The potential TikTok ban has sent shockwaves through the small-business community, leaving many scrambling to find alternative marketing and sales strategies. With millions of businesses generating billions in revenue through the platform, the ban threatens to disrupt operations and customer engagement.
Lindzi Shanks, co-owner of XO Marshmallow, a Chicago-based specialty marshmallow brand, has seen tremendous success through TikTok Shop, generating over seven figures annually. “The ban would be completely devastating to so many small businesses and creators who rely on the income,” Shanks said. Fortunately, her business has diversified its marketing strategy, including brick-and-mortar retail, to mitigate the impact of potential social media shifts.