How to Use TikTok for Business (No Experience Necessary)

Introduction

In this article, you'll learn how to use TikTok for your business. We'll explain how TikTok works, the benefits of using TikTok for marketing, and what you can do to take your strategy to the next level.

What is TikTok for Business?

TikTok is a social media video-sharing platform that lets both consumers and businesses upload and interact with short videos covering a number of different topics. Since it launched in the late 2010s, TikTok has seen incredible growth and now boasts over 1 billion users every month. Users can follow the creators they find interesting, and TikTok offers a For You feed that recommends videos based on factors like how you interact with other videos and your device settings.

Becoming a TikToker is free unless you are investing in ads. However, businesses have a little extra step to take when creating an account. When you sign up for TikTok, go over to your settings and switch to a business account. This will give you access to TikTok analytics, royalty-free audio, and other business resources.

Do You Need to Use TikTok for Your Business?

TikTok has many benefits for businesses, such as a large user base offering numerous opportunities to get eyes on your brand. A study showed that nearly 75 percent of TikTok users have learned more about a brand or product online because of the platform. Additionally, TikTok can drive consumer actions, with 67 percent of users saying the platform made them want to shop even when they weren't actively looking, and 66 percent saying TikTok helped them make a purchase decision.

However, whether or not TikTok is right for you depends on your target audience. According to a Pew Research Center survey, TikTok is more popular among Gen Z and Millennials. That's 48% of 18 to 29-year-olds, 22% of 30 to 49-year-olds, 14% of 50 to 64-year-olds, and 4% of those 65 and older.

Tips on How to Use TikTok for Business

1. Customize Your TikTok Business Account

Once you have a business account, personalize it. Use a profile photo that represents your company, typically a logo or a slightly modified version. Ensure it is recognizable even in a small bubble format on phones. Add a short bio that describes your business and include a link directing people to your website or another desired location.

Always have clear goals for your content, whether it’s to increase sales or generate brand awareness. Use these goals to create a content calendar outlining what you'll post and when. TikTok trends come and go quickly, so allow room for flexibility in your content schedule. Be sure to allocate time for researching trends by scrolling through your feed and exploring the TikTok video editor for trending effects and audio.

3. Upload Your Videos

TikTok offers various features to help your videos stand out. You can create videos directly in the app or upload pre-made ones. Be mindful of audio licensing restrictions that may apply to business accounts. Ensure your videos have good production quality—clear footage, adequate lighting, no awkward pauses, clear audio, and balanced audio elements.

4. Leverage TikTok Advertising

In addition to organic marketing, you can invest in TikTok ads to reach your audience. Options include top-view ads, in-feed ads, promoted regular TikToks, branded hashtag challenges, and branded effects. Aim to align your ad choices with your marketing goals. For expert advice, consider reaching out to a digital marketing agency.

Keywords

Keywords: TikTok, business account, social media, video-sharing, user base, brand awareness, consumer action, target audience, Gen Z, Millennials, content calendar, trends, video quality, advertising, digital marketing.

FAQs

Q1: What is TikTok for Business?
A1: TikTok for Business allows businesses to use the TikTok platform to upload and interact with short videos. It provides access to TikTok analytics, royalty-free audio, and other resources specifically designed for businesses.

Q2: Does my business need to be on TikTok?
A2: It depends on your target audience. TikTok is most popular with Gen Z and Millennials. If your target demographic is active on TikTok, then it could be beneficial for your business.

Q3: What are the benefits of using TikTok for business?
A3: TikTok offers a large user base allowing for brand visibility and consumer engagement. Studies show it drives brand awareness and purchasing decisions, with high percentages of users discovering brands and products through the platform.

Q4: How can I customize my TikTok business account?
A4: Use a recognizable profile photo, typically your business logo, write a short bio that describes your business, and include a link to your website or another relevant location.

Q5: What should I consider when planning TikTok content?
A5: Always align your content with your business goals. Create a flexible content calendar, stay updated on trends, and dedicate time to research current popular content on the platform.

Q6: What video quality aspects should I keep in mind?
A6: Ensure your videos have clear footage and audio, avoid video grains and artifacts, maintain balanced audio levels, and use royalty-free content for elements not owned by you.

Q7: What types of ads can I create on TikTok?
A7: TikTok offers several ad formats, including top-view ads, in-feed ads, promoted TikToks, branded hashtag challenges, and branded effects. Choose the type that aligns with your marketing goals.