9 Easy TikTok Ideas for Small Businesses to Drive Sales

Love it or hate it, TikTok is an essential tool for any small business. TikTok is used as a launching pad for new and existing products, with 78% of TikTok business users planning on increasing their investment in the platform. 

However, if you’re a budding business owner, it may be intimidating to know where to start. Not to worry– Below, we’ll showcase several proven content ideas any small business owner can use to earn more customers. Let’s get started!

Why TikTok?

TikTok boasts 1 billion (yes, you read that correctly) active users. It’s also notoriously Gen Z’s platform of choice. While it may have earned a reputation for dance and lip-syncing videos, the reality is that TikTok is a space for quickly finding your communities. The app’s ultra-powered algorithm is designed to put your content in front of people who may connect with it. 

It might take some time to adjust to crafting short-form videos, but TikToks are well worth the time for any seller. 

TikTok Best Practices

Being active on Tiktok is one thing, knowing how to make it work for you and your business is another. Here are a couple of quick tips for earning your first viral video on the platform:

  • Quality matters, but quantity is key. TikToks that provide obvious value or entertainment are much more likely to do well on the platform. However, the platform is designed for consistency– find a way to incorporate posting on TikTok into your daily routine. It may take some getting used to, but it will be worth it over time. 
  • Focus on finding one new customer a day. Every seller wants to earn a viral video. Unfortunately, this typically doesn’t happen overnight. Focus on small wins and the big wins will come. Even if your video finds just one new customer or fan a day, it’s worth it! Your content is building brand awareness and widening your sphere of influence every time you add to it. 
  • Direct back to your social media storefront. Even if it’s as simple as “check out my shop in my bio”, having a consistent call to action will help you close more sales. Fortunately, Koji’s free storefront templates can be set up within minutes so that your customers can start shopping directly inside of TikTok! 

What Is A Koji?

A Koji is a type of interactive media that can help you sell your products, downloads, services or premium content. To create a Koji, simply select a template and customize before sharing the unique URL on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, WhatsApp, or anywhere else!

9 TikTok Ideas For Small Business Owners

Without further ado, here are nine TikTok ideas for any creator with examples. Use these prompts to expand your audience and earn more sales. 

1. Pack An Order

Details, details, details! Small business owners know that the little touches make all of the difference. Show your process of packaging an order, highlighting any other extra add-ons that are a part of your signature style. Focus on making your process as visually interesting as possible. 

Those little stickers, thank you cards, branded stamps, may not seem super impactful on their own, but they mean a lot to your customers when highlighted: 

@mermaidstraw Let’s pack an order for Annette! #packingorders #packagingorders #smallbusinesscheck #smallbusiness #orderpacking #asmrpackaging #asmr #ecommerce #biz ♬ original sound – Mermaid Straw

2. Introduce Yourself

Who are you? How did you get to where you are today? Your customers want to know the story behind the product and also your “why” as a seller. Share your story and interact with other creators in your space to start building a community. 

@erinndubs Replying to @armhiecloyse ♬ Crazy – Patsy Cline

3. Show Your Products In Action

The best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing at all. Use trending songs to showcase your products at work or better yet, show some of your happy customers! Video testimonials or reviews are excellent social proof that can help you earn more sales. 

@bornprettyofficial Golden beach nail inspo 💅🏝🌞#bornpretty #trendysummer #nailart #supertopcoat #nailart #marblenails #hellospring #summernails #ootd #makeuptutorial #smallbusiness ♬ Formosa x Pode Se Soltar – Kuya Magik

4. Respond To Customers

One of the best parts about TikTok is that you can build off of other people’s content. If a customer comments a question or review, reply to the comment with a video! The built-in interaction will boost your content and let other viewers know they can have a direct impact on what you’re building. 

@dkoldies Reply to @jinxy220 thanks for the order Andrew! Who’s next? #retrogaming #retrogames #gaming #fyp #foryoupage #foryou #fypシ #retro #nostalgia #nintendo #playstation #n64 #shipping #smallbusiness #fypシ゚viral ♬ original sound – DKOldies

5. Trends 

The best way to get on the #fyp is to well…make content that’s similar to what’s on the #fyp. See the same format over and over? Hear a sound being used multiple times? Use that trend or sound and apply it to your small business. The earlier you can hop on a trending topic or sound, the more chance you have of hitting success. 

@duolingo every time you open Google Translate, I lose a feather. #duolingo #swiftok #enchanted #languagelearning #trend #brandtok #comedy ♬ Enchanted Taylor Swift – Kaylen

6. Workspace Tour

Your customers want to see the time and effort that goes into running your business. Show behind the scenes of your business, whether that’s a workspace tour, introducing yourself, or going around the office to “meet” your coworkers.

@thebeckyhelms Quick tour of the office 😍 #smallbusiness #pintok #stickershop #studiotour ♬ original sound – Becky Helms

7. Share Your Journey 

Sharing your journey is inspiring and a creative way to let your audience in on the process. Use your TikToks to show the ups and downs and the progress you’ve made along the way as a seller. Check out one of our sellers in action:

@tastyshredz Transformation is hard. Some would argue it’s about motivation. To them I would say yes. What motivates you matters. I was successful because food food motivates me and still does. The Recipe ebook has 105+ recipes to keep you motivated. #weightlosscheck #weightloss #weightlosstips #weightlosstransformation #weightlossmotivation #healthheroes #transformations #transformationbody ♬ Speak Up – is0kenny

8. Tutorial Including Your Products

How does someone use what you’re providing in their everyday life? Show those examples in action! Here are some ideas to spark your videos:

  • Clothing creators can show how they would style a garment
  • Foodies can showcase how to use their products or recipes within the context of a meal
  • Show how your art prints can decorate a space
  • Show your photo filter presets in action 
@maccheesebykraft Do you need this burger in your life? 🍔 #WheresTheMac Credit: @Josh Elkin ♬ original sound – kraftmacandcheese

9. Sage Advice

Products don’t sell products. People do. Whether you’re giving business advice or something closer to the heart, don’t be afraid to get vulnerable! If your customers can resonate with who you are as a person, they’re much more likely to feel connected to your business as a whole. 

@tinkrz Leave your questions down below 👇 😁 #handmadesellers #handmademarketplace #tinkrz #onlinemarketplace #handcrafted #supportsmallbusinesses #smallbusiness #whytinkrz #smallbusinesstips #smallbusinesstipmonday ♬ original sound – Tinkrz

Each of these prompts can be repurposed for hundreds of pieces of content. Above all, remember to have fun! As long as you continue to show up, take in input from your community, and provide amazing products you’re bound to flourish. Have fun making TikToks!