Top advantages of TikTok marketing Until not long ago, TikTok was the de-facto social media platform for GenZ – a place for odd challenges and dance routines, but mostly not a place where businesses must build a presence on. Alas, times have changed. TikTok sales have now exceeded $2.5 billion, and there are more than 23.7 million buyers on TikTok (just in the US). And that's just sales driven directly through TikTok, not accounting for all the brand awareness generated, email subscribers, and so on. The popularity of TikTok TikTok boasts over 1.5 billion monthly active users worldwide, providing a vast and diverse audience for businesses to connect with. And while it used to be a social channel mostly targeting the younger generation, everyone's now on TikTok. According to recent stats, 38.5% of all TikTok users are aged 18 to 24, 32.5% are 25 to 34, 32.5% are 35 to 44, and the remainder is split between two other age groups over 44. TikTok is clearly not in teenage land anymore. People who use it have buying power, and are likely in the workforce, as well. So TikTok can be a perfectly viable social channel for both B2C and B2B companies. Source Your audience is likely open to buying your products Smart targeting, an algorithm built to hook audiences to the swipe motion, and engaging video content create the perfect environment for sellers to push their products on TikTok. With the right ad or organic piece of marketing content, shown at the right time, to a carefully selected audience, you can get amazing results with TikTok marketing. Still unsure about investing in a content strategy for this social media network? 65% of all TikTok users say they watch product reviews and listen to influencer recommendations when they buy something. Less competition compared to other social Although it has more than 1.5 billion users, TikTok is still a relatively new platform for businesses to explore. This means there's less competition compared to other social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, making it easier for your exciting content to stand out and reach a larger audience. With the right strategy, you can quickly gain traction on TikTok and build your brand awareness. High chances of going viral TikTok's algorithm is designed to boost content virality, potentially giving your brand unprecedented visibility. And while "going viral" isn't (or shouldn't) be a marketing goal in itself, it can lead to increased brand exposure and conversions. With TikTok's algorithm constantly learning and adapting, it's important for businesses to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and create unique content that has a higher chance of going viral. Source Influencer marketing opportunities The platform is teeming with influential users open to collaboration, expanding your reach. Businesses can use influencer marketing to partner with popular TikTok users who align with their brand and create authentic content that resonates with their target audience. This not only helps reach a wider audience but also creates trust and credibility for the brand. The key is to find the right influencer whose values and audience align with your business objectives. TikTok works well with other channels Integrating TikTok with existing marketing channels can create a synergistic effect, enhancing your overall digital strategy. For example, businesses can use TikTok to promote a new product or service and then redirect traffic to their website for further details and conversions. This multi-channel approach helps create an omnichannel experience for potential customers and increases the chances of conversion. In-feed ads TikTok offers in-feed ads for strategic placements within users' content feeds. The best part about these ads is that they don't feel like ads. They're non-intrusive and blend in with the organic content, increasing the chances of users engaging with it. TikTok also offers targeting options, making it easier for businesses to reach their desired audience. Done right, in-feed TikTok ads are like supercharged organic content – same vibe and feel, but with a wider reach and more targeting options. Source Diverse, versatile types of content TikTok supports a wide range of content styles, from catchy dance challenges to educational how-to videos. This allows businesses to get creative and experiment with different types of content to find what works best for their brand. From user-generated content to trending music and filters, from funny to sad, and from educational to merely entertaining, TikTok has it all. How to set up TikTok for business To establish a presence on TikTok for business, you need a TikTok Business Account by following this step-by-step process: 1. Download TikTok. 2. Go to your profile page. 3. Tap the three lines (top right side of the screen) 4. Go to "Settings & Privacy" and click on "Account." 5. Tap on "Switch to Business Account." 6. Choose the category that best suits your business. 