Using TikTok to Boost your Small Business

TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms with over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide. Studies show that Facebook and Instagram took almost a decade to grow to the size that TikTok did in just 5 years.

The short-form video-based content has proven to be one of the most powerful ways to engage users and encourage interaction. Reports demonstrate that in the UK, the average time spent on TikTok each day is 70 minutes, which is more than any other social platform.

Businesses around the globe have taken advantage of TikTok’s ability to reach end users and grow brand awareness. With 61% of TikTok users discovering new brands and products through the app, it is a worthy platform for businesses to invest in. It gives businesses the opportunity to create diverse, engaging content that comes across as genuine to consumers.

Top TikTok Tips:

1.      What’s trending?

TikTok trends come and go like the wind – some stick around for a few weeks but they can also pass by in the blink of an eye, therefore it is essential to keep up with the latest craze. Whether it’s a song, dance, prank or anything in between, trending videos see high engagement and are more likely to reach a wider audience. Businesses should examine what type of content their target market is engaging in and use that knowledge to influence what type of video to make.

For example, if your target audience is highly engaged with a specific dance, you could post a video of your employees doing the dance around the office (bonus points if you have subtle branding in the video!)

2.      Less commercial, more casual

TikTok has gained a reputation as casual platform where it thrives on a touch of quirkiness and avoids heavily commercialised content. It is seen as a safe creative space that allows users to feel comfortable expressing themselves. It is important that, as a business, you let go of the reins a little and dive into the fun whilst keeping your brand values at the core and avoiding typical corporate guidelines. This will help you to create genuine and authentic content that users will engage with and relate to.

3.      Challenge accepted

A handy way to increase engagement and visibility is to participate in TikTok challenges, and don’t forget to include the relevant hashtags in your caption – this will heighten your chance of showing up on user’s feeds. It can also help you to connect with your audience on a more real level – people like supporting brands that they connect to.

4.      Location is key

For a small local business, spreading awareness of your location can be a key driver to increasing your customer base. To help people in your area find your business, talk about your location in your videos and include the location in your caption and hashtag. It can also be effective to create videos that are unique to your local area - this will make your product or service appear more relatable to locals, and people love to support local!

To discuss how Full Circle could support you with advice on TikTok, contact us to arrange a consultation.

Mairead Bell

Senior Programme Coordinator

Full Circle Management Solutions