TikTok marketing: fast tactics that actually work

TikTok has over a billion monthly users and it rewards creative, fast content. That means small brands can beat big budgets if they move fast and follow a simple playbook. Below I give clear, practical steps you can use this week to boost views, followers, and sales.

Make videos people stop on

Hook viewers in the first 1–3 seconds. Start with a visual surprise, a question, or a bold claim: “This trick doubled my orders overnight.” Keep clips 15–60 seconds—shorter is fine if the message lands quickly. Use vertical framing, clear audio, and readable on-screen text for viewers watching with sound off.

Focus on three content types: tutorials (how to use your product), behind-the-scenes (real people, real processes), and trend rides (use trending audio or formats but add your twist). Post 3–7 times a week while you test what sticks. Treat each video like an experiment: change one thing at a time—thumbnail, opening line, or caption—and track the difference.

Smart posting and growth moves

Use 3–5 targeted hashtags: one branded (#YourShopName), one niche (#MinimalistJewelry), and one trend or challenge. Don’t stuff tags; keep them relevant. Write captions that invite action: ask a quick question or tell people what to do next—“Save this idea for your next shoot” or “Tap the link to order.”

Work with micro-influencers (5k–50k followers). They cost less and often drive higher engagement. Offer product swaps, short-term affiliate links, or a small flat fee plus a performance bonus. Also encourage user-generated content: add a clear reward (discount, shoutout) for people who post with your hashtag.

Use TikTok’s ad tools smartly: start with In-Feed Ads to amplify a top organic post. Test Spark Ads to boost creator content that already performs well. Keep the creative similar to your organic winners—don’t force a long, polished commercial. Track results with the TikTok Pixel and UTM tags so you can see real sales, not just likes.

Measure what matters: 1) View rate for reach, 2) Engagement rate (likes/comments/shares), and 3) Clicks or conversions for sales. If a video gets high views but low clicks, change the CTA and thumbnail. If comments are strong, pin the best replies and turn popular comments into new videos.

Quick example: a local bakery posted a 20-second “how we frost donuts” clip, used a trending audio, and added a discount code in the caption. It hit 200k views, 1.5k follows, and a 20% bump in weekend orders after a paid boost.

TikTok is fast and forgiving. Test often, keep creative simple, and double down on what grows engagement. Want a quick audit of your profile? I can give three immediate changes that boost results.