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Struggling to grow your TikTok following? Don’t worry—you don’t need a massive budget or viral dance moves to make it happen.
Newsflash – TikTok isn’t just for Gen Z or influencers—it’s a goldmine for small businesses looking to reach new audiences without spending a fortune on ads. With its unmatched organic reach, high engagement rates, and potential for virality, TikTok levels the playing field, allowing small brands to compete with industry giants.
But here’s the catch: simply posting random videos won’t cut it. To grow your followers (and turn them into loyal customers), you need the right strategy. In this guide, we’ll break down actionable, no-nonsense tips to help you attract real followers—without gimmicks or overnight hacks.
What Is The TikTok Algorithm?
The TikTok algorithm is the secret script used to rank content and have it magically appear before your eyes.
And yes, the TikTok algorithm definitely exists, and it plays a significant role in determining which videos appear on users’ “For You Page” (FYP). While TikTok doesn’t fully disclose all the details about how it works, the algorithm is designed to personalize content recommendations based on user interactions.
Key influential factors for growth on TikTok:
- User interaction
- Video information
- Device & TikTok account settings
- Video performance (did you go viral?)
- Content creation consistency
- Personalisation
TikTok ads provide a way to bypass the typical algorithm-based content distribution process, allowing your content to reach a broader audience regardless of how well it performs organically. While the TikTok algorithm heavily influences what appears on the FYP, ads offer a more direct way to get your content in front of users, fast.
10 Ways You Can Get More TikTok Followers
While your success on TikTok doesn’t always equate to your follower count, it sure does help.
1. Optimise Your Profile for Instant Credibility
First impressions matter—especially on TikTok, where users decide in seconds whether to follow you or scroll on. Your TikTok profile needs to instantly tell people who you are, what you do, and why they should care.
Start with a clear profile picture—this could be your logo or something that visually represents your brand. Then, craft a bio that’s short, snappy, and to the point. Use it to highlight what makes your business unique, and don’t forget a call to action (like “Follow for [value your content provides]”).
Finally, make sure your link in bio is working for you. Whether it’s a direct link to your website, a landing page with multiple links, or your latest promo, this is your chance to turn views into clicks and sales.
2. Post Consistently (And Find Your Best Times)
TikTok rewards consistency. The more you post and the greater your TikTok presence, the more chances you have to land on the FYP and get discovered by new followers. But that doesn’t mean you should spam random videos—quality still matters.
Aim for at least 3-5 posts per week to stay active without burning out. If you can do daily posts, even better! The key is to stick to a schedule, so TikTok’s algorithm learns when to push your content.
To find your best posting times, check your TikTok Analytics (under the Creator Tools section). Look for when your audience is most active and experiment with posting around those times. Generally, mornings (7-10 AM) and evenings (6-10 PM) work well, but every audience is different—so track your data and adjust accordingly!
3. Jump on Trends (But Make Them Your Own)
TikTok trends move fast, but they’re a goldmine for reach and engagement. Trending sounds, challenges, and memes get boosted by the TikTok algorithm, making it easier for your content to land on the FYP. But here’s the trick—you don’t want to copy trends exactly. Instead, put your own spin on them so they feel fresh and relevant to your brand.
How to Make Trends Work for Your Business:
✅ Use trending sounds – Even if you’re not dancing, you can add a trending sound to a behind-the-scenes video, tutorial, or product showcase.
✅ Adapt challenges to your niche – If there’s a viral challenge, tweak it to fit your brand. A bakery could do a cake-decorating challenge instead of a dance.
✅ Hop on meme formats – TikTok loves relatable content. If a funny text-on-screen format is trending, find a way to make it about your industry.
Recent Trends (Examples to Try)
- NPC Streaming – Businesses have used this trend to show product demos or quirky customer interactions in a fun way.
- “Girl Math” & “Boy Math” – A play on humorous logic—adapt this to your industry, like “Small Business Math” (e.g., “Buying more stock because you’re ‘saving’ on bulk pricing”).
- TikTok’s Text-to-Speech Voices – The robotic voiceover trend adds a funny or sarcastic tone to explain situations (great for customer FAQs or brand storytelling).
Relevance + Speed = Winning TikTok Trends
4. Create Short, Engaging, and Hook-Driven Content
TikTok moves fast—if you don’t grab attention in the first three seconds, people will scroll right past your video. That’s why your hook is everything.
TikTok’s algorithm prioritises videos that keep people watching. If users pause, engage, or rewatch, the platform pushes your content to more people. But if they scroll past? Your reach tanks.
How to Keep Viewers Hooked from Start to Finish:
- Start with a strong hook – Say or show something that makes people stop scrolling. Try:
- A bold statement: “You’re marketing WRONG. Here’s why.”
- A question: “Ever wonder why no one’s buying from your website?”
- A surprising fact: “This one TikTok mistake is killing your reach.”
