The TikTok ban: What HVAC and Plumbing Businesses (and others) Need to Know

TikTok over the few years it's been out has quickly become one of the most powerful tools for businesses and creators, helping bridge the gap between a business and its audience. From short, engaging videos to viral trends, TikTok has allowed businesses –– including HVAC and Plumbing companies to have a platform to reach potential customers in ways that were previously unimaginable. However, the looming possibility of a TikTok ban in the U.S. has left many wondering: what is next?

If your HVAC or plumbing business relies heavily on Tiktok marketing, this shift could impact your marketing strategy. I'm writing this to explore how this ban will also affect other industries. Along with an alternate route with realigning your strategy to prepare for a world without TikTok.

What TikTok Has Meant For HVAC and Plumbing Businesses

TikTok isn't just for dance videos and funny memes –– it's become a powerful tool for businesses to connect to new audiences in a more relatable way. HVAC and plumbing companies have been using it to:

• Showcase their expertise with quick tips like "how to maintain your HVAC system".

• Build Trust by sharing behind-the-scenes content.

• Reach local customers by jumping on trending hashtags and creating fun, short videos.

So, if TikTok disappears, businesses lose a platform that helped them humanize their brand and reach people where they are: on their phones, scrolling for engagement, bite-sized content.

What HVAC and Plumbing Businesses Can Do Next

Here’s the good news: TikTok isn’t the only way to market your business. If you’ve built momentum on TikTok, now’s the time to think about how to diversify your strategy. Here’s where you can start:

1. Move Your Content to Other Platforms

TikTok might go away, but platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook Stories are here to stay. Repurpose your TikTok videos for these platforms. The same creative content that worked on TikTok will work elsewhere—it’s just about meeting your audience where they are.

2. Focus on Local SEO

For HVAC and plumbing businesses, showing up on Google searches is critical. Make sure your Google Business Profile is updated with accurate contact info, photos, and customer reviews. People might not find you on TikTok, but they’ll find you when they search for “plumber near me.”

3. Build an Email List

One thing TikTok can’t give you is direct ownership of your audience. Use this moment to start collecting email addresses. Whether it’s through your website or a social media giveaway, building an email list ensures you’ll always have a way to reach your customers—no matter which platform comes and goes.

4. Paid Ads on Other Platforms

TikTok Ads have been great, but some of the best tools out there right now to reach your customer base are still Facebook and Instagram Ads, and Google Ads. Experiment with different channels and refine targeting as necessary to keep driving leads.

5. Go All In on Video

People love video, and they’ll keep consuming it even if TikTok is banned. Start a YouTube channel to share how-to videos, customer success stories, and more. YouTube isn’t going anywhere, and it’s a great way to show off your expertise and build trust with potential customers.

6. Engage Locally

If TikTok was your main way to reach local customers, now’s the time to invest in other local strategies. Think about sponsoring a local event, running a giveaway for your community, or even collaborating with local influencers who still have a presence on other platforms.

A Ban Isn’t the End of the Road

The thought of losing TikTok might feel like a setback, but it’s just a chance to rethink and strengthen your marketing strategy. For HVAC and plumbing businesses—and any business—the key is adaptability. Marketing platforms come and go, but your ability to connect with customers and provide value is what will keep your business thriving.

Take this moment to diversify, experiment, and lean into new opportunities. TikTok may or may not stick around, but your business can grow no matter what.