TikTok isn’t just for dancing videos and viral trends—it’s a powerful platform for business growth, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. With its highly engaged audience and creative content formats, TikTok offers SMEs a unique opportunity to connect with customers and drive growth. Here’s how your business can leverage TikTok to thrive in 2025.
1. Understand the Power of TikTok for SMEs
Why TikTok?
TikTok’s algorithm favors engaging and authentic content, making it easier for smaller businesses to gain visibility compared to traditional platforms.
Key Stats in Malaysia:
- Over 4.9 million active TikTok users in Malaysia.
- Majority of users are under 35, making it ideal for targeting younger audiences.
💡 Pro Tip: TikTok isn’t just about followers—focus on creating engaging content that gets shared and discovered.
2. Set Up Your TikTok Business Account
Why It Matters:
A TikTok Business account gives you access to analytics, ad tools, and more to grow your brand strategically.
How to Do It:
- Download TikTok and sign up.
- Switch to a Business account in your settings.
- Complete your profile with a professional bio, logo, and website link.
💡 Pro Tip: Use your bio to highlight your unique selling points and include a call-to-action (CTA).
3. Create Content That Resonates
What Works on TikTok?
- Entertaining Content: Use humor, trending sounds, and challenges to engage your audience.
- Educational Content: Share tips, how-tos, and behind-the-scenes insights about your business.
- Authentic Stories: Highlight your journey, customer stories, or day-in-the-life videos.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep your videos short and snappy—TikTok users love bite-sized content.
4. Leverage TikTok Trends
Why It Matters:
Trending sounds and challenges can exponentially boost your content’s visibility.
How to Do It:
- Stay updated on trending hashtags and sounds within the app.
- Create content that aligns with the trend while showcasing your business.
- Add a local twist to trends to connect with Malaysian audiences.
💡 Pro Tip: Use hashtags like #TikTokMalaysia and #SupportLocalMalaysia to increase your reach.
5. Engage with Your Audience
Why It Matters:
TikTok thrives on interaction—building a community around your brand drives loyalty and engagement.
How to Do It:
- Respond to comments on your videos promptly.
- Host live sessions to answer questions and connect with your followers in real-time.
- Encourage user-generated content (UGC) by asking customers to share their experiences using your product or service.
💡 Pro Tip: Reward UGC creators with shoutouts or discounts to encourage participation.
6. Run TikTok Ads for Targeted Growth
Why It Matters:
TikTok’s ad platform allows SMEs to reach specific audiences quickly and effectively.
Ad Formats to Explore:
- In-Feed Ads: Appear in users’ feeds as native content.
- Branded Hashtag Challenges: Engage users with fun, shareable challenges.
- TopView Ads: Grab attention with high-impact videos at the top of the feed.
💡 Pro Tip: Start with a small budget and monitor ad performance to optimize for ROI.
7. Collaborate with Local TikTok Influencers
Why It Matters:
Influencers have established trust and credibility with their followers, making them valuable partners for your brand.
How to Do It:
- Identify micro-influencers (10K–100K followers) with a Malaysian audience.
- Collaborate on authentic content that aligns with your brand’s values.
- Track the performance of influencer campaigns to measure impact.
💡 Pro Tip: Focus on influencers in your niche or industry for better engagement.
8. Use TikTok Analytics to Refine Your Strategy
Why It Matters:
Analytics provide insights into what’s working and what needs improvement.
What to Track:
- Views and Engagement: Identify which videos perform best.
- Audience Demographics: Ensure you’re reaching your target market.
- Traffic Sources: See how users are discovering your content.
💡 Pro Tip: Post at times when your audience is most active to maximize engagement.
9. Highlight Your Malaysian Identity
Why It Matters:
Locally relevant content resonates more with Malaysian audiences.
How to Do It:
- Celebrate Malaysian festivals, culture, or food in your content.
- Use Bahasa Malaysia or local dialects to connect authentically.
- Collaborate with other local businesses for cross-promotion.
💡 Pro Tip: Showcase your role in supporting the local economy to attract #SupportLocal movements.
10. Stay Consistent and Authentic
Why It Matters:
Consistency builds trust and familiarity, while authenticity sets you apart from competitors.
How to Do It:
- Stick to a posting schedule—aim for 3-5 posts per week.
- Show the human side of your business, from team members to daily operations.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment and adapt based on audience feedback.
💡 Pro Tip: Use trending effects and filters to make your content visually appealing.
Conclusion
TikTok is a game-changing platform for Malaysian SMEs looking to grow their brand in 2025. By creating authentic content, leveraging trends, and engaging with your audience, you can build a strong presence and drive meaningful business results. Whether it’s organic content, influencer partnerships, or targeted ads, TikTok offers endless opportunities for small businesses to thrive.
Ready to elevate your TikTok game? Contact Impact Evo today for expert guidance and TikTok marketing strategies tailored for your business!
