Should your business be on TikTok? I asked industry leaders to chime in with their thoughts. Here’s what they shared.

7 Reasons Your Business Should (or Shouldn’t) Be on TikTok

In the fast-paced world of social media, businesses are constantly evaluating their presence on platforms like TikTok. I’ve gathered insights from CEOs and marketing experts to explore this phenomenon. From aligning with strategic audiences to prioritizing content depth on other platforms, discover the top seven reasons these leaders have for either embracing or steering clear of TikTok for their businesses.

• Strategic Audience Alignment
• Expanding Brand Presence
• Amplifying Reach Through Virality
• Showcasing AI Features Creatively
• Targeting Niche Investment-Focused Audience
• Prioritizing Content Depth on Other Platforms
• Demonstrating Product Value Visually

Strategic Audience Alignment

From my diverse background in technology, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing, I’ve learned the importance of leveraging various social media platforms to align with business goals and audience demographics. While the business I’m associated with does not currently have a presence on TikTok, this decision is driven by a strategic evaluation of our targeted audience’s behavior and our content’s nature. 

Our primary audience consists of startups and enterprise clients in sectors where the decision-making process relies heavily on detailed insights, strategic partnerships, and discussions that platforms like LinkedIn and specialized webinars cater to more efficiently. The intricate details of cloud communications strategies or D2C marketing approaches we specialize in often require a level of depth that short-form video content platforms like TikTok may not effectively accommodate. 

However, acknowledging the power of TikTok, we continuously assess its evolving landscape and its potential to serve as a valuable touchpoint for certain audience segments in the future. Analyzing trends and the platform’s expansion into various demographic groups, we remain open to adapting our strategy. For example, if leveraging TikTok can enhance our visibility or offer a novel avenue to engage with tech-savvy entrepreneurs or marketing professionals, integrating it into our multi-platform approach would be a strategic move, mirroring our adaptability in serving clients’ evolving needs in the digital ecosystem.

Gary Gilkison, Principal Analyst, Riverbase Cloud

Expanding Brand Presence

We at CarePatron recently hopped onto using TikTok because we acknowledge its relevance in reaching a wider audience. It’s an interesting avenue to offer informative yet accessible content with the help of its algorithm. It’s definitely challenging but significant in resonating with today’s SNS users, meeting our long-term goals, and simply strengthening our brand presence on all possible bases.

Jamie Frew, CEO, Carepatron

Related: Also check out the post “How to Get Famous On TikTok.“

Amplifying Reach Through Virality

As the founder of That Local Pack, a digital marketing and SEO agency focused on local service providers, I have a deep understanding of the importance of social media platforms, including TikTok, in driving visibility and engagement. Our business on TikTok serves a strategic purpose, leveraging the platform’s massive, engaged audience to amplify our reach and connect with potential clients in a compelling, visual, and timely manner.

The main reason for our presence on TikTok lies in its potential for virality and its powerful algorithm that can surface content to a broad audience, even those not following you directly. By creating content that resonates with local businesses looking to increase their online presence, we not only showcase our expertise in SEO and digital marketing but also provide value through tips, insights, and success stories from our clients. This strategy aligns with trends and preferences in content consumption, where users crave quick, actionable insights presented in an entertaining way.

From my prior experience as a Senior Content Marketing Manager at a leading tech platform, where my work significantly increased online visitors and engagement, I’ve learned the impact of adapting to new platforms and content formats. This background gives me a unique vantage point on utilizing platforms like TikTok. For instance, we’ve seen a particular TikTok campaign boost awareness for a local plumbing business by highlighting quick DIY fixes, driving significant traffic to their website, and increasing their service calls.

While I advocate for a multi-channel approach, TikTok offers a unique advantage for local businesses to create a personal connection with their audience. It’s not just about dancing or trends; it’s a platform where creativity, expertise, and even a glimpse into the day-to-day operations can help demystify SEO and digital marketing for our target audience.

