Rebuilding Your Social Media Strategy After the TikTok Ban
So how has your past week been? Deep breaths. For those of you who are impacted by this, I’m adding more thoughts and shameless opinions.
The day after the TikTok ban, many artists and creators are left wondering how to re-establish their online presence and maintain their momentum. TikTok’s unique algorithm and community were invaluable for showcasing creativity, promoting goods and services, and connecting with audiences. Now, it’s time to pivot, explore new platforms, and craft a strategy that ensures your voice continues to be heard.
Reidentifying the Right Platforms for Your Brand
The key to rebuilding your audience starts with understanding where your ideal followers are now spending their time. While no single platform can perfectly replicate TikTok’s features, there are several strong contenders that offer unique opportunities for artists and creators:
Instagram and Facebook: Despite some hesitation toward Meta products, their extensive user base and versatile tools like Stories, Reels, and Shops make them powerful options for maintaining visibility.
YouTube Shorts: With its growing popularity, YouTube Shorts provides a natural transition for creators comfortable with short-form video content. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with YouTube’s broader monetization and search features.
Pinterest: This platform is ideal for visual creators and crafters. It’s a discovery engine that allows content to reach new audiences over time, making it perfect for showcasing art and products.
Emerging Platforms: Keep an eye on alternatives like Lemon8 and Neptune. These platforms are gaining traction among creators seeking new spaces to thrive.
How to Engage Your Audience Effectively
Once you’ve identified the platforms that suit your brand, the next step is re-engaging your audience. Here’s how:
Communicate the Transition: Use your existing social media channels, website, and email list to inform your followers about your move to new platforms. Let them know where they can find you and what kind of content to expect.
Consistency is Key: Post regularly to keep your audience engaged. Use similar themes, aesthetics, and tones to create a sense of familiarity.
Experiment with Formats: Test different content types, such as Reels, carousels, and live videos, to determine what resonates most with your audience on the new platform.
Collaborate with Others: Partner with creators who have an established presence on your chosen platforms to expand your reach.
Evaluating the Best Formats for Showcasing Your Work
Each platform has its own strengths, and understanding these can help you maximize your impact:
Visual Content: For painters, designers, and crafters, high-quality photos and process videos work well on Instagram, Pinterest, and emerging platforms like Lemon8.
Educational or Behind-the-Scenes Content: YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reels are perfect for sharing tutorials, studio tours, or the stories behind your creations.
Interactive Content: Use live video features on Instagram or YouTube to host Q&A sessions, share product launches, or connect with your audience in real time.
Building an Email List: Your Secret Weapon
Platforms may rise and fall, but your email list is yours to keep. An email newsletter ensures you can share updates, promote products, and foster connections without relying on third-party apps. To grow your list, offer incentives like free downloads, exclusive discounts, or early access to new work.
Here are some free services for email collection and distribution and I added the links to make it easier:
Mailchimp (Free Plan): Offers email list management, automation, and basic analytics for up to 500 subscribers.
Substack: Perfect for creators looking to blend email newsletters with a blog-style platform. It’s free to start, with the option to monetize.
MailerLite (Free Plan): Provides email automation, list segmentation, and up to 1,000 subscribers with a generous free tier.
Kit (formerly ConvertKit Free Creator Plan): Designed for creators, it allows you to build landing pages and collect emails, offering free services for up to 1,000 subscribers.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
While the TikTok ban presents challenges, it also offers an opportunity to reassess your strategy and build a more resilient digital presence. Use this moment to refine your messaging, explore untapped platforms, and strengthen your connection with your audience.
My Final Thoughts:
It just sucks. For artists and creators, the heart of your work lies in your ability to inspire and connect with others. The TikTok ban may feel like a setback, but it’s also a chance to explore new possibilities. By diversifying your platforms, engaging effectively, and showcasing your goods and services in innovative ways, you can continue to build interest, drive sales, and share your creativity with the world. Keep doing YOU. Chat me up if you need support!
