TikTok has taken the social media sphere by storm. But, the question remains: Is TikTok a viable platform for marketing your service-based small business? The answer – Yes.

This new social media frontier can open doors and help you find a whole new audience.

But first …

What Is TikTok?

Before we get into small business tips for TikTok and ways you can leverage this video-sharing app, let’s give you a little background.

TikTok is a social media platform where users share 15-60 second short-form videos. These videos range from dance trends to educational content, and everything in-between.

Gen Z dominated the app initially, but it now boasts nearly 700 million monthly active users. In addition, it’s the fastest-growing social media app in the world.

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Why all the love for TikTok? The saying goes: People scroll Instagram and Facebook. But they watch TikTok … for hours each week. In fact, reports estimate users spend 32 to 52 minutes on TikTok every day.

With our audience in place, it’s time to hit “record.” Here are some TikTok tips from business owners who are crushing the content game.

Mundane Tasks Make for Mesmerizing Videos

On TikTok, business owners can give viewers a peek behind the scenes of their day-to-day operations. TikTok’s video formats have the power to transform mundane or obscure professions into viral video content.

For example, @contractormike_ is personally responsible for my need to remodel our kitchen. Just look at this kitchen renovation:

@contractormike_

Full DIY Kitchen Remodel #ContractorMike #DIY #Design #contractorsoftiktok #renovation #kitchenmakeover #FYP #tagafriend #contractor

♬ Kontrol – Maleek Berry

As you can see, videos like these allow small business owners to share parts of their world that otherwise may have remained hidden.

In other words, you may consider giving a dog a bath a frustrating and hairy ordeal. But, the 2.6 million people who watched Girl With The Dogs (@girlwiththedogs) document the process of giving a husky a wash and fluff would say otherwise.

@girlwithedogs

You all wanted a real Husky, here she is 🤣 #husky #foryoupage #dogsoftiktok #fypシ #viral #fyp #groomersoftiktok

♬ original sound – Girl With The Dogs

People Love FREE Advice

People watch TikTok to be inspired or entertained, to kill time or even for free advice. What better way to get people hooked than by sharing your expertise?

Lawyer Mike Mandell (@lawbymike) offers up no-cost legal advice to his 5.1 million followers. For example, he answers common questions like, what should you do if you’re in a hit & run?

@lawbymike

Share with someone in Stitches! 🤕 #TikTokPartner #LearnOnTikTok #lawyer #stitch

♬ Law X Mike – Lawyer Mike Mandell

Meanwhile, Dr. Hunter Finn (@dr.hunterfinn) is easing the minds of pet parents across the web by offering advice on how to keep our furry friends happy and healthy, particularly in stressful situations.

For instance, what do you do if your kitty is stung by a bee?

@dr.hunterfinn

#duet with @cat.mando hope this helps

♬ Steven Universe – L.Dre

As a small business owner, finding ways to showcasing your value can be difficult, especially as a service-based business. Equally important, by offering up some guidance you can demonstrate your value and gain the trust of your follows.

How-To Videos Never Get Old

One method of using TikTok to create viral marketing content is developing how-to videos. Keep them relevant to your products or services to gain views and build your brand’s awareness.

Any business can use this formula, even auto mechanics. Did your kid scratch up your car? No worries, Jamie at Elite (@elitemotorworks) will teach you how to remove that unsightly scratch:

@jamiesgarage

Answer to @famoux_ronnie I hope this helps #mechanic #howto #cars #bmw #learnontiktok

♬ original sound – Jamie

Give Your Honest Reaction

Use the “stitch” and “react” features to engage with viral videos and boost your business’s chance of being seen. This feature allows you to post side-by-side videos with other TikTokers reacting or engaging with their content.

Not only are these videos fun and entertaining, but they are also are a subtle way to showcase the knowledge you have within your industry.

For instance, a fun example of this type of content is Brad Mondo (@bradmondonyc) reacting to drastic hair transformations.

@bradmondonyc

#duet with @causecommotions wowwww I was not expecting that drastic of a change 😍 #hairdresserreacts

♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey

Meanwhile, Mama Doctor Jones (@mamadoctorjones) uses the react feature to debunk vaccine misinformation.

@mamadoctorjones

#duet with @drjoshuawolrich nope

♬ original sound – Dr Joshua Wolrich

Don’t Stop Creating

Of all these tips for TikTok, if there is one piece of advice I hope you leave with today, it’s this: Don’t stop creating. By continually developing content that resonates with your audience or piggy-backs off of popular trends and challenges, you are setting yourself up to connect and grow your audience.

If TikTok is still a little scary to you or you aren’t sure where to start, immerse yourself in the app. Create an account and simply explore.

Scroll through your For You page, follow creators in your industry, peruse the trending sounds and get inspired.

Follow relevant hashtags in your industry, such as #cleaningtiktok, #poolcleaning, #constructiontiktok, #petsoftiktok … you get the picture. There’s really something for everyone.