Because you've landed on this page, you’re probably already on TikTok, but might be struggling to turn those views into actual sales. Don’t worry, you’re not alone—monetizing TikTok is one of the many strategies brands are leveraging to boost their revenue streams. But before we address the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why TikTok should be a non-negotiable part of your marketing strategy.

TikTok is no longer just a platform for fun and games. With over 1 billion monthly active users globally, including 150 million in the US alone, this platform has become a mecca for monetizing your brand. Here’s another stat that should make you sit up: the average daily time spent on TikTok has skyrocketed from 27 minutes in 2019 to nearly 59 minutes in 2023. That’s almost an hour a day where potential customers are glued to their screens.

And it’s not just about eyeballs. TikTok Shop is becoming a major player in e-commerce, with 200,000 merchants and 100,000 creators already selling through the affiliate program. This past holiday season proved TikTok Shop’s potential, with about 150,000 creators and sellers publishing shoppable videos or live shopping streams during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The result? Over 5 million new customers made purchases, driving a staggering 22.8 billion views across all shoppable livestreams and videos.

Clearly, if you’re not capitalizing on TikTok, you’re missing out on a massive opportunity. So let’s talk about how you can turn those TikTok views into serious revenue.

1. Know Your Audience

First things first: who are you really talking to? TikTok’s algorithm is hyper-personalized, and if you’ve spent any time scrolling, you’ve probably noticed it seems like TikTok knows you. Like a video, leave a comment, or even just watch something all the way through, and TikTok’s algorithm will start feeding you similar content. It’s practically psychic—but only if you know your target audience.

Understanding your audience is crucial because TikTok’s algorithm will always, and we mean always, work in your favor if you know who you’re trying to reach. To get a handle on this, start by scrutinizing TikTok analytics. Who’s engaging with your content? Are they teens obsessed with beauty trends, or young adults hungry for bite-sized useful business tips? What are they searching for on TikTok? Are they there to learn, discover something new, or just for a bit of fun?

Once you’ve nailed down who you’re talking to, their needs, and their interests, the next step is creating content that speaks directly to them. Tailoring your content to fit your audience’s needs and behaviors is the first step to creating something they’ll want to buy into.

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Take Scrub Daddy, for instance. They know their audience inside out. Sure, their target market is broad, but they’ve zeroed in on one common pain point: getting rid of stubborn grime on household surfaces. Their content isn’t just informative; it’s fun and engaging too. They cleverly highlight one of their standout features: the sponge’s ability to change texture based on water temperature—firm in cold water for scrubbing, and soft in warm water for gentle cleaning.

Because Scrub Daddy understands their audience, including their behaviors and needs, they’re able to craft content that speaks directly to them, which is why they win, time and time again.

Action Steps:

• Analyze your audience's demographics in TikTok Analytics.
• Create a content calendar based on what your audience enjoys and engages with.

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2. Collaborate with Influencers

Once you know your audience, it’s time to extend your reach. Influencer marketing is huge on TikTok, and for good reason. Partnering with influencers who genuinely align with your brand can help you tap into their audience, boosting your reach and credibility. But here’s the catch: TikTok has a homegrown feel, and your audience can spot a fake from a mile away. So, when you’re scouting for influencers, make sure they’re authentic and personable. Trust us, your audience will appreciate it.

Now, here’s a little secret: you don’t need to shell out big bucks for top-tier influencers. Micro-influencers and even nano-influencers can create viral content without cleaning you out. In fact, lesser-known TikTok creators often have greater potential for going viral, thanks to TikTok’s recommendation method. Unlike other platforms, TikTok rewards high-quality, relevant content over follower count.

As Irina Weisfeiler, Product Marketing Manager at TikTok, puts it, TikTok’s algorithm “prioritizes content itself, not a person’s following. That means anyone and any brand can get discovered and seen by millions.”

The key? Choose influencers such as @paulinejcholi in this collagen collab who share your brand’s values and can authentically promote your products or services. Authenticity is the name of the game on TikTok.

