Geelong Flower Farm finds success using TikTok

A florist in Moolap is finding success on TikTok, after sharing behind-the-scenes videos of the business helped to grow their customer base.

Geelong Flower Farm social media lead Paige Beekmans (left) and manager Rebecca Dickson. Picture: Alan Barber

Geelong businesses are finding success and reaching new customers on TikTok, by creating a personal connection with their followers.

The Geelong Flower Farm started their TikTok account about 10 months ago and already have more than 4000 followers.

Manager Rebecca Dickson wanted to start a page on TikTok to show customers the behind the scenes of the business.

“Instagram can be highlight reel but I wanted to show a side of our team that was a bit more quirky and lighthearted,” she said.

“We wanted to share all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes … not just the highs, but the lows as well.”

Ms Dickson did not anticipate the account would grow their business or customer base.

“(Our customers) say our videos makes them feel like they know us, without actually knowing us,” she said.

“What we do at the farm is really personal, either cheering people up or helping them get through good and bad times.

“They feel like they know the people making their arrangement is really special and keeps them coming back.”

Geelong Flower Farm social media lead Paige Beekmans (right) and manager Rebecca Dickson. Picture: Alan Barber

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra said times were tough for businesses during the cost of living crisis so finding new ways to reach customers is vital for growth.

“The recently released TikTok Economic Impact Report found that more than three and a half million people visited a restaurant,” he said.

“Up to three million purchased a product or service in just one month because they discovered it on TikTok.”

Social media and e-commerce lead Paige Beekmans said their account was about having fun and getting to know the florist’s employees.

She said it was important for businesses to jump on TikTok trends and use popular audio to boost their following.

“Social media can be really daunting but don’t be ashamed to put yourself out there,” Ms Beekmans said.

“It can be hard at first but you have to persist with it.

“Just be genuinely and authentically you.”

TikTok and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce are launching a new program, ‘It’s Time for TikTok’, to help local businesses grow their business and reach new customers on the platform.

Ms Dickson and Ms Beekmans will be speaking at a panel at the program’s event in Geelong on August 2.

For more information, www.victorianchamber.com.au/training-course/its-time-for-tiktok.

Originally published as Geelong Flower Farm finds success using TikTok