• Home
  • Courses by Subject
      • Accounting
      • Bookkeeping
      • Compliance and Risk
      • Finance
      • MYOB
      • Payroll
      • Xero
      • Animal Care
      • Animal Science
      • Pet Grooming
      • Veterinary Nursing
      • Arts
      • Dance
      • Graphic Design
      • Interior Design
      • Photography
      • Web Design
      • Building and Construction
      • Carpentry
      • Plumbing
      • Business
      • Business Administration
      • Business Development
      • Business Operations
      • Change Management
      • Entrepreneurship
      • Human Resources
      • Leadership and Management
      • Logistics
      • Management
      • PRINCE2
      • Project Management
      • Quality Management
      • Supply Chain Operations
      • Aged Care
      • Community Services
      • Disability
      • Individual Support
      • Child Care
      • Education
      • Education Support
      • Training and Assessment
      • Manufacturing
      • Conservation and Land Management
      • Health Science
      • Horticulture
      • Sustainability
      • Beauty
      • Hairdressing
      • Makeup
      • Allied Health
      • Counselling
      • Dental Assisting
      • Fitness
      • Health
      • Health Administration
      • Health Services Assistance
      • Life Coaching
      • Mental Health
      • Naturopathy
      • Nursing
      • Nutrition
      • Personal Training
      • Pharmacy
      • Practice Management
      • Psychology
      • Sports Management
      • Celebrancy
      • Event Management
      • Hospitality
      • Travel and Tourism
      • Agile
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • AWS
      • Cloud Computing
      • Coding
      • CompTIA
      • Cyber Security
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science
      • IT
      • ITIL
      • Microsoft
      • Networking
      • Programming
      • Software
      • Systems Administration
      • Web Development
      • Government
      • Legal
      • Work Health and Safety
      • Digital Marketing
      • Marketing
      • Sales
      • Social Media Marketing
    • Blended
    • In-class
    • Online
    • Virtual
    • ACT
    • New South Wales
    • Northern Territory
    • South Australia
    • Tasmania
    • Victoria
    • Western Australia
    • Queensland
    • Certificate II
    • Certificate III
    • Certificate IV
    • Short
    • Diploma
    • Advanced Diploma
    • Associate Degree
    • Bachelor
    • Graduate Certificate
    • Graduate Diploma
    • Masters
    • Unaccredited
  • Resources
  • Workforce Training
  • Contact us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Affiliates
  • About us
Homepage 
ResourcesCareers in AustraliaEducation in AustraliaHow to StudyStudy in AustraliaTAFE in Australia
  1. Home
  2. Resources
  3. Resources
  4. How to be Successful on Tik Tok: Small Business Style
Published 1 Feb 2021

How to be Successful on Tik Tok: Small Business Style

Avatar photo Candlefox

 
 

Keep your small business relevant and noticeable by using TikTok to refresh your digital marketing strategy. Attract a successful, engaged online audience with Tik Tok by following our how-to guide below.

Browse Small Business Courses

What is TikTok?

Tik Tok is the video-sharing social media app that has taken the world by storm. From dancing to comedy skits to educational how-tos, this platform is a no-brainer for small businesses that want to reach an engaged audience.

Need to wrap your head around the platform first? Here are some facts to get you started:


  • Videos can range from 3 seconds to 1 minute in length
  • Videos can be filmed directly with the app’s camera function, or you can upload footage from your phone’s camera roll
  • Videos are vertical in orientation
  • There is a library bank of popular songs and “original sounds” (recorded and released by other users) you can use for your videos
  • You can record your own sounds
  • Similar to Instagram, people can like, share and save your videos
  • Hashtags help categorise your videos into people’s personalised “for you” pages (like Facebook’s newsfeed) based on relevancy

So, why TikTok?

TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular apps in the world. Here are some statistics to explain how:


  • It’s used in over 150 countries worldwide
  • At the start of 2020, Tiktok had over 800 million users (this number is sure to have increased!)
  • Tiktok ranks No. 6 in the highest number of monthly users for mobile apps
  • The average Tiktoker spends 52 minutes per day on the app

TikTok’s “For You” page is a constant stream of content. The app curates this feed to each individual user depending on previously liked and engaged-with content. Often, trending dances, songs and sounds find themselves on most users’ “For You” pages. If your small businesses can tap into these trends, you’re golden.

