27 Small Business TikTok Ideas to Help You Increase Sales
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TikTok has evolved from a platform for viral dances into a powerful tool that helps small businesses connect with audiences, build brand loyalty, and drive sales. In the article below, join NextSky to explore 27 small business TikTok ideas, along with practical strategies to elevate your brand.
Why TikTok matters for small businesses
Today, TikTok is the social network for millions of young people, especially Gen Z and Millennials. According to GWI, 57% of users discover new products through social media, and 71% of shoppers on TikTok Shop decide to buy after seeing a product on the "For You" page.
With an algorithm that prioritizes creative and authentic content, your business can compete with big brands without a massive budget. Unlike traditional advertising, TikTok emphasizes naturalness and emotion—because a single video that hits the right emotional note can generate thousands of views, visits, and orders.
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Small business TikTok ideas focused on products.
1. Behind-the-scenes product creation
Bring customers closer to your brand by sharing the process behind your products. Whether you're crafting jewelry or developing a Shopify app, showcasing the journey from raw materials to finished product makes your brand feel authentic and relatable. Don't forget to use text overlays to explain key steps and add trending music to boost discoverability.
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2. Unboxing and order packing
Turn every packing moment into an engaging experience with #PackagingASMR videos. The crinkle of paper, the precise tape application, or the careful handwriting on a personalized note can highlight your brand's finesse. Spotlight unique details like eco-friendly packaging, creative gift-wrapping styles, or personal touches to create an unforgettable customer experience.
3. Showcasing user-generated content (UGC)
Encourage customers to share real-life videos of using your products, then repost them (with permission) on your channel. This authentic content builds trust, inspires others, and fosters natural connections with viewers.
You can also create a branded hashtag like #NextSkyVibes to make it easy for users to share, search, and spread your brand spirit. It's a great way to build a loyal user community.
4. Product comparisons
Fair, fun comparison videos are a fantastic way to highlight your product's true value. Instead of focusing on winning or losing, emphasize the benefits and real experiences users get from choosing your brand.
Pro tip: Add a dash of humor or side-by-side visuals to make posts lively and memorable. Include hashtags like #ProductComparison #WhyChooseUs #SmallBizVibes to amplify reach.
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5. Creative product usage
Go beyond standard uses to show how your product can deliver surprising experiences. For example, a candle brand could turn a simple candle into an elegant decor accent or a heartfelt gift conveying genuine emotion.
Encourage followers to share their unique ways of using the product for a chance to be featured on your brand page. Don't skip hashtags like #CreativeUses #ProductHacks #SmallBizVibes.
6. Customer testimonials
Turn customer praise into inspiring, captivating content. You could dramatize them as short skits or use "before and after" videos to clearly show the impressive changes your product or service delivers.
7. Product launch teasers
Spark curiosity for new products with short, gripping teasers, dramatic countdown videos, or subtle sneak peeks that keep viewers guessing. Leverage trending sounds and vibrant animations to build excitement, making your audience count down the days until the official reveal.
8. Flash sale frenzy
Create urgency and spur buyer action by announcing time-limited deals with clear deadlines. Use punchy calls like "Run, don't walk!" to push viewers to grab the opportunity before it's gone. Add TikTok-exclusive discount codes to track conversions and boost campaign appeal.
9. Milestone celebrations
Mark proud milestones like 1,000 orders, a new store opening, or a one-year anniversary with enticing giveaways or heartfelt thank-you videos. To boost engagement, invite viewers to comment on their favorite product for a shot at special brand swag.
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Small business TikTok ideas focused on the team
10. A day in the life of a team member
Follow a team member's workday to give viewers insight into their role, personality, and everyday moments behind the brand. This genuine storytelling builds emotional connections and sheds light on your company's spirit and culture. Add humor or unexpected moments to keep videos natural, fun, and shareable.
11. Office or workspace tour
Hook viewers from the start with a quick tour of your workspace—whether it's a home office corner, a creative production studio, or a vibrant storefront. Pair it with trending sounds to make the video lively and approachable, as if they're experiencing it alongside you.
12. Team introductions
Pique audience curiosity with short interviews or comedic skits that reveal team members' skills and quirky traits. Boost interactivity with a "Pick your character" template so viewers can engage and connect with individual personalities.
Read more: 7 Steps to Building Social Media for Small Businesses
13. Team insights on industry trends
Give viewers an insider look from your team on emerging trends and challenges in your field. For instance, a bakery owner could spill on 2025's hottest desserts. Use a talking-head format with captions to make info accessible, dynamic, and engaging.
Hashtags: #IndustryTrends #SmallBizVibes #Trends2025
14. Brand origin story
Evoke emotions with your startup tale—from the spark that started it to memorable moments in building the brand. Pair it with vivid visuals and keep it concise for a message that's relatable, memorable, and deeply connecting. Before posting, add hashtags like #BrandStory #SmallBizJourney #WhereItAllBegan to boost virality.