Action Steps:

• Research influencers in your niche with high engagement rates.
• Reach out with a clear and mutually beneficial collaboration proposal.

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3. Use TikTok Ads

Once you’ve built a strong foundation with your audience and influencer partnerships, it’s time to scale up with TikTok Ads. TikTok Ads could be your golden ticket to reaching a bigger audience. Whether you’re leaning towards In-Feed ads that blend right in with everyday content or Branded Hashtag Challenges that get people participating, TikTok’s got a range of ad options to fit your goals. Sure, ads require a bit of an upfront investment, but if you do it right, the payoff can be pretty sweet.

One of the cool things about TikTok Ads is that you’re in control of how much you spend. TikTok uses an auction and bidding model, meaning you get to decide how much you’re willing to pay per view, click, or impression. But heads up—there’s a minimum spend of $50 per day for each campaign and $20 per ad group, so make sure you’ve got your budget sorted.

Creating an ad on TikTok is quite simple, but let’s make sure you’re doing it in a way that is effective:

• Keep It Short and Sweet: You might be tempted to go all out, but TikTok suggests keeping ads under 15 seconds. Think of it like speed dating—you’ve only got a few seconds to make an impression, so make them count.
• Get Creative with It: TikTok is about fun, so why not use Branded Effects like stickers and filters? These little touches can make your ads more engaging and feel right at home on the platform.
• Pick the Right Ad Format: In-Feed ads are great because they look just like the content people are already watching, which makes them feel more authentic. If you want to make a splash, TopView ads appear at the top of the “For You” section—perfect for getting noticed.
• Add Some Music: TikTok without sound is like pizza without cheese—it just doesn’t work. Adding music or sound effects that match your brand’s vibe can make your ads pop even more.
• Make It Look Good: TikTok is a visual playground, so your ads need to look sharp. But don’t stress if you don’t have fancy gear—plenty of creators are making high-quality content with just the basics.
• Keep Your CTA Simple: You’ve only got a few seconds to grab someone’s attention, so your call to action needs to be straightforward. Whether it’s “Visit our website,” “Use this promo code,” or “Download our app,” make sure it’s easy to follow.

Here @shwinnabego gives more advice on creating the best tiktok ad:

Action Steps:

• Set your budget and objectives clearly before diving into your ad campaign.
• Try out different ad formats to see what clicks with your audience.

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4. Create Shoppable Content

NNow that you’ve attracted attention with ads, it’s time to turn that interest into sales. Got products to sell? This is where TikTok sets itself apart. By creating shoppable content, you make it super easy for your audience to go from inspiration to purchase in just a few clicks. Imagine this: your video pops up, someone likes what they see, and boom—they can buy it right then and there. No fuss, no hassle.

For your shoppable videos, you can include product tags, clickable links, or even a shopping tab that takes users directly to your online store or product page. This seamless blend of e-commerce and social media content makes it ridiculously easy for users to make quick purchases. Honestly, I know I’m way more likely to buy something I see in a video than just from a static image. Videos make the whole buying process feel more real and immediate.

By leveraging this feature like @misslulubags, you’re not just showcasing your products—you’re making the entire shopping experience smoother and more interactive for your audience. It simplifies their decision-making and makes buying from you a no-brainer.

Action Steps:

• Link your TikTok account with your e-commerce platform.
• Create content that showcases your products in a fun and engaging way.

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5. Go Live with a Purpose

Ready to take it up a notch? TikTok Live isn’t just for chatting with your followers—it’s an effective tool for monetization. You can use live sessions to showcase new products, offer exclusive discounts, or even host Q&A sessions to build a deeper connection with your audience. Plus, viewers can send you virtual gifts during live streams, which you can convert into real money.