- A lead in: “You won’t believe what happens at 10 seconds”
- Keep it short and snappy – 10-15 seconds is the sweet spot. Get to the point quickly.
- Use captions & on-screen text – Many people watch TikToks without sound. Hook them with text that teases what’s coming.
- Maintain fast-paced editing – Quick cuts, zoom-ins, and dynamic visuals keep attention locked in.
- End with a CTA (Call to Action) – Tell viewers what to do next: “Follow for more tips!” or “Drop a comment if this helped!”
5. Use TikTok Hashtags the Right Way
Hashtags on TikTok are more than just a trend—they help get your content in front of the right people. But slapping #FYP on everything won’t cut it.
Using the right hashtags helps TikTok understand what your content is about and who should see it. The best strategy? A mix of trending and niche hashtags:
✅ Trending hashtags – These increase your chances of reaching a larger audience. Check TikTok’s “Discover” page or see what’s popular in your niche.
✅ Niche hashtags – These help attract the right followers who are genuinely interested in your business. Think #HandmadeJewellery for a small jewellery brand instead of just #TikTokShop.
How to Research and Test the Best Hashtags for Your Industry
- Spy on competitors – See what hashtags similar businesses are using. If they’re getting good engagement, test them out.
- Use TikTok’s search bar – Type in a keyword related to your business and check the top hashtags that pop up.
- Keep it balanced – Use a mix of broad, trending, and specific hashtags (e.g., #SmallBusinessTips + #SocialMediaMarketing + #TikTokGrowth).
- Track your results – Test different hashtag combinations and see which ones bring the most views and engagement.
Pro Tip: Don’t overdo it! 3-5 hashtags per video is the sweet spot—too many can look spammy.
If you’re still feeling lost about what hashtags to use, here are some popular ones:
General Trending Hashtags:
- #fyp
- #foryou
- #foryoupage
- #viral
- #trending
Small Business Hashtags:
- #SmallBusiness
- #SupportSmallBusiness
- #SmallBusinessOwner
- #ShopLocal
- #Shopsmall
Industry-Specific Hashtags:
Fashion and Beauty:
- #FashionInspo
- #BeautyTips
- #OOTD (Outfit of the Day)
- #MakeupTutorial
- #StyleGuide
Fitness:
- #FitnessJourney
- #WorkoutMotivation
- #HomeWorkout
- #Fitspo
- #GymLife
Food and Beverage:
- #Foodie
- #FoodPorn
- #Recipe
- #Cooking
- #Yummy
The hashtags don’t stop there, there are actually trending hashtag for every niche on TikTok. Don’t see your industry here? Comment below and we will get back to you with some hashtags specific to you – just keep an eye on our post.
6. Engage, Engage, Engage! (It’s Social Media for a Reason)
Engagement is the secret weapon most brands overlook. TikTok isn’t a “post it and forget it” platform—you need to actively interact with your audience to grow.
Replying to comments (even the negative ones) makes your brand feel approachable and builds stronger connections with potential customers. Plus, TikTok’s algorithm loves engagement, so the more conversations you spark, the more your content gets pushed to new viewers.
Here’s how you can approach responding to comments:
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Show appreciation: Thank your followers for their support or positive feedback. A simple “Thanks for the love!” goes a long way in building goodwill.
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Be authentic: Keep your replies personal and genuine. TikTok users appreciate authenticity, so avoid sounding too robotic or scripted. If someone asks a question or shares an experience, engage with them in a way that feels real.
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Answer questions: If followers have questions about your product, service, or content, answer them thoroughly but concisely. This helps build trust and shows you care about your community’s needs.
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Be playful and fun: TikTok is all about creativity and having fun, so don’t be afraid to throw in a witty or lighthearted response when appropriate. It keeps your tone casual and approachable.
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Acknowledge constructive feedback: If you receive any constructive criticism, thank the commenter for their input and use it as an opportunity to show you’re open to improving. Acknowledging feedback helps build credibility.
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Engage in conversations: If someone shares a personal story or experience related to your content, engage with them in a deeper conversation. This makes your audience feel heard and valued.
Beyond comments, use duets and stitches to tap into trending conversations and reach fresh audiences. Duet a popular video with your reaction or insights, or stitch the first few seconds of a viral clip and add your unique take. It’s an easy way to stay relevant and get noticed without creating content from scratch.
7. Work with Micro-Influencers
Micro-influencers might not have millions of followers, but they can pack a punch when it comes to building brand trust and driving conversions for your business.
| Influencer Type | Number of Followers | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Nano-Influencers | 1,000 – 10,000 | Highly engaged, local, or niche audiences. |
| Micro-Influencers | 10,000 – 100,000 | Strong engagement and niche-specific. |
| Mid-Tier Influencers | 100,000 – 500,000 | Larger but still maintain a personal connection. |
| Macro-Influencers | 500,000 – 1 million | Broad reach but may have lower engagement rates. |
| Mega-Influencers | 1 million+ | Huge reach, but generally less engagement per follower. |
First off, they tend to have higher engagement rates because their audiences are more loyal and actively interact with their content. These micro-influencers often cater to niche communities, which means they can help you reach a more targeted and relevant audience for your brand. Their followers trust them more because they come across as authentic and relatable, making their recommendations feel genuine.
