TikTok Marketing for Online Service Providers and Coaches

Why Online Business Owners Need to Be on TikTok: A Comprehensive Guide

In today’s digital age, leveraging the right social media platforms is crucial for online business growth, especially if you rely on social media to find clients for your online service business or coaching business.

TikTok, with its explosive popularity and unique features, presents unparalleled opportunities for visibility and engagement. Here’s why online business owners, coaches, service providers, and course creators should be on TikTok and how to use it effectively to drive sales and grow your audience.

Let’s look at how you can use TikTok marketing in 2024 to gain new clients for your online coaching business and online service provider business.

The Power of TikTok Marketing for Online Service Providers and Coaches

I’ve been on TikTok for about 2.5 years now at the time of writing this – since then I’ve EASILY brought in over $100k worth of clients from TikTok. But if you’re still not convinced, here are some reasons why you should be on TikTok if you’re a service provider or Coach.

Unmatched Organic Reach

TikTok offers incredible organic reach compared to other platforms. You don’t need a massive following or millions of views to get noticed. The algorithm pushes new content to a broad audience, making it easier for coaches and course creators to get seen and grow their following organically.

Unlike platforms like Instagram, where it’s typically a lot harder to get seen by new audiences today – TikToks algorithm allows every content piece to get in front of new people.

TikTok as a Search Engine

Did you know TikTok is overtaking Google as a search engine for many users? People turn to TikTok for authentic reviews and experiences. When users search for products or services, they prefer real people’s experiences over random blogs online. This makes TikTok a powerful platform for online service providers looking to connect with potential clients searching for solutions.

It’s not unusual for videos to keep getting reach and engagement days, months and even years after it’s posted, thanks to the ability for users to keep discovering your video via search.

Easy Content Repurposing

Short-form content on TikTok is easy to repurpose across other platforms like Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and Pinterest. This strategy saves time and maximizes your reach without additional effort. Start with TikTok and distribute your content across other channels to maintain a consistent presence.

Alternatively you could start by posting long form content like YouTube videos, Blogs and podcasts and cut it up into smaller content pieces to post on TikTok. As a coach or online service provider, being visible on multiple platforms is always going to help you build authority and get in front of more ideal clients.

Cross Platform Marketing for coaches and online service providers

While TikTok can drive direct sales, the primary strategy should be to funnel traffic to your core platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, or your email list. Use TikTok to attract a wider audience and direct them to your lead magnets, email lists, and other social media profiles for nurturing and conversion.

Because of the reach opportunities on TikTok, it’s a great place to drive organic traffic to the platforms that are better built to drive sales. This is why I always recommend TikTok marketing for online service providers and coaches.

A Step by Step guide to getting started on TikTok

It can be daunting starting on a whole new platform – but here are some things you should know about the platform and how it differs from others so that you can get off to a great start.

1. Understand the Algorithm

TikTok’s algorithm works differently from platforms like Instagram. It pushes new videos to a diverse audience first, providing opportunities to reach new people consistently. Your content gets shown to users who may have never heard of you, which is excellent for cold outreach and building brand awareness.

On TikTok, if you’re able to get your watch time relatively high on your videos, there’s a good chance it will be pushed out to more people.

2. Focus on SEO

SEO is critical on TikTok. Use relevant keywords in your speech, captions, and text overlays. Strong SEO ensures your content remains evergreen and easily discoverable. Check your videos’ SEO effectiveness by looking at the search terms associated with them in your profile analytics.

It’s important that you do some research within your industry to find out exactly what your target audience are searching for. Do this well and you’ll always get new people finding your videos for months to come.

3. Leverage Trends Wisely

While trends can boost visibility, they are not as impactful as they once were. Focus on creating valuable, relatable content rather than relying heavily on trends. Storytelling and talking-head videos can build stronger connections with your audience.

When I help my clients on TikTok within my membership – we focus mostly on the content that’s going to bring value to the audience and use that to drive visibility and enquiries (rather than just relying on trends).

Use this content strategy to get your first 1000 followers on TikTok

1. Mix Broad and Specific Content

Balance your content strategy by mixing niche-specific videos with broader, more relatable ones. Specific content targets your ideal customers directly, while broader content helps you reach a wider audience. This strategy ensures your videos get pushed out and attract the right people over time.

Some coaches and service providers make the mistake of doing ALL of one of the other. The problem with ONLY posting broader content ideas (content pieces that could relate to almost everyone) is that you’ll struggle to attract those who are ideal clients. On the flip side, if you ONLY post videos that are super specific – on TikTok these video types won’t get pushed out as easily.

If you’re able to have SOME broader videos and then a good amount of super specific videos on your page, when the broader videos bring a lot of people to your page, those people will decide to follow you if they relate to your specific videos.

2. Create videos that keep the viewer around for longer

Engagement metrics like watch time, saves, and follows are crucial. Focus on creating content that keeps viewers watching longer. A high watch time signals TikTok to push your videos to more users. Respond to comments and interact with your audience to build a loyal community.

Try to focus on creating a great hook at the beginning of the video, and then a secondary hook to keep the viewer around for longer (instead of going into the main point of the video right away).

3. Consistent Posting

Consistency is key on TikTok. Aim to post 1-3 times a day, especially when starting. Consistent posting helps you gain momentum and get rewarded by the algorithm. Plan your content using a monthly planner to ensure a steady stream of ideas and videos.

4. Optimise Your Profile

Make sure your profile is optimized with a clear bio, a link to your main platform, and consistent branding. Follow other users in your niche and interact with competitors to get noticed by the right audience.

5. Analyze and Adapt

Regularly review your TikTok analytics to understand what works and what doesn’t. Look at metrics like average watch time, saves, and follows to refine your content strategy. Replicate successful videos and tweak underperforming ones.

Make sure you’ve gone into “creator insights” and turned on analytics (it’s something you have to do whilst setting up your account).

6. Subtle Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

On TikTok, direct CTAs can be less effective. Instead, weave them subtly into your content. Mention services and offerings casually, use testimonials, or display results visually to encourage viewers to seek more information without feeling directly sold to.

Conclusion

TikTok is a powerful tool for online business growth, offering unique opportunities for visibility, engagement, and lead generation. By understanding its algorithm, leveraging SEO, and maintaining a consistent and strategic approach, you can turn TikTok into a significant traffic driver for your business. Start creating, stay consistent, and watch your business flourish on this dynamic platform.

---

The TikTok Challenge

Want to gain momentum on TikTok and get your first 1000 followers, as well as drive ideal clients to your offers, email list and main platforms?

Join the Social $ales Society membership and get access to the 21 Day TikTok visibility challenge so you can learn exactly what you need to do to drive momentum on TikTok and get started on this platform for your online service provider, coaching or course creation business. Learn the best strategy for TikTok marketing for online service providers and coaches.

Get access to:

• 42 prompts
• 5+ TikTok video trainings
• A supportive Facebook community
• Trainings to help you nail your hooks, CTA’s and content types
• And everything else included in the membership!