TikTok for Small Businesses: How to Attract Local Customers
If you’re running a small business and want to bring in more local customers, TikTok might be a fun and smart way to do it. You’ve probably seen people dancing or sharing funny videos there, but did you know it’s also a great place for businesses to connect with nearby customers? In fact, more small shops, cafes, and services are now using TikTok to get noticed in their own neighborhoods.One helpful resource for growing on social media is socibly.com, where you can find tools and tips to get started. But even without fancy tools, just using your phone and a little creativity can go a long way.
Start by showing what your business is all about. If you run a bakery, post short videos of fresh bread coming out of the oven. If you're a barber, share quick snippets of sharp haircuts or smiling happy customers. Keep it real and friendly. Local folks love seeing behind the scenes of places they already visit—or might want to check out.
Don’t forget to use location-based hashtags. For example, if your shop is in Austin, try tags like #AustinEats or #AustinCoffee. This helps people nearby find you more easily. Also, try jumping on short challenges and trends, but make them fit your style. You don’t have to dance (unless you want to!).
Another tip is to reply to comments and ask simple questions in your videos like, “What’s your favorite donut flavor?” or “Should we bring back this dish?” This makes people feel involved and more likely to stop by.
You can also show the people behind your business—like your staff or your own story as the owner. People love buying from people they connect with. Just be yourself.
Most of all, don’t stress about being perfect. Some of the most popular videos are shot quickly and feel natural. Post often, experiment with what works, and keep it fun.
So if you’ve been wondering how to get more local feet through your door, TikTok can be a great place to start. It’s free, easy to use, and with a little effort, it can help your neighbors find you—and love what you do.