Plus, working with small influencers is often more budget-friendly, so you can stretch your marketing dollars further while still gaining significant exposure. All of this adds up to a more meaningful and impactful partnership that can drive real results for your business.
How to Find and Collaborate with the Right TikTok Creators
- Do your research: Look for influencers who align with your brand values and target audience. Check their content and engagement to ensure they’re a good fit.
- Reach out directly: Many micro-influencers are open to collaborating. Start a conversation with them through direct messages or email. Be clear about what you’re offering and what you’re hoping to achieve.
- Offer value: When collaborating, provide value to the influencer, whether it’s free products, exposure, or something that aligns with their personal brand.
- Set clear expectations: Outline the deliverables, timelines, and compensation before you start working together to avoid any misunderstandings down the road.
8. Educate, Entertain, or Inspire (Pick Your Content Pillar)
When it comes to TikTok, successful brands tend to focus on one of three core content types: education, entertainment, or inspiration. Each type resonates differently with audiences, and knowing which pillar to focus on can help you stand out and engage your followers more effectively.
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Education: This type of content teaches your audience something valuable. Whether it’s industry tips, how-to videos, or behind-the-scenes insights, educational content is perfect for showcasing your expertise and providing real value. For example, a small business selling handmade crafts might share quick tutorials on how to make simple DIY projects.
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Entertainment: Entertaining content is all about fun, humour, and creativity. Brands that succeed here are often light-hearted, quirky, and playful. Think catchy dances, funny skits, or clever product integrations. A small coffee shop, for example, might use funny challenges or relatable memes to connect with its audience and add personality to the brand.
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Inspiration: Inspirational content motivates and uplifts your audience. It can include customer success stories, feel-good moments, or messages that align with your brand values. For instance, a fitness studio might share before-and-after transformations or uplifting workout tips to inspire others to take action.
Choosing your content pillar depends on your brand’s goals and values. If your brand is all about providing expertise, education might be the best fit. If you’re more about building a strong, fun community, entertainment might be your go-to. And if you’re looking to connect with your audience on a deeper level, inspiration could be your perfect match.
9. Use TikTok’s Features (Polls, Q&As, Effects, and More)
TikTok isn’t just about videos—it’s packed with interactive features that can really boost your engagement. Polls, Q&As, and various effects allow your audience to interact with your content in a way that goes beyond just watching. When you use these tools, you’re creating a two-way conversation, which helps build stronger relationships with your followers.
For example, using a poll in your TikTok stories can spark discussions, and letting your audience vote on something like what product you should launch next can get them invested in your brand. Q&As are also great for connecting with your followers by answering their burning questions, making your brand feel more approachable.
TikTok’s fun effects and filters are another way to keep your content fresh and potentially grow your TikTok followers at the same time. By using trendy effects, you show that you’re in the know and willing to experiment with what’s trending on the platform. The best part? These tools are super easy to use and offer endless creative possibilities.
10 Repurpose and Cross-Promote Your Content
Ever been on Instagram and seen a Reel that looks distinctly like the TikTok you saw last week? That’s cross-promotion.
One of the easiest ways to expand your reach without creating new content all the time is to repurpose your TikTok videos across other platforms. A TikTok video can easily be turned into an Instagram Reel, a YouTube Short, or even a Facebook post. All you have to do is adjust it slightly to fit the platform’s style and specifications.
For example, TikTok videos are often more informal, so a slight tweak in tone or adding a different caption can make the content work for Instagram.
Cross-promotion is a win-win because it allows you to engage with your audience across multiple channels, without doubling your workload. The more places your content lives, the more chances you have to reach different audiences. You’ll be exposing your TikTok content to people who might not typically be on the social media platform, while keeping things fresh and consistent across your social media channels. Plus, it keeps your brand visible in multiple spaces without having to create everything from scratch.
Growing on TikTok is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Patience and consistency are key when it comes to growing your TikTok following. While viral moments can happen, real success comes from showing up regularly, engaging with your audience, and staying true to your brand. Keep experimenting and refining your strategy to see what resonates best with your potential followers.
Remember, you don’t need millions of followers to be successful—you just need the right ones who care about what you offer. It’s about building a loyal community, not just collecting numbers.
So, try these tips, experiment, and most importantly—have fun with it! TikTok is all about creativity and authenticity, so don’t stress about perfection. But if you are still struggling to see follower growth, reach out to us at Digivate for our Social Media & TikTok Marketing expertise. Let’s get you the results you deserve!
Article by
Samantha Hops
