How to Research TikTok Like a Pro (and be Inspired by Their Best Ideas for Growth)

How to Research TikTok Like a Pro (and be Inspired by Their Best Ideas for Growth)

Welcome to the TikTok section of your Front Runners Social Media Strategy Workbook! 💥

If you want to win on TikTok, here’s the hard truth: great content doesn’t happen by accident — it happens by strategy. And strategy starts with smart, focused research.

Don’t worry — this isn’t just endless scrolling in the name of “work.” We’re giving you a step-by-step game plan to uncover what works, why it works, and how to make it work for you.

Let’s break it down.


🕵️ Step 1: Build Your Inspiration List

Start by opening TikTok and searching for accounts similar to yours — look for ones that share your niche, vibe, or target audience.

👉 On the first two workbook pages, brain dump:

  • Their handle (e.g., @bestbakeryever)
  • A quick description of what they do
  • Their follower count

This gives you a pool of creators to analyze, reverse-engineer, and pull inspiration from.


✂️ Step 2: Narrow Down to 5 Key Accounts

From your list, pick 5 standout profiles to deep dive into. I recommend including accounts with the following follower count.

✅ One with under 2,000 followers (small but mighty)
✅ One with 50k–100k followers (mid-range momentum)
✅ One with 1M+ followers (viral powerhouse)

This mix lets you see what’s working across different growth stages — which is pure gold for content strategy.


🔍 Step 3: Audit Their Profile Like an Expert

For each account, take notes on:

  • Profile pic — Logo? Selfie? Aesthetic backdrop?
  • Bio keywords — How do they describe themselves?
  • Follower + like counts — Important for context.
  • Links in bio — Shop? Website? Linktree?
  • Playlists — Are they organizing content into series or categories?
  • Overall vibe — Fun? Educational? Cool-girl edgy? Heartwarming?

📊 Step 4: Analyze Posting Habits

Scroll back 30 days in their feed.
👉 Count and write down:

  • How many videos
  • How many carousels
  • How many lives

Add it all up and note it in your Total Posts (Last 30 Days) box. This shows you how active successful creators really are — and helps set realistic benchmarks for your own account.


🔑 Step 5: Grab “Others Searched For” Keywords

When you search their handle, TikTok will suggest “Others Searched For” results.
👉 Write down those keywords — they reveal related creators and content themes your audience is already looking for. Translation? Content gaps you can fill.


🌟 Step 6: Deep Dive Into Top-Performing Content

Scroll through and find their top 3 most-viewed posts. For each:

  • Describe the thumbnail — What image or moment hooks people?
  • Write down the hook — First line, on-screen text, or opening moment.
  • Note the description/caption — How are they framing it?
  • Ask: What’s this content for? Education, entertainment, sales, shock?
  • Add any other notes that stand out.

The goal is not to copy — but learn from success and be inspired.


📝 Step 7: Fill Out the Overview Page

Once you’ve completed all 5 audits, head to your Workbook Overview Page. Summarize:

  • Total posts (30 days)
  • Total following + followers
  • Channel vibe
  • Biggest takeaways

You now have a crystal-clear snapshot of what’s winning on TikTok in your space.


🚀 Step 8: Shape YOUR Channel Strategy

Time to flip the focus.

👉 Write down the 5 biggest takeaways you want to apply to your own channel.
Maybe it’s:

  • Launching a recurring series
  • Testing a new editing style
  • Posting educational or shock-value content
  • Timing when you introduce sales content

For the creative minds, there are blank iPhone templates in the workbook where you can sketch out video ideas, thumbnails, or layouts.


✅ Step 9: Hit the Checkpoint

Based on everything you’ve learned:

  • What’s your posting goal for the next 30 days? (Videos, carousels, lives?)
  • What’s your channel vibe?
  • What will your profile description say?
  • What types of content programs or series will you launch?

And lastly, we’ve left four blank boxes for you to reflect on any updates you need to make to your:

  • Brand identity
  • Tone
  • Voice
  • Target audience

Because great strategy isn’t just about content — it’s about how you show up.


💡 Final Word

Remember: TikTok growth isn’t luck — it’s a mix of research, creativity, consistency, and guts.
With this process, you’re not just another creator throwing videos at the wall. You’re a front runner, armed with insight, ready to shape a channel that stands out.

So go ahead: scroll with purpose, post with intention, and watch the magic happen. 💥


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