7. Start posting videos. Not sure how to do that? We have created a guide to help you understand how to publish videos on TikTok. How to run ads on TikTok TikTok offers various ad formats, including in-feed ads, branded hashtag challenges, and branded effects. Here are some of the basics you need to know about TikTok advertising: Choose your Ads Manager mode There are two main Ads Manager modes on TikTok: Simplified and Custom. The first one is easier for beginners, while the latter is more complex and suitable for more advanced users. In this quick overview of how to create ads on TikTok, we'll be looking at the simplified mode. Pick your advertising goals and objectives There are three main advertising goals you can opt for on TikTok, each with its own objectives: Awareness (goal) + reach (objective), to make your brand known to the worldConsideration (goal) + traffic (objective), which drive people to your site or online storeConversion (goal) + sales (objective), to help boost your sales Select your target audience TikTok allows you to select the main characteristics of your target audience, such as age, location, interests, and behaviors. This ensures that your ads are shown to the right people who are more likely to drive user engagement.  You can also select your target audience based on interests, such as beauty, books, fashion, and more. This helps ensure that your ads are shown to people who are interested in your industry or niche. Set your budget and your schedule You can choose between a daily budget or a total budget for your TikTok ad campaign. You can also set the start and end dates for your campaign, helping you control the duration of your ads and stay within your budget. Monitor and optimize your ad performance TikTok offers detailed analytics tools to help you track the performance of your ads. This includes information on: ViewsLikesCommentsFrequencyAverage Watch Time per PersonLive Unique ViewsCross-campaign ReachCost per 1,000 people reachedAudience EstimationReach by data dimension Keep in mind that many of these are "estimated metrics," which means the numbers may not be exact but can give you a general idea of how your ad is performing. Use these insights to make adjustments and optimize your ads for better results. Also, it's important to measure data regularly so you can make necessary adjustments to your ad campaign and optimize its performance. Doing this will help you know what works and what doesn't, as well as what kind of changes you could bring to your marketing strategy to make TikTok work for you. Create and submit your ad This is where you can unleash the creative dragon – and the good news is TikTok allows for a lot of creative freedom. Not only are there many types of videos you can choose from (like dance videos, challenges, edutainment, etc.), but TikTok's in-app editor is also a treasure trove of filters, music, sounds, effects, and stickers you can use to make your content more entertaining and engaging. Top 21 tactics to use when starting with TikTok marketing Building a TikTok strategy doesn't have to feel like you're navigating strange alleys in the dark. The right tips and best practices can shed some light on your path and help you make the most out of your TikTok marketing. Here are some tips and tactics to keep in mind when starting with TikTok marketing: Get familiar with TikTok Take some time to understand the platform, its features, and user behavior. If you use Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, you'll find TikTok similar – it's like both of those, on steroids. Where other short-form video content-based social media channels seem tame and even unsurprising, TikTok is lively and daring. The abundance of filters, challenges, and sounds makes it like one giant party where brands and consumers interact with each other freely. Run a competitor audit Analyze your competitors' TikTok presence to identify opportunities. Notice What kind of content are they posting?How often do they post?Do they use influencers, effects, or challenges?How do their followers engage with their content?Can you see an engagement evolution (e.g., if their community has engaged more with a specific type of content?) Use this information to understand what works for your competitors and adapt it to your TikTok marketing strategy. Set clear goals You can't know how you're doing with your TikTok marketing if you don't set goals. So, before diving into all those recordings, define your specific objectives for TikTok marketing to ensure your efforts remain focused and measurable. Invest in quality equipment The good news is you don't need a mega-studio to make TikTok videos people love. The slight "homemade" nature of most of these videos is, in fact, part of what makes the platform special. That being said, you should have some basic equipment to make your videos look professional. A tripod, an external microphone, and a ring light can go a long way in improving the quality of your recordings. Make sure your profile is branded You don't want to be overly pushy with your brand, but you should make sure it's present. This is not about posting funny videos – it's about building an audience that's interested in your brand. So, make sure your profile photo, username, and bio align with your branding. Define your audience Monologues addressed to anonymous crowds might have flown under the radar when TV, billboards, and newspapers were the main social media channels brands could use to reach their customers. In the age of hyper-engagement, however, addressing specific groups of people is key. Define your target audience on TikTok to make sure you're talking to the right people. Doing this will help you tailor your content to their preferences and make it more appealing and engaging. Source Use advertising TikTok is one of the few platforms where you can still get a solid organic engagement rate without paid ads. However, using advertising can help increase your reach and get