In conclusion, our presence on TikTok is a calculated move to reach a segment of our audience where they spend a significant amount of time. It allows us to convey our message in an engaging format while positioning us as forward-thinking and in tune with the latest digital marketing strategies, essential for winning in the competitive local SEO space.

Ken Fortney, Founder, That Local Pack

Showcasing AI Features Creatively

Yep, our business is definitely on TikTok, and the main reason is to tap into the dynamic and creative community there, especially those excited about AI and productivity. TikTok gives us a unique platform to showcase Taskade’s AI features in action, like AI agents and automation, through engaging, bite-sized content. It’s all about connecting with the audience in a fun and relatable way, demonstrating how our tool can seamlessly fit into and enhance their daily lives and workflows.

This presence on TikTok is our way of keeping up with the trends and reaching out to a younger, tech-savvy audience that values innovation and efficiency. Plus, it’s a fantastic channel for visual storytelling, allowing us to visually demonstrate the impact of our AI-driven features, making it clear why Taskade stands out in the crowded space of productivity tools.

John Xie, Co-Founder and CEO, Taskade

Targeting Niche Investment-Focused Audience

My business hasn’t taken the leap onto TikTok. The primary reason is a strategic choice to concentrate on platforms where my target demographic—seasoned investors and potential homebuyers—spends the most time. 

While TikTok offers vast outreach potential, platforms like LinkedIn and specialized real estate forums align more closely with my goals of engaging a more niche, investment-focused audience. This approach allows me to tailor content that resonates deeply with their specific interests and needs.

Mike Wall, CEO, EZ Sell Homebuyers

Prioritizing Content Depth on Other Platforms

Our business’s absence from TikTok is a strategic choice, reflective of our focus on content depth and detailed engagement strategies that currently align better with other platforms. The fast-paced, trend-driven nature of TikTok doesn’t mesh well with our brand’s emphasis on in-depth, educational content. 

We’re all about fostering long-term relationships with our audience through detailed blogs, in-depth videos, and forums for open discussion. While we recognize TikTok’s value in brand promotion and audience engagement, we’re currently investing where our content can thrive and resonate deeply with our audience.

Cyrus Partow, CEO, ShipTheDeal

Demonstrating Product Value Visually

Our product inherently shines brightest when demonstrated. It’s one thing to tell someone about its features and benefits, but it’s another to show it in action, making them see its value firsthand. This is where TikTok becomes not just a platform for us, but a stage—a place where we can vividly showcase what our product does and how it seamlessly fits into the lives of our users. The dynamic, visually driven nature of TikTok content aligns perfectly with our need to demonstrate our product in a way that is both engaging and informative. 

TikTok’s format encourages creativity and authenticity, which are key in crafting compelling narratives around our product. Through short, captivating videos, we can demonstrate our product in various scenarios, highlighting its versatility and ease of use. This not only helps in educating our audience but also in building a stronger, more relatable brand presence. 

Moreover, TikTok’s algorithm is designed to push content to viewers who are most likely to find it relevant, making it an efficient tool for reaching our target demographic. The interactive nature of TikTok also allows us to receive immediate feedback through comments, shares, and likes, giving us valuable insights into our audience’s preferences and how they perceive our product. 

By tripling down on our TikTok efforts this year and integrating performance influencer marketing, we’re leveraging the platform’s strengths to not just reach but resonate with our audience. Influencers, with their ability to connect and build trust with their followers, can demonstrate our product in authentic, relatable ways, further amplifying its appeal. 

This strategic emphasis on TikTok is rooted in our understanding that in today’s fast-paced digital world, showing is better than telling. By bringing our product to life on this vibrant platform, we’re not just selling; we’re engaging, educating, and entertaining, which makes all the difference.

Matt Goren, Head of Marketing, Tom’s Key Company

So – Should Your Business Be On TikTok?

