What Is TikTok & Who’s Using It?
Before we get to the best way for insurance agents to use TikTok for marketing purposes. It’s important that you fully comprehend what TikTok is. As well as why so many people like it, and what kind of people are using it.
TikTok, which became popular in 2018, has become a sensation all across the world. At its core, TikTok is a video creation platform allowing users to record and edit videos and share them with other users. One of the defining characteristics of TikTok is that the videos posted on it are all relatively short in length. While videos can now be up to 10 minutes long. When the app first launched, videos were limited to just 15 seconds.
This fast-paced format is what many people think appeals to a younger audience. Though people of all ages have started using TikTok, much of the consumer base is comprised of Generation Z and Millennials (people born between 1981 and 2012).
But TikTok has other features that make it a useful tool for businesses hoping to connect with a wide variety of users. This platform is known for its use of personalized algorithms. Meaning the app can learn the type of videos a consumer tends to enjoy and will suggest new videos based on those preferences. This makes the app quite effective for agents looking to target specific types of consumers. In this case, one’s who are interested in getting an insurance policy!
Using TikTok’s Features to Your Advantage
In order to make the most of TikTok for marketing purposes as an insurance agent, you should be familiar with the various features of the app. If you use these features effectively, you will be able to maximize the eyes on you and increase your client base.
TikTok’s main features include:
Video recording, uploading, and editing
In the end, TikTok is all about video creation, so these are its most important features. You’ll be able to record videos directly on the app, in addition to being able to upload existing videos from your device. So, you’ll have a lot of options for being creative and posting engaging content. The in-app video editor allows you to be even more creative. Giving you options to do things like flip, rotate, or crop videos, or even change the playback speed.
Filters & effects
There are also various filters and affects you can add to your TikTok videos to make them more appealing and engaging. This includes all sorts of face filtering options, animations, sticker effects and more. They can help you add emphasis or humor to your videos. Also check out the green screen effect that allows you to add any background that you want to your video.
Sounds & voiceovers
When creating videos for TikTok, you should also explore all your options for sounds or voiceovers. TikTok has a vast library of sound effects and music ranging from popular to classical, and everything in between. And recording voiceovers lets you add narration to an already recorded video. To make sure your message is clear and effective.
Livestreams and Q&A sessions
The live streaming features on TikTok allow you to stream or host videos in real-time. As well as answer questions with the Q&A feature. Holding informational sessions like this can be quite useful for insurance agents to help engage with their followers and establish themselves as an expert in the field.
Duets, Stitches & Video Replies
Another cool thing about TikTok is the fact that it makes it easy to collaborate with other creators. Duet videos allow creators to each make a video that will play together at the same time. For example, users might use this to sing a song or perform in another way. But the creative possibilities are limitless. The stitch feature lets users attach their video to the end of another creator’s video. This way, you can add a reaction or commentary to someone else’s video. Video replies give you the ability to create a video while responding to a specific comment. When you use this feature, the comment will appear laid over the video. As an insurance agent, you could use a video reply as a way to answer questions or share your opinion on a mentioned topic.
Hashtags
As on many other social media sites, on TikTok, the use of hashtags to draw attention to your videos is very important. That means you should try to use industry buzzwords as hashtags on each of your videos. Try thinking about what a consumer interested in learning more about insurance would search for. And do some research about specific hashtags in the industry.
Agent Content Creation
As you already know if you’ve been utilizing video marketing for your business, it is vital that the content you create is engaging, interesting, and unique. And this goes double for the fast-paced, youthful TikTok! But just because TikTok has a more “fun” reputation doesn’t mean you can’t make it work for the insurance industry. Try the following to create engaging videos and get more views and followers:
Educate your viewers
TikTok’s short-form video platform is the perfect place to explain topics or give tips that are useful to the average consumer. Ideas to explore in your videos could include explanations of coverage for certain policies, how to save money when purchasing coverage. Or insights into the claims process – it’s always a good idea to sell your videos as “insider knowledge”! By sharing your knowledge of the industry, you can establish yourself as a credible professional who others can look to for regular information.
Show your personality
One thing you can do to spice up your content and make yourself stand out even more is to let your own personality shine in your videos. Show yourself as upbeat, humorous, or fun, so viewers can relate to your genuine self. This is especially important when tackling a topic like insurance. Which many people tend to think of as a boring necessity of life. Make the viewers interested in hearing what you have to say!
Give viewers a glimpse into your life.
Another helpful tip for insurance-related content creators is to share stories, anecdotes, or glimpses from your personal life. Let the viewers walk in your shoes for a bit! This could mean making a video showing an inside look at the insurance company or agency you work for. Or relaying a story about helping a consumer in need. It can be anything that shows the viewer that you care about helping them and that you are an authentic person.
Stay current.
Lastly, something that TikTok is known widely for are its viral trends and challenges. Though they may seem silly, you should know what’s making the rounds on the app and stay up-to-date with the latest trends to help grow your brand. And though it’s not necessary to participate in every popular trend or challenge, you should try to occasionally participate in them. Since doing so could bring you new followers who wouldn’t otherwise see your content.
Agent Marketing Do’s and Don’ts
Now that we’ve discussed TikTok’s user base, features, as well as highlighted some content creation tips, let’s bring it all together by looking at the most important do’s and don’ts for engaging with this app.
Do:
- Be authentic and knowledgeable in your videos.
- Be creative in how you present your content. Don’t always have the same format in every video.
- Be consistent in how often you post.
- Regularly interact with your followers and other like-minded creators to build connections. This can be done through comments, messages, and collaborations.
- Use appropriate hashtags to draw attention to your content.
- Keep up with popular video trends, challenges, etc., and think of innovative ways to incorporate them if possible.
Don’t:
- Use TikTok just for self-promotion. This will turn many people off from your content. Make sure that you are branding yourself, but in an authentic way that is entertaining and personal.
- Engage in arguments with users leaving criticisms or negative comments. Instead, handle these situations in a professional manner.
- Ignore all of TikTok’s endless video editing possibilities. Video quality can go a long way. And with all the editing tools available on the app, there’s no excuse for a boring or visually unappealing video.
With the rise of technology, social media, and a new generation of consumers, TikTok stands out as a great platform to increase your brand awareness. With the huge user base and the various content creation features, there are limitless possibilities and ideas for insurance agents to grow their following. By having a solid awareness of what the app does and how it can be utilized from an advertising standpoint, you’ll be able to unleash your full potential and make connections with consumers in need and other experts in the insurance industry. It may not be easy at first, but if you are consistent and creative in your approach, you’ll find that TikTok can be an impactful way to reach your desired audience.
If you are an agent who is looking to step your game up with our exclusive insurance leads and the most current trends and tips, reach out to us today! Our real-time data leads and inbound phone calls will give you the advantage you need to make more relationships and close more sales. We offer leads for individual health, group health, life, Medicare and commercial insurance. Simply fill out the form above or give us a call at 888-684-3121.
