How I Earned $160K in Brand Deals and a 6-Figure Book Deal via TikTok

When I launched my TikTok account in March 2020, I had no experience with the platform. However, I soon found myself securing $160K in brand partnerships and an impressive book deal. Here’s how I did it and how you can leverage TikTok for similar success.

A business associate suggested I dive into TikTok to boost the visibility of my disability advocacy company, Diversability. Initially, gaining traction was a challenge. Everything changed a few months later when I noticed my friends joining TikTok’s Creative Learning Fund. I pitched myself as a disability educator and, to my delight, was accepted. I received a stipend to create 40 #LearnOnTikTok videos.

@imtiffanyyu PSA: wear a mask! #wearamask #tiktokpartner #learnontiktok #brachialplexusinjury #wearmask #onehand ♬ Triangle – Chris Alan Lee

This content boost transformed my follower count from 700 to 45,000 in just one month. A viral video of me putting on a mask one-handed helped drive this growth, supported by a library of related content that kept followers engaged.

If you aim to increase your brand’s visibility and income on TikTok, here are the strategies that worked for me.

Create and Maintain a Series and Focus Using TikTok

To maintain consistency, I launched ‘The Anti-Ableism Series.’ Each video begins with the phrase, “Do you want to be a better ally to disabled people?” This series gained significant attention, leading to my inclusion in the API TikTok Trailblazers list and catching the eye of a literary agent, ultimately resulting in a book deal.

Organizing content into a clear series helps new followers understand and engage with your material. I catalog my videos under the #AntiAbleism hashtag and compile them into a playlist on my profile. Each video focuses on a small, actionable tip, making it easy for both me and my audience to maintain enthusiasm.

@imtiffanyyu If we say we can do the job, give us the opportunity to do it. Featuring @Ryann “Ry” Mason ♿️❤️ Pre-order The Anti-Ableist Manifesto at https://bit.ly/AntiAbleistBook #AntiAbleism #AntiAbleist #Disability #DisabilityPride #DisabilityInclusion #DisabilityAwareness #DisabilityTikTok ♬ Papaya – Pastel

Engage With Your Audience, Don’t Just Broadcast

Instead of just creating content that is engaging to your audience, aim to engage with them. Answering comments and questions with video replies shows your audience that you value their interaction. This fosters a loyal community.

@imtiffanyyu Reply to @toguboguroblox – how I drive #WelcomeWeek #driverslicense #driversed #brachialplexusinjury #disability #disabilitytiktok #onehand #howidrive ♬ Sunset Lover – Petit Biscuit

Additionally, inviting viewers to record video responses or even duet your videos encourages active participation, extending your reach organically. For instance, one successful post involved asking for ideas on better ways to put on over-the-ear headphones one-handed, which resulted in useful advice and wider reach.

@m3ganb3th #duet with @imtiffanyyu #AVM #BrainAneurysm #stroke #fyp ♬ In Love With You – BLVKSHP

Also, always include captions in your videos. This not only aids accessibility but significantly improves engagement, considering 75 percent of people watch mobile videos on mute.

Integrate Brand Partnerships Seamlessly

Brands partnerships are an excellent revenue stream. My first major deal came with just 5,000 Instagram followers, found through influencer marketplaces like Obviously and Aspire. Most opportunities have come directly from brands approaching me, thanks to my clearly branded content and accessible contact info.

Having pre-established content formats, like my Anti-Ableism series or daily life videos, eases the pitching process. I’ve worked with various brands, such as a vibrator company for sexual health and Hilton for a “day in the life” post. This method ensures seamless integration and maintains the originality of my content.

Furthermore, I’m not shy about creating unsponsored content around products I love and then pitching those brands. For instance, after spontaneously praising Melio in a video, I successfully pitched a paid partnership with them.

Ultimately, I hired a talent manager to handle the influx of inquiries, manage paperwork, and ensure that the administrative side does not encroach on my creative process.

If TikTok seems like the right platform for you, embrace it authentically! But if it does not spark joy, remember that there are many other paths to build your brand. Finding the channel that aligns with your passion will naturally draw your desired audience.

Click Here For More Marketing tips and strategies

Marketing Strategies