How to Use TikTok for Your Hospitality Business in 2023 - The Ultimate Guide

In today's digital landscape, where social media rules the roost, one platform has taken the world by storm with its mesmerising content and staggering user base. Enter TikTok, the sensational app that boasts a staggering 1 billion users worldwide. 

If you're a hospitality business owner looking to tap into this social media phenomenon, you're in the right place. Welcome to "How to Use TikTok for Your Hospitality Business in 2023 - The Ultimate Guide." 

Get ready to unlock the secrets of TikTok, unleash your creativity, and propel your business to new heights. Prepare for a journey filled with excitement, innovation, and endless possibilities. 

Let's dive in and master the art of TikTok success!

Why Tik Tok?

According to a recent survey, a staggering 36% of TikTok users have visited or ordered food from a hospitality business after seeing it on the platform. That's a significant number of potential customers waiting to discover your business! 

What's more, an impressive 65% of TikTok content creators themselves have taken action by visiting or ordering food from a restaurant they discovered on TikTok. 

These statistics clearly demonstrate the immense impact TikTok can have on driving customers to your establishment. With its engaging and viral nature, TikTok provides a fantastic platform to showcase your offerings, connect with a wide audience, and ultimately boost your business's visibility and revenue.

So, why wait? Get on board with TikTok and tap into its powerful potential for your hospitality business today!

Setting up your TikTok business account

Alright, let's get down to business! Setting up your TikTok business account is the first step on your path to conquering the TikTokverse. Here’s how…

• Step one: Download the TikTok app from your favourite app store. You know the drill! Find that colourful icon and give it a tap.
• Step two: Open the app and hit that "Sign Up" button. You can sign up using your email, phone number, or even your existing social media accounts. Choose the option that tickles your fancy and let the account creation magic begin. Voila!
• Step three: Time to set up your profile. Your profile is like your business's virtual storefront, so let's make it shine! Choose a profile picture that represents your hospitality business—maybe your logo or a drool-worthy snapshot of your signature dish. Don't forget to write a snappy bio that captures the essence of your business. Keep it concise, engaging, and sprinkle a touch of personality.
• Step four: Link it up! You want your TikTok followers to easily find more about your business, right? Well, let's link your website and other social media platforms to your TikTok account. Go to "Edit Profile," and you'll find the option to add your website and other social media handles. This way, your viewers can explore more of your fabulous content and connect with you across different platforms.

Congratulations! You're now the proud owner of a TikTok business account. Wasn't that a piece of cake?

Top TikTok Trends in 2023

Hold on tight because we’re about to reveal the hottest TikTok trends that will make your hospitality business shine in 2023! These trends are all the rage and will help you engage with your audience, showcase your offerings, and boost your brand's visibility. Let's dive in:

Day in the life:

Take your viewers on a journey by sharing a day in the life of your hospitality business. Show the hustle and bustle of the kitchen, the diligent planning behind event preparations, or the glamorous side of your hotel. Authenticity and behind-the-scenes access create a personal connection with your audience.

Check out this brilliant example on YouTube shorts (a similar platform)

“Pack an order with me” trend:

Let your audience be part of the behind-the-scenes action! Jump on the "pack an order with me" trend where you show the meticulous process of packing food orders. It's a fun and interactive way to showcase your efficiency, attention to detail, and the love you put into every order.

 Here's an example below:

Storytime while baking:

Want to add a dash of entertainment to your cooking? Tell captivating stories while showcasing your baking skills. Share anecdotes, kitchen mishaps, or the fascinating history behind a recipe. Your viewers will not only learn a thing or two but also be thoroughly entertained.

Check out an example below!

Teaming up with TikTok influencers:

Collaboration is the name of the game! Team up with popular TikTok influencers in the food and hospitality niche to create engaging content. Whether it's a recipe challenge, a taste test, or a behind-the-scenes collaboration, influencer partnerships can give your TikTok account a massive boost by sharing the following of both accounts.

Interested in seeing what type of content your influencers could create? Check out this brilliant video from TikTok and Youtube influencer KarissaEats. (Pstt. These short videos are posted  on both platforms)

Skits:

Comedy and creativity blend seamlessly on TikTok. Get your team involved and create hilarious skits related to the hospitality industry. Whether it's showcasing funny customer interactions, reenacting memorable moments, or poking gentle fun at industry quirks, skits are a surefire way to entertain and engage your audience.

Check out this hilarious example below:

These top TikTok trends in 2023 will help you captivate your audience, boost your brand's reach, and create a lasting impression. So, grab your camera, sprinkle some creativity, and get ready to ride the trend wave to TikTok stardom!

7 tips for running your TikTok business account

Running a successful TikTok account for your hospitality business requires strategy, creativity, and a touch of magic. Here are seven essential tips to help you navigate the TikTok waters like a pro:

1. Create captivating content

Be a content maestro! Understand your target audience and tailor your videos to their preferences. Share visually stunning shots of your dishes, showcase unique experiences, or demonstrate helpful tips and tricks. Keep your content fresh, engaging, and aligned with your brand's personality.

2. Embrace TikTok's creative tools: 

Spice up your videos with TikTok's creative tools. Experiment with filters, effects, and transitions to add a touch of flair. Explore text overlays, stickers, and emojis to convey messages and enhance engagement. Unleash your creativity and make your content stand out from the crowd.

3. Jump on trending challenges: 

TikTok thrives on trends and challenges. Stay up to date with the latest trends and hashtags relevant to the hospitality industry. Participate in popular challenges and put your unique spin on them. By joining in, you'll increase your visibility and connect with a wider audience.

4. Engage with the community: 

TikTok is all about building a community. Respond to comments, engage with your followers, and show appreciation for user-generated content related to your business. Collaborate with other TikTok creators, join duets, and create a sense of community around your brand. Authentic engagement goes a long way towards establishing a loyal fan base.

5. Track and analyse metrics: 

Keep an eye on the numbers! Dive into TikTok's analytics and insights to gain valuable information about your content's performance. Identify key metrics such as views, likes, shares, and comments to gauge audience engagement. Use this data to refine your content strategy and create even more impactful videos.

6. Encourage user-generated content: 

Let your audience shine! Encourage your followers to create their own content featuring your hospitality business. Run contests, challenges, or simply ask for their experiences and stories. User-generated content not only fosters a sense of community but also provides social proof for your brand.

7. Experiment and evolve: 

Stay agile and adapt to the ever-changing TikTok landscape. Experiment with new content formats, trends, and creative ideas. Keep an eye on emerging features and explore innovative ways to showcase your business. TikTok is a dynamic platform, so be open to trying new things and evolving your strategy accordingly.

With these seven tips, you're well-equipped to run your TikTok account like a pro. Remember, it's all about creating captivating content, leveraging creative tools, and measuring your success through metrics. So, grab your phone, ignite your creativity, and let the TikTok magic unfold for your hospitality business!

Final thoughts

As we conclude our ultimate guide to using TikTok for your hospitality business in 2023, let's wrap up with some final thoughts. 

TikTok presents an incredible opportunity for businesses to connect with a global audience in creative ways. By embracing authenticity, leveraging trends, and staying adaptable, you can make a lasting impact on your audience. 

Remember to experiment, learn from your audience, and stay connected to the ever-changing landscape of TikTok. If you do,with a little enthusiasm and creativity, your hospitality business can thrive on this dynamic platform. 

So, dive in, embrace the TikTok spirit, and watch your business soar. Cheers to your TikTok success!