The decision to establish a presence on TikTok ultimately depends on your business’s unique goals, target audience, and content strategy. While some businesses thrive on the platform, leveraging its vast reach, virality potential, and creative opportunities, others may find their resources better allocated to platforms that align more closely with their niche audience and in-depth content requirements.

If your business can effectively showcase its products, services, or expertise through short, engaging videos, and your target audience is active on TikTok, it may be a valuable addition to your social media strategy. The platform’s visual nature and potential for organic reach can help you expand your brand presence, connect with younger, tech-savvy audiences, and demonstrate your offerings in a relatable and authentic way.

However, if your business relies heavily on detailed, educational content or targets a more niche, professional audience, platforms like LinkedIn, specialized forums, or your own website may be more effective in fostering meaningful engagement and establishing thought leadership.

Ultimately, the key is to evaluate your business’s unique needs, resources, and audience preferences. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each platform and aligning your content strategy accordingly, you can make an informed decision on whether TikTok is the right fit for your business. Remember, a well-executed multi-platform approach that adapts to your audience’s evolving needs and preferences is often the most effective way to maximize your social media presence and achieve your business goals.

Need some time saving tools in your office? This post can help you with just that!

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Megan Isola. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

Tools To Save You Time In The Office

The world of business is fast-paced and constantly changing. In any industry, time is a valuable, but limited resource. Fortunately, there are plenty of tools available to help employees save time and increase productivity in the office. These tools offer innovative solutions with a range of benefits. Leveraging time-saving tools allow professionals to optimize workflow, reduce administrative burdens, and focus on more impactful work. 

In this article, you’ll find a range of tools designed to save time in your workday, empowering individuals and teams to work efficiently and achieve greater productivity.

Collaboration tools

For remote and in-office teams, employee collaboration leads to improved innovation and positive work culture. Collaboration tools can help save time during the workday, streamline workflow, improve communication, and enhance productivity. Investing in collaboration tools provides instant messaging and video conferencing capabilities, allowing your team members to instantly and easily collaborate. These tools also centralize your information and documents so employees can easily find and access the information they need. Collaboration tools can also optimize project management and assist in employee onboarding by serving as a repository for discussions and decision-making. 

Robotic Process Automation

RPA tools eliminate repetitive, rule-based tasks, allowing employees to focus on critical and complex tasks. With robotic process automation, you cut manual data entry and reduce errors, saving your business money over time. RPA can also easily migrate your data from system to system, reducing the time it takes to extract, load, and transform data. 

You can also use an RPA to automate email management based on the defined rules you set and automate report generation by automatically collecting and processing your data. While we’ve highlighted a few ways an RPA can make your day more efficient, because of their flexibility and customization, there are limitless possibilities. 

Client communication tools

For any business, managing your client relationships is crucial to your company’s success. However, nurturing your connections to ensure each client is happy can take ample time, making customer communication management tools essential. These tools streamline your communication efforts into one platform, ensuring consistent messaging, branding, and formatting. You can also easily customize your messages and automate email, SMS, social media, and other coordinated communications, reducing the time it takes to build and send out campaigns. 

These tools also offer informative insights based on your analytics so you can adjust your campaigns for more successful communications. Because client communication tools streamline your communication process and reduce manual effort, it results in optimized efforts while saving time and money. 

Password manager

For any business, securing your password and encryption protocols is necessary. With many employees utilizing company passwords, password managers can securely store and manage your passwords in one place. With password managers like 1Password and LastPass, users with access to company accounts require a unique code, allowing them to auto-fill login information so you don’t have to pass passwords back and forth between employees. These tools also utilize a two-factor authentication system, preventing unauthorized access to your business’s private information. 

Screen recorder

Quality screen recording software is important to have on any work computer. These programs can help record step by step instructions that can be saved and used for a long time. These recordings are especially useful in training new employees on how to do day to day practices within the organization. Recordings can help save your employees time but not having to take time out of their day to mentor a trainee one on one and instead show them high-quality instructions. 