To get a real-life picture of how small and home-based businesses benefit from being on TikTok, we asked some business owners about their experiences with the app. Overall, the app helped business’ marketing strategies in three main ways:


1. It’s easy to set-up, maintain and understand trends

TikTok’s user numbers are continuing to skyrocket, and businesses are finding their brand exposure rise with it. If you choose to go down the paid advertising route, TikTok’s niche audience profiles will help target your campaigns to ensure maximum eyeballs are on you and your brands.


"...if you do not have an agency looking after your TikTok strategy, an in-house digital marketing employee can learn it easily."

Maddie Chaplin, Digital Media Lead for Reload Media

2. Attracting eyeballs

For some small businesses, having a large marketing budget isn’t possible. If outsourcing your marketing needs is hurting the bank, TikTok is easy to use and can be completely free if you choose to stick to organic posting (non-paid advertising)!


"...it is still new to the market in Australia, and there is lower competition than other platforms, and with the right targeting in place and the platform's positive, creative nature, it is brand safe."
Maddie Chaplin, Digital Media Lead for Reload Media

3. Building brand affinity

Whether you choose to stick to organic posting or paid campaigns, TikTok lends itself to creating personable and positive content that attracts not only eyeballs but also loyalty. Correct targeting to your preferred niche audiences and quality content has been found to stimulate brand excitement and engagement both on and off the app (this means sales)!


"...it is a low-cost way to increase brand loyalty, encourage engagement with your audience and build your brand."
Maddie Chaplin, Digital Media Lead for Reload Media

"Tiktok enables a better connection with the audience as you are able to express your small business in fun and interesting ways."
Ferial Reynolds, Entrepreneur, Sisters That Slay Podcast Host, Airbnb Host, Teacher

"Talk to your fans, and read their comments, make sure you are making content that is valuable to them."
Maddie Chaplin, Digital Media Lead for Reload Media

What content works?

TikTok’s content library is huge, and the ways a small business can advertise their products are numerous. Relatability and humour are critical for small business TikTok. How you choose to do this, however, can be tailored to suit you and your brand. Here are some tips and ideas to help create unique, on-brand and engaging content.


  • Use trending sounds to create humorous skits with your business’ employees, products or services as the central focus.
  • Do “meet the team videos” using trending songs, sounds or dances – make your brand seem approachable and fun!
  • Produce short product tutorials or how-to videos to introduce your services and or product ranges.
  • Show a glimpse of your business’s behind-the-scenes and create a “day in the life” mini vlog.

Getting your content noticed – “going viral”

Hashtags are metadata tags that help cross-reference content that shares a common theme or message. By using the right hashtags, your content will have a larger chance of landing on the right type of potential customer’s “For You” feed. Here are some tips on how to use hashtags from business owners.


  • Don’t overdo it! Aim for 2-3 hashtags
  • Balance the use of brand-relevant versus trending hashtags
  • Look into hashtag generators to help you find the right ones
  • Take inspiration from similar accounts to yours

Jump on trends

Trending songs and sounds are a great way to stay relevant. TikTok trends move quickly, so make sure you stay ahead of the curve and check the app often. If you find a trend you like and fits your brand, make sure you put your own character into it to make it original and fresh!


"...be an early adopter of trends, whether that is actions in the video or songs that are starting to trend, they are likely to be favoured in the TikTok algorithm."
Maddie Chaplin, Digital Media Lead for Reload Media

Post regularly

The most important thing you can do to gain popularity is to post regularly. Interact with your viewers, interact with other accounts and make sure you take note of what’s working and what’s not. Be adaptable.


"Be fearless and have fun producing videos. Don't let fear stop you from posting your ideas. Collaborate with other accounts and brands."
Ferial Reynolds, Entrepreneur, Sisters That Slay Podcast Host, Airbnb Host, Teacher

Where does Tiktok fit into your overall marketing?

Overall, the power of social media for small business growth is undeniable. TikTok should be one of a few online platforms your business occupies. TikTok allows users to link to other relevant platforms on their profile’s page, so make sure your account provides easy navigation to your Instagram, website, or Facebook.

Allow TikTok to be where your brand’s creativity, humour and personality can shine. Users thrive on real, raw and relatable content on this app. Then keep your Instagram, Facebook and website looking polished to show potential clients you’re capable of both!

