Hi everyone,

The 36th edition of the Growth Tactics newsletter is here. Our aim is to provide you with valuable insights and actionable tips that will help you navigate the digital world with confidence and make the most of the opportunities it presents.

For this week, we focused on:

• 🚀 TikTok users embrace ads

• 🔥 How can small businesses take advantage of it?

• 🖥️ Tech helps small businesses grow

• 🛠️ Types of tech tools that can help small businesses

🚀 TikTok users embrace ads. What does it mean for business?

• A recent study by Statista reveals that TikTok users are more receptive to ads compared to general internet users. 38% of TikTok users are willing to tolerate ads in exchange for free access to services, 4% more than the total number of adults surveyed.

• Almost 15% of TikTok users struggle to distinguish between advertising and other content. Creating native-looking campaigns that align with the broader user experience makes TikTok ads less disruptive and more likely to blend in with overall platform usage.

• Additionally, 18% of TikTok users are not concerned about their personal data being used for advertising purposes, 5 percentage points higher than general web users.

What can small businesses do?

1. Targeting TikTok for Advertising
   
   

   As TikTok users are more receptive to ads than general internet users, small businesses should consider including TikTok in their marketing mix.
   This can involve allocating a portion of their advertising budget specifically to TikTok campaigns.
   
   The platform offers an engaged audience, with users spending an average of 52 minutes per day on the app. By advertising on TikTok, small businesses can tap into this highly active user base and increase their visibility among potential customers.
   
   To get started with TikTok advertising, small businesses can explore options such as In-Feed Ads, Branded Hashtag Challenges, Branded Effects, and TopView Ads. Each of these ad formats provides unique opportunities for small businesses to reach and engage with their target audience on the platform.
   
   

2. Create Native-Looking Campaigns:
   
   Since 15% of TikTok users have difficulty distinguishing between advertising and organic content, it's essential for small businesses to create native-looking campaigns that blend seamlessly with the platform's user-generated content.

   
   

   By doing so, businesses can make their ads less disruptive and more appealing to TikTok users. To achieve this, small businesses should focus on understanding the platform's content trends and popular formats.

   
   Creating ads that mimic the look and feel of user-generated content, such as using vertical video, incorporating music and sound effects, and leveraging popular TikTok features like transitions and filters, can help make ads feel more native to the platform.
   
   

3. Utilize Personalized Advertising:
   
   With 18% of TikTok users being less concerned about their personal data being used for advertising purposes, small businesses can take advantage of personalized advertising strategies to create more engaging and relevant ads.
   
   Data-driven insights, such as users' interests, demographics, and browsing behavior, can help businesses tailor their ads to individual users and better connect with their target audience.
   
   To implement personalized advertising on TikTok, small businesses can utilize the platform's targeting options, such as Custom Audiences and Lookalike Audiences.
   
   Custom Audiences allow businesses to target ads to specific users based on their interactions with the brand, while Lookalike Audiences help businesses reach new users who share similar characteristics with their existing customers.

🖥️ Consumers see tech as the driving force behind small businesses

According to a study conducted by Ipsos Canada, with a sample of 1,505 Canadians, including 307 small business owners, consumers see tech as a powerful helping hand for small businesses:

• The majority of consumers (69%) believe technology has made it easier to start and grow small businesses.

• Gen Z and Millennials prefer more digital interactions in shopping (59% and 51%) and checkout/payment experiences (66% and 55%).

• Both generations still desire human touch for resolving customer issues (74% and 84%) and in customer communications (77% and 79%).

• 57% of small business owners believe e-commerce growth has peaked, while only 46% of consumers agree, suggesting untapped potential.

• Key indicators of a thriving business on the path to sustained growth include:

  1. Loyal repeat customers (63%)

  2. Ability to innovate (51%)

  3. Funds for team growth and development (48%)

  4. Hitting sales/client acquisition growth targets for two consecutive quarters (47%)

  5. Positive cash flow for two consecutive quarters (49%)

  6. Securing additional growth funding (42%)

What are the types of tech tools needed for small businesses

1. CRMs 

2. Liability Protection 

3. Communication Management Tools

4. Project Management Solutions 

5. Inventory Management Tools 

6. E-Signature Tools 

7. HR Management Solutions

📰 An interesting tweet 📰

🔥 Brand of the week

Rounded, a one-stop shop for firearm lifestyle products, specializes in high-quality, USA-made KYDEX holsters and gear for diverse gun owners. With a humble beginning in a garage, they've grown into a renowned manufacturing facility, earning 60,000+ five-star reviews. Focused on innovation, Rounded delivers comfortable and dependable carry solutions quickly, offering a 30-day free return policy and a lifetime warranty to ensure customer satisfaction.

🔥 Influencer shoutout

Introducing Rosalia, a talented influencer and skincare, lifestyle, and wellness enthusiast with an impressive online presence. With nearly 15k followers on Instagram and almost 7k on TikTok, Rosalia has successfully completed 75 collaborations and is currently working on 70 more. Her passion for sharing her experiences and tips on skincare, lifestyle, and wellness resonates with her growing audience, making her the ideal choice for brands looking to connect with a dedicated and engaged following.