Creating Content for TikTok: A Guide for Service-Based Small Businesses
TikTok is quickly becoming one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion active monthly users. The platform is especially popular with Gen Zers and millennials, making it an ideal way to reach this demographic. If you're a service-based small business owner, you may be wondering how you can use TikTok to promote your business. This guide will give you everything you need to get started, including why you should use TikTok, getting to know the platform, and ideas for your first TikTok.

Why TikTok?
There are a few reasons why you should consider using TikTok for your business. First, as mentioned above, the platform has a large and engaged user base. Plus, unlike other social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, TikTok is still fairly new, which means there's less competition for attention. And lastly, TikTok is all about creativity and having fun. This makes it the perfect platform to show off your brand's personality and connect with potential customers on a more personal level.
Getting To Know TikTok
Before you start creating content for TikTok, it's important to take some time to familiarize yourself with the platform. Spend some time scrolling through the For You page and watching videos from brands that you love. Pay attention to the types of videos that are being promoted and the kinds of videos that get the most views. Also, take note of any hashtags that are being used frequently. This will give you a good idea of what's popular on TikTok and what kind of content performs well.
Make Your First TikTok
Now that you know a little bit more about TikTok and what kind of content does well on the platform, it's time to start thinking about your own videos. When making your first video, keep it simple. Introduce yourself and your business in under 60 seconds. Use plenty of visuals and make sure your video is engaging and fun. Remember, there's no need to be perfect—just have fun with it! Once you've made your first video, post it and share it with your friends and followers on other social media platforms. Then sit back and watch as your views start rolling in!
Could live-streaming on TikTok be of benefit to your brand?
TikTok has launched a live-stream commerce integration that allows users to buy products that they see in a live stream. This could be of benefit to your brand if you are selling products that could be purchased via TikTok. For example, if you are a makeup brand, this feature would allow your customers to buy the products that they see being used in real-time. This could be a great way to increase sales and connect with your customers on a more personal level.

20 Ideas For Your First TikTok
If you're still feeling unsure about what kind of content to create for your first TikTok, never fear! Here are 20 ideas to get you started:
1) Show off your workspace
2) Give a tour of your office or store
3) Share a behind-the-scenes look at how your product or service is made
4) Host a Q&A session
5) Offer tips or advice related to your industry
6) Share fun facts about yourself or your business
7) Do a quick elevator pitch for your business
8) Teach viewers how to do something related to your industry 9) Collaborate with other businesses in your area
10) Offer discounts or deals exclusively for viewers
11) Share customer testimonials
12) Participate in trends or challenges
13) Have some fun with dance trends
14) Show off company culture
15) Feature employees or customers in videos
16) Capture natural sound bites during the workday
17) Create stop-motion videos
18) Get creative with filters
19) Use duet features
(20) Stitch together clips from different days
TikTok offers a unique opportunity for businesses to connect with potential customers in a fun and creative way. If you're looking to get started on the platform, remember to keep your videos short, sweet, and full of personality. And most importantly, have fun!