But don’t just go live without a plan. To really make the most of TikTok Live, you need a purpose. Whether it’s launching a new product or giving your audience an exclusive behind-the-scenes look, make sure every live session adds value to your followers. The more engaging and interactive your live sessions are, the more likely your audience will be to stay, participate, and—most importantly—make a purchase. One brand that has absolutely nailed this is Savage X Fenty by Rihanna. Their TikTok Live events are nothing short of dynamic. During their live sessions, they showcase products, bring on guest speakers, and even offer exclusive promos. It’s no wonder they have an army of loyal fans.

Action Steps:

• Plan your live sessions with a clear goal in mind (e.g., product launches, exclusive offers).
• Engage with your audience in real-time by answering their questions and offering special deals.

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6. Levarage User-Generated Content

Your audience can be your biggest brand ambassadors, so why not let them do some of the heavy lifting? User-generated content (UGC) is an incredibly powerful tool on TikTok. Encourage your customers to create videos of them using your products, share them on their profiles, and tag your brand. The authenticity of real customers showcasing your products can work wonders for building trust and encouraging new sales.

Take Glossier, for example. The beauty brand has built a loyal fan base largely thanks to their customers sharing photos and videos of their products on TikTok. In return, Glossier often reposts these videos, giving a shoutout to their fans while also generating fresh content for their own account. This user-driven strategy has helped the brand cultivate a close-knit community and attract new customers.

The best part? You don’t need to create all of your content from scratch—your customers are doing it for you. But don’t forget to engage with them. When a customer tags you in their video, acknowledge them with a like, comment, or even a repost. It shows you value their support and encourages them to continue advocating for your brand.

Another great tactic is product seeding. Send your products to a select group of influencers or loyal customers and ask them to share their honest thoughts. It’s a win-win: they get something cool for free, and you get valuable content that showcases your brand in a real, relatable way.

Action Steps:

• Launch a branded hashtag challenge to encourage UGC.
• Engage with and feature the best UGC on your profile.

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7. Offer Exclusive Discounts and Promotions

Everyone loves a good deal, and TikTok is the perfect platform to promote exclusive discounts and promotions. Whether it’s a flash sale for your followers or a special discount for those who use your branded hashtag, these offers can drive sales and increase your follower count.

Creating a sense of urgency with time-limited promotions or special deals can help nudge your audience to take action. Pair this with a unique promo code that tracks sales generated from TikTok, and you’ll have a solid strategy for boosting conversions.

Action Steps:

• Create a sense of urgency with time-limited promotions.
• Use a unique promo code that tracks sales generated from TikTok.

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8. Build a Community, Not Just a Following

Ultimately, the brands that succeed on TikTok are the ones that build genuine connections with their audience. Focus on creating a community where your followers feel valued and heard. When people feel a connection to your brand, they’re more likely to support you financially.

To build this community, engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages. Create content that speaks to the values and interests of your community, and makes them feel like they’re part of something bigger.

Action Steps:

• Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages.
• Create content that speaks to the values and interests of your community.

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9. Be Consistent and Authentic

Last but certainly not least, be consistent and authentic. TikTok users can spot a sales pitch from a mile away, so authenticity is key. Share your brand’s story, your challenges, and your wins. Be consistent in your posting schedule, and stay true to your brand’s voice. The more authentic you are, the more your audience will trust and support you.

Consistency also means maintaining a regular posting schedule. Whether you post daily or a few times a week, make sure your audience knows when to expect new content from you. This builds anticipation and keeps your followers coming back for more.

Action Steps:

• Maintain a consistent posting schedule.
• Share behind-the-scenes content to humanize your brand.

In 2024, TikTok is shaping up to be one of the most effective platforms for brands to not only reach new audiences but also drive sales. The key is to approach TikTok strategically, from knowing your audience to collaborating with influencers, creating shoppable content, and consistently tracking your performance. TikTok might have started as a fun app for teens, but it’s now a goldmine for businesses ready to take their marketing game to the next level.

Whether you're a small business owner or a larger brand, there’s a spot for you on TikTok. It’s time to turn those views into revenue and make TikTok an integral part of your marketing strategy. So go ahead, create that content, engage with your audience, and watch the sales roll in.

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