TikTok is a fast-growing platform in the UK, offering small businesses a unique way to reach new customers. With over 17 million users expected in the UK by 2025 and nearly 1.5 million UK small businesses already using it, TikTok is a powerful tool for marketing. Its algorithm promotes engaging content, making it ideal for businesses to showcase their products and services.
This post provides five actionable tips to help UK small businesses succeed on TikTok. From optimizing your profile to using targeted ads, these strategies are designed to boost your visibility and connect with your audience. Let’s dive in!
Tip 1: Optimize Your TikTok Profile
Your TikTok profile is your business’s first impression. A well-optimized profile helps users understand what you offer and encourages them to follow you. Start by choosing a clear profile picture, like your logo, and a username that matches your brand. Write a short bio (up to 80 characters) that explains what your business does. Include a link to your website or online store to drive traffic.
Select the right category for your business, such as “Retail” or “Food & Beverage,” to help TikTok’s algorithm show your content to the right audience. A complete profile builds trust and makes it easy for users to find you. For example, a UK bakery might use a logo as their profile picture, a bio like “Fresh cakes in London! Order now,” and a link to their ordering page.
Take action today by updating your profile to reflect your brand’s personality. Check out how to set up a TikTok business account for more guidance.
Tip 2: Create Engaging and Authentic Content
TikTok thrives on authentic, relatable content. Unlike other platforms, overly polished videos may not perform as well. Focus on creating short videos (21-34 seconds) that are fun, creative, and showcase your business. Use TikTok’s editing tools to add music, effects, and text to make your videos stand out.
Try showing behind-the-scenes footage, how your products are made, or customer testimonials. For instance, Brownie God, a UK small business, gained nearly 500,000 followers by sharing videos of their unique brownie designs. Their authentic approach resonated with viewers, driving sales.
Experiment with different content types to see what your audience loves. Post consistently, aiming for 1-4 videos per week, and engage with comments to build a community.
Tip 3: Leverage Trends and Hashtags
Trends and hashtags are the heartbeat of TikTok. They help your content reach a wider audience through the “For You” page. Check the Discover page and “For You” page regularly to spot trending challenges, sounds, or hashtags. Use relevant hashtags like #SmallBusinessUK or #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt, which has over 74 billion views, to boost visibility (Enterprise Nation).
Participating in trends can make your business feel current and relatable. For example, a UK clothing store could join a popular dance challenge, showing staff wearing their latest outfits. Always put your brand’s unique spin on trends to stand out. Prints by GG, a UK stationery business, used trending hashtags to gain over 1 million likes.
Start by posting a video using a trending hashtag this week. Monitor its performance to see how trends impact your reach.
Tip 4: Collaborate with Influencers
Influencer marketing can expand your reach on TikTok. Partner with influencers whose audience matches your target market, such as UK-based micro-influencers with engaged followers. Micro-influencers are often more affordable and have higher engagement rates.
Send free products for reviews, collaborate on videos, or invite influencers “
to take over your account for a day. For example, a UK skincare brand could send products to a beauty influencer to demonstrate their use in a tutorial. Ensure the influencer’s values align with your brand for authentic promotion.
Research influencers in your niche and reach out with a clear proposal. Learn more about working with influencers at Start Up Loans.
Tip 5: Use TikTok Ads for Targeted Marketing
TikTok ads can help you reach specific audiences, such as UK users in certain age groups or locations. Options include in-feed ads, branded hashtag challenges, and top-view ads that appear when users open the app. Set a budget that fits your business and use TikTok’s targeting tools to focus on your ideal customers.
For example, a local UK restaurant could run an in-feed ad offering a discount to users within a 10-mile radius. Track ad performance through TikTok’s analytics to see what works and adjust your strategy. In 2023, 47% of TikTok users bought a product or service recommended on the platform, showing the power of ads.
Start with a small ad budget and test different formats. Visit TikTok’s Ads Manager for setup instructions.
Useful: 5 TikTok Marketing Tips for UK Small Businesses
Conclusion
TikTok offers UK small businesses a chance to connect with millions of users and grow their brand. By optimizing your profile, creating authentic content, leveraging trends, collaborating with influencers, and using targeted ads, you can build a strong presence on the platform. Consistency and engagement are key to long-term success.
Start implementing these tips today to see how TikTok can work for your business. Share your first video and track your progress. For more marketing strategies, check out our on Businessforever.co.uk.
FAQ
How do I start using TikTok for my business?
Create a free TikTok account, switch to a business account for analytics, and optimize your profile with a logo, bio, and link. Start posting short, engaging videos to attract followers.
What content works best on TikTok?
Authentic, relatable videos like behind-the-scenes, tutorials, or customer stories perform well. Keep videos short (21-34 seconds) and use TikTok’s editing tools.
Are TikTok ads worth it for small businesses?
Yes, TikTok ads can target specific audiences and drive sales. Start with a small budget and monitor results to ensure cost-effectiveness.
How do I find the right influencers?
Look for UK influencers whose audience matches your target market. Check their engagement rates and ensure their content aligns with your brand.