your content in front of more people. Consider experimenting with paid TikTok ads to see how they can boost your marketing efforts on the platform. Use TikTok SEO Not many people realize this, but TikTok has its own search engine. As such, using proper search engine optimization (SEO) tactics can help you reach more people on TikTok. Use relevant hashtags and keywords in your captions and descriptions to increase the chances of your content being discovered by new audiences. Post videos regularly Consistency is key to success on TikTok...as with every other channel. While you don't have to post every day, aim for at least a few times per week to keep your audience engaged and interested in your content. This also helps with the algorithm as it favors accounts that are active and consistently posting. Employ influencer marketing Collaborate with TikTok influencers to leverage their established fan base and credibility. Choose influencers that align with your brand and niche, as well as those that have genuine engagement from their followers. Look for both larger influencers with a lot of popular videos and micro - influencers, as they might have more convincing power over their audience.  Here's a webinar we held on this specific topic if you want to learn more: Don't be afraid to experiment Be open to trying different content styles, formats, and approaches to discover what resonates best with your audience. TikTok is an ever-evolving platform, and what may work one day might not work the next. Don't be afraid to experiment and adapt your strategy as needed. Join creator groups Engage with TikTok creator communities for support, inspiration, and networking opportunities. These groups are great for sharing tips and tricks, collaborating on content, and staying updated on the latest trends and challenges. Make use of relevant hashtags Incorporate relevant and trending hashtags to increase the discoverability of your content. TikTok's algorithm uses hashtags to categorize and recommend content, so make sure you use them strategically. To find relevant trending hashtags, use the "Discover" tab in TikTok and check out the "Trending Hashtags" section: 1. Go to the "Discover" page in TikTok. This is where trending content lives (TikTok's algorithm selects it according to your activities) 2. Look at the hashtags these posts are using 3. Select the hashtags that fit your content and add them to your posts. Engage with other users Give likes, comments, and shares to other content creators on TikTok. This helps build relationships with others in the community and increases the chances of your content being shared as well. Remember, TikTok is a social network, so be social! Need help with that? Contact Mayple and hire a social media marketing agency to help you run your brand's socials.  Monitor your TikTok metrics Keep a close eye on key performance indicators, including video views, growth rate, trending videos, and average watch time. Remember to match the metrics you follow to your actual goal for each video – otherwise, it's easy to start chasing vanity metrics and forget about what's important for your business. Use this data to optimize and improve your TikTok strategy. Jump on the trends that make sense for your brand Participate in trending challenges and themes that align with your brand, offering a chance to ride the wave of popular trends. However, keep in mind that not all trends may make sense for your brand and audience. So, choose wisely and don't force yourself to fit into a hot social media trend that doesn't align with your brand's values or message. Use TikTok's in-built video editor Take advantage of TikTok's built-in video editing tools to enhance your original content. These tools include filters, effects, text overlays, and soundtracks. Play around with these features to make your videos more visually appealing and engaging. Keep videos short and engaging Given TikTok's time limit, keep your videos concise, captivating, and packed with value. The average video on TikTok is between 10 and 15 seconds, although the platform does allow for longer videos now. Run live events Connect with your audience in real-time through live streams, fostering interaction and building trust. These events are great because they allow you to interact with your audience in real time. Plus, they can be quite interactive too! Some examples of content to live stream could be: Behind-the-scenes looks at your brand or product creation processesQ&A sessions where you answer questions from your audienceProduct demos and tutorials Be authentic TikTok's user base highly values authenticity, so let your brand's genuine personality shine through your content. More even, make sure your brand has a face. This could be the CEO, employees, a mascot – whoever best represents your brand's values and message. People connect with people, so use this to your advantage on TikTok. TikTok marketing examples to spark your creativity Although TikTok might not (yet) be overcrowded by business profiles, it still boasts a pretty impressive track record for successful marketing campaigns by both Indie and global brands. Some of our favorite examples include: Chipotle Chipotle understands TikTok. They know how to ride the tide of trends, and they know how to bring it all close to their brand. Their videos are entertaining, fun, and always circle back around Chipotle and their food. Duolingo Duolingo's TikTok is filled with so much humor it's hard