Digital signature tools

Another way to save time in the office is by investing in a digital signature tool. These tools eliminate the need to print, scan, and circulate physical documents. Enabling remote signing, optimizing document circulation, and improving document security can save your business time and money. You can also integrate your centralized document management tool with your workflow system to streamline the signing process while ensuring compliance. Adopting a digital signature reduces administrative hurdles, increases efficiency, and accelerates workflow. 

Time trackers

Investing in time trackers for employees is another way to save time in the workday by increasing your awareness of time prioritization, providing accurate time tracking, identifying areas for improvement, and enabling task prioritization and planning. Time trackers can also offer powerful insights into improving operational efficiency and project management while enhancing client transparency and reporting. Overall, time tracking tools allow for optimized time management and productivity while identifying problem areas where time is wasted. 

Organization tools

If you want to save time and maximize your work output, investing in organizational tools can help. Organizing tools save time in the office by improving efficiency, streamlining workflow, and reducing your day-to-day work clutter. These tools enable efficient information management, task and project management, calendars and scheduling, and file organization. They can also enhance collaboration and communication, system integration, digital note-taking, and reduce workflow distractions. Optimizing your work processes obtains a clear and organized work environment, enhancing productivity while saving time. 

Project management software

Another tool to invest in and save time during your workday is a project management software. These tools help streamline project management and execution by centralizing information while boosting your team’s collaboration. Project management software can also automate reminders and notifications about task completion and upcoming due dates based on your business need and provide visual timelines, reporting, and analytics to improve efficiency and ensure each team member is on the same page. 

You can also integrate your project management tools with your other business tools like time-tracking software to reduce the need to switch between your various applications. By leveraging project management software, you streamline project planning, resulting in improved efficiency, reduced delays, and optimized resource utilization. These time-saving benefits allow your team to focus on productive work, meet deadlines, and deliver successful outcomes more efficiently. 

Meeting scheduling tools

One of the most challenging and time-consuming tasks in working in a remote team or with global offices is scheduling meetings. With various schedules to accommodate, finding the right time to meet can often be more challenging than the meetings themselves. Instead of wasting your precious time and energy trying to schedule a meeting, look into adopting a meeting scheduling tool to prevent frustration. 

Scheduling tools like Calendly, Doodle, and Google Calendar’s scheduling features streamline meeting scheduling by automatically showing you times when everyone’s free without having to go back and forth by email or needing to reschedule a meeting. 

Saving time and money at work

In the modern office landscape, time-saving tools are essential investments for boosting productivity and achieving better work-life balance. From collaboration and communication to project management software, digital signature tools, and robotics process automation, the options are abundant. Embracing these tools unlocks your potential for improving collaboration productivity, and time savings. With the right tools, you can conquer daily work challenges, accomplish more in less time, and achieve greater success in your work.

About the Author

Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends. 

In this book review, I’m sharing my thoughts on “Empire – A Step by Step Guide to Starting a Creative Business” by Kim Hendren.

This post might contain affiliate links. If you purchase anything through these links, my website will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks in advance for your support!

A Road Map to Success for Creative Business Owners

Kim Hendren has been a creative entrepreneur for more than two decades. She’s a Michigan girl turned Florida transplant, and is a multi-passionate creator. Her new book Empire – A Step by Step Guide to Starting a Creative Business serves as a road map to, well, starting a creative business.

I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy. While I did receive this book for free, all opinions are my own.

Who’s This Book For?

Anyone who has ever thought about starting a creative business. That is who Kim wrote this book for. Her goal is simple – help you take her years of experience, and put you on the fast track to launching a creative business of your own.

What qualifies as a creative business? It could look like selling:

• Novelty t-shirts, totes, mugs – anything that can have something printed on it
• Artwork (printed photographs, watercolors, mixed media on canvas, etc…)
• Floral arrangements
• Handmade goods (crafts, jewelry, garments, etc…)
• Music
• Websites
• Graphics

You get the idea…pretty much anything that requires creativity that can be bought and sold – that can make up the basis of a creative business.

