TikTok exploded onto the scene in 2016. Launched by Chinese tech company ByteDance, the app was a fun pastime to watch, create and share short videos.

No one could have predicted its chokehold on online users, embedding itself into the center of pop culture. With over 4.5 billion downloads, TikTok has amassed a following larger than its rivals.

It’s created a generation of influencers who previously didn’t have platforms for their niche interests. Type in the clean tag on the app and you’ll be overwhelmed with more than 4.2 million posts. According to Mirror Review, Clean Tok has thus far gained more than 38.6 billion views. 

TikTokers are becoming household names and people can’t get enough of them. The genius app is giving rise to thousands of people turning their passions into full-time careers. 

So, how do you translate 45K followers into potential clients? Read further, and we’ll explain how.

Set up your Business Website

Putting cash into a decent business website is always a good return on investment. Gone are the days when you pay someone to do the work for you and the result is mediocre. 

AI technology has advanced so rapidly that an AI website builder for business will do the job perfectly. Depending on your budget, a professional, AI website can be done in minutes. 

Using an AI wizard, AI website builders offer designer-made templates and access to stock images, says Hocoos. Thanks to an AI logo generator and an AI image generator, the possibilities are endless.

It’s not only website creation, an AI website builder comes with all sorts of features like a customer support team and free website hosting if you’re looking to build an online store.

With a unique business website, your online presence is further cemented. Be sure your website is user-friendly and contains links to your social media handles.

Leverage Your Brand

Influencer marketing can drive returns if you leverage it, says Sprout Social. It starts with a solid TikTok creator marketing strategy.

You’re not new to the platform, so you’ll know all the tricks of the trade by now. But being strategic can turn your brand into a thriving business. If you already have a TikTok business account, carefully read your profile and look for creative ways to tighten things up.

There are always ways to optimize your profile. Influencer Marketing Hub suggests verifying your account and choosing a profile picture representative of your brand. A catchy bio is important. It should hook them in from the first word.

Start Collaborating

2023 was most arguably the year of fashion brand collaborations. 

Jing Daily reported that the Tiffany x Nike collaboration was one for the books. The NikeXTiffany hashtag amassed 6.25 million reads on Weibo and 34.7 million views on TikTok. 

The publication says the campaign was a rousing success because it brought together two brands on opposite sides of the spectrum. It created a “shock value” that was lacking in both sectors.

Forbes says innovative collaboration tools are making it possible for brands to interact with each other online. Instagram’s Collabs and TikTok’s Duets are perfect examples of how brands can build partnerships and amplify their message in the digital space.

It’s as easy as collaborating on joint posts and tag-teamed content. You both end up reaching wider audiences and sparking new engagement.

When collaborating, rather work with creators and not influencers, advises Entrepreneur. 

Create Content, Not Ads

It’s easy to fall into the trap of marketing a product once clients come on board. TikTok helps brands gain visibility for consistently posting content that adds value. 

If your niche is Clean Tok, stick to what you know. Remember, your knowledge and helpful tips got you this far. Build brand trust and loyalty by sharing some BTS videos and your growth journey. Don’t make it sound like you’re selling something on an organic post.

Your followers want to know that you’re being authentic. Don’t be afraid to share spontaneous and fun content. It lets them know that you’re human.

A reminder, always follow trends. No matter how long you’ve been on the app, a new trend pops up every other day. It’s up to you if you want to jump on it. But before you do, ask yourself if it aligns with your brand. If the answer is no, give it a miss.

Pivoting from part-time content creator to full-time TikToker is not for the fainthearted. Stay true to your brand instead of chasing social media clout, and your business and followers will grow.

Rome wasn’t built in a day. Be patient and allow yourself to make mistakes. You have the following; now it’s just making them believe in your brand and business.