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TikTok is the place to be right now!  The platform is growing literally overnight and holds amazing opportunities for hustlers just like you.  

The number one question I get in regards to side hustles is where should I start? Well, if you're someone who doesn't mind being in front of a camera and who is okay with making video content, there’s only one place to go all out — TikTok!  

In a previous lesson, we talked about what TikTok is; this lesson is different.  In today’s post, we will go over the technical aspects of using the app to its full potential.  TikTok is not just a platform for dancing.  Just like Facebook or Instagram, all types of businesses can use it.  In fact, my page has gotten over 11 million in the past 28 from teaching business and finance content!  

 

One of my friends Dr. Brad Klontz, who is actually another business verified TikTok influencer, and I actually created a whole course around TikTok.  I created the monetization and marketing sides; Brad created the key insights for TikTok, how to grow, and the optimization side of the course.  To check out what we put together, go to adrianbrambila.com/tiktok.  

TikTok Best Practices

Let’s take a look at Dr. Brad and I’s key aspects to monetizing on TikTok

1. Watch Time

If you want to be successful on TikTok, you need to get people to watch your video.  Watch time is, just like it sounds, how long a person watches your video before scrolling to the next.  Let’s take a look at Brad’s most successful video in terms of watch time…  In short, this video was over study hacks that guaranteed an A on every test.  Here’s how the stats played out: 

5.3 million views (play button)

89,000 shares (share button) 

867,000 likes (heart)

3,600 comments (text bubble) 

The video was about 45 seconds in length and the average watch time was 26 seconds.  This is great!

 

2. Hook

You need to get your point across in the first 1 to 3 seconds of your video so that the viewer sticks around and doesn't scroll to the next video.  There are a few different ways to do this.  

• Drama.  Instead of starting with an introduction, start with the most dramatic part of your story/video.  Many movie trailers use this technique to initially pull the viewer in.  
• Make a Promise.  This method includes promising to deliver your viewer something but not doing it right away.  You need to be careful with this method so your viewer doesn't feel tricked. 

 

3. CTA (Call to Action)

It's easy to forget how powerful a call to action can be.  A CTA can be as simple as “don’t forget to like and share”.  This is a gentle reminder that reminds the viewer to interact with your video. 

 

4. Music

Music is a must on TikTok.  Even if you're talking in your video, try adding music at a low volume in the background.  In fact, music in itself can make your video go viral.  If you use a sound that's trending, your video has the chance to be promoted even if the sound is silenced!  To find popular music, scroll for 5-10 minutes on your For You Page.  You’ll know which sounds are trending because they are the ones being featured!  

 

5. Lives

TikTok lives are completely different than lives on YouTube or Instagram.  YouTube and Instagram usually consist of the creator delivering some sort of content.  On TikTok, lives are used for the creator to sit down and connect one-on-one with their audience.  Think of it more as a Q&A session where followers can ask questions and get answers on the spot. 

Always have a subject to talk about in the back of your mind if there is dead time or few viewers.  In fact, in these scenarios, congratulate your viewers by opening up the opportunity for them to ask questions while they are the only ones on.  

Creating a live schedule is an easy way for your followers to know when to tune in.  Try adding specific times to your bio.  Another optimal time to go live is right after posting a video.  This will drive up your views and possibly get you featured on the For You Page.  

 

6. Community Engagement

TikTok by far has the highest community engagement compared to any other platform.  That being said, here are a few things to look out for…

• Followers vs. Following: Having 5,000 followers but not following anybody back gives off a bad vibe.  Be sure to follow people that you want your followers to follow or others that you are connected with within your niche.  Don’t worry about competition; there is 100% enough attention to go around.
• Respond to Comments: Make a goal to respond to at least 90% of your comments.  This is a great way to connect with your audience and learn more about them.  They may even suggest video ideas!
• Interact with Others’ Videos: Be sure to comment, like, and share other creators' videos.  The more effort you put into the community, the greater return you will get from the community. 

If you want to take TikTok seriously, I advise that you post at least 3 to 6 times a day.  Now that you have the tactics, all you need is a little hustle and focus. 

So, is TikTok something you are going to commit to?  Let me know!  Comment your handle and I’ll check out your content!  

I’ll see you in tomorrows post.

Peace and God bless.  

For the complimentary worksheets and resources, go to adrianbrambila.com/30days.

I make new content every single week, so be sure to subscribe to my Youtube and follow my Instagram @brambilabong and TikTok at @AdrianBrambila. I also have tons of resources and courses on my website that you won’t want to miss. Head over to www.adrianbrambila.com to learn more about what I do and how I live a financially free life.