Related: Read my post 101 Ideas to Make Money From Home.

As she says,  “For the sake of simplicity, these steps are geared toward creative home businesses or small maker businesses…” Still, many of the steps can be applied towards any type of business.

Kim’s Steps for Success in Launching a Creative Business

1. Her first step is to “find your bliss.” In the beginning, she gives you a worksheet to come up with your perfect business idea. No complicated business plans – just a few questions to help you get clear on what you want.

The rest of the steps look like this:

2. Choose your business name

3. Choose a niche

4. Business colors & logo

5. Getting a domain

6. Setting up social media

7. Business bank account stuff

8. Legal things to know about

9. Expenses and making money

10. The difference between wholesale and retail

11. Options for selling

12. Pricing your stuff

13. Branding

14. Kim’s marketing strategies

15. Kim’s photography tips

16. Shipping & Supplies

17. Labels & printers

18. Manufacturer advice

19. Business ideas – if you’re stuck about what to do

20. How to gain knowledge

21. Battle cry – It’s time to build your empire, and where to go from here.

What Else is in the Book?

This book is about more than just the steps to launching a creative business. It also features checklists, worksheets, and her battle tested tips for everything Kim has gone through in running her own digital empire.

When you buy Empire – A Step by Step Guide to Starting a Creative Business, you’re buying more than a how to guide. You’re buying the brainstorming and testing Kim has worked on for more than two decades.

One of my personal favorite features of the book is the journal section of it. Why? Keeping a record of our journeys along the way helps us see how far we have come. It helps motivate us to keep going as we chase our dreams.

I won’t lie, running a business – especially a creative business – it’s hard work! There’s going to be good days and bad days and really crappy days. But, I know for me, I wouldn’t change it for the world! I love what I do, and wish I had a book like this when I was first starting out.

Where to buy Empire – A Step By Step Guide to Starting a Creative Business: Grab the paperback copy of the book directly from Kim’s Website, or purchase the eBook on Amazon.

Want to know how to integrate your technology in your business? This comprehensive guide can help!

The Modern Business Playbook: Successfully Integrate Technology Into Your Company

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Ashley Nielsen. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

In the evolving landscape of modern business, technology has become not just a strategic choice but a fundamental necessity. The transformative power of technology extends far beyond mere efficiency gains; it has the potential to redefine how businesses operate, innovate, and engage with their stakeholders.

We’ll navigate through a comprehensive set of strategies, offering actionable insights on how to seamlessly integrate technology into your business operations, ensuring immediate benefits while laying the foundation for sustained success.

Assess your needs

Undertaking a comprehensive assessment of your business needs is crucial to successful technology integration. This involves a meticulous analysis of your organizational structure, workflow processes, and existing technologies. By identifying specific pain points, challenges, and opportunities for improvement, you can strategically align technology solutions to address these target areas of your business. The assessment phase should also consider the long-term goals of your organization, ensuring that the selected technologies contribute to sustained growth and competitiveness.

Define your objectives

The process of setting clear objectives for technology integration is not merely an administrative task; it is a strategic exercise that demands a deep understanding of your business goals. Each objective should be meticulously crafted to align with your broader business strategy. For instance, if the overarching goal is to enhance operational efficiency for field service, objectives could include reducing turnaround times, minimizing errors, or optimizing resource allocation. These objectives serve as beacons, guiding the integration process and providing a basis for evaluating its overall success.

Craft a technology plan

Developing a technology plan is a comprehensive exercise that goes beyond listing the required tools and infrastructure. It involves a strategic roadmap outlining the phased implementation of technologies, considering dependencies, and estimating resource requirements. This plan should also address potential challenges, risks, and mitigation strategies. By crafting a detailed technology plan, you not only provide clarity to your team but also create a dynamic document that evolves as the business landscape and technology ecosystem change over time.

