Don't Give Up On TikTok Yet (Good News)

Good Morning, it’s Keean! Before I get into the newsletter for today, there are a few changes I want to announce.

First, you may have already noticed a slight “rebrand”. It’s still me, Keean, but with a new look and a new name (for my newsletter specifically). In addition to the new look, I’m also making a slight shift to the content. I want to put more focus on news within the creator economy, success stories, and powerful strategies for short-form content across all platforms.

Things that will be covered today

• Brands increase TikTok spending in March

• TikTok Series, a NEW way to monetize

• Making your first $1,000 with TikTok, IG, or Shorts (the easiest way)

Brands increase TikTok spending

Despite the constant barrage of negativity around TikTok, there might finally be some good news. Advertisers are increasing their spending on TikTok despite potential US ban threats over national security concerns.

Here are some important points:

• US TikTok advertising grew by 11% in March, top spenders include Pepsi, DoorDash, Amazon, and Apple

• Brands plan to continue spending on TikTok, and major ad agencies have not advised reducing investment

• Before the TikTok congressional hearing, a survey found that 75% of US marketers plan to increase TikTok spending in the next 12 months

• Brands are creating contingency plans, such as moving spending to rival platforms like Meta and Google

• TikTok's global revenues primarily come from digital advertising, with a forecasted $14.15 billion in 2023, up from $9.89 billion in 2022.

• TikTok claims it is a global company, with 60% shares owned by global investors, 20% by employees, and 20% by its founder.

• TikTok has a $2bn partnership with Oracle to ensure American user data is held in the US, addressing national security concerns.

Overall: This doesn’t necessarily speak to the future of TikTok, but if brands are still on TikTok, creators should be as well. Regardless of a potential TikTok ban, having your entire audience in one place is never a good idea, so make sure to diversify.

In case you missed it:

TikTok Series

A new way to monetize on TikTok has arrived. TikTok is introducing Series, a new feature for creators to share premium content and strengthen their connection with the platform's community.

Here are some important points:

• Series allows premium content sharing behind a paywall

• Creators can post up to 80 videos per Series, each up to 20 minutes long

• Creators can set their own pricing for their Series

• Viewers can purchase access via in-video links or the creator's profile

• Series content must adhere to TikTok's Community Guidelines

• Currently available to select creators, with applications opening soon

• Series aims to help creators build stronger relationships with viewers

  

Speaking of monetization…

When most people dream about making money on TikTok, they think about brand deals or the creator fund. But, there’s a much simpler way to make money on TikTok and it’s how I made my first $1,000 with just 5-10k followers.

Over the past few years, there’s been a visible increase in the number of creators who are selling products and transitioning into the business world. MrBeast with Feastables and Beast Burger, Logan Paul, and KSI with Prime, Mark Rober with Crunch Labs.

Selling physical products is no easy task, but, digital products are much more manageable and easy to start selling today.

The first ever digital product I created for my TikTok audience was a 0-100k follower guide. It was exactly how I grew my previous news page to 100k followers in just 6 months and I recreated the same process with @keeansocial.

Here are some examples of digital products you can start selling today:

• E-books or guides: Write informational e-books or guides, sharing tips, techniques, or insights that your audience can benefit from.

• Online courses: Develop comprehensive online courses offering in-depth tutorials, lessons, and assignments to help your audience learn new skills or enhance existing ones.

• Printable templates or worksheets: Design printable templates or worksheets related to your niche, such as fitness tracking sheets, meal plans, or organization templates.

• Presets or filters: For those of you in the editing, photography, or videography niche - sell custom presets or filters for editing apps.

• Digital artwork or illustrations: You can offer custom digital artwork or illustrations, such as personalized portraits, logos, or designs for their audience's personal use or branding.

• Webinars or masterclasses: Host live webinars or masterclasses on your niche topics and provide exclusive access to your audience for a more interactive and in-depth learning experience.

• Membership site or community access: Create a private membership site or online community where your audience can access exclusive content, engage in discussions, and connect with like-minded individuals.

• Coaching or consulting services: Offer one-on-one coaching or consulting services to your audience to help them achieve specific goals or overcome challenges.

Once you’ve decided what you want to create, you can host your product within 5 minutes using Stan.

It would mean the world to me if you shared this newsletter with a friend, colleague, or fellow creator!