For Australian small business owners, TikTok isn’t just an app for dancing teenagers; it is one of the most powerful discovery engines in the world. Mastering the TikTok algorithm allows you to bypass traditional advertising costs and get your brand in front of thousands of potential local customers overnight.
Prerequisites
Before you start filming, ensure you have the following:- A TikTok Business account (switch this in settings to access analytics).
- A smartphone with a clean camera lens.
- The TikTok app updated to the latest version.
- A quiet space with good natural lighting.
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Step 1: Research Your Local Niche
Before you film a single second, you need to understand what is currently working. Spend 15 minutes on the 'For You Page' (FYP). Use the search bar to look for keywords related to your business (e.g., "Brisbane Cafe" or "Plumber Gold Coast"). What to look for: Note which videos have high engagement. Is it the behind-the-scenes content? Is it a specific tutorial? Pay attention to the sounds they are using.Step 2: Identify a Trending Sound
TikTok is a sound-first platform. Using a "Trending Sound" acts as a catalyst for the algorithm. How to find them: Tap the '+' button as if you’re making a video, then tap 'Add sound'. Look for the 'TikTok Viral' playlist or sounds with a blue tick.- Screenshot Description: You should see a list of songs with a 'Trending' icon next to them. If a song is appearing multiple times on your own FYP, it’s a winner.
Step 3: Hook Them in the First 2 Seconds
The TikTok algorithm prioritises 'Watch Time.' If a user swipes away immediately, your video dies. You need a visual or verbal hook.- Visual Hook: Start with a fast movement or a text overlay that asks a question.
- Verbal Hook: Start with "Stop scrolling if you live in Brisbane..." or "The one mistake you're making with [your service]..."
Step 4: Script for Retainable Value
Keep your video concise. For a viral result, aim for 15 to 30 seconds. Your content should fall into one of three categories: Educational, Entertaining, or Relatable. Example: If you are a local florist, don't just show a bouquet. Show "3 ways to make your Coles flowers look like a $100 professional arrangement."Step 5: Set Up Your Lighting and Framing
You don't need a professional studio. Natural light from a window is your best friend. Position yourself so the light is hitting your face, not your back. Pro Tip: Ensure your camera is at eye level. If you are filming a product, use the '0.5x' wide-angle lens for a modern, aesthetic look that is currently popular on the platform.Step 6: Record in Short Bursts
Avoid recording one long take. TikTok's style is fast-paced. Record 2-3 second clips. This keeps the visual energy high and prevents the viewer from getting bored.- Screenshot Description: In the recording screen, you will see a progress bar at the top divided into segments. This indicates your different clips.
Step 7: Use On-Screen Text Overlays
Many people watch TikTok with the sound off initially. Use the 'Text' tool to highlight your key points. Important: Keep your text within the 'Safe Zone.' Avoid placing text at the very bottom (where the caption is) or the far right (where the like/share buttons are), or it will be obscured.Step 8: Apply the 'Closed Loop' Technique
To maximise views, you want people to watch the video more than once. A 'Closed Loop' is when the end of the video seamlessly transitions back to the beginning. Example: End your video by saying "And that's why you should..." and have the beginning of your video start with "...always check your ABN before registering a business."Step 9: Write an Optimised Caption
TikTok is increasingly used as a search engine. Your caption shouldn't just be funny; it should be searchable. Australian Context: Include your location. Use tags like #BrisbaneBusiness, #SydneyFoodie, or #AustraliaSmallBiz. This helps the algorithm show your video to people in your local area.Step 10: Engagement is a Two-Way Street
Once you post, stay on the app for at least 20 minutes. Reply to every single comment. This tells the algorithm that your video is sparking conversation, which encourages it to push the video to more people.Warning: Avoid the 'Shadowban'
Never use banned hashtags or engage in 'follow-for-follow' schemes. Also, avoid re-uploading videos with the Instagram Reels watermark, as TikTok will actively suppress these.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being Too Salesy: TikTok users hate traditional commercials. Provide value first, sell second.
- Poor Audio Quality: Background wind or static will make users swipe away instantly. Use a cheap lapel mic or record your voiceover in a quiet room (a wardrobe full of clothes is a great makeshift sound booth).
- Ignoring Analytics: Check your 'Creator Tools' to see when your followers are most active. Posting at 3:00 AM in Brisbane won't help if your audience wakes up at 7:00 AM.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
My video is stuck at 200 views? This is the 'test phase.' It means your hook wasn't strong enough to keep people watching. Try taking the same footage but changing the opening text overlay to something more provocative or helpful. I can't find trending sounds? If you have a 'Government' or highly restricted Business Account, some sounds are limited due to licensing. Switch to a standard Business Account and ensure your region is set to Australia in your phone settings. The video looks blurry after uploading? Before posting, go to 'More options' and ensure 'Allow high-quality uploads' is toggled ON. Also, ensure you aren't filming in 4K if your internet upload speed is slow, as TikTok may compress it heavily.---
Next Steps
- Batch Content: Don't film one video a day. Spend three hours on a Sunday filming 5-7 videos for the week.
- Review Analytics: After 48 hours, look at your 'Retention Rate' in the video analytics. See exactly where people dropped off and improve that section next time.
- Need a Hand? If you’re a busy business owner and want a professional team to handle your social media strategy and content creation, contact Local Marketing Group today. We help Australian businesses cut through the noise and reach the right audience.