Invest in the right software

The process of investing in the right technologies necessitates a thorough examination of the available options. This includes considering the scalability, adaptability, and compatibility of each technology solution with your business model. Delve into the specifics of how each technology aligns with your unique requirements, ensuring that your investment yields both short-term gains and long-term strategic advantages. Engaging in pilot projects or trials can also provide valuable insights before committing to larger-scale implementations.

Provide your team with training

Employee training is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that should be integrated into the fabric of your organization. Beyond basic familiarization with new technologies, training programs should focus on building proficiency and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Consider tailoring training sessions to specific roles within the organization, such as training customer service teams on how to use a customer relationship management (CRM) system. This ensures that each team member understands not only how to use the technology but also how it enhances their individual and collective contributions to the organization.

Integrate with your existing systems

Seamlessly integrating new technologies with existing systems requires a meticulous approach to avoid disruptions. This involves conducting thorough compatibility assessments, addressing potential conflicts, and establishing protocols for data migration. Collaborating closely with IT teams and stakeholders ensures that the integration is not only smooth but also enhances the overall synergy of your technological ecosystem. Piloting integration in controlled environments allows for real-time adjustments and fine-tuning.

Take cybersecurity precautions

Implementing robust cybersecurity measures is paramount in an era where digital threats are ever-evolving. Beyond standard practices, such as regular software updates and firewalls, consider engaging cybersecurity experts to conduct thorough risk assessments. This involves identifying potential vulnerabilities, implementing encryption protocols, and establishing incident response plans. Additionally, fostering a cybersecurity-aware culture among employees through training programs is integral to the overall security posture of your organization.

Embrace cloud solutions

The decision to embrace cloud solutions is not solely about cost savings but about unlocking unprecedented flexibility and scalability. When considering cloud adoption, delve into the specifics of how each solution aligns with your data storage, processing, and accessibility requirements. Assess the security measures implemented by cloud service providers and consider hybrid or multi-cloud strategies for optimal performance and resilience. Integrating cloud solutions can fundamentally reshape your organization’s approach to data management and accessibility.

Stay updated on technology trends

Staying updated on technology and social trends is not merely about awareness; it’s about actively engaging in a continuous learning process. This involves monitoring emerging technologies, understanding their potential impact on your industry, and evaluating their relevance to your business. Establish channels for ongoing education within your organization, whether through industry conferences, webinars, or partnerships with technology experts. By doing so you can have an equipped team that can build out highly optimized content such as blogs, calculators, and more. Being proactive in staying ahead of the curve positions your organization as an innovator rather than a follower in the dynamic landscape of technological advancements.

Evaluate performance

The process of evaluating and iterating on technology integration is not a one-time event but an ongoing cycle. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with your objectives, and regularly assess the impact of technology on these metrics. Actively seek feedback from employees, customers, and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement. Update your technology strategy based on these insights, fostering a culture of continuous improvement that adapts to evolving business goals and technological landscapes.

Remain Compliant

Ensuring compliance with industry regulations involves more than just adhering to existing standards; it’s about actively anticipating and adapting to regulatory changes. Establish a robust compliance framework that includes regular audits, risk assessments, and legal reviews. Engage with legal experts or compliance officers to stay abreast of regulatory developments that may impact your industry. Develop protocols for adapting your technology practices to remain in compliance, ensuring that your organization operates ethically and maintains the trust of both customers and regulatory bodies.

Leveraging technology for businesses

As we conclude this exploration of integrating technology into your business landscape, it’s clear that the journey toward technological transformation is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Rather, it is a dynamic process that demands strategic foresight, adaptability, and a commitment to ongoing improvement. As businesses embark on this transformative journey, the judicious integration of technology is not only a strategic imperative but a defining factor in shaping a resilient and forward-thinking enterprise.

About the Author

Ashley Nielsen earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration Marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University. She is a freelance writer who loves to share knowledge about general business, marketing, lifestyle, wellness, and financial tips. During her free time, she enjoys being outside, staying active, reading a book, or diving deep into her favorite music.