As a small business owner, you’re almost always looking for new ways to stand out, attract customers, and drive sales. Over the past few years, TikTok has cemented itself as a major player in the social media landscape, thanks to its highly engaging short-form video format and unmatched organic reach.

But as 2025 unfolds, business owners are left wondering:

• • Is TikTok still a smart investment for small businesses?
  • Will legal battles and potential ownership changes (like Oracle’s interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations) affect its viability?
  • And most importantly, how can small businesses in Memphis, the Midsouth, and beyond use TikTok to drive real results?

The short answer? Yes, TikTok remains one of the most powerful marketing tools available today—but only if used strategically. Just like payroll, taxes, and legal compliance, navigating TikTok successfully requires expertise. Partnering with a local marketing team (like The Profit Link!) can help small businesses make the most of this fast-changing platform.

Let’s break it all down:

Why TikTok Still Works for Small Businesses in 2025

Despite its challenges, TikTok remains an invaluable marketing channel for small businesses. Here’s why:

• Massive Audience Reach – With over 1 billion active users, TikTok offers unparalleled exposure. Unlike Facebook and Instagram, which often require paid ads for visibility, TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes engaging content—even from small businesses with no ad budget.
• Short-Form Video Dominates – Social media trends show that quick, engaging video content is the best way to capture attention. Whether you’re showcasing a restaurant in Memphis, a local retail shop in the Midsouth, or an online boutique, TikTok allows businesses to highlight products and services in a way that feels natural and engaging.
• Organic Growth Potential – Unlike other platforms where you need a big budget to reach new customers, TikTok’s algorithm still gives small businesses a real shot at going viral—for free.
• Your Customers Are Already Here – While TikTok was once dominated by Gen Z, recent reports show that 62% of users are now between 20-49 years old—the age group with real buying power.

The Legal Situation: What’s Going On With TikTok?

With all the legal battles surrounding TikTok in the U.S., many small business owners are concerned about whether the platform will remain a stable and effective marketing tool.

The Key Issues:

• • Security Concerns – Lawmakers have raised questions about TikTok’s data privacy, citing its ownership by ByteDance, a Chinese company.
  • Oracle’s Potential Takeover – Tech giant Oracle has been in talks to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations, but negotiations have been complex, with concerns over who will control TikTok’s algorithm and data security.
  • Impact on Businesses – While the legal situation creates uncertainty, TikTok continues to thrive as a marketing platform. For now, small businesses can still leverage it without major disruptions.

Our Take: While it’s essential to stay informed about TikTok’s legal status, the platform remains a valuable marketing tool. To navigate these shifting dynamics effectively, businesses should consider working with an expert marketing team (like The Profit Link!) to stay ahead of the curve.

How to Use TikTok for Small Business Marketing in 2025

If you decide that TikTok is worth the investment (and we think it is!), here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Know Your Audience

Before diving in, define your ideal customer and ensure they’re active on TikTok. Millennials and Gen Z? You’re in the right place. B2B or older demographics? You’d be surprised how many of your target customers are already on TikTok!

2. Keep It Fun & Authentic

TikTok isn’t about polished, corporate-style ads. It thrives on real, engaging, and relatable content. Show behind-the-scenes moments, answer FAQs, and showcase customer testimonials.

3. Use Trends & Hashtags to Your Advantage

Trending sounds, hashtags, and challenges are key to visibility. Engaging with trends in a way that fits your brand is an easy way to reach more people.

• Use #SmallBusinessTikTok to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs.
• Participate in trending challenges to boost visibility.
• Watch the For You Page (FYP) for inspiration – or let our team handle all the research for you!

4. Post Consistently (But Don’t Overwhelm Yourself)

Aim for 3-4 videos per week to maintain engagement. Quality over quantity is key, but regular posting helps TikTok’s algorithm recognize your content.

Pro Tip: Don’t have time to create content? Outsource your TikTok marketing to experts (like The Profit Link)!

5. Engage With Your Audience

TikTok is not just about posting—it’s about interaction. Reply to comments, duet customers, and use the Q&A feature to answer questions. The more engagement, the better your content will perform.

6. Track & Optimize Your Performance

TikTok’s analytics tools allow you to track what’s working. If a certain type of video is performing well, double down on that content!

Should You DIY or Hire a Local Marketing Team?

TikTok marketing isn’t just about making videos—it’s about strategy, execution, and consistency. Just like you wouldn’t handle payroll, taxes, or legal work alone, you shouldn’t have to navigate TikTok alone either.

That’s where The Profit Link comes in.

Why Work With Us?

• • Customized TikTok Strategy – We tailor marketing plans to your specific audience & goals.
  • High-Quality Content Creation – Engaging videos designed for maximum reach & impact.
  • Trend Research & Optimization – We keep up with TikTok’s ever-changing trends so you don’t have to.
  • Growth Strategy – We optimize your campaigns to maximize ROI.

Think of it like outsourcing your accounting—you’ll get better results without the headache!

Final Verdict: Is TikTok Worth the Investment in 2025?

YES—if you do it right.

Despite ongoing legal debates, TikTok remains one of the best opportunities for small businesses looking to expand their reach, boost brand awareness, and even go viral. However, the platform is constantly evolving, making expert guidance crucial.

Want to crush it on TikTok without the stress?

Let The Profit Link handle your social media strategy, content creation, and digital marketing so you can focus on running your business.

Contact us today to start building a TikTok strategy that works!