How to Make Money on TikTok with Zero Followers

TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. With its short-form videos and a highly engaged audience, TikTok offers a variety of ways to monetize content. While many people believe that you need a large following to make money on TikTok, the truth is that even with zero followers, you can start earning. In this guide, we will explore various strategies that allow you to make money on TikTok without the need for an established following. Whether you're new to TikTok or just looking for creative ways to earn, this article has you covered.

1. TikTok Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the most effective ways to make money online, and TikTok is no exception. Here’s how you can leverage TikTok for affiliate marketing without having any followers:

a. Find Affiliate Programs: Start by signing up for affiliate programs relevant to your niche or interests. Websites like Amazon Associates, ClickBank, and ShareASale offer a wide variety of products and services you can promote.

b. Create High-Quality Content: Even without followers, your videos can go viral if they’re engaging and provide value. Focus on creating high-quality content that showcases the products you’re promoting. This could be in the form of product reviews, tutorials, or unboxing videos.

c. Use TikTok Ads: To reach a wider audience, you can invest in TikTok Ads. By promoting your videos, you can drive traffic to your affiliate links and earn commissions from sales. Make sure your ad content is compelling and directly relates to the product you're promoting.

d. Leverage TikTok’s Algorithm: TikTok’s algorithm can work in your favor by promoting your content to users who might be interested in your niche. The platform is known for pushing new content to a broader audience, so even with zero followers, you can still achieve significant reach.

2. Selling Products via TikTok Shop

TikTok has integrated shopping features that allow users to buy products directly from the platform. Here’s how you can utilize TikTok Shop to make money:

a. Set Up a TikTok Shop: Even if you don’t have followers, you can set up a TikTok Shop by linking it to your Shopify account or other e-commerce platforms. This allows you to showcase your products directly on TikTok.

b. Use Hashtags and Trends: Take advantage of trending hashtags and challenges to get your products in front of more people. Participating in trends increases the visibility of your content, which can lead to more sales.

c. Partner with Influencers: If you’re selling products, consider partnering with micro-influencers who have a niche audience. They can promote your products to their followers, and you can negotiate a commission or flat fee for their services.

d. Run Flash Sales: Flash sales create urgency and can encourage impulse purchases. Promote your flash sales through TikTok’s video content and ads to attract buyers.

3. Freelancing Services via TikTok

If you have a skill or service to offer, TikTok can be a powerful platform to showcase your expertise and attract clients, even without an existing following:

a. Create Tutorial Videos: Whether you’re a graphic designer, video editor, or writer, you can create short tutorial videos that demonstrate your skills. This content can attract potential clients who need your services.

b. Optimize Your Profile: Make sure your TikTok profile clearly states what services you offer. Include a link to your portfolio or website where potential clients can learn more about your work.

c. Use Call-to-Actions: Encourage viewers to reach out for services by including strong call-to-actions (CTAs) in your videos. Phrases like “DM me for inquiries” or “Visit the link in my bio to hire me” can drive engagement and conversions.

d. Participate in TikTok Communities: Engage with communities related to your service by commenting on videos, participating in challenges, and sharing your knowledge. This increases your visibility and helps establish you as an expert in your field.

4. TikTok Consulting and Coaching

If you have experience in growing TikTok accounts, you can offer consulting or coaching services to individuals and businesses looking to improve their presence on the platform:

a. Share Tips and Tricks: Create content that offers valuable insights into how TikTok works, such as understanding the algorithm, content creation tips, and growth strategies.

b. Promote Your Services: Even with no followers, you can promote your consulting services through TikTok Ads or by networking with other users who might benefit from your expertise.

c. Offer Free Webinars: Host free webinars on TikTok where you share growth strategies and offer personalized advice. Use these sessions to upsell your coaching services to attendees.

d. Network with Other Creators: Collaborate with other TikTok creators who have a following. They can endorse your services to their audience, giving you credibility and access to a larger market.

5. Content Creation for Other Accounts

If you’re skilled in creating engaging TikTok content but don’t want to build your own following, you can create content for other accounts:

a. Offer Content Creation Services: Many brands and influencers are looking for content creators who can produce videos for their TikTok accounts. Offer your services to create content that aligns with their brand’s voice and objectives.

b. Portfolio Building: Start by creating a portfolio of sample TikTok videos that showcase your style and creativity. Use these samples to pitch your services to potential clients.

c. Join TikTok Creator Marketplaces: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and TikTok’s own creator marketplace can connect you with businesses looking for TikTok content creators.

d. Work with Agencies: Many marketing agencies are on the lookout for freelance content creators to manage their clients’ TikTok accounts. Reach out to these agencies and offer your services.

6. Offering Paid TikTok Courses

If you have expertise in a specific area, you can create and sell courses on TikTok:

a. Identify Your Niche: Determine what skills or knowledge you have that others might find valuable. This could be anything from TikTok growth strategies to cooking tutorials.

b. Create Short Teaser Videos: Post short clips that offer a preview of what your course will cover. This can entice viewers to purchase the full course.

c. Use a Learning Platform: Host your course on platforms like Teachable or Udemy and use TikTok to drive traffic to these platforms.

d. Promote Your Course: Without followers, you can still promote your course using TikTok Ads or by participating in relevant hashtags and challenges that align with your course topic.

7. Sponsored Content and Brand Partnerships

Although it’s common to think you need followers to secure sponsorships, you can still land brand partnerships by focusing on quality over quantity:

a. Create a Media Kit: Develop a professional media kit that outlines your content style, niche, and engagement potential. Highlight how your content can align with a brand’s objectives.

b. Pitch Directly to Brands: Reach out to brands directly, offering to create TikTok content that showcases their products or services. Even without a following, if your content is creative and aligns with their brand, they may be interested.

c. Showcase Content on Other Platforms: If you have a following on other social media platforms like Instagram or YouTube, use those to demonstrate your reach and engagement to potential brands.

d. Micro-Influencer Networks: Join micro-influencer networks that connect small creators with brands. These networks often value content quality and creativity over follower count.

Conclusion

Making money on TikTok with zero followers might seem challenging, but it’s entirely possible with the right strategies. By leveraging affiliate marketing, selling products, offering services, or even creating content for others, you can start earning on TikTok without needing a large audience. The key is to focus on creating high-quality, engaging content and utilizing TikTok’s various monetization tools and features. As you implement these strategies, you may find that your follower count grows naturally, opening up even more opportunities for monetization.