Can TikTok Help You Sell Courses and Memberships?
When planning a launch strategy, many business owners focus on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. But what about TikTok? While it may seem like an app designed for younger audiences, TikTok has evolved into a platform where businesses can connect with a wide range of users.
So, is TikTok the right place to market your courses or memberships? Let’s dive into how TikTok can become a powerful tool in your launch strategy and whether it’s the right fit for you.
Who's on TikTok?
TikTok often has a reputation problem when it comes to marketing. Many still view it as an app for teenagers participating in viral dances and challenges. While that perception isn’t entirely wrong, it’s far from the full picture. The largest demographic of U.S. TikTok users (40.3%) is aged 25 to 34. Additionally, 16.5% of their users are aged 35 to 44. This means a big portion of the users are professionals with real purchasing power.
The real question: Is your audience on TikTok?
TikTok may have a large audience, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for every business. The key is to figure out whether your target audience is on the platform and how they interact with content. Start by researching your industry and competitors on TikTok. Look at popular accounts in your niche and use the search tool to explore relevant hashtags. If your audience is present and active, you may want to start building out a content strategy.
What content works best on TikTok?
TikTok rewards creativity and relatability over polished, high-production videos. For businesses looking to market online courses or memberships, consider these content ideas:
Quick tips and tricks: Share bite-sized, actionable advice related to your niche.
Behind-the-scenes: Give your audience a glimpse into your process or what makes your offering unique.
Personal stories: Share your journey, challenges, or success stories to build trust with potential customers.
User testimonials: Highlight real-life success stories from those who’ve used your courses or memberships.
Trending challenges: Find ways to creatively tie your business into TikTok trends to increase visibility.
Don’t forget to include strong calls to action, like encouraging viewers to click the link in your bio or visit your website for more information.
Is TikTok worth the time and effort?
Deciding whether to join TikTok depends on your specific business goals and capacity. While the platform offers incredible reach, it also demands a high level of engagement. Unlike LinkedIn, where a single thoughtful post might have a long shelf life, TikTok is fast-moving. If you decide to commit, you need to be prepared for the content treadmill.
For course creators and membership owners, the potential for virality is a major draw. A single video can reach thousands of people who have never heard of you before. However, if you don’t have time to create highly engaging content, or your target market is strictly corporate executives and senior decision makers, you might find that your efforts are better spent elsewhere.
Should you add TikTok to your launch strategy?
TikTok can be a powerful tool for reaching new audiences and building awareness for your courses and memberships, but it's not the right fit for every business. If your target audience is on the platform and you have the capacity to create consistent, engaging content, it's definitely worth trying.
The best launch strategy isn't about being everywhere. It's about being where your audience is and showing up consistently with content that connects. If you're unsure whether TikTok fits into your launch plan or need help deciding where to focus your efforts, book a free strategy call, and let's build a plan that actually works for your business.