to ignore it. Adorable, raw, funny, and always on-point regarding all the "rules" that make TikTok special, this language learning app (and its mascot) has definitely won the game on the platform. Gymshark Gymshark's content lives somewhere between humor, inspiration, and education. It manages to paint such a great picture of the brand that you automatically associate Gymshark with all the positive vibes of its TikTok channel. The Washington Post If you think reading the news is boring, think again. The Washington Post has been turning the biggest news into TikToks – and we're here for it. Ryanair Ryanair's TikTok is the gold-medal winner of cheekiness. It's hard not to love a brand that has the guts to take on all of their haters. All while keeping it fun and clever, too. Crocs Crocs' TikToks are all about... Crocs. But they are so creatively put and so much fun that you will love every minute of them. And the way they use music is just spot-on! The World Health Organization WHO's TikTok account knows how to put stories at the forefront of their entire strategy. They know how to spread the news, touch your soul, and make the most of the platform to spread their important message. Is TikTok right for your business? Considering its rising popularity and potential for viral content, it feels like everyone's flocking to TikTok these days, brands and customers alike. Does that mean you should do it too? Well, before you set up ring lights around the office and start learning all the trending sounds by heart, ask yourself the following questions: Is my target audience on TikTok?Does my brand's tone and messaging align with what works on TikTok?Do I have the time and resources to consistently create and engage on TikTok? If you answered yes to these questions, then TikTok might be worth exploring for your business. By now, TikTok is more than likely not just another social media trend or social media app you'll uninstall in three months, so it is smart to start investing in it as part of your social media marketing plan.  Just remember to keep authenticity at the core of your content. And have fun! Social media is a colorful land where all shades are welcome, but if you can't be real with your customers there, crack a joke, or tell a story, or if you just push links from your blog, people will simply... scroll by. If you want to make the most of social media for your business, you have to find your spot and stay true to it. Looking for someone to lend you a hand on all things social? Contact Mayple and allow us to match you with a vetted social media marketing consultant in less than three days! 
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Social Media MarketingHow to Make a TikTok: Your Ultimate GuideUnless you've been living under a rock for the past few years, you've heard of TikTok: the sensational social media platform heading for the stars like none other before. The place for dance challenges, odd challenges, and NPC live shows is more than just a funny pastime for Gen Z, though. It's a place where brands can expand their reach, build connections, and sell. The average TikTok user spends a whopping 95 minutes on the platform every day. And if you think TikTok's just for Gen Z kids, you're wrong. While they make up the bulk of the user base, 56% of 20 to 29-year-olds and 45% of 30 to 39-year-olds are also on TikTok. Plus, people up to 64-year-olds use it as well. That means there's a high chance your target audience is swiping up, hoping to find you, right now.  Every minute, TikTok users watch no less than 167 million videos.  One of them could be your customer. A TikTok presence can hook your ideal customer, draw them in, and keep them with you.  How to make a TikTok video, and how to make sure you make the most of the platform's editing features to create video content that gets your audience's attention at the speed of a swipe up? In this guide, we're diving head-first into TikTok, the different types of videos you can make, and the best practices that propel your video straight to virality. Let's get going! What is a TikTok video? A TikTok video is a short-form video published – and sometimes created directly – on TikTok, a social media app. The length of the videos ranges from 3 seconds to 3 minutes, with some types of videos going up to 10 minutes. The TikTok video format is suitable for entertainment, comedy, and infotainment. If you download TikTok, it'll take just a few minutes to understand just how the stream of background noises, reaction videos, and more are so mesmerizing. Types of TikTok videos All TikTok videos are created to be easily digestible so that TikTok users can scroll through them quickly. That is precisely what gets so many people hooked on TikTok very quickly: the continuous feed of videos they can swipe through without much effort, combined with an algorithm that feels borderline mind-reading. Not all TikTok videos are created alike, though. There are different types of TikTok videos, and some of the most popular ones include: Dance videos This is how TikTok rose to fame: teenagers dancing to the beat of popular songs, challenging others to do the same. The dance challenge videos on TikTok are a fun way for users to showcase their moves and creativity while also keeping up with the latest trends in music.  