TikTok Ban and What It Means to You:

**Due to ever-changing political changes- this article may be outdated.

The impending TikTok ban in the United States, set to take effect on January 19, 2025, has significant implications for its 170 million American users. Here's what you need to know and how to prepare:

App Availability and Usage

• TikTok will be removed from Apple's App Store and Google Play Store immediately after the ban.

• Existing users can still access the app on their devices, but new downloads and updates will be prohibited.

• Over time, the app will degrade and eventually become unusable due to lack of updates and support.

Content Preservation

To save your TikTok content:

1. Go to your profile page

2. Tap the menu (three lines) at the top right

3. Select "Settings and privacy" > "Account" > "Download your data"

4. Choose data to download and file format

5. Request data and download when ready (may take a few days)

*Note that downloaded videos with copyrighted music will not include the audio.

Alternative Platforms

Content creators should consider migrating to other platforms:

• Instagram Reels

• YouTube Shorts

• BlueSky

• Neptune

• Lemon8 (owned by Bytedance - so will likely also be banned)

*Note:  When reposting content, remove TikTok watermarks to avoid reduced visibility on new platforms.

Potential Workarounds

• Using a VPN might allow access, but it's unclear how effective this will be.

• Browser access will also be blocked.

Security Concerns

The inability to update the app on 170 million devices poses a significant security risk, potentially making it a target for attackers.

International Context

TikTok is already banned or restricted in several countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and India.

Economic Impact

The ban could significantly affect the digital marketing landscape, as TikTok drove over $10 billion in consumer spending last year.

Preparing for the Ban

1. Download and save your TikTok data

2. Migrate content to other platforms

3. Inform your followers about your alternative social media accounts

4. Stay informed about potential legal developments that may affect the ban's implementation

While the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, users should take proactive steps to preserve their content and explore alternative platforms for creating and sharing short-form videos.

Top 10 Marketing Trends For Small Businesses in 2025

In an era of fast-moving technologies and marketing trends changing daily- if not hourly- it's hard to stay abreast, no matter how marketing savvy you are.  As we move into a new year of 2025, with changes big and small, these are our recommendations for the Top 10 Trends in Marketing for 2025.  Go get ‘em!

1. Localized Marketing Becomes More Important

• Focus on hyper-local strategies like targeting specific neighborhoods or communities with geo-targeted ads and personalized promotions. Local SEO will remain critical for visibility in the digital space and in the traditional space- there’s lots of success happening with direct mail and targeted snail mail campaigns.

2. Social e-Commerce Growth

• Leverage platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to enable seamless in-app shopping experiences. Small businesses can use these platforms to showcase products and make purchasing easy- and with a boost- get more sales.

3. AI-Powered Marketing Tools All The Way

• Use affordable AI tools for tasks like email marketing, customer segmentation, and content creation. AI will help small businesses stay competitive without a large marketing team.  Utilize ChatGPT now before it gets to be pay to play.

4. Continuing Video Content Dominance

• Create short, authentic videos to connect with audiences. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts will be key for building brand awareness.

5. Authenticity and Storytelling

• Share your brand’s unique story and values to build trust and emotional connections with customers. Behind-the-scenes content and founder stories resonate well with audiences.  Never underestimate putting yourself out there.

6. Sustainability and Ethical Branding

• Highlight eco-friendly practices, ethical sourcing, and community involvement. Consumers are increasingly choosing brands that align with their values.

7. Voice Search and Conversational Marketing

• Optimize your website and content for voice search. Chatbots and conversational AI can provide real-time support and help small businesses engage with customers 24/7.

8. User-Generated Content (UGC)

• Encourage customers to share photos, reviews, and testimonials. UGC builds credibility and is an affordable way to generate content for social media and websites.

9. Subscription-Based Models

• Explore subscription options for products or services. Offering memberships or recurring services creates predictable revenue streams and strengthens customer loyalty.  Utilize subscription models in Instagram for loyal followers who want access to you.

10. Collaborations and Partnerships

• Partner with other small businesses or local influencers to cross-promote products and services. Collaborative efforts can help reach new audiences while sharing marketing costs.  Collaboration is key!

Does this resonate with you?  Are you already doing these things?  We want to hear from you!  Please let us know at info@xplorcity.com.