Alerts Sign-up
TikTok, with over a billion users worldwide, is increasingly being utilized by small business owners and solo entrepreneurs to reach new customers and boost revenue. The platform offers a unique opportunity for businesses targeting audiences under 40 through engaging short video clips.
Entering the TikTok landscape can be intimidating for those unfamiliar with it. However, the platform holds significant potential for businesses willing to explore its features.
The essentials of selling on TikTok include switching to a Business Account, which provides access to analytics and TikTok’s Ads Manager. Businesses can also apply for TikTok Shop if eligible, allowing them to sell products directly within the app. Additionally, syncing product catalogs from platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce can streamline marketing efforts.
In 2024, TikTok Shop generated $1.34 billion in U.S. health and beauty sales and $1.01 billion in apparel and accessories sales. While there is no guaranteed formula for viral success, authenticity and participation in trends are recommended strategies.
To succeed on TikTok, businesses should post consistently, use clear calls-to-action (CTAs), take advantage of free tools provided by the platform, engage with their audience, and utilize appropriate captions and hashtags.
Common pitfalls include overly sales-focused content, neglecting analytics, poor video quality, incomplete profiles, and inconsistent branding.
There are concerns about TikTok's future in the U.S. due to national security debates. Businesses are advised not to rely solely on TikTok but rather integrate it into a broader marketing strategy that includes other platforms like Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts.
TikTok is seen as a valuable resource for small businesses with strong storytelling or visual appeal but should not be viewed as a shortcut to success.