Lip-sync videos Similar to dance videos, lip-sync videos are all about mimicking popular songs or movie scenes. This type of TikTok video is great for those who love acting, singing, or just want to have some silly fun in front of the camera. Comedy skits TikTok has become a hub for short-form comedy sketches that often rely on quick wit and creative editing techniques. These types of videos can be highly entertaining and relatable, making them perfect for going viral. Vlogs and GRWMs TikTok now also allows for longer videos, up to 3 minutes in length. This has led to the rise of vlogs (video blogs) and GRWMs (Get Ready With Me videos), where users showcase their daily routines or get ready for events while providing commentary. Beauty and fashion tutorials If the early 2010s were all about long, detailed beauty videos on YouTube, the 2020s seem to be all about short, snappy tutorials on TikTok. This type of video is perfect for showcasing makeup looks, clothing hauls, or styling tips in a concise and visually appealing way. DIY and crafting videos TikTok has also become a popular platform for sharing creative DIY and crafting projects. These types of videos are often highly satisfying to watch and can inspire viewers to try them out Educational/informative content Infotainment (educational + informative) content has recently started becoming more popular on TikTok, with creators sharing quick and easily digestible facts, tips, and tricks on a wide range of topics. These videos can also go viral if they provide valuable information or are presented in a visually engaging manner. Live content One of the best parts about social media is that it allows for real-time interactions with your audience. TikTok has a live feature that enables users to go live and engage with their followers directly. This type of content is great for building connections and fostering a sense of community. How to make a TikTok video Making TikTok videos is intuitive and easy, so you shouldn't worry too much about the technicalities Once you get the gist of it, you'll be able to create your own videos in no time! Here are the basic steps you need to follow: Set up an account To start your TikTok journey, you'll first need to set up an account: Download the app: Head to App Store or Google Play, search for TikTok, and hit that download button. This step is essential to get started.Open it: Once it's installed, open the app. Welcome to the world of TikTok!Add your birthday: TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years old, so make sure to enter your birthdate.Choose how you create your account: You can sign up using your phone number, email, or social media accounts.Choose your username: Pick a unique and memorable username that represents you on TikTok.Sync contacts: Connect with your friends and contacts if you wish. It's a great way to build your initial audience.Finalize the profile (photo, bio, name): Add a profile photo, write a bio that showcases your personality, and enter your name. This will help others get to know you. You can always edit these details later (you just need to go to "Edit profile").  How to record a video on TikTok Now that your account is set up, it's time to create your first TikTok video. Here's a quick step-by-step guide on how to do this:  Tap the "+" button: In the app, tap the "+" button at the bottom to start recording. This is where the magic begins. Remember that the same "+" can also act as the upload button, if you choose to upload your own video. Choose video length: Select the desired video length. Shorter videos are more likely to keep viewers engaged.Record: Start recording your video by holding down the record button. You can record multiple video clips to create a seamless video.Adjust your clip: If you're not happy with a segment, use the in-app editing tool to trim or split it using the scissors icon on the right side of the screen. It may not be as precise as a desktop-based video editor, but it will do the trick. The good news about this is you don't need advanced video editing skills – anyone can become a video creator on TikTok. Add music, sound, or voice effects: You can add popular songs, sound effects, or your own audio to give your video personality. TikTok has an extensive audio library you can use to add background music, noises, and audio clips that enhance your message and story. If you prefer it, you can use your original audio, too. Add video special effects, stickers, and/or text: Get creative and add visual elements to your original video and make it stand out. TikTok's editor tool allows you to add cool effects, like green screens, a wide range of filters, and more. Not only can these be fun, but they can also eliminate the need for extensive editing. The in-built editing tool will provide you with pretty much everything you need for small adjustments to your video. Choose your cover: From the preview available on the top right side of the screen, select a catchy cover image for your video. This is the thumbnail that viewers will see before they click on your video.Tap "Next": Once your video is ready, tap "Next" to proceed to the next step.Add captions and hashtags: Write an engaging video description that hooks viewers and tells them what your video is about. Remember to use relevant hashtags to increase discoverability.Choose if you allow the Stitch or Duet feature: Decide if you want other users to collaborate with your video by enabling the Duet video and Stitch video features. Also, keep in mind that you can fine-tune other video settings as well, such as whether you want to share them with all the users on TikTok or