Is TikTok really getting banned? The answer is that it’s too early to know for sure. The potential ban of TikTok in the United States has sent ripples through the marketing world. With ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, in a tight spot to decide the fate of their app, small business owners are left wondering how this will impact their digital strategies. On March 13, 2024, the House of Representatives passed the TikTok ban, but what does that really mean?
ByteDance has expressed its reluctance to sell TikTok, citing that doing so would equate to giving away their proprietary algorithm, their “secret sauce.” With a decision timeline of six to twelve months, let’s explore the possible outcomes and alternative avenues marketers can consider.
The TikTok Ban Details
If ByteDance refuses to sell TikTok to a United States entity, there are really two options of how this could play out.
1. TikTok is Banned in the U.S.
If a ban were enacted, TikTok would not immediately vanish from devices but would cease to be available for new downloads in the U.S. The app would suffer from a lack of updates, leading to performance issues over time and eventually becoming obsolete.
2. Legal Challenges
ByteDance might contest the ban in court, leveraging arguments around First Amendment rights. The future of this legal battle is uncertain but could potentially result in the overturning of the ban, which would mean TikTok would stay in place. You can learn more about some of the legalities here.
Marketing Takeaways
The current situation with TikTok highlights some critical takeaways for small business owners.
1. The Power of Owning Your Audience
At Bellrae Marketing, we’ve talked time and time again about the importance of building an email list and consistently nurturing that list with valuable information. This is because you own your email list. You do not own your social media channels or your followers/subscribers. It is essentially rented space. We run the risk of losing access to all of our followers in the event that one of the social media platforms goes down.
2. The Necessity of Multi-Channel Marketing
Placing all marketing efforts on one platform is risky. Diversification across various channels ensures stability and reaches audiences across different touchpoints. Consider where your target audience is spending there time and maximize your content across multiple platforms.
Alternative Marketing Strategies
As TikTok’s future hangs in the balance, small business owners should explore other robust platforms and marketing strategies:
1. Leverage Established Platforms
- YouTube: A powerhouse for video content, ideal for longer-form content, and known for its robust advertising tools.
- Instagram: Offers various content formats from Stories to Reels, catering to a visually engaged audience.
2. Emerging Platforms and Trends
- Triller and Dubsmash: As alternatives to TikTok, these platforms offer similar features and are gaining traction among niche audiences.
- Short Video Features on Other Platforms: Facebook and Instagram Reels are now integral parts of these platforms, serving similar functions to TikTok.
3. Content Marketing
Beyond social media, focusing on content marketing—blogs, podcasts, webinars, and whitepapers—can build thought leadership and drive deeper engagement.
4. SEO and Search Marketing
Investing in SEO and paid search strategies can capture demand when potential customers are actively seeking solutions, a fundamental tactic that often provides higher conversion rates than social media.
5. Influencer Collaborations
While TikTok is a key influencer platform, influencers exist across all social media. Collaborating with influencers on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or even on emerging apps can tap into established communities.
6. Community Building
Creating and nurturing online communities via platforms like Facebook Groups or dedicated forums can foster direct relationships and brand loyalty.
Social Media Marketing Agency in Richmond, Virginia
The ambiguity surrounding TikTok’s presence in the U.S. serves as a compelling reminder of the ever-evolving nature of digital marketing landscapes. Marketers and small business owners are advised to stay agile, continuously adapting strategies to include a mix of traditional and innovative marketing approaches. By broadening your digital footprint across multiple platforms and investing in direct audience engagement, businesses can safeguard their online presence against the uncertainty of any single platform’s future.
Feeling overwhelmed by the ever-evolving world of social media? We understand, and we’re here to help! Schedule a free strategy call with our owner, Carly Bell, to discuss your social media strategy and how the Bellrae Marketing team can save you time and money!