TikTok Instant Page or External Website: Which Should You Use?

As a business, you have a number of options for reaching your audience online, including creating a TikTok Instant Page or using an external website. Both options have their own pros and cons, and the right choice for your business will depend on your specific goals and needs.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between TikTok Instant Pages and external websites, and help you decide which option is best for your business. We’ll also include a FAQ section at the end to answer some common questions about TikTok Instant Pages and external websites.

TikTok Instant Pages

TikTok Instant Pages are landing pages on the TikTok platform that allow businesses to showcase their products, promote events, or provide information about their business. These pages are easily discoverable by users within the TikTok app and can be accessed through a link or a QR code.

Pros of TikTok Instant Pages:

1. Reach a young, engaged audience: TikTok is popular among younger users, with over 60% of its users being under the age of 30. This means that if you’re targeting a younger audience, TikTok is a great platform to reach them on. And with TikTok Instant Pages, you can create a branded landing page that is easily discoverable by users within the TikTok app.
2. Increase brand awareness: TikTok Instant Pages allow you to showcase your brand and increase its visibility on the platform. By creating a page that features your brand’s logo, colors, and messaging, you can create a cohesive, branded experience for users.
3. Increase engagement: TikTok is known for its creative and entertaining content, and TikTok Instant Pages allow you to create engaging content that users can swipe through. This can help increase user engagement with your brand and build a loyal following.
4. Target specific audiences: TikTok Instant Pages can be targeted to specific audiences using the same targeting options available in TikTok Ads Manager. This allows you to reach the users who are most likely to be interested in your products or services.

Cons of TikTok Instant Pages:

1. Limited customization: TikTok Instant Pages offer limited customization options compared to external websites. While you can choose from a few different templates and customize your page with your brand’s logo, colors, and messaging, you don’t have as much control over the look and feel of your page as you would with an external website.
2. Limited functionality: TikTok Instant Pages are designed to be simple landing pages that showcase your brand and provide information to users. They don’t offer the same level of functionality as an external website, such as the ability to sell products or collect customer information.

External Websites

An external website is a standalone website that is not part of a social media platform. External websites allow businesses to create a more comprehensive online presence and provide a range of features and functionality, such as the ability to sell products, collect customer information, and more.

Pros of External Websites:

1. Customization: External websites offer a greater level of customization compared to TikTok Instant Pages. You have complete control over the look and feel of your website and can design it to match your brand’s style and aesthetic.
2. Functionality: External websites offer a range of functionality options, such as the ability to sell products, collect customer information, and more. This makes them a more comprehensive online presence for businesses.
3. Increased credibility: External websites can help increase the credibility of your business. Having a standalone website that is not part of a social media platform can make your business seem more professional and established.

Cons of External Websites:

1. More expensive: Setting up and maintaining an external website can be more expensive than creating a TikTok Instant Page. You’ll need to purchase a domain name and hosting, and you may need to pay for website design and development services.
2. More time-consuming: Setting up and maintaining an external website can be more time-consuming compared to creating a TikTok Instant Page. You’ll need to invest more time and resources into creating and updating your website, and you’ll need to handle all aspects of website management, including security and updates.
3. May not reach as targeted an audience: While external websites can be advertised through various channels, they may not be as easily discoverable by users as TikTok Instant Pages. TikTok Instant Pages are designed to be easily accessible within the TikTok app and can be targeted to specific audiences using the same targeting options available in TikTok Ads Manager.

Which Should You Use?

Ultimately, the choice between a TikTok Instant Page and an external website will depend on your specific goals and needs. Here are a few questions to consider when deciding which option is best for your business:

1. Who is your target audience? If you’re targeting a younger, digitally savvy audience, TikTok Instant Pages may be a good option. If you’re targeting a more general audience, an external website may be a better choice.
2. What are your goals? If you’re looking to increase brand awareness and drive engagement, TikTok Instant Pages may be a good option. If you’re looking to sell products or collect customer information, an external website may be a better choice.
3. What is your budget? TikTok Instant Pages are generally more affordable compared to external websites, as they require less time and resources to set up and maintain. If budget is a concern, TikTok Instant Pages may be the better option.
4. What is your level of technical expertise? If you’re comfortable with website design and development, an external website may be a good option for you. If you’re not as technically savvy, TikTok Instant Pages may be a more straightforward option.

FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about TikTok Instant Pages and external websites:

Q: Can I use a TikTok Instant Page to sell products?

A: No, TikTok Instant Pages are not designed for e-commerce. While they can include calls to action that allow users to visit your website or make a purchase, they do not have the same level of functionality as an external website. If you want to sell products online, you’ll need to use an external website or an e-commerce platform.

Q: Can I use an external website to reach a specific audience on TikTok?

A: Yes, you can use an external website to reach a specific audience on TikTok. You can use TikTok Ads to promote your website to a specific audience using the same targeting options available in TikTok Ads Manager.

Q: Can I use a TikTok Instant Page to collect customer information?

A: No, TikTok Instant Pages do not have the ability to collect customer information. If you want to collect customer information, you’ll need to use an external website or a separate tool, such as a customer relationship management (CRM) platform.

Q: Can I use an external website to drive traffic to my TikTok profile?

A: Yes, you can use an external website to drive traffic to your TikTok profile. You can include links to your TikTok profile on your website and use call-to-action buttons or widgets to encourage users to follow you on TikTok. You can also use TikTok Ads to promote your website and drive traffic to your TikTok profile.

Q: Can I use a TikTok Instant Page to create a comprehensive online presence for my business?

A: No, TikTok Instant Pages are designed to be simple landing pages that showcase your brand and provide information to users. They do not offer the same level of functionality as an external website and are not intended to be a comprehensive online presence for your business.

TikTok Instant Pages and external websites each have their own pros and cons, and the right choice for your business will depend on your specific goals and needs. TikTok Instant Pages are a good option for businesses looking to increase brand awareness and drive engagement with a younger, digitally savvy audience, while external websites are a good option for businesses looking to sell products or collect customer information. Consider your target audience, goals, budget, and technical expertise when deciding which option is best for your business.