We present a quick guide for setting up a TikTok business account to help expand your presence on the social media platform as part of your marketing strategy.
Over the past few years, TikTok has exploded in popularity. The app’s growth was expedited by long periods in quarantine, and it continues to be a leader in the social media space. TikTok users of all ages have found a corner of the platform to claim, which is one reason your business should be taking advantage of the app’s potential.
Known for its high engagement and organic reach, the TikTok algorithm is working in your favor to boost your impressions and grow your followers at a much quicker rate than other social media platforms. The best part? Your business can achieve new levels of growth and connect with new potential customers for free. You can even leverage TikTok to help expand your presence on other platforms that serve a purpose in your overall marketing strategy.
If you haven’t already joined the community on TikTok but are looking for ways to include it in your social media marketing, we’ve put together some helpful information to guide you at the start. Remember, in the end, TikTok is a social network about having fun and being original.
Good luck!
TikTok for Business vs. Creator Account
When you start a TikTok account, you’ll be prompted to choose the type of account you want to create. And as a business, you might think to immediately select the business account option, but you may want to consider the differences between the two before you decide.
TikTok Business Account
A business account offers several useful tools to help you use TikTok in a meaningful way for your brand.
Here are a few of the helpful features that are unique to business accounts:
Insightful Performance Metrics and Audience Data
TikTok analytics are important to measure your brand’s success on the platform. Brands have access to more thorough analytics and have the ability to download reports, making it easy for social media managers to keep the marketing team in the loop.
Seamless Linking
Business accounts are designed to help support your overall business goals. Accounts with over 1,000 followers can optimize their profile with important information like website links, phone numbers, addresses, and more to boost conversions.
Creative Guidance
The Business Creative Hub contains a wealth of information for brands to learn how to use Tiktok marketing to its fullest potential. The hub offers content creation inspiration and advice on best practices for planning and shooting TikTok video content.
Exclusive Video Showcases
The Business Creative Hub also offers a video showcase tool- a resource native to the TikTok app that helps you stay up to date on what’s trending so you can get in on the fun! This tool shows you three feeds of trending content over the past 30 days in your country. The first, Trending Business, shows you trending content from other business accounts ranked by the number of likes. The second feed, Engaging Business, shows you trending content from business accounts ranked by the level of engagement in the comment section. And the third feed, Trending Community, shows you trending videos from both business and personal accounts.
Extensive Commercial Music Library
Business accounts have access to over 500,000 commercial sounds to use in creating their content. The video showcases are a great way to find trending sounds, but it’s important to note that personal accounts have access to more sounds than business accounts, so you may not be able to hop on every trend you see.
Intuitive Business Suite
The Business Suite is an easy-to-use, all-in-one hub for analytics, content creation inspiration, and more. This is an excellent resource for brands to make sure they are taking advantage of everything the app has to offer.
TikTok Shop Feature
Business accounts have access to the shop feature that allows e-commerce brands to link to a Shopify site and promote and sell products directly from the TikTok app. This can be a great way for small businesses to reach their target audience and boost conversions.
Third-Party Social Media Management Integration
Business accounts have the exclusive ability to connect the account to third-party platforms, making it easier for social media managers to share content with the marketing team and schedule content for the brand.
TikTok Creator Account
A creator account is the same as a personal account and is the default type of account when you first open the app to create a profile.
This option is great for individuals, content creators, influencers, and potentially small businesses or entrepreneurs.
While a creator account isn’t necessarily designed with businesses in mind, there are a few benefits to sticking with this account type that you’ll want to consider:
Access to Developmental Programs
Creator accounts have access to the Creator Fund and the Creator Next programs. These programs allow creators to monetize their accounts and collect money for high-performing content.
Access to All Trending Sounds
Creator accounts have access to both commercial and non-commercial sounds, meaning you’ll never have to worry about whether or not you can participate in trends.
How to Set Up a TikTok Business Account
If you’ve decided to switch from a creator account to a business account, follow these steps:
- Head to the menu in the top right corner of your TikTok profile and click Settings and Privacy
- Tap Manage Account
- Tap switch to business account
- From here, the app will lead you through the necessary steps to set up your business account.
Time to Post Your First TikTok Video
Posting your first piece of content to your business account can feel intimidating, so let’s break it down into manageable steps.
Decide What to Post
You will have access to the Business Creative Hub as a business account. This hub is a great place to start. Here you’ll find all kinds of inspiration that you can use to create your first video. Explore how to use different trends in a unique way within your niche to help you reach and connect with your target audience.
Decide When to Post
The best times to post are usually when most people will be online – morning, lunch, and evening hours.
Choose a Sound
Decide whether you want to use a trending sound or create an original audio. Both are great ways to reach a new audience and connect with them in an authentic and fun way.
Use Hashtags
Be sure to add a few searchable hashtags at the end of your caption. These will help the app know what your content is about and push it out to the right audience.
At First Media, we understand the power of TikTok as a platform for businesses to reach their target audience in new and exciting ways. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to TikTok success. But why stop there? First Media is here to help you take your TikTok strategy to the next level. Whether you’re looking for content creation, audience targeting, or influencer marketing expertise, we have the know-how and the resources to help you achieve your business goals. Learn more about partnering with First Media today!
