Hey guys, Chelsea here!
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to speak at the event “It’s Time for TikTok.” The Victorian Chamber of Commerce partnered with TikTok Australia to host this unique event, offering small businesses a chance to interact directly with TikTok experts and learn from other businesses thriving on the platform. Guest speakers and TikTok presenters shared insider tips and tricks to help businesses grow on TikTok. After the presentations, there were ‘creation stations’ where attendees could dive in and start creating their very own TikToks.
Tora Brophy, the Small Business Country Head at TikTok Australia, hosted a panel featuring myself and Mark, the Head of Marketing atSovereign Hill Ballarat. I was honoured to be invited as the Head of social media for my family’s business, Ballarat Indoor Go Karts and Laserforce. It was such a privilege to share our TikTok journey with everyone in the room, and I thought, why not extend this conversation to all of you who might benefit from it? So without further ado, here are the key points I took away from the event!
Getting Started on TikTok…
While on the panel, Mark and I emphasised the most crucial piece of advice for anyone looking to start on TikTok: just do it. Seriously, what are you waiting for? No one is going to set up an account for you, and it won’t magically gain thousands of followers, views, or likes immediately. The key is to just dive in, headfirst! Anthony Dever, the Head of Creative &Brand Consultancy at TikTok AU/NZ, echoed this sentiment with his advice to ‘embrace the cringe.’
I always ask myself, ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’Sure, my brain might concoct an elaborate scenario where a TikTok flops, or my sister teases me at family dinner, but you know what? That’s okay. Shit happens, and when it does, it’s only onwards and upwards from there.
The Journey of Starting…
Starting on TikTok was a massive learning curve with many ups and downs. The first step for us was to learn how to use the app and all its cool features. Trust me, it doesn’t all come naturally, even to a20-year-old Gen Z! We got busy discovering what content our audience liked and how to set up a posting schedule that worked for us without stressing about constant content creation.
The most challenging parts were figuring out our messaging, coming up with content ideas, finding time to film, and staying organised and consistent. If these are your pain points too, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with a few tips and tricks.
Who Are You and What Do You Have to Say?
Understanding TikTok as a unique marketing platform is essential. When people scroll through TikTok, they don’t want ads—they’re looking for engaging, authentic content. TikTok is a great tool for building brand awareness by showing who you are, how you do what you do, and why you do it.
Authenticity is crucial for growing a TikTok following.Showcase your brand’s true nature and stand for something real. This authenticity will resonate with your audience and make content creation easier because it’s genuine.
Coming Up with the Big Ideas
Lightbulb moments are easier said than done, so make it easy on yourself. Find something that happens in your business regularly and roll with it. For Mark from Sovereign Hill, it was showcasing their confectionery creation. For us at the Go Karts, it’s our league racing nights, meet-the-staff videos, or track and laser force walkthroughs.
The For You Page (FYP) is also a fantastic asset. Spend sometime scrolling through TikTok to see what others are doing and what’s working well. Jumping on trends isn’t cheating; it’s leveraging what’s already popular and putting your unique spin on it.
Finding Time
Every small business owner is time-poor at some point. The key is to find what works best for you. Whether you prefer short, consistent planning and filming sessions or dedicating a chunk of time to create and schedule content, the important thing is to stay consistent. Don’t bite off more than you can chew and find a rhythm that fits into your schedule without extra strain.
Personally, I keep a list of ideas and use free time at theGo Kart Venue to execute them. I also take advantage of everyday tasks and events to film quick content. People love behind-the-scenes looks and new perspectives.
Staying Organised and Consistent
Organisation is something I constantly work on. Setting reminders and having dedicated time blocks for brainstorming, creating, editing, and posting content has been super helpful for me. Make things easier by using what already happens in your business as content, like packing orders, serving customers, opening processes, closing time, going through the lost and found, getting staff members opinions on their favourite candle flavours and anything else that is part of your business. It might take a bit to get used to creating content consistently, but once people start loving it—and they will—it’ll be the boost you need to keep going.
Wrapping it Up
Jumping into the world of TikTok can seem daunting, but with a bit of courage and consistency, it can be a powerful tool for your business.Remember to stay authentic, embrace the learning curve, and have fun with the process. Use your unique voice to connect with your audience, and don’t be afraid to try new things.
The journey might have its ups and downs, but with these tips and tricks, you’re well on your way to creating engaging content that resonates with your audience.
So, what are you waiting for?
