Is it a bones day or a no-bones day? And have you heard the story about Taco Boy?

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, then it’s time to take a look at one of the most popular (and least understood) social media platforms available today: TikTok.

Following the growing trend of video content taking center stage on social media platforms, TikTok’s main focus is on short-form video sharing. Up until last summer, TikTok videos were limited to 30 seconds but a recent update now allows lengths of up to three minutes. You can also share slideshows and animated GIFs, but video is the content that drives most of the conversations being had on and about TikTok.

What makes TikTok unique is its algorithm. Instead of serving content primarily to those who follow you, the content feed on TikTok delivers the videos you make to a semi-random set of people, based on their interests. With TikTok on target to have well over 1 billion monthly active users in 2021, that’s a lot of potential eyes on your content – and a lot of potential new business you could be generating.

When you’re ready to get started, TikTok makes it as easy as possible to get to know the platform and start posting videos — you can do pretty much everything right from your phone. Here’s a few things to keep in mind as you begin:

• But First…See What’s Trending
  Before you post anything, get to know what others are posting that’s making waves. Start with the “Discover” and “For You” sections of the app to start getting your own ideas.
• Follow People Like You (or People You Like)
  As you watch the trends you’ll also start to see who’s making them. Follow the ones whose content aligns with your interests, and don’t forget to engage with them – give them a heart or make a comment to let them know you’re there.
• Set the Stage
  Before you make a video of your own, you want to make sure people can tell who you are and how to find you. Fill out your profille to describe your business and connect it to your other social media profiles.
• Ready…and…Action!
  Finally, it’s time to make your first video! You probably have plenty of ideas – do a behind-the-scenes walkthrough, show off your best decorations, or introduce your shop dog to the world. Just remember to keep it vertical and have fun with it!
  
• Post, Respond, Repeat
  Once your video is done, get it out there! Post it and keep an eye on it. As people engage with what you’ve made, respond to them and take note of what’s working. Learn from missteps, capitalize on successes, and most importantly…keep posting!

Social media is like a toolbelt, enabling you to connect with your customers in new and ever-evolving ways. TikTok is quickly becoming one of the most versatile tools available, and the best way to learn it is simply by doing it.

You’re ready. Let’s make it a bones day and try something new on TikTok. And when you get there, don’t forget to look up Taco Boy – trust me on this one, it’s worth it.

Ready to learn more about social media? Join Holly Rox, Brianna Soley and Tara Wingo this Friday for our Social Media For Everyone webcast.

And remember to connect with SanMar and join our conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.