Q&A with Samantha Vlasceanu on how to take off with TikTok
Are you looking to add TikTok to your organization’s social media channels? On September 25, TikTok expert Samantha Vlasceanu will lead a two-hour workshop on how to make the platform work for you. From using TikTok to grow membership to helping clients with their social media marketing, Vlasceanu will share how to create engaging content to support your goals.
We sat down with Vlasceanu ahead of time to learn about who would benefit from using TikTok and what attendees can expect to take away from her workshop.
WEOC: What type of organization can benefit from using TikTok?
SV: Any business that wants to make money should be using TikTok. Short-form video marketing helps increase trust in who you are as a business owner, as well as your products and services. The problem with using traditional ads is that you have to pay to play, and a lot of business owners lack the funding to pay for ads and the time to figure out how it works. But with short-form video marketing, it’s free and you can reach a huge market, especially on TikTok. The app has been downloaded over three billion times, with over 900 million active users. Those are crazy numbers! When you do the math, it’s basically a no-brainer to do short-form video marketing.
WEOC: What does TikTok offer that other social media platforms do not?
SV: The great thing about TikTok is its authenticity. Instagram is more about curated content so it’s prettier and more polished. LinkedIn is more professional. If you take a giant brand like Amazon or MacDonald’s, then take side-by-side snapshots of their Instagram and TikTok accounts, it’s night and day. One is more about the pretty side, and the other side is about the behind the scenes and getting to know some of their employees or some fun work-related challenges. TikTok is more about authenticity. The less perfect you are, the better you’re going to do.
WEOC: How can organizations use TikTok to increase participation in programs and events?
SV: When it comes to creating videos on TikTok, I would say make sure you post at least seven times for each event. It takes at least seven times for people to see your content to take the next step. Most people make the mistake of doing one or two content posts for each event, but a lot of followers will miss that content. You shouldn’t assume that every time you talk about the event, it’s going to be seen.
WEOC: What would you say to an entrepreneur or organization seeking to use TikTok but unsure how to start?
SV: A lot of businesses will never use short-form video marketing because they’re afraid. They’re afraid they’ll look silly, or they have imposter syndrome. They’re afraid it won’t be perfect. My best advice for everyone is to be OK with sucking at first. [TikTok] takes practice. Video marketing is hard. It’s a skill we grow into. We’re not taught this skill in school. It does take practice with consistency. Take a look at my account, and you’ll see the growth yourself. If I can do it, I’m sure you can do it too.
TikTok Takeoff: TikTok for Organizations 101
Date: September 25, 2024
Time: 1-3 PM EST
Location: Virtual