Now that you’ve wrapped your head around Tiktok, it’s time to create your account and get filming! Make sure to harness the full capabilities of social media to help your business stand apart in this competitive market.

Avatar photo
Candlefox
Candlefox

Navigator Illustration
Not sure which course to choose? Let us recommend the best courses to suit you!
gator tooltip icon
Our course navigator helps refine thousands of courses into a personalised list that suits you. Click to answer each question, so we can provide you with the best possible courses, tailored to your preferences.
Not sure which course to choose? Let us recommend the best courses to suit you!

Try our navigator tool and find the right course.

Start Here
Navigator Illustration

Latest Articles


The 17 Best TAFE Courses to Get a Job & Advance Your Career

TAFE and vocational education is a great alternative to university. It’s also an excellent cho...

Avatar photo
Kristen Michaelides
May 6, 2025
Read More

Top 10 High Income Skills of 2025 (Based on Real Data)

High-income skills allow you to future-proof your career, making you valuable to any employer. Our d...

Avatar photo
Michael Yi
Nov 29, 2024
Read More

21 Legit Ways to Make Money Online Fast (& Slow) in 2025

Need to boost your income? We compare the best ways to make money online, short- and long-term, that...

Avatar photo
Kristen Michaelides
Nov 26, 2024
Read More

Want to Read More?


Essential Questions to Ask When Choosing a Hobby

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to dive in and explore! Whether you’re reading b...

Guy Clennett
Jan 23, 2024
Read More

Free vs Paid OHS Courses: Health and Safety in the Workplace

If you’re looking to spend a little longer and learn a little more in the field of Work Health and S...

Avatar photo
Michael Yi
May 15, 2023
Read More

Quiz: How Trashy are You? Plastic Pollution Calculator

How much do you know vs how much do you throw? Find out your personal plastic pollution score. The e...

Claudia Reiners
Sep 18, 2019
Read More

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get expert advice, insights, and explainers on tricky topics — designed to help you navigate your learning journey with confidence.

By submitting this enquiry I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
  • chevron-left
  • Popular Subjects
  • Study Locations
  • Qualification Type
  • Popular Blogs
  • chevron-right
  • Accounting
  • Animal Care
  • Aged Care
  • Child Care
  • Counselling
  • IT
  • Business Admin
  • Business
  • Disability
  • Education
  • Project Management
  • Marketing
  • Allied Health
  • Building and Construction
  • Fitness
  • View More
  • New South Wales
  • Northern Territory
  • Queensland
  • South Australia
  • Tasmania
  • Victoria
  • Western Australia
  • View More
  • Advanced Diploma
  • Bachelor
  • Certificate III
  • Certificate IV
  • Diploma
  • Masters
  • Short
  • Graduate Certificate
  • View More
  • 5 Low-Stress Jobs to a Create Perfect Work-Life Balance
  • 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia Without a Degree
  • 12+ Best Side Hustles in Australia: Money Makers
  • What Are The Most Enjoyable Careers? Top 12 Fun Jobs
  • 22 Jobs You Don't Need Experience For: Learn While You Earn
  • TAFE, VET and AQF – Acronyms in Australian Learning
  • Changing Careers Over 50: The Best Decision You’ll Ever Make
  • Government Funded Courses and Subsidised Training
  • Never Too Late: Studying at TAFE as a Mature Age Student
  • Study at TAFE | Guide to TAFE Courses in Australia
  • 35 Profitable (and Fun) Home Business Ideas You Can Start Today
  • The Top Careers That Earn Over $100K Without a Degree
  • Top 10 High Income Skills of 2025 (Based on Real Data)
  • What is TAFE (Technical and Further Education)
  • View More

Newsletter sign up

We'll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.
Courses
  • All subjects
  • Online courses
About Us
  • About tafecourses.com.au
Contact us
  • Contact
  • Advertise your course
  • Become an affiliate
Resources
  • Our blog
  • Workforce training
Privacy Policy Terms of Use
Certified B Corporation
Tafecourses Facebook Tafecourses Instagram
Certified B Corporation
Australian Aboriginal flag Torres Strait Islander flag
In the spirit of reconciliation, tafecourses.com.au acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Copyright © 2025 Tafecourses.com.au
All Rights Reserved.

Newsletter Sign Up

We’ll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.

By downloading this template I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
Back to Top