If you think TikTok is just a platform for teens showing off dance moves, it’s time to look again. By 2025, TikTok has become a goldmine for marketing, especially for small online businesses. Sporting goods store owners, this one’s for you if you’re not already taking TikTok seriously, you might be missing out on a huge opportunity to grow your brand. With 150 million TikTok users in the U.S. alone, it’s the perfect place to connect with a young, active audience who’s ready to engage and shop.
TikTok thrives on trends and if you want to stay ahead of the curve, you’ll want to jump on these in 2025. Trust me, these trends can do wonders for your sales and visibility.
What are the most important TikTok trends that online store owners should adopt in 2025?
How can TikTok’s evolving algorithm help online stores boost visibility and engagement?
What role will interactive content, like challenges and polls, play in TikTok marketing success?
How can e-commerce brands leverage TikTok influencers to drive sales and brand awareness?
What are the best practices for creating viral content that resonates with TikTok audiences in 2025?
How can small online stores compete with larger brands on TikTok while staying authentic?
What new TikTok tools and features are emerging to help online stores with product promotion?
How will TikTok’s trends align with other social media platforms for multi-channel marketing?
What role does user-generated content play in building trust and engagement on TikTok?
How can online store owners measure and optimize ROI from their TikTok marketing campaigns?
1. Live Shopping Is the Real MVP
Have you checked out TikTok’s live shopping feature yet? It’s like a home-shopping network, but way more energetic and interactive. Picture this you’re showing off a sleek pair of trail-running shoes, sharing tips for the best outdoor runs, and answering questions from excited viewers in real-time. Pretty cool, right? Well, 70% of TikTok users say live streams make them feel closer to brands, so why not use that to your advantage?
For sporting goods stores, live streams are a no-brainer. Whether it’s demonstrating the latest yoga mats or hosting a Q&A with a fitness enthusiast trying out your products, it’s a great way to showcase what you offer while building trust with your audience.
Pro Tip
Start small with a couple of live events each month. Be real and approachable show your personality, answer live questions, and make it fun! Toss in some exclusives or discounts during the stream to sweeten the deal.
2. Find Your Tribe with Hashtags
On TikTok, it’s all about finding your niche community. Trust me, these folks are out there! Hashtags like #FitTok (for all things fitness), #OutdoorGear, and #SportsLife draw millions of views and, more importantly, deeply passionate people. Getting your brand into the mix is key.
Say you’re selling camping gear. Create videos that showcase how your products are used in the wilderness, add the right hashtags like #CampingHacks or #TrailTips and voilà you’re speaking directly to adventurers who are already interested in what you’re offering.
Pro Tip
Use trending sounds and incorporate storytelling. For example, post a “day in the life” of someone using your camping gear or cycling product. Don’t overthink it just show off how your gear works in relatable or even funny ways.
3. Partner with Micro-Influencers
You’ve probably heard of influencers, but here’s the dirty little secret for 2025 big names aren’t always better. Micro-influencers, those with smaller yet loyal followings (around 10,000-50,000 followers), are where it’s at. Why? Their posts feel real, and real drives results.
Imagine partnering with a fitness coach who loves your resistance bands, or a skateboarding enthusiast cruising with your equipment. Micro-influencers usually have higher engagement rates somewhere around 8%, which is 2–3 times higher than bigger influencers. Plus, they’re typically more budget-friendly, which is great for smaller stores.
Pro Tip
When reaching out to influencers, keep it simple. Compliment their content and suggest trying your product you’d be surprised how many are open to collaborations!
4. User-Generated Content Still Rules
Here’s a free tip when it comes to TikTok marketing people trust other people more than they trust brands. That’s why UGC, or user-generated content, is a big deal. This means your happy customers become your marketers when they post videos using your products. And here’s the kicker 79% of people say UGC impacts their buying decisions.
Encourage your customers to share short clips of them unboxing your products or showing them in action. Better yet, turn it into a challenge with a prize! Say you’re selling basketballs. You could create a hashtag challenge like #TrickShotChallenge and watch as the entries roll in while promoting your product naturally.
Pro Tip
Don’t wait for UGC to appear on its own. Reach out to your customers, offer a small discount for posting, or build a fun challenge around your gear. It’s an easy way to build trust with potential buyers.
5. Bite-Sized Tutorials Work Magic
Quick tutorials are TikTok’s bread and butter. People flock to TikTok not just to be entertained but also to learn things fast. For sporting goods stores, this is a goldmine. Picture a 30-second tutorial on the best stretches to do with a foam roller or a video showing how to properly wear a hydration pack for marathons.
What makes tutorials so great is their versatility. You can highlight your products, provide value, and build trust all in one go. Plus, quick clips (we’re talking 15–60 seconds) are perfect for TikTok attention spans.
Pro Tip
Keep tutorials short and to the point, and don’t over-produce them. Authenticity is what sells on TikTok, so just grab your phone and start recording! Use text overlays to guide viewers too.
6. Seasonal & Regional Content Is Super Relevant
TikTok thrives on timely trends. If you’re selling skiing gear in Vermont, there’s no sense posting about it in July. Instead, tailor your content to the season or even upcoming holidays. During summer, create playful beach volleyball or paddleboarding videos. When the holidays hit, show off your gift-worthy products in action.
And remember TikTok is all about creativity. Highlight your products in ways that make life easier or more fun for your audience.
Pro Tip
Plan out your seasonal content in advance. Track trending hashtags and audio tied to seasonal themes so you can jump in while it’s hot.
7. Play with AI-Powered Ads
TikTok is getting smarter by the day, and they’re using AI to help advertisers like you. AI-driven TikTok ads can analyze what users like and adapt in real time, ensuring your products land in front of the right people. For sporting goods, this kind of targeted ad can be a game-changer.
For instance, if you sell soccer gear, TikTok’s algorithms can ensure that your ad appears on the feed of someone who has been seeking tips on drills or highlighting their love for the sport. It’s like magic but better it actually converts.
Pro Tip
Allocate part of your ad budget to experiment with AI tools and see how they perform. Pair these with authentic, relatable content for the best results.
Wrapping It Up
TikTok isn’t just a passing fad it’s a vital tool in your 2025 marketing arsenal. From live shopping and UGC to influencer collaborations, there are countless ways to make it work for your sporting goods store. And here’s the good news you don’t have to be a TikTok star to get started. Just be authentic, stay consistent, and join the conversation.
You’ve got this. Now, go post that first video. Who knows? It might just go viral.
