10 Secrets to TikTok Success for Small Businesses

Are you looking for new and innovative ways to spread the word about your small business? It’s time to board the TikTok train – one of the fastest-growing social media platforms, especially among younger generations like Gen Z. If you’re not on TikTok yet, you’re missing out on more opportunities for success.

Today, PrimeView will discuss how to use TikTok for business. You’ll learn how to create fun and engaging short-form videos, build your follower base, and turn those followers into customers.

Why Brands Should Be on TikTok

Here’s why you should be using TikTok to promote your business:

• Massive reach: TikTok has over one billion active users, many of whom are young and influential big spenders. Building an audience on TikTok exposes your brand to a sea of potential new customers.
• Affordable marketing: All you need is your smartphone to create TikTok content for free. Compare that to the cost of traditional advertising, and you’ll see why this platform is a budget-friendly way for small businesses to build brand awareness.
• Viral potential: If your TikTok content resonates, it can go viral quickly or gain millions of views in a short period of time. One viral hit can catapult your business into the spotlight and drive a surge of new customers.
• Younger demographics: Around 67% of TikTok users are 18-19; 56% are 20-29; 43% are 30-39. If you want to reach the online shopping generations, TikTok must be an essential part of your social media strategy. The platform’s popularity with Millennials and Gen Z allows small businesses to build lifelong customer relationships.
• Older demographics: Gen X and Boomers use TikTok, too. About 30.4% of the platform’s audience is 35 years old and up, while 5.5% is 55 or older.
• Engage and fascinate: Hop on TikTok trends to attract prospects, showcase your brand’s personality, and stand out. Fun how-tos and challenges on TikTok allow businesses to amuse and sell to younger consumers.
• Drive more social sales: The ongoing popularity of the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt tag (with billions of views as of December 2023) proves how much people love purchasing anything hyped and trending. In fact, 37% of users immediately buy something they’ve discovered on the app.
• Access valuable data: TikTok’s analytics gather data on the number of views each video receives, including the amount of likes, comments, and shares generated. This functionality equips brand owners with helpful audience and engagement analytics to optimize future posting strategies.

TikTok is changing how brands reach and connect with customers. If you run a business, this platform gives you the chance to level the playing field and compete with bigger fish in your industry.

How to Use TikTok to Grow Your Business

Once you’ve set up your TikTok business profile, it’s time to create content that will attract your ideal customers. Here are some TikTok marketing strategies to try:

1. Focus on your niche

Play to your strengths and highlight what makes your business unique. Show behind-the-scenes footage of how you operate, provide a quick tour of your facilities, or give insider tips related to your industry. Your followers will appreciate the specialized content.

2. Get to the point

Around 10 to 17 seconds is the sweet spot when it comes to how long a video should be, mostly because TikTok users have short attention spans. Tease what you offer and encourage viewers to visit your website or store for more details. Of course, you can post slightly longer videos, but ensure to get your point across right away.

3. Be authentic

Don’t just promote your products or services. Give viewers a glimpse into your company culture and connect with them on a personal level. For example, introduce your team or share your business’s story. People want to support brands that share their values.

4. Use popular music

The right soundtrack can make your video go viral. Use trending songs, sounds, and effects. See what’s popular on the app and put your own spin on it. Your video – and business – may take off overnight!

5. Collaborate with influencers

Consider working with influencers on TikTok. Have them review your product or service and post their honest opinion. Their followers will be your potential new customers, meaning this strategy can boost traffic, return on investment, and overall revenue.

Find out why your small business should wrk with influencers here.

6. Run ad campaigns

TikTok’s hashtag challenges have become incredibly popular among brands seeking to promote and raise awareness for new product launches. To ensure success, reach out to influencers who can help you kickstart the campaign. TikTok video ads featuring creators receive 83% higher engagement than traditional ads.

For example, Pepsi used the #SmoothLikeNitroPepsi hashtag to spark discussions about their new beverage in 2022. Dave FitDad Ogleton (@fitdadceo) was one of Pepsi’s creative campaign participants. He showed his “smooth” sense of humor in his TikTok video, and then encouraged others to flaunt their own “smooth” entrances. The TikTok ad was a huge success, garnering more than 10 billion hashtag views.

7. Commit to posting regularly

Consistency matters with TikTok. The general rule of thumb is to post high-quality and engaging content as often as you can. Most brands benefit from posting 16 times per month, or over one video every two days.

8. Boost high-performing videos

If a video gets plenty of views, likes, and comments, boost it to gain maximum exposure. TikTok’s advertising platform makes it super easy to get your content in front of new audiences that will be interested in your business.

9. Run contests and giveaways

Hold a contest where people need to comment, “like,” or stitch your video for a chance to win a product or service. Contests and giveaways boost engagement and attract more people to your profile. However, make sure to hold your end of the bargain by announcing the winners and actually rewarding them. Some brands and influencers hold fake social media giveaways just to promote themselves or gain new followers. If you do the same and deceive your followers, you’ll tarnish your own reputation. Again, consumers demand authenticity.

10. Follow TikTok trends for fresh ad ideas

Monitor TikTok trends and be ready to switch up your content. If you share your version of a trending video, find ways to make yours unique instead of copying everybody else’s.

Further reading: How to Make Social Media Work for Your Local Business

Make TikTok One of Your Most Powerful Tools for Growth

TikTok can spread your message far and wide when used strategically. If you need help planning and creating content that converts, contact PrimeView for a free quote. Social media marketing requires consistency, patience, and unlimited creative juices, which our top digital marketers can handle for you. Call us now at +1-480-970-4688 to grow your business and achieve success with TikTok.