Step 1: Define Your Niche and Value Proposition

Why should someone follow you? You can't be for everyone. Pick a specific niche you're passionate about (e.g., vegan baking, retro gaming, DIY home repair). Your value proposition is the promise you make to your followers. For example: 'I post a new 5-ingredient vegan recipe every day.'

Step 2: Optimize Your Profile

Your profile is your landing page. Make it count. Use a clear profile picture, a keyword-rich display name, and a bio that quickly explains your value proposition. Pin your top 3 best videos to the top to showcase your top content to new visitors.

Step 3: Create High-Value, Engaging Content

Focus on creating content that is either highly entertaining or highly educational for your niche. Use a strong hook in the first 2 seconds, leverage trending sounds, and use clear on-screen text. End with a call-to-action that encourages engagement (e.g., 'What should I bake next? Comment below!').

Step 4: Post Consistently

Consistency is key to signaling to the algorithm that you're a serious creator. Aim to post 1-3 times per day, especially when you're starting out. Use TikTok's analytics to find out when your followers are most active and schedule your posts around those peak times.

Step 5: Engage Like a Human

Don't just post and ghost. Spend 15-30 minutes every day engaging with your community. Reply to comments on your videos. Go to other videos in your niche, watch them, and leave thoughtful comments. This is one of the most underrated growth strategies on the platform.