With over a billion active users, TikTok has become a powerful platform for businesses looking to expand their reach. From small startups to global brands, the platform provides unique opportunities for companies to connect with their target audiences. The rise of TikTok as a marketing tool comes from its wide user base, rapid engagement, and the virality potential of its video format.
If you are interested in using TikTok to promote your business, this article will guide you through setting up a TikTok business account and running effective ad campaigns. This guide will also help you understand why TikTok is one of the most effective platforms for increasing brand awareness.
Why Use TikTok for Business?
TikTok’s user base is diverse, with people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests actively engaging with content on the platform. Initially, TikTok attracted mostly younger users, but as the platform has grown, its user demographic has broadened, making it an excellent platform for reaching multiple age groups and interests. With the ability to post short videos (ranging from 10 seconds to 10 minutes), businesses can effectively share engaging, bite-sized content to connect with potential customers.
TikTok allows businesses to run paid advertising campaigns as well as leverage partnerships with influencers to increase brand visibility. Whether you’re running a small local business or a global corporation, TikTok’s unique algorithm makes it possible to reach your desired audience with ease.
Setting Up a TikTok Business Account
Creating a TikTok business account is straightforward, but the process can vary slightly depending on the device you’re using. Follow these step-by-step instructions for setting up a TikTok business account on Android, iOS, and PC.
How to Create a TikTok Business Account on Android
If you plan to use your TikTok business account on an Android device, follow these steps:
- Install TikTok: Download the TikTok app from the Google Play Store.
- Sign Up for a Personal Account: Use your email address or mobile phone number to create a personal account. You can also sign in using Instagram or Facebook.
- Verify Your Account: Ensure you use an active email or phone number to complete the verification process.
- Add Profile Details: Set your profile picture, name, username, and bio. You can also link other social accounts, such as Instagram or YouTube.
- Switch to Business Account: Once your personal account is set up, go to your profile. Tap the three-line icon in the top-right corner.
- Access Settings: Tap Settings and Privacy, then select Manage Account.
- Switch to Business Account: Tap Switch to Business Account, select your business category from the options provided, and add your business email.
- Finalize Setup: Tap Create Now to complete the process. Your account will automatically convert into a public business account, making all your content visible to the public.
How to Create a TikTok Business Account on iOS
Creating a business account on iOS devices is nearly identical to the process on Android. Follow these steps:
- Install TikTok: Download the TikTok app from the App Store.
- Create a Personal Account: Enter your date of birth and sign up using an email or phone number.
- Verify Your Account: A verification code will be sent to you. Enter the code to proceed.
- Complete Profile: Set your display picture, username, and bio details.
- Switch to Business Account: Open your profile, tap the three lines in the top-right corner, and go to Settings and Privacy.
- Select Business Account: Tap Switch to Business Account, choose your business category, and provide your business email.
- Finish Setup: After following the on-screen prompts, your TikTok business account will be live and ready for use.
How to Create a TikTok Business Account on PC
While TikTok is primarily a mobile app, you can also manage your business account on a PC by following these steps:
- Open TikTok on a Browser: Navigate to TikTok.com and either log in or sign up for a new account.
- Create a Personal Account: Use your email, phone number, or social media accounts (such as Facebook or Google) to sign up. If you’re signing in, use one of the available login methods.
- Set Up Profile: Add a profile picture, username, and business details.
- Switch to Business Account: Once logged in, click on your profile picture in the top-right corner. Navigate to Settings and select Business Account.
- Confirm Business Status: Choose your business category, and after completing the steps, click Done.
How to Grow Your TikTok Business Account
After creating your TikTok business account, it’s time to focus on growing your audience and reaching potential customers. TikTok provides several features to help businesses increase visibility and engagement.
Use TikTok’s Ad Manager
One of the most effective ways to grow your business on TikTok is by utilizing TikTok Ads Manager. This tool allows businesses to create and manage advertising campaigns designed to reach targeted audiences.
Steps to Use TikTok Ad Manager:
- Go to TikTok Ads Manager: Open the Ads Manager on your device and click Get Started.
- Create an Account: If you don’t have an existing Ads Manager account, sign up by providing your business details such as country, industry, time zone, and phone number.
- Account Settings: After setting up your account, go to Account Info under Account Settings and enter all relevant business information.
- Start a Campaign: Once your account is ready, you can begin creating and running your ad campaigns by setting your advertising objectives and targeting options.
TikTok ads are highly customizable, allowing you to select from various ad formats, including In-Feed Ads, Brand Takeovers, and TopView ads. With the right targeting and creative approach, your business can quickly gain exposure on TikTok.
Content Strategy for TikTok Business Accounts
In addition to paid ads, organic content plays a significant role in growing your TikTok business account. Follow these content strategy tips to optimize your presence on the platform:
- Create Engaging Videos: TikTok’s algorithm favors content that encourages user interaction. Focus on creating engaging, high-quality videos that resonate with your target audience.
- Post Consistently: Regular posting helps maintain visibility. Aim to upload new content several times per week.
- Leverage Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to ensure your content is discoverable by the right audience. TikTok’s trending hashtags can help expand your reach.
- Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with influencers in your industry to tap into their existing follower base. Influencer marketing is highly effective on TikTok due to the platform’s focus on community and authenticity.
- Participate in Trends: Stay up to date with TikTok trends and challenges. By participating in popular trends, your content is more likely to go viral.
Benefits of Using a TikTok Business Account
Using a TikTok business account provides several advantages for companies looking to increase brand awareness and drive customer engagement.
- Access to Analytics: TikTok business accounts come with analytics tools that provide insights into how your content is performing. You can track metrics such as video views, follower growth, and engagement rates.
- Ad Campaign Management: Business accounts allow companies to create and manage ad campaigns directly within the TikTok Ads Manager.
- Increased Visibility: TikTok’s unique algorithm helps businesses reach a wider audience by recommending relevant content to users based on their interests.
- Brand Partnerships: Collaborating with influencers and other businesses on TikTok can help expand your audience and increase brand credibility.
Conclusion
Setting up a TikTok business account is a straightforward process that offers numerous opportunities for businesses looking to expand their reach. By using TikTok’s features such as ad campaigns, influencer collaborations, and organic content strategies, businesses can effectively grow their presence on the platform. Whether you’re targeting a younger demographic or a broad audience, TikTok provides a unique environment to connect with customers and increase brand visibility.
Make sure to follow the steps outlined in this guide to create your business account, and start utilizing the power of TikTok to grow your business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it possible to have a business account on TikTok?
Yes, TikTok allows users to create business accounts, which offer additional features like analytics and ad campaign management. Follow the steps outlined above to set up your business account.
Can I switch my TikTok business account back to a personal account?
Yes, you can switch a business account back to a personal one. Go to Settings and Privacy, select Manage Account, and tap Switch to Personal Account.
Do I need legal documents to run a TikTok business account?
No legal documents are required to operate a business account on TikTok. However, if you want to run ads, TikTok may request some documentation such as a business license for verification purposes.
Will switching to a business account reduce my TikTok views?
No, switching to a business account will not affect your views. The visibility of your content is based on TikTok’s algorithm and the quality of the content you create, not the account type.
How can I grow my TikTok business account?
To grow your TikTok business account, focus on creating engaging content, using hashtags, participating in trends, and running ad campaigns through TikTok’s Ad Manager.
