As a Gen X founder, I initially thought TikTok was not for me. I didn’t need to dance, figured the Gen Z viewers of TikTok wouldn’t be excited about seeing me on display screen, and didn’t assume entertaining movies would result in gross sales for my firm, PerfectDD, which designs garments particularly tailor-made to fuller busts.
I had the privilege to attend Gary Vaynerchuk’s 4Ds program, the place he inspired me to rethink TikTok, emphasizing that the message of my firm would resonate with the TikTok viewers. Plus, he added that it’s not all dancing—there’s loads of academic content material on the platform, too.
I’m removed from a social media professional, however I made a decision to throw my inhibitions apart and begin experimenting with commonly posting several types of movies to the platform. Inside a few month, I had a video go viral. Not solely did it get thousands and thousands of views, but it surely resulted in a 340 % improve in guests to my website and $25,000 in income in two weeks.
@perfectdd Garments designed for DD+ cup, small to #midsize 🍒 #fullerbustfashion #ddcup #bigchestproblems ♬ Miami, My Amy – Keith Whitley
After all, one viral video doesn’t create a long-term social media technique. The algorithm has continued to vary since then, and my technique has needed to regularly modify. Listed here are a few of my greatest classes about how different founders can succeed on the platform.
1. Deal with timing and tailoring relating to developments
Whereas my first viral video was primarily based on a development on the time (inventory pictures of previous individuals reacting to one thing), I’ve additionally had instances since once I’ve tried to suit my enterprise right into a development however the video didn’t hit.
Generally, this was as a result of I used to be too late hopping on the development. For example, once I posted a Barbie-related TikTok over three weeks after the film had come out, it barely bought any traction as a result of individuals had been already over the Barbie mania.
Different instances, fashionable TikToks didn’t work as a result of the development wasn’t genuine sufficient to me and my model. The developments which have most benefited my enterprise are those I personally had an emotional response to, like this sew piggybacking off a preferred bra check account. It made me chuckle and it was clear how I may make it my very own, as an alternative of it feeling contrived as a result of I used to be attempting to power “viral” content material out. There are many developments on TikTok, so discover those that talk to you. In case you miss one, it’s okay—there can be one other one to hop on to.
One other huge aha second: A lot of my hottest movies haven’t adopted developments in any respect. As a substitute, it is simply me speaking to the digicam about why I began the model and why I make the enterprise choices that I do. Normally, I’m barely sporting make-up, don’t have my hair executed, and haven’t deliberate a script. It might really feel unpolished whereas filming, but it surely makes me extra relatable and reliable, resulting in extra engagement on TikTok.
@perfectdd As a 28H/32DD, there are some days the place I simply wanna look “regular,” and never flaunt my chest! Fuller bust besties, are you able to relate⁉️ #fullerbust#fullerbuststruggles#fullerbustfashion#fullerbustbestie#ddcup#ddcupandup#cupsize#ddcups#fullerbuststyle#fullerbustbestie ♬ Roxanne – Instrumental – Califa Azul
I nonetheless strive the developments once they’re simple and enjoyable for me, however what individuals actually choose up on are the movies by which I’m authentically sharing my expertise and speaking about my model.
2. Experiment, and don’t be afraid to fail
To determine what works for you and in your viewers, experimentation is the secret. As a part of that, I’ve discovered it’s vital to not take it too laborious when movies don’t do effectively. There are some things that assist me keep on this failure-friendly mindset.
For one, whereas there are many movies that I anticipated to go viral that absolutely flopped, there are additionally ones that I wasn’t certain about that actually struck a chord with my viewers. I by no means would have gotten these positive factors if I had been too afraid of failure to submit within the first place.
I additionally discover it helps to do not forget that I can at all times take movies down. I attempt to be taught from each video I create. I’ve found that my viewers is completely different on TikTok than on Instagram, so I typically strive posting on the opposite to see the way it performs.
On the flip facet, if you happen to see a video that’s doing rather well for you, strive a distinct model of it. I initially stitched this video and realized it took off fairly rapidly, so I did one other model just a few days later and it carried out even higher!
Both means, I transfer on to the subsequent concept and preserve attempting.
3. Work together with the group and your clients
A few of my greatest wins on TikTok have come from actually partaking with the group.
A technique I do that is by utilizing clients and different creators as fodder for my content material. For instance, a few of our hottest movies these days have been duets or stitches with different ladies complaining in regards to the actual issues that we’re attempting to resolve.
@perfectdd #sew with @Mandy Lee No binder wanted! I design button downs particularly for fuller busts with a hidden button to maintain it closed. The answer is already inbuilt. 100% cotton, sustainably and ethically made in USA. 🍒😉🇺🇸 #binder #fullerbust #hcup #ddcup #bigchestproblems #buttonup ♬ Blue Blood – Heinz Kiessling
I’ve additionally seen success these days once I reply to follower feedback with one other video. It’s low-lift buyer analysis the place the viewers is already engaged to maintain the dialog going.
@perfectdd Replying to @someonewitty Fixed feedback from “Are these actual?” on one finish to “You’re not that huge” in one other for a similar physique I’ve had for years! There’s no successful. I’m 28i/30H cup both means. And this goes to point out if you happen to put on a correctly becoming br@, you don’t at all times “look that huge.” 🤷🏻♀️🍒 #brasize #icup #hcup #fullerbust #bratok #notthatbig #dcupsandup ♬ unique sound – PerfectDD
You’re a part of the TikTok group simply by being an lively consumer, so I attempt to spend time every day scrolling by my feed, even when it’s only a few minutes. By way of my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve linked with different TikTok creators, and we commonly talk about what’s been working, developments we’re noticing, how the algorithm is altering, and extra. For example, my good friend MadisonxAlexandra helped me see that TikTok is pushing longer-form content material these days. The local weather has modified—creators don’t see one another as competitors, however need to collaborate and join. Sharing ideas for fulfillment advantages us all.
4. Deal with consistency (however not in the best way you assume)
I always hear TikTok recommendation that claims it’s a must to submit a number of instances a day to see any actual traction, however I’ve discovered consistency in messaging is extra vital than consistency of posting.
As a solopreneur, even with content material batching and assist from my intern, it’s tough to maintain up a daily posting schedule. And I’ve realized that’s okay.
For one, TikTok’s algorithm is so sensible that it continues to push content material even when it’s been months because it initially went viral. New followers are nonetheless liking and commenting on posts from final yr, so I don’t really feel as a lot stress to pump out new ones commonly.
Which means that any of my movies may very well be seen by a brand new potential buyer at any time. That’s why I’m unafraid to reiterate my model promise and message time and again, so people who find themselves new to my movies at all times know what PerfectDD is all about. Plus, some reviews say that each time you publish content material, solely 10 % of your followers truly see it, so it in all probability gained’t really feel repetitive to even your oldest followers.
Repetition is recognition, and constructing a model is in regards to the lengthy recreation. In case you’re an entrepreneur, I strongly encourage you to get on TikTok now—it’s not too late. You are creating your personal press at no cost, serving to new clients uncover your model, and nurturing a youthful viewers to like your merchandise for the lengthy haul. Plus, when approached with authenticity and a spirit of experimentation, it may be actually enjoyable.
