Why You Shouldn’t Ignore TikTok: A Simple Guide for Small Town Businesses

Let’s cut the fluff: TikTok isn’t just for teenagers doing dance challenges. It’s one of the fastest-growing platforms on the planet, and yes, your small-town business can dominate here too. Whether you run a bakery, hardware store, or even a farm supply shop, TikTok gives you a fast, FREE way to reach more people than ever before.

Here’s the deal: TikTok’s algorithm loves new creators, especially those who jump in with authenticity. So if you’re not on TikTok yet, you’re leaving money on the table. Don’t overthink it. I’m about to show you how to get started, create content people actually want to see, and make your business the talk of the town.

 Why TikTok is Perfect for Small-Town Businesses

Small town? Great. That’s your superpower. TikTok is tailor-made for businesses like yours, and here’s why:

- Reach Matters, Not Follower Count: TikTok doesn’t care if you have 5 followers or 5,000. The platform pushes your content out to people who are more likely to engage, which means you don’t have to have a huge audience to start getting results.

- Local Targeting is Your Secret Weapon: Use local hashtags, jump on nearby trends, and create videos with a local flair. If your business is in Oakdale, for example, throw “OakdaleBusiness” in your posts, and suddenly, you’re on the radar of people who might actually walk through your door.

- Content is King, But Production Value is Overrated: This isn’t Hollywood. Your TikToks don’t need fancy cameras or perfect lighting. Authentic, relatable content performs way better. People want real—not polished.

 How Small Businesses Can Use TikTok (Even If You’re New to the Game)

Here’s where most small businesses freeze: "I don’t know what to post."

The solution: Don’t overthink this. TikTok thrives on authentic, bite-sized content. Here's how you start:

1. Highlight Your Town: Get hyper-local. Post videos showcasing your town’s uniqueness. Do a short clip walking around your store or filming a local event, and use hashtags like SmallTownUSA or YourTownName.

2. Engage with Trends: TikTok trends are your friend. And no, you don’t need to start dancing (unless that’s your thing). For example, if there’s a challenge like “show your workspace,” take viewers behind the scenes at your shop. Or if there’s a sound trending, use it but make it relevant to your business. If you're a local bakery, show off the process of making your famous pie to the beat of that viral sound.

3. Behind-the-Scenes Content: People are obsessed with how things are made or how a business operates. Film yourself prepping for the day, organizing your stock, or packaging products. Even a quick 15-second clip of you making coffee, arranging a product display, or preparing for a local fair can draw attention.

 Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started on TikTok

Okay, let’s get tactical. Here’s the exact step-by-step breakdown for getting your small business up and running on TikTok.

1. Set Up Your Account: No rocket science here. Download TikTok, create an account, and set it up as a business account (it’s free). Add your business name, logo, and make sure your bio tells people what you do and where you’re located. 

   - Example: “Best BBQ in [Town Name]. Stop in for the ribs, stay for the pie. Family-owned since 1985.”

2. Create Your First Video: Start simple. If you’re stuck, here are three ideas:

   - Show a “day in the life” of running your business.

   - Share a quick tip related to your products (e.g., “How to pick the perfect cup of coffee”).

   - Use the “duet” feature to react to someone else’s video that relates to your business or town.

The point is—just start. The more you post, the faster TikTok learns who to show your videos to.

3. Use Local Hashtags and Geo-Targeting: Local hashtags are the key to showing up for people in your area. Every video should include at least one location-based hashtag like YourTownName, LocalBusiness, or SmallTown. This is how you get on the radar of potential local customers. 

 Examples of TikTok Content That Works for Small Town Businesses

Still not sure what to post? Let’s break down what’s working for rural businesses right now:

- Customer Testimonials: Ask your loyal customers to record a quick 10-second video about why they love your business. Post that. Better yet, offer them a small discount for their participation.

- Product Demos: Show how your products work. If you run a hardware store, show the proper way to use one of your tools in action. Keep it brief and entertaining—don’t make it feel like a commercial.

- Collaborate with Other Local Businesses: Small towns thrive on community. Work with another business in your town to create TikToks together. If you run a coffee shop, team up with a local bakery for a “Best Coffee and Donuts in [Town]” video.

 How to Use TikTok’s Paid Ads (Only If You’re Ready to Go Next Level)

Once you’ve got some organic content rolling, you might want to pour some gas on the fire with ads. TikTok’s paid ads are shockingly affordable, and you can target based on location and interests.

- In-Feed Ads: These are ads that pop up in people’s feeds, just like regular TikToks. You can boost a post that’s already performing well and get it in front of even more locals.

- Geo-Targeting: TikTok allows you to target people in specific geographic locations. So, if your business only serves a small area, you can ensure your ads are being shown to the right people.

 Quick Tips for Success on TikTok

Before we wrap this up, here are a few tips to make sure your TikTok game is strong:

- Consistency Is Key: You don’t have to post daily, but you should aim for at least 3-4 times a week. TikTok rewards consistency, so the more you post, the faster you grow.

- Engage with Your Audience: Don’t just post and ghost. Respond to comments, follow other local businesses, and engage with the community. This helps build a local following that’ll actually convert into customers.

- Experiment: Try different types of content. What works for one business might not work for yours. Maybe your audience prefers educational content over entertainment—or vice versa. The only way to know is to test.

 Conclusion

There’s no reason for your rural business to sit on the sidelines while others use TikTok to dominate. The platform is wide open, and you can win here with the right approach. Whether it’s showing off your local products, engaging in trends, or simply putting a spotlight on what makes your town special, TikTok gives you the tools to stand out without needing to be a tech wizard.

Here’s your action step: Download the app, create your first video today, and start building your audience. The sooner you get in, the faster you’ll see results. Don’t wait for your competitors to figure this out first.