just those following you. Post it: Hit the "Post" button to share your masterpiece with the world. Your video is now live for others to enjoy. How to make a TikTok from a pre-recorded video Already have some awesome footage you want to share? No problem! Here are the essential steps you need to know to do this,  Tap the "+" button: Start by tapping the "+" button as usual to create a new TikTok.Choose "Upload": Select "Upload" to pick a video from your gallery. You can choose from videos you've previously recorded.Pick the video you want to publish: Find the video you want to publish and select it.Customize it: Use the TikTok editor to add special effects, captions, and more to make your existing video even more engaging.Tap "Next": Proceed to the next steps to finalize your TikTok.Add caption: Write a compelling caption for your video to give it context and personality. Add relevant hashtags to make sure your audience can find your content more easily. How to make a TikTok with more videos For more complex videos that involve multiple clips, Tap the "+" button: Begin by tapping the "+" button as you would when creating a regular TikTok video.Record your segments or upload multiple videos: You can record multiple segments or select existing videos from your gallery to include in your video.Rearrange or trim the segments: Use the editing tools to arrange and trim the clips to create your desired narrative.Tap "Adjust Clips": Fine-tune your video by tapping "Adjust Clips" to ensure it flows seamlessly.Tap "Save": After editing, save your video, so you don't lose your progress.Add music and video effects, then publish: Use the video editor features to enhance your video with music, special effects, and any final touches, then publish it for the world to see. How to make a TikTok video with a picture Want to add a still image to your video? This can be helpful when you want to show a picture and talk about it (e.g., a photo of a house you're discussing or an old advertisement, for example.) Here's a quick step-by-step guide:  Tap the "+" button: Begin the process by tapping the "+" button as you would when creating a regular TikTok video.Search for picture-in-video options: Look for options that allow you to insert a picture within your video.Upload your photo from your gallery: Choose the image you want to include in your video and add it seamlessly. How to Duet & Stitch on TikTok Collaboration is a big part of TikTok and reaction videos are a quick, smart way to make your name known on the platform. You will use the duet feature when you want to create a video that plays alongside someone else's video. The stitch feature allows you to add your own content to another user's video. Here's how to do both: Search for a video you want to Duet or Stitch with.On the video, tap the "Share" button.Select either "Duet" or "Stitch" and follow the on-screen instructions to collaborate with other TikTok users. TikTok facts you need to know for a solid strategy For a successful TikTok experience, understanding some key facts is crucial: There are more than 1.7 billion TikTok users out there. That's almost 25% of the population of the world on one app. By comparison, Facebook (still the crowned social media channel) has 3.03 billion, but it's been around since 2004, whereas TikTok was created in 2016. Dances and sound trends continue to be among the most popular types of videos on TikTok. They're quite versatile too, as they're often adaptable to any genre of music. Zach's King Magic Ride, the most popular TikTok video of all time, has more than 2.3 billion views at this point. Almost 40% of all the users on TikTok are between 18 and 24 years old, which means that a lot of other age groups are on TikTok (not just Gen Z). (Source) How to create awesome TikTok videos: best practices Now, let's explore some best practices to ensure your TikTok videos stand out: Settle on a niche Find your niche or unique angle to stand out in a crowded platform. Posting "everything" content might sound like you're casting a wide net, but it can also make your content less distinct and more challenging to identify with. Find a niche that connects to your brand and stick to it – you'll steadily gain a loyal following. Find an engaging hook Capture your viewers' attention in the first few seconds. With most TikTok videos being short, it's essential to grab the audience from the start and keep them hooked until the end. Start strong with a catchy opening to pique curiosity and make viewers want to watch more. Use trending music Music plays a significant role in making TikTok videos successful. Keep an eye out for trending songs and sounds to use in your content. Adding a popular song to your video can increase its reach and make it more shareable. If you're looking for trending songs, you can use TikTok's search bar and look up "viral songs" (or a similar term) to see what's hot right now. Keep it short and sweet TikTok videos are typically 15-60 seconds long. Aim to keep your video short, engaging, and attention-grabbing. Shorter videos are more likely to hold viewers' attention until the end. Remember: the fast pace and short bursts of captivating images are how so many get hooked on TikTok. According to Statista, average video length is around 36 seconds for small accounts and around 41 seconds for large accounts, so somewhere in between is the sweet spot of how long your TikToks should be. Use trending hashtags Hashtags help your content get