TikTok Marketing for Local Australian Businesses
TikTok is no longer just a platform for teenagers doing dance challenges. With over 7 million Australian users and growing, TikTok has become a legitimate marketing channel for businesses of all sizes. And the good news for local businesses is that TikTok’s algorithm is surprisingly good at showing your content to people in your area.
If you have been curious about TikTok but are not sure where to start, this guide breaks down the basics for Australian small business owners.
Why TikTok Matters for Local Business
TikTok’s appeal for small businesses comes down to a few key factors:
Organic reach is still strong. Unlike Facebook and Instagram, where organic reach has declined significantly, TikTok still shows your content to people who do not follow you. A single video can reach thousands or even hundreds of thousands of viewers without spending a cent on advertising.
The algorithm favours quality over follower count. You do not need a massive following to get your content seen. TikTok’s algorithm evaluates each video on its own merits, meaning a brand new account can have a video go viral.
Australian users are highly engaged. Australians spend an average of over 20 hours per month on TikTok, making it one of the most engaging social platforms available.
Local content performs well. TikTok tends to show content to users in the same geographic area as the creator, which is great for local businesses wanting to reach nearby customers.
Getting Started: Setting Up Your Business Account
Setting up a TikTok business account is straightforward:
- Download the TikTok app from the App Store or Google Play
- Create an account using your business email
- Go to Settings, then Manage Account, and switch to a Business Account
- Choose your business category
- Complete your profile with your business name, bio, and website link
Your bio should be clear and concise. Include what you do, where you are based, and a call to action. For example: “Custom cakes in Western Sydney. Order your next celebration cake today.”
Content Ideas for Local Businesses
The biggest question most business owners have is: “What do I actually post?” Here are content ideas that work well for local businesses:
Behind the Scenes
People love seeing how things are made or how a business operates. A bakery can show bread being shaped, a mechanic can show a tricky repair, and a florist can show an arrangement coming together. These videos feel authentic and give customers a reason to connect with your business.
Quick Tips and How-Tos
Share your expertise in bite-sized videos. A hairdresser might share hair care tips, a personal trainer could demonstrate a quick exercise, and an accountant could explain a common tax question. This positions you as an expert and provides genuine value.
Before and After
If your work involves a visual transformation, before and after videos are incredibly engaging. This works brilliantly for landscapers, builders, detailers, cleaners, hairdressers, and anyone whose work creates a visible change.
Day in the Life
Show what a typical day looks like at your business. This humanises your brand and helps potential customers feel like they know you before they walk through the door.
Customer Stories
With permission, share customer success stories or reactions. A genuine customer reaction to a finished product or service is more powerful than any advertisement.
Local Content
Reference your local area. Mention Western Sydney suburbs, local events, or community news. This helps TikTok’s algorithm show your content to local viewers and builds community connection.
Tips for Creating Good TikTok Videos
Keep It Short
While TikTok allows videos up to three minutes, shorter videos (15 to 60 seconds) tend to perform better. Get to the point quickly and keep your audience watching until the end. Completion rate is one of the factors TikTok uses to determine whether to show your video to more people.
Use Trending Sounds
TikTok is driven by audio trends. Using a trending sound in your video can boost its reach. Browse the “Discover” page to see what sounds are currently popular, and think about how you can apply them to your business.
Good Lighting Matters
You do not need professional equipment, but good lighting makes a huge difference. Natural light works brilliantly. Film near a window or outside during the day for the best results.
Add Text Overlays
Many people watch TikTok with the sound off, especially during work hours. Adding text overlays ensures your message gets across regardless. TikTok’s built-in text tools make this easy.
Post Consistently
Consistency beats perfection on TikTok. Aim for at least three to five videos per week. You do not need every video to be a masterpiece. Sometimes the simple, authentic content performs best.
Use Relevant Hashtags
Hashtags help TikTok categorise your content. Use a mix of:
- Broad hashtags: #SmallBusiness #Australia
- Industry hashtags: #Electrician #CafeLife
- Local hashtags: #WesternSydney #Parramatta #Sydney
- Trending hashtags relevant to your content
TikTok Advertising for Local Business
If you want to amplify your reach, TikTok offers advertising options through TikTok Ads Manager. The most accessible options for small businesses include:
In-Feed Ads: These appear in users’ For You feeds and look like regular TikTok videos. You can target by location, age, gender, and interests. Minimum daily budget starts at around $50 AUD.
Promote: This is TikTok’s simplest advertising tool. You can boost an existing video to reach more people. It works similarly to Facebook’s Boost Post feature and is a good entry point for beginners.
For local businesses, geographic targeting is key. You can target your ads to specific areas, which means you are not wasting money reaching people outside your service area.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Being too polished. TikTok thrives on authenticity. Overly produced, corporate-feeling content tends to underperform. Be real, be yourself, and do not worry about being perfect.
Only posting promotional content. If every video is a sales pitch, people will scroll past. Follow the 80/20 rule: 80 percent entertaining, educational, or engaging content, and 20 percent promotional.
Ignoring comments. Engagement matters on TikTok. Reply to comments on your videos, and engage with other local businesses and creators. This builds community and boosts your visibility.
Giving up too soon. Not every video will perform well. Some will get 200 views, and occasionally one will get 20,000. Stay consistent and keep experimenting with different content styles.
Measuring Success
TikTok’s built-in analytics (available on business accounts) show you:
- Video views and watch time
- Follower growth
- Profile views
- Audience demographics (age, gender, location)
- When your followers are most active
Track these metrics weekly to understand what content resonates with your audience. Pay particular attention to which videos keep viewers watching until the end, as this is a strong indicator of engaging content.
Is TikTok Right for Your Business?
TikTok is not necessarily the right fit for every business. It tends to work best for businesses that:
- Have a visual element to their work
- Are willing to show personality and authenticity
- Can commit to regular content creation
- Want to reach a broad local audience (not just older demographics)
That said, every type of business can find success on TikTok if you approach it with creativity and consistency. From tradies to therapists, cafes to car dealers, there are Australian businesses in every industry building genuine audiences on TikTok right now.
Getting Started Today
The best way to learn TikTok is to start using it. Spend a week browsing the app, watching what other businesses in your industry are doing, and getting a feel for the platform. Then start creating.
Your first videos will probably not be your best, and that is completely fine. The key is to start, learn, and improve as you go.
If you are a Western Sydney business looking for help with your social media strategy, including TikTok, the team at Cosmo Web Tech can help you develop a plan that works for your business and your audience.
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