How to Get People to Promote Your Product on TikTok

Why TikTok?

TikTok's success in marketing stems from its powerful algorithm, which pushes videos to millions of users, regardless of follower count. Brands like Ocean Spray and Gymshark have witnessed tremendous growth after a single viral TikTok, sparking thousands of user-generated promotions. The platform allows for creativity and spontaneity, and products can gain attention overnight. Here’s how you can get people to promote your product on TikTok without spending a fortune on traditional advertising.

1. Identify and Engage Micro-Influencers

Forget about the biggest influencers for a moment—micro-influencers, with followers ranging from 1,000 to 100,000, often have more engaged audiences. Collaborating with micro-influencers can give your product an authentic promotion, as they tend to interact with their followers on a more personal level. Research shows that micro-influencers generate 60% higher engagement rates than larger accounts. To connect with them:

• Use TikTok's search function to find creators in your niche.
• Engage with their content by liking, commenting, and following.
• Reach out with a personalized message, offering free products or exclusive deals in exchange for promotion.

Example Approach:
"Hey [Influencer Name], I love your content and believe your audience would love [Your Product Name]. I'd love to send you some products to try. No pressure, but if you like them, it would be awesome if you could share your experience on TikTok!"

2. Create a Branded Hashtag Challenge

Hashtag challenges are a powerful way to make your product go viral. By creating a branded challenge, you’re encouraging TikTok users to promote your product for you. For example, Chipotle’s #GuacDance challenge generated over 250,000 video submissions and became TikTok’s highest-performing branded challenge at the time. The key to success here is creativity.

• Design a challenge that is simple, fun, and easy for users to participate in.
• Ensure it aligns with your product and brand identity.
• Incentivize participation with giveaways, discounts, or shoutouts to encourage more entries.

3. Leverage TikTok Ads for Targeted Promotion

Although organic promotion is ideal, TikTok ads can give you an initial boost, ensuring that your content reaches the right audience. TikTok’s ad platform allows you to create in-feed ads, branded effects, or sponsored hashtag challenges, all while targeting users based on age, location, interests, and behavior. Start small with your budget, and run ads that encourage users to participate in your branded challenges or engage with influencer campaigns.

4. Encourage User-Generated Content (UGC)

User-generated content is one of the most authentic forms of promotion on TikTok. Consumers are more likely to trust a product that has been recommended by their peers. Encourage your customers to create videos using your product by offering incentives such as contests, reposting their content on your own TikTok page, or featuring them in your marketing campaigns.
Tip: Include clear calls to action (CTAs) in your packaging, website, or social media profiles. "Show us how you use [Your Product Name] on TikTok with #YourBrandHashtag for a chance to be featured!"

5. Use Creative, Authentic Content That Stands Out

TikTok is all about creativity. To get people to promote your product, your content must stand out from the noise. Ensure your TikTok content is fresh, authentic, and entertaining. Users are more likely to share videos they find relatable or funny. Avoid traditional, polished advertisements—TikTok users prefer raw, real content.
Ideas for Creative Content:

• Show behind-the-scenes of your product being made.
• Share a fun, humorous take on how your product solves a problem.
• Create “duet” videos with influencers or customers using your product.

6. Build a TikTok Community Around Your Brand

Building a community around your product is a long-term strategy for sustained promotion. When users feel connected to your brand, they’re more likely to promote it. Interact with your followers, comment on their videos, and repost user-generated content. The more you engage with your audience, the more they’ll see your product as a part of their own identity, making them more inclined to spread the word.

7. Offer Exclusive TikTok-Only Promotions

A great way to get TikTok users excited about promoting your product is to offer exclusive TikTok-only deals or discounts. For example, you could offer a special discount code only available to TikTok users who follow you or participate in a challenge. This makes users feel valued and part of a special group, increasing their likelihood of sharing your product with their audience.

8. Leverage the Power of TikTok Trends

TikTok is a trend-driven platform, and jumping on trends is an effective way to increase visibility. Whether it’s a trending song, dance, or meme, adapting your content to align with TikTok trends can help your product promotion feel relevant and timely. Keep an eye on the "For You" page to spot the latest trends, and think about how your product can fit in organically.
Example: If a certain sound or dance is trending, incorporate your product into that trend in a humorous or creative way.

9. Partner with TikTok Creators for Long-Term Collaborations

While one-off posts can give you a short-term boost, long-term partnerships with creators can lead to sustained promotion. Consider building ongoing relationships with TikTok influencers who genuinely love your product. These creators will become ambassadors for your brand, continuously promoting your product to their audience over time, which can be more impactful than a single viral post.

10. Analyze Performance and Adjust Strategy

Data is your best friend when it comes to TikTok promotion. Regularly review the performance of your TikTok campaigns, including views, shares, and engagement rates. TikTok’s Pro Account provides valuable insights into which videos resonate with your audience. Use this data to fine-tune your content and collaboration strategies. For example, if a certain type of video performs better, double down on that format in future campaigns.

With this information, you can adjust your efforts, refine your approach, and optimize the way people promote your product on TikTok.

Conclusion
Getting people to promote your product on TikTok requires a mix of creativity, strategic partnerships, and community building. By leveraging influencers, creating engaging challenges, and encouraging user-generated content, you can turn TikTok into a powerful tool for organic promotion. Remember, TikTok’s strength lies in its authenticity—so ensure your approach feels genuine, fun, and aligned with the platform’s culture.