more visibility, but only if you use them correctly. Keep an eye out for relevant and trending hashtags to include in your videos' captions. Hashtags also help categorize your content, making it easier for users interested in a particular topic to find your videos. To see what trending hashtags might be suitable for your business, use the "Discover" section in TikTok and search for keywords related to your brand. Jot down those that are relevant and use them in your videos. Use Duet & Stitch Collaborate with other TikTok users to expand your reach and engage with the community. Duet and Stitch allow you to create content with other users, adding a new dimension to your videos. It's an excellent opportunity to collaborate creatively and gain exposure from each other's audiences. Be consistent Consistency is critical to building a following on any social media platform. Regularly post high-quality, engaging content to keep your followers interested and attract new followers. Also, ensure your videos are consistent in style and tone to create a cohesive brand image. Write enticing captions Craft captions that hook viewers' attention and encourage them to stay engaged with your video. Use jokes, puns, or call-to-action phrases in your captions to draw viewers in and make them want to watch more of your content. Understand the algorithm No one knows exactly how the TikTok algorithm works. But some factors influence the content that gets recommended to users. Some of these include user interactions (likes, comments, shares), video information (captions, hashtags), and video quality. Keep these in mind when creating your content to increase its chances of reaching a broader audience. Don't ignore the trends Participate in trending challenges, use popular sounds, and create content that aligns with what's currently popular on the platform. It's key to tap into these trends as quickly as possible to make sure you ride the popularity wave – otherwise, you might be too late to the party. Make sure your videos are high-quality Just because TikTok videos are generally shot with smartphones, it doesn't mean they should be low-quality. Invest in good lighting, framing, and clear visuals to ensure your videos look professional and engaging. It doesn't have to be an expensive set, but it should be visually appealing. Don't forget about sound quality Quality audio is equally important, so make sure your recordings have clear and crisp sound to enhance the viewer's experience. The last thing you want is for viewers to have a hard time understanding your video or get distracted by poor sound quality. Don't over-promote While it's essential to promote your content, don't overdo it. TikTok is about creativity and fun, not constant self-promotion. In fact, the TikTok community tends to reject overly promotional content – so make sure your videos are entertaining and engaging first, with subtle brand mentions thrown in. Use a scheduling tool  Want to maintain consistency on TikTok and grow a base of active users around your brand? Cool. If you've been a social media marketer for a hot minute, you know how easy it is to let time slip away and delay the content creation process for your brand's channels. Creating your TikToks in advance and scheduling them with a social media tool is a smart choice if you want to keep your fans close (and your competition envious, of course). It creates a consistent posting schedule, and it also allows you to manage all your channels from one social media platform.  Plus, when you schedule content using a tool, you can also take advantage of the best posting times to maximize your reach and your engagement from the very beginning.  (Source) Measure your performance ... But like with every other social channel, remember not to fall for vanity metrics. It's better to measure the level of engagement on your videos or how much attention a hashtag challenges got your business, rather than how many times your video was viewed.  Add interactive elements  Tags, polls, and other interactive elements are great ways to keep the conversation going and engage with your followers. By adding these interactive elements, you can get to know your viewers better and make them feel heard. And if you respond to their comments, they’ll keep coming back for more! Get creative and...have fun Don't be afraid to get a little creative on TikTok. This platform is all about having fun and letting your ideas run wild – that's what makes it so special and that's exactly why they have such an extensive library of music, filters, and more. Experiment with different video styles, challenges, and trends to find what works best for you and your audience. Most importantly, don't take yourself too seriously. Have fun with your videos, and let your personality shine through! Time to swipe up on your TikTok strategy! Social media challenges and TikTok are no longer limited to "kids." They are legit tools you can use to reach your target audience and get maximum engagement for your brand.  Remember, TikTok's not so much about sales as it is about creating genuine community engagement. The secret to winning on this social media platform is being human, good natured, knowing which social media trends to embrace, and what kind of content that fosters a high level of engagement in your audience.  Need someone to help you run your social media marketing?  Hire a social media expert from Mayple. We'll match you with the best one in a matter of days!