3 BEST TIPS for Advertising on TikTok 📱

“A lot of times we forget about the platform’s native features–feeling like we need to over design it. Something that’s cool with TikTok is, when you use their native editing features things perform better.”

Emily Holuta

When it comes to advertising, it takes two… or an entire team… to tango.

Here at Till, we have an “all hands on deck” approach to creating ads for our clients:

First, the client’s dedicated account (or ads) manager compiles details for their next campaign.
Then, the copywriter crafts copy to connect with and convert their target audience.
Next, the designer develops creative graphics and videos that complement the copy.
Often, other team members are enlisted for help or advice.
Finally, once the campaign is approved by the client, it goes back to the ads manager to get the ads running live.

It might sound like a lot, but we’ve got it down to a slick, 10- to 14-day process.

Why are we telling you all this?

Because on this week’s podcast episode, two of those Till team members are coming together to share their personal favorite tips on how to advertise on today’s fastest-growing social media platform:

TikTok.

In this episode…

[3:12] Is TikTok a better advertising platform for certain businesses?
[6:01] What makes TikTok so powerful
[7:35] Why blending in is important when advertising on TikTok
[9:24] Results Till Agency is seeing for clients on TikTok vs Facebook
[15:01] Should TikTok be your primary advertising platform?
[17:17] Why keeping things simple on TikTok works
[20:51] Top tips to getting started on TikTok

First up, we’ve got ads manager Nate Schwenk, whose experience running digital ads spans many years (and many, many dollars).

Here are Nate’s top three tips to get the most bang for your buck on TikTok:

Clarify your goal. You probably aren’t going to see as many conversions on TikTok as you would on Facebook. Adjust your expectations to achieve brand awareness instead.
Start with a traffic campaign. Again, don’t expect a ton of direct purchases here. Instead, optimize your campaign for clicks, which will show your ads to more people.
Target your ads strategically. Just like on Facebook, TikTok allows you to use Lookalike Audiences (to reach people similar to your current customers) and retargeting audiences (to reach people who have already expressed interest in your business).

Next up, we’ve got designer Emily Holuta, our creative team lead (and resident TikTok aficionado).

Here are Emily’s top three tips for the design side of TikTok ads:

Start with your organic posts. TikTok uses the same 9:16 aspect ratio as Instagram Reels and Stories, so if you’ve already got some of those (and they’ve performed well), throw them up on TikTok, too.
Blend in to stand out. If you get people to watch an ad without realizing it’s an ad, you’re doing it right. Make your videos feel as organic as possible.
Use TikTok’s native editing features. One of the best ways to “blend in” is to use the same tools everyone else is using: filters, text-to-speak voice, trending songs, etc.

…But What About the Copywriter’s Perspective? 😢

…Types the copywriter writing this.

Honestly, even I (hey, Sarah Klongerbo here) admit that copy is secondary on TikTok. People aren’t reading; they’re watching.

That’s not an excuse to get sloppy, but it is permission to keep your copy short, relevant, and witty. Let the creative do the talking.

Get More TikTok Advertising Tips!

That’s just the beginning of what Nate and Emily covered on the podcast.

Listen to this short episode to learn more TikTok tips, such as…

Why (and when) you should start advertising on TikTok
How TikTok ads differ from other platforms
The cost difference between TikTok and Facebook (hint: TikTok is cheaper… like, way cheaper…)
The process to actually start running ads on TikTok
And more!

About Davey, Nate, and Emily…

Davey’s superpower is making connections—whether it’s relationally (the kid loves to network) or connecting ideas. He obsesses over problems until they’re solved, and can’t help but constantly be testing out and learning new things.

Remember that scene of Scrooge McDuck swimming in money? There’s a good chance Nate has managed more money than that in ad-spend. Nate brings invaluable ad management experience to the Till Agency. He’s also the guy to talk to about utilizing video and creating a YouTube strategy.

Emily’s our in-house design wizard, and the designs she creates are absolutely magical. We know there’s probably a natural explanation for how she consistently creates stunning, high-performing creative—but we just can’t figure it out, and it making us rethink everything. Maybe unicorns do exist…