You might wonder how to get your name out there without breaking the bank if you’re running a small service area business like plumbing, roofing, pest control, moving, or home cleaning. Well, guess what? TikTok isn’t just for dance challenges and viral recipes—it's a goldmine for businesses like yours! Let's dive into how TikTok can turbocharge your marketing strategy and help you connect with your community in a fun, authentic way.
Why TikTok? Because It's Where the Action Is!
TikTok is exploding with over a billion active users, and it's not just teens lip-syncing anymore. Everyone's on it, including your potential customers. Whether you’re unclogging drains or moving pianos, TikTok's unique video format can showcase your services in an engaging and memorable way. TikTok can be an effective social media marketing platform for small businesses, but its suitability depends on your target audience and marketing goals.
In fact, research has shown that in 2022, 56% of TikTok users were between 20 and 29, 45% were between the ages of 30 and 39, and 38% were between 40 and 49 (Source: Statista). This diverse age range indicates that TikTok has the potential to reach a wide variety of target audiences, including those relevant to service area businesses.
Make Your Biz Pop with User-Generated Content (UGC)
Here's the deal: People trust others more than they trust ads. That's where UGC comes in. Encourage your happy customers to share their experiences on TikTok. Picture this: Mrs. Smith posts a quick video of your team expertly fixing her leaky roof, and suddenly, all her followers know about your stellar service. Plus, you can share these posts on your own TikTok to show off real-life happy customers. It's a win-win!
Tips for TikTok Triumph
- Show Behind the Scenes: Give your followers a peek behind the curtain. Show them how you fix that tricky pipe or how you get rid of stubborn pests. It’s like HGTV but in bite-sized videos!
- Share Quick Tips: You’re the expert, so share some of that wisdom. Short videos with home maintenance tips or DIY fixes can position you as the go-to expert in your field.
- Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show the human side of your business. Share funny moments, team shenanigans, or even a day in the life of a roofer. People love content that feels real and relatable.
Here's an example of how a plumbing company successfully used TikTok to boost their business:
The fictional Pipe Dreams Plumbing, a small family-owned business, started creating TikTok videos showcasing their team's expertise and behind-the-scenes moments. They shared quick tips on preventing clogs and fixing minor leaks, positioning them as knowledgeable and trustworthy. They also encouraged customers to share their experiences with them on TikTok, increasing user-generated content and referrals. As a result, Pipe Dreams Plumbing saw an increase in website traffic and an increase in new customer inquiries within three months of starting their TikTok campaign.
What About the Numbers?
Still not convinced? Check out these stats:
- TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide. (Source: Search Logistics)
- In 2022, 56% were between 20 and 29, 45% were between the ages of 30 and 39, and 38% were between 40 and 49. (Sources: Statista)
- Nearly 7 out of 10 TikTok users say the platform inspires them to shop, even when they did not intend to. (Source: New North)
- 85% of B2B marketers use social media advertising/promoted posts, making it the top paid content distribution channel. (Source: GOAT Agency)
- Nearly a quarter of marketers considered TikTok effective for reaching their business goals in 2022, a 700% increase from the previous year. (Source: New North)
- TikTok users use the app for an average of 1.5 hours every day. (Source: Sensor Tower )
- 90% of TikTok users report the platform makes them happy and never gets boring. (Source: TikTok Newsroom )
- TikTok has a potential ad reach of 945.2 million among users 18+. (Source: Hootsuite )
Real Talk: TikTok Isn't Just for Gen Z
Sure, TikTok has a lot of younger users, but it's also catching on with older demographics. Your potential customers will also likely be there looking for local services. Plus, TikTok’s algorithm is designed to show your content to people interested in what you offer, regardless of age.
Wrapping Up: Your Next Steps
So, are you ready to make a splash on TikTok? Start by creating a business account, and then dive into creating engaging, authentic content. Remember, consistency is key. The more you post, the more chances you have to connect with potential customers. And hey, have fun with it! Your enthusiasm will shine through and attract people to your business.
To measure the success of your TikTok marketing efforts, keep track of the following metrics:
- Views: The number of times your videos have been watched.
- Engagement Rate: The ratio of likes, comments, and shares to your total number of followers.
- Follower Growth: The rate at which you're gaining new followers over time.
- Website Traffic: The number of visitors to your website coming from TikTok.
- Conversions: The number of TikTok users who take a desired action, such as filling out a contact form or making a purchase.
Ready to take your local service biz to the next level with TikTok? Contact me today, and let's start and make those phones ring off the hook or your DM's blowup.