Finding Your New Digital Home: A Guide for Small Businesses

This week I had another post planned for my blog but I wanted to shift gears after seeing numerous posts from other small businesses looking for where to go on social media next. The recent TikTok ban (and subsequent return of TikTok not long after) has created uncertainty for many small business owners and many are left unsure where to go next if TikTok ends up being banned again. If you're feeling uncertain about where to take your digital presence next, remember - your creativity, authenticity, and connection with your audience are your greatest assets, and they'll shine through on ANY platform. That said, let's explore some of the other welcoming spaces where your business can flourish either in replacement of TikTok or even alongside it if it stays!

Thriving Communities

Pinterest

Often overlooked as just a mood board platform, Pinterest has evolved into a powerhouse for creative businesses. With features like Idea Pins (their video-first format) and a built-in shopping ecosystem, it's become a haven for artists, crafters, and small brands. The best part? The community actively seeks out and celebrates unique, creative content.

Perfect For:

• Visual storytellers

• Product-based businesses

• Tutorial creators

• Lifestyle brands

What Shines Here:

• Step-by-step tutorial pins (perfect for crafters, bakers, DIY businesses)

• Before-and-after transformations (interior designers, beauty brands, renovation services)

• Seasonal content collections (holiday products, seasonal menus, fashion lines)

• Educational infographics (wellness coaches, financial advisors, business consultants)

I am guilty of having thought of Pinterest as just a mood board / inspiration source but digging in deeper there really is quite a bit of potential to market your business here! As I continue to build my own communities and market my services, this will definitely be one I am adding to my social media resources!

Instagram Reels

While part of Meta , Reels deserves a mention because of its strong creative community. Many small businesses find the atmosphere here more supportive than other Meta platforms, with genuine engagement and meaningful connections. The platform continues to roll out features specifically designed for independent creators and small businesses.

Perfect For:

• Visual products and services

• Personal brands

• Location-based businesses

• Style and design focused brands

Content That Connects:

• Behind-the-scenes glimpses (product making, daily operations, team moments)

• Quick tips and tricks (beauty techniques, cooking hacks, business advice)

• Product showcases with personality (try-ons, demonstrations, unique uses)

• Day-in-the-life content (perfect for service-based businesses)

Much of my traffic comes from Instagram still, so don’t miss out by ignoring it! Instagram can be very beneficial for your business, especially if you get the right content in front of your audience! This may change in the coming months since a large number of people are choosing to leave Meta but only time will tell!

YouTube Shorts

YouTube's community guidelines and moderation create a generally positive environment, and Shorts offers a familiar format for those coming from TikTok. The platform's commitment to creator success through its Partner Program makes it particularly attractive for long-term growth. Plus, your content lives longer here than on many other platforms.

Perfect For:

• Educational content creators

• Service providers

• Expert voices

• Product demonstrators

Winning Approaches:

• Educational quick-hits (industry insights, how-to snippets, expert tips)

• Product demonstrations (features, comparisons, tutorials)

• Customer testimonial highlights

• Trend participation with your business twist

YouTube isn’t a platform I have started using for my own business (yet!) but it definitely is worth checking out if you have a lot of video content both short and long form! Great for showing off your products, tips, tutorials and establishing your brand’s persona and expertise!

Emerging Platforms Worth Exploring

Clapper

I just created an account here, and it is definitely very similar to TikTok in its design and function! I am not sure how the feed is chosen, whether it is just by time posted or if they have an algorithm similar to TikTok but if you like using this kind of platform this might be the place for you!

Why You'll Love It:

• Feels wonderfully familiar if you're coming from TikTok

• Celebrates real, authentic content from small creators

• Built-in features for genuine community interaction

• Strong emphasis on organic growth

Content That Connects:

• Behind-the-scenes peeks at your business day

• Quick tips and tutorials in your expertise area

• Customer success stories and testimonials

• Real-time updates and casual check-ins

Getting Started Tips:

• Jump in with your most natural, unscripted content

• Use your existing video skills from TikTok

• Engage actively with other small businesses

• Share the real moments that make your business special

Bluesky

I have had an account here for a little while now, it is really a nice platform and the more you interact there the better it starts to be much like the others!

What Makes It Special:

• Decentralized platform focusing on authentic connections

• Growing creative community

• Opportunity to shape platform culture

• Strong focus on text and image sharing

Content Strategies:

• Share business updates with personality

• Post behind-the-scenes moments

• Engage in industry conversations

• Build authentic connections through storytelling

Getting Started Tips:

• Focus on genuine engagement over follower count

• Share your expertise through threaded posts

• Use clear, searchable hashtags

• Engage with your industry's thought leaders

Community Building Tips:

• Join conversations about your industry

• Share your expertise through thoughtful threads

• Create lasting connections with other business owners

• Use the platform's unique features for deeper discussions

Stimulus

This one is actually one of my favorites community wise. They try really hard to keep it an inclusive and positive platform. Highly recommend checking it out!

Unique Features:

• Verified-only users (goodbye, bots!)

