So, you’ve mastered the basics of Instagram, and maybe you’ve got LinkedIn all polished up. But TikTok? It feels like uncharted territory, especially if you’re in your 30s, balancing a career, personal growth, and everything else life throws at you. The truth is, TikTok is no longer just a playground for dancing teens—it’s a powerful tool for marketing your business, and you can totally leverage it to reach a global audience. Ready to dive in and market your business on TikTok like the Visionary (30s) you are? Let’s go!
Start with Storytelling, Not Selling
Before you rush into creating a TikTok profile, take a moment to understand what TikTok really is—a platform built around stories, emotions, and entertainment. Your audience isn’t there to watch a traditional ad. They want to be entertained, inspired, or even learn something in a fun, engaging way. Start by asking yourself: What’s my story? What value can you offer that’s going to grab attention and build a community around your brand? Once you know your story, your marketing becomes a natural extension of that.
Know Your Audience, Really Know Them
You might be thinking, “I already know my audience.” But do you really? TikTok’s user base is vast, and they can be unpredictable. The platform has users of all ages, but Gen Z is a huge portion of the audience—so if you’re looking to market there, get familiar with their trends, humor, and what drives them. It’s not enough to know demographics. You need to know what makes them stop scrolling. Are they eco-conscious? Do they love witty, relatable content? Is there a meme or trend they can’t stop using? The better you know your audience, the easier it’ll be to create content that speaks directly to them.
Build a Brand Personality That Connects
Sure, having a polished brand logo and slick design matters, but what really makes people engage is your personality. Are you bold, funny, educational, or inspiring? Whether your brand leans into humor, motivation, or something in between, your TikTok profile needs to reflect that personality in every post. Create a brand that feels human, relatable, and approachable. Don’t be afraid to show the face (or faces) behind the brand—it makes your business more authentic. Plus, people are far more likely to engage with a brand that feels like a friend than a faceless corporation.
Master the Hashtag Game
Hashtags aren’t just a tool to boost visibility—they’re how TikTok users discover content. Think of them as the platform’s GPS system. Want to make sure your content gets seen by the right people? Use niche-specific hashtags that directly relate to your audience’s interests. Tools like TikTok’s search bar can show you trending hashtags in your industry. Pro tip: Mix trending hashtags with your own unique ones to create a blend of discovery and branding. #VisionaryMove, right?
Collaborate with Influencers (Even If They Have Fewer Followers)
Here’s a secret—on TikTok, micro-influencers (those with smaller, highly engaged followings) can sometimes offer more bang for your buck than mega-influencers. When looking for collaborators, focus less on follower count and more on engagement rate and alignment with your brand. These influencers often have fiercely loyal audiences that trust their opinions—meaning a recommendation from them could lead to serious growth for your business. Just make sure the collaboration feels natural and mutually beneficial.
Use Humor to Build Your Tribe
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok, you’ve likely noticed one thing: people love to laugh. TikTok isn’t about corporate formality—it’s about authenticity, and humor is one of the best ways to build that. So even if your brand is serious, find ways to inject some levity. Can you poke fun at common industry challenges? Use relatable scenarios? When done right, humor on TikTok can make your content shareable and increase your brand’s memorability. After all, who doesn’t love a good laugh?
Get the Community Involved: User-Generated Content is King
One of the most powerful ways to market on TikTok is through user-generated content (UGC). Encourage your audience to create content using your product, service, or brand’s hashtag. Why? Because people trust people. When someone sees a user, just like them, endorsing your brand, it feels authentic—and authenticity drives sales. UGC campaigns not only boost trust, but they also expand your reach exponentially without any extra effort on your part.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Overthink It, Just Start!
TikTok moves fast, and trends evolve overnight. Don’t waste time overthinking every video. The beauty of TikTok is that it rewards creativity and spontaneity. So get out there, test new ideas, and refine your strategy as you go. And remember, you’ve got this! As a Visionary (30s), you’re not just keeping up with the trends—you’re setting them.
Your business is unique, and so is your TikTok journey. Now’s the time to take bold steps, experiment, and most importantly—have fun with it!
