Thread by @richstemecom

New to TikTok?
Not sure of the competition?
Not sure if there’s a demand for your product?

This MASTER 🧵 is for all TikTok beginners (bookmark it for future reference).

I’ll teach you how to sniff out the competition and launch your first TikTok. Let’s get going!

So, the number one question (by far) that I’ve been getting lately is how to start on TikTok if you have no content and no followers yet. A blank slate.

So, what’s the first thing you should do?

1// Search your niche or product

No matter if it’s TikTok or another social platform, the first thing you want to do is check out your competitors.

On TikTok, the way to do that is by clicking on the search button (up right corner) and typing your product or niche. ⌨️

2// Filter your search results

If you did step 1 correctly, you should now be able to scan through users, videos, sounds, LIVE, and hashtags related to your niche.

But, we don’t want all-time results.

Instead, we’re going to filter the search results so that you see the latest supply and demand.

To do that, you have a filter button on the right side of the top search bar. Set your search filter like this:

- Date posted - 30 days
- Sort by - most liked

Now, you should have a much clearer picture of your current competition.

Don’t scare off if you see tons of other creators in your niche.

TikTok is still not nearly as saturated as Facebook, plus their algorithms work differently. So, if you see tons of results in your niche, it doesn’t mean it’s saturated - it simply means it’s in demand.

You should be happy!

Now, let’s move on to the next step.

3// Follow your competitors

The next thing you’d want to do is follow 20+ competitor accounts from the ones you filtered above. Sounds weird? Keep up with me here.

By following accounts that sell the same or similar products or clicking like on their videos, you engage with their content. TikTok’s algorithms will adjust your FYP feed according to this.

So, what you get is an FYP feed that’s practically an ad spy software.

4// Spy and learn

Now that you get competitor TikToks served on a silver platter on your FYP feed, start analyzing and observing.

What trending sounds do they use? Do they use hashtags? What CTAs do they use? How do they hook people in? You’ll be able to see all that.

Awesome, right? 😎

So, you have all the information now to do your research, do a competitive analysis, and produce something similar (or even better).

I recommend that you spend at least 15 minutes a day as a TikTok consumer simply scrolling through your FYP.

I know that sounds like a colossal time loss, but hear me out.

By regularly consuming TikTok content, you’ll naturally learn what works and what doesn’t on the platform without even trying.

The more you use it, the more dots you’ll connect and the more ideas you’ll get for your next videos.

5// Recreate what works

Don’t reinvent hot water. When something is proven to work, just follow it.

A word of warning here - that doesn’t mean “steal your competitor’s videos”. Instead, look at the sounds they’re using, the effects, and the type of video to get ideas.

So, now that you have their concept, just recreate a similar video or improve the weaknesses you saw before.

If you feel that you can offer an improved version of the product, highlight that in your ad. Leverage on the people that didn’t buy from your competition yet.

Convince them your product is far better.

6// UGC-style content

If you’re new to TikTok, you should know that users there want to see user-generated content and ads that don’t look like ads at all.

Your traditional FB ads highlighting all product benefits won’t pass on TikTok.

Here, the ads look native and merge seamlessly into users’ feeds.

When producing TikTok content, both organic and paid, focus on UGC and social proof:

- Product unboxing
- Product using
- Order packing
- Reviews
- Testimonials

7// Correct video formats

TikToks should be done in-app. Don’t repurpose other video formats to upload them on TikTok.

For the best results, follow these video tips:

- Vertical videos (to fill all the screen space)
- Aspect ratio 9:16
- Clear CTA
- Show actual people
- Closed captioning (or on-screen text)
- Human or robot voiceover
- Trending effects, hashtags, sounds
- A hook in the first few seconds
- Short videos (15 to 20-something sec.)

Have any other tips that could help eCommerce owners new on TikTok? Share them below to give a helping hand 👇

Follow me for more TikTok, dropshipping, and eCommerce content
@richstemecom

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