• Giveaway-centered engagement

• Focus on creativity and authentic interaction

• Built-in tools for business promotion

Making It Work:

• Design creative giveaways that showcase your brand values

• Share the stories behind your products

• Create engaging visual content

• Build excitement around product launches

Engagement Ideas:

• Weekly micro-giveaways to maintain momentum

• Behind-the-scenes content of prize preparation

• Customer spotlight features

• Interactive polls for future giveaway items

Creating Content That Connects Across Platforms

The Power of Authenticity

Remember those genuine moments that made your TikTok audience feel like family? That same authenticity will be your secret weapon on any platforms. Whether you're sharing:

• The morning light streaming through your shop windows

• That victory dance when you complete a big order

• The mess behind the perfect product photo

• Your genuine reaction to a customer's kind review

These real moments create the connections that turn followers into loyal customers.

Platform-Specific Magic

For Video-First Platforms (Clapper):

• Keep that spontaneous, in-the-moment energy

• Use trending sounds creatively

• Share quick wins and daily moments

• Film in your natural environment

For Visual + Text Platforms :

• Combine beautiful visuals with heartfelt captions

• Share both the highlight reel and the blooper reel

• Create consistent visual themes

• Mix professional shots with candid moments

Building a Strong Multi-Platform Presence

Foundation Strategy

1. Choose Your Primary Platform

   • Where does your ideal customer spend time?

   • Which platform best showcases your offerings?

   • What content format plays to your strengths?

2. Content Planning

   • Create a content calendar that's platform-specific

   • Plan series or themes that build anticipation

   • Leave room for spontaneous, authentic moments

3. Community Building

   • Respond thoughtfully to comments and messages

   • Create opportunities for customer interaction

   • Share customer stories and testimonials

   • Host regular live sessions or Q&As

Advanced Growth Tactics

1. Cross-Platform Synergy

• Use each platform's strengths

• Create platform-specific content

• Maintain consistent brand voice

• Guide followers to your owned spaces (website, email list)

2. Content Batching

• Set aside dedicated creation time

• Adapt core content for each platform

• Build a content library

• Plan seasonal content in advance

3. Community Engagement

• Create weekly engagement rituals

• Feature customer success stories

• Build relationships with fellow creators

• Host virtual or local events

Making the Transition

Week 1: Foundation

• Download your TikTok content

• Set up profiles on your chosen platforms

• Create a simple content plan

• Start your email list

Week 2-3: Content Creation

• Begin posting consistently

• Experiment with platform features

• Engage with similar accounts

• Share your transition journey

Week 4+: Growth Focus

• Analyze what's working

• Adjust your strategy

• Deepen community connections

• Explore platform-specific features

Quick Start Guide for Each Platform

First Week Action Plan

Clapper:

• Import your best TikTok content

• Start fresh with 2-3 behind-the-scenes videos

• Engage with 10 similar businesses

• Use relevant hashtags from your niche

Bluesky:

• Craft a compelling bio that shows your expertise

• Share your business journey in a thread

• Join relevant conversations

• Connect with industry peers

Stimulus:

• Plan your first giveaway

• Share the story behind your products

• Create excitement with countdown posts

• Engage with your early followers

Remember, you don't have to tackle all these platforms at once. Pick one that feels most natural to you, master it, then expand when you're ready. Your authentic voice and genuine desire to serve your community will shine through anywhere you choose to share it.

The beauty of these platforms is that they're still growing and evolving – which means you have the chance to help shape their communities. Bring the warmth, creativity, and connection you're known for, and you'll find your new digital home feels just right.

Building Your Independent Presence

Personal Website + Newsletter

Nothing beats having your own digital home. Platforms like Ghost or Substack let you combine beautiful visual content with direct customer communication. You set the tone, and your community can engage in a space designed for meaningful interaction.

Patreon + Social

Patreon's community guidelines foster a supportive environment where creators can truly connect with their biggest fans. Combining it with your chosen social platforms creates a sustainable business model based on genuine relationships rather than viral trends.

Tips for Creating a Positive Digital Presence

1. Start Small and Grow Authentically Focus on one or two platforms where you can really nurture your community. It's better to build strong, meaningful connections than to spread yourself too thin.

2. Emphasize Community Over Competition Share your journey, celebrate others' successes, and create content that adds value to your audience's lives. This approach naturally attracts like-minded followers.

3. Build Platform-Specific Content Each platform has its own "language" and community vibe. Take time to understand what resonates in each space rather than cross-posting the same content everywhere.

4. Prioritize Engagement Quality Focus on meaningful interactions over follower counts. Genuine engagement with your community will create lasting business relationships.

Immediate Action Steps

1. Download your TikTok content and start resharing your best-performing pieces on your chosen new platforms.

2. Create a simple landing page or link-in-bio site to help your audience find you across new platforms.

   • Linktree is a great option for this but there are quite a few other options also! Even Canva has some options for designing really nice options!

3. Start building your email list now - it's the most reliable way to maintain customer connections through any platform changes.

Looking Forward

Remember, every platform shift brings new opportunities to connect with your audience in meaningful ways. Focus on creating value, sharing your authentic voice, and building genuine connections. Your ability to adapt and create engaging content will serve you well on any platform.

The key is to stay true to your brand while embracing the unique features and communities of each new platform. Think of this transition not as starting over, but as expanding your digital presence in exciting new directions. I hope that this helps you in finding some new potential social outlets to get your business in front of your target audience! If you have questions or need help getting started feel free to reach out!

Connect with me on other platforms through my linktree here!