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How the Tiktok Ban Will Affect My Small Business | What Now

Introduction

Hey everyone, welcome back to the channel! If you're new here, hi, my name is Angela and I'm excited to share my thoughts with you today. I want to extend a warm welcome to both new and returning viewers. Before we dive into the main topics of this video, I’d like to announce that I'll be attending the Impressions Expo in Long Beach, California on January 23rd and 24th. I’ll be at the Meco Booth, so if you're around, come say hi and learn some new things about machines.

The TikTok Dilemma

Now, let’s talk about something that’s been on everyone's mind—the potential TikTok ban. As of January 19th, TikTok may face significant restrictions that could lead to the platform being unavailable to many users. This impending ban is concerning, especially for those who rely heavily on TikTok for traffic and sales. Personally, I’ve built my business significantly on TikTok over the past year and a half. I initially gained traction with a viral Halloween video featuring cats and dogs, which helped rejuvenate my struggling business.

With TikTok being such a strong source of income and customer traffic, losing it would be a major blow. While I also sell through my Shopify website and on Etsy, TikTok’s algorithm has allowed me to reach new customers seamlessly without being directly next to competitors, which is often the case on platforms like Etsy.

Strategies for Transition

In anticipation of the potential TikTok ban, I’ve started implementing several strategies to try and offset the loss of traffic:

  1. Branded Packaging: I’ve ordered branded mailers that include my website information. This way, whether someone purchases through TikTok or directly from my site, they can be directed to my brand more easily.

  2. Email Marketing: I’ve created business cards with special discount codes to encourage customers to join my email list. A strong email list is crucial for maintaining contact with customers no matter what social media platforms come or go.

  3. Increasing Product Offerings: I'm working on creating more items, especially patches for my sweatshirts. This includes seasonal designs for holidays like Valentine’s Day to keep customers engaged.

  4. Going Live: I’ve been going live on TikTok almost every day to boost engagement and sales before the ban takes effect. This is also a way to encourage followers to connect with me on other platforms, such as Instagram.

  5. Optimizing Listings: I plan to utilize Etsy more effectively by posting my new designs and ensuring they get the visibility they deserve. It’s important to capture potential sales so they do not slip away.

  6. Reducing Inventory Stress: I’ve adjusted my purchasing strategy to reduce overstock and panic orders triggered by TikTok’s two-day processing times. Instead, I aim to order smaller amounts and react quicker to sales trends.

Conclusion

As I navigate this uncertain terrain, I’m keeping an open mind and adapting as much as possible. The key takeaway is that while TikTok has been a fantastic tool for growing my business, I’m prepared to pivot and utilize other avenues of customer engagement and sales.

Thank you for tuning in to discuss how the TikTok ban might affect not just my business but others like it. If you found this information useful, please give this video a thumbs up and hit that red subscribe button to stay updated.

See you all in the next one!

Keywords

  • TikTok ban
  • Small business
  • E-commerce
  • Email marketing
  • Branding
  • Shopify
  • Etsy
  • Product listings
  • Customer engagement

FAQ

Q: How will the TikTok ban affect small businesses?
A: The TikTok ban could significantly reduce traffic and visibility for businesses that rely on the platform for their sales.

Q: What strategies can I implement to counter the TikTok ban?
A: Consider diversifying your marketing channels, investing in email marketing, optimizing your website and Etsy listings, and increasing engagement through live streams on other platforms.

Q: Is having an email list still important?
A: Yes, having an email list is crucial for maintaining communication with your customers and driving sales independent of social media platforms.

Q: How can I keep customers engaged without TikTok?
A: Explore other social media platforms, offer discounts through email marketing, and create new product lines to maintain interest and engagement.

Q: What other marketplaces can I use besides TikTok?
A: Etsy and Shopify are strong alternatives for e-commerce, as well as platforms like Instagram and Facebook for marketing and sales.

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