15. Overcoming challenges
Share a story of a business hurdle you faced and how you powered through, showing resilience and authenticity in your growth journey. Use a casual, relatable tone to make each step feel real, inspiring, and touching for viewers.
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Small business TikTok ideas focus on Humor and Go Viral
Humor and trends can expand reach and make your brand memorable. These ideas are designed for entertainment and engagement.
16. Trending memes
Tap into hot memes and sounds to instantly grab attention, tailored to your brand's personality and message. For example, a coffee shop could use the "What I ordered vs. What I got" meme for laughs and relatability. Use CapCut templates for quick edits—no face reveal needed—to keep it lively, funny, and social-shareable.
17. Relatable comedy skits
Craft short skits around customer pain points or industry stereotypes so viewers see themselves and chuckle. A pet store could act out "Types of pet owners" for approachability and fun. Keep the tone light and avoid controversial jokes to ensure broad appeal.
18. Seasonal content
Tie content to holidays and cultural events like the Super Bowl or Halloween for relevance and timeliness, opening doors for themed product intros or skits. Analyze competitors to nail seasonal trends, keeping your content fresh, engaging, and shareable.
Hashtags: #Seasonal #HolidayContent #SmallBizVibes
19. Expectations vs. reality
Humorously spotlight the gap between expectations and reality in your industry or with your products, while staying positive. Exaggerate "reality" details for laughs, helping viewers entertain themselves and naturally remember your brand.
Hashtags: #ExpectationsVsReality #SmallBizLifeVibes #Funny
Small business TikTok ideas focused on products.
Position your brand as a trusted source by sharing valuable knowledge. These ideas educate while keeping audiences hooked.
20. Industry trends and insights
Update viewers on the latest in your niche, like eco-friendly packaging for retail brands, so they stay informed on key developments. Add data or visual infographics for credibility, making content dynamic and digestible.
Hashtags: #IndustryTrends #SmallBizVibes #LearnOnTikTok
21. Debunking trends
Counter hyped trends by focusing on what truly matters to users. A skincare brand could call out misleading "miracle" products while highlighting their effective solutions. Stay authentic and upbeat so viewers absorb it easily and feel real value from your brand.
Hashtags: #DebunkingTrends #Reality #SmartShopping
22. Tutorials and how-tos
Guide effective use of your product or service to maximize benefits. A Shopify app developer could demo quick API integration. Keep videos under 60 seconds with clear visuals and text overlays for straightforward, followable content.
Hashtags: #Tutorial #HowTo #SmallBizHacks
23. Q&A sessions
Host live Q&As or answer common comment questions to make viewers feel heard and connected to your brand. Pin Q&A videos to your profile for easy access by new followers, showcasing your proactive, friendly vibe.
Hashtags: #QandA #AskUs #SmallBizVibes
24. Tips and tricks
Share insider tips tied to your products or industry, making viewers feel like pros. A clothing brand could demo effortless outfit styling. Keep tips simple and practical for immediate application and tangible brand value.
Hashtags: #TipsAndTricks #LifeHacks #SmallShopping
25. Success tools
Share tools your business uses, like Canva for design or Shopify for e-commerce, to show how you operate efficiently. Tag the tools' TikTok accounts to spark interactions and potential partnerships.
Hashtags: #BusinessTools #Productivity #SmallBizVibes
Small business TikTok ideas to build community
Foster a sense of community to keep audiences engaged and loyal.
26. Thanking your audience
Send sincere thanks to followers for milestones or support via heartfelt videos or meaningful giveaways. Personalize with your journey stories to make viewers feel close and bonded to your brand.
Hashtags: #ThankYou #Gratitude #SmallBizCommunity
27. Supporting other small businesses
Forge strategic partnerships with local businesses and creators to build goodwill, expand your audience, and celebrate partners' core values and unique strengths. This approach creates differentiation while leaving a positive, lasting impression for everyone involved.
Pro tips to maximize TikTok success
- Use strategic hashtags: Boost discoverability with broad ones like #fyp and #viral, plus niche tags like #SmallBizVibes and #SmallShopping. Avoid overusing overcrowded general tags to prevent your content from getting lost in the noise.
- Post at peak times: Use TikTok Analytics to pinpoint when your audience is most active for higher engagement and reach—often evenings or weekends.
- Engage positively: Amplify results by replying to comments, dueting followers, or stitching viral videos to build rapport and nudge the algorithm toward wider visibility.
- Leverage trends: Sync content with trending sounds, effects, or challenges to grab quick attention and ride the algorithm's wave for massive spread.
- Optimize your bio: Craft a concise, keyword-rich bio like "small business" or "shop now," with a link to your site. Draw inspiration from high-click bios on TikTok to build a profile that's professional yet inviting.
TikTok is a powerhouse for small businesses to build brand awareness, connect with customers, and boost sales. By blending authenticity, creativity, and strategic content, you can turn your TikTok presence into a revenue machine. Start experimenting with NextSky's 27 ideas to keep your audience coming back.
