The opinions expressed by Entrepreneur authors are their very own.
The clock is ticking. TikTok could also be banned in the US, and if you rely on the app for your brand’s success, you would face serious problems.
Social media platforms like TikTok are amazing – when they work. But the truth is that they are unstable. One rule change, one ban and you are at their mercy. TikTok could disappear tomorrow, and if all your growth is tied to it, all you will be left with is an empty platform.
As someone who has built a social media business and made money on TikTok, I can inform you: I do not trust these platforms. And if you are still putting all your eggs in the TikTok basket, it is time to get up.
Here’s an incentive: you would like to stop building on leased land and start building your own business.
Why “rented land” is not enough
If you build your brand on TikTok, Instagram or Facebook, you are building it on another person’s land. They own your audiencenot you.
When TikTok’s algorithm changes or the app is blocked (and let’s face it, it may well occur), you’ll lose the opportunity to reach your audience. Your labor could be destroyed in the blink of an eye.
You cannot build a sustainable business by relying on another person’s platform. That’s a fact. If you are not yet considering how to build an audience outside of TikTok, it is time to get serious.
5 steps you would like to take now – before TikTok disappears
It’s time to pivot. If you simply use social media, the clock is ticking. If you are reading this, you’ve got probably already missed out on full TikTok protection, but this text is a wake-up call for you.
Here’s your motion plan to future-proof your brand. Here are five steps you possibly can take today to stop putting your business in the hands of social media platforms:
1. Build your own website
Your website is your digital home. This is the only place you have control. Use it to host content, sell products, and collect audience data. Make sure your site is arrange to handle all the things, whether it’s a blog, store, or resource center. This needs to be your go-to hub for all the things that drives engagement and transactions.
2. Start Your Email List (Now)
It doesn’t matter how big your TikTok followers are if you possibly can’t reach them without an app. Email marketing is where the money is. Start collecting emails – today – even if it’s just a handful of followers. Use GetResponse to create opt-in forms and offer something of value (free guides, exclusive content, etc.) in exchange for an email address. Building an email list is the way to have an audience.
3. Use SMS marketing to create an quick connection
SMS marketing is a game changer. Encourage your audience to opt-in to real-time updates and exclusive offers via text messages. This tool could be the best way to stay connected with your audience and reach them immediately. A powerful SMS list may increase the conversion rate of your offers.
4. Create funnels that truly convert
If you simply use your TikTok or Instagram bio to link to your profile, you are leaving money on the table. Create landing pages that direct your followers to funnels. Give them a reason to follow you beyond social media – whether it’s a free ebook, a special offer, or a likelihood to join your community. Use GetResponse to automate these funnels and turn followers into loyal customers.
5. Diversify Your Channels (Now)
Stop putting all your eggs in one basket. The platforms you rely on today may disappear tomorrow. Share your content on multiple channels. Use Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts and Facebook. These platforms provide higher control over monetization and audience engagement. Don’t put all the things on one platform. Use them to expand your reach.
What will occur to TikTok once the ban goes into effect?
If TikTok gets banned in the US, here’s what’s going to occur:
-
No latest downloads: : TikTok shall be removed from app stores, so latest users won’t have the opportunity to download the app. You will still have access to your account for a time frame, but it should eventually develop into unusable.
-
No update: : The app will stop receiving updates, which implies it should eventually stop working properly. It should still work for a while, but expect a gradual performance drop as the application becomes more unstable.
-
It’s not illegal to have TikTok on your phone: : Even if TikTok gets banned, that is the way it is not illegal to save them on your phone. But without updates, don’t expect it to work well for long.
Why you must use YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts is your best backup plan. It’s owned by Google, which implies your content may appear in Google search results, making it easier for others to find you in organic search results.
Here’s why it really works:
-
Repurpose your TikTok content: : YouTube Shorts supports videos up to 3 minutes long, so you possibly can re-upload your TikTok videos there. This increases the visibility of your content on various platforms.
Tip: : Track your YouTube Shorts results and see what content performs best. Repurpose your best content and adapt it accordingly.
-
Diversify your platform strategy: : Don’t rely solely on TikTok. Check out Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts and Facebook to expand your reach. These platforms provide higher brand control and more stable monetization and engagement opportunities.
For a tip: Use LinkedIn and Facebook to repurpose your content and reach a more skilled audience. These platforms are great for building authority.
Take control of the way forward for your brand
The TikTok ban needs to be a wake-up call. Social media platforms may terminate or change their policies at any time. Stop building your brand on leased land. Build your own business – starting with a website, email list and SMS marketing.
The tools you would like are already available. GetResponse allows you to automate email marketing, create landing pages, and build funnels to convert followers into customers. It’s time to take control of your brand’s future and stop relying on social media platforms that may disappear at any moment.
What to do next
Start building your email list and funnels. Start reusing your content across multiple platforms. Future-proof your brand today and never be fooled by social media again.