TikTok has taken the world by storm, and it’s no longer just a platform for dance trends and viral challenges. With 1.5 billion monthly active users, TikTok has become a powerful marketing tool for businesses of all sizes. Whether to increase brand awareness, drive sales, or connect with a highly engaged audience, TikTok offers endless opportunities.

Surprisingly, only 26% of marketers currently use TikTok. This means there’s still a huge chance for businesses to stand out and attract new customers before the competition catches up.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use TikTok for business, from setting up your account to developing a winning content strategy. Whether a small business owner or a large brand, you’ll learn practical tips to maximize your presence on TikTok and turn views into conversions. Let’s dive in!

How to use TikTok for business?

Step 1: Set Up Your TikTok Business Account

The first step in using TikTok for business is setting up your account and securing your username. If you already have a personal TikTok account, you can easily switch it to a Business Account.

Creating a TikTok Business Account is free and comes with several benefits, including:

• Adding a website link to your bio
• Access to detailed account insights
• Business Suite tools like advertising and auto-messaging

Business accounts have a limited music library. However, this helps you avoid accidentally using copyrighted music in your ads.

How to Create a TikTok Business Account:

1. Download and open the TikTok app.
2. Sign up for a new personal account using your email or log in with Google, Twitter, or Facebook.
3. Tap Profile (bottom right), then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right.
4. Select Settings and Privacy.
5. Tap Account.
6. Choose Switch to Business Account.

7. Select the category that best represents your brand and tap Next.

8. Add your business email to your profile.

That’s it! Your TikTok Business Account is now ready to use.

Step 02: Optimize Your TikTok Profile

Your TikTok profile is like your digital storefront. People see your videos or comments and might visit your profile to learn more about you. That is your chance to make a great first impression. Since your profile has limited space, you must optimize it for the best results. Here is how you can do that:

1. Be Consistent with Your Profile Photo

Your profile picture should represent your brand clearly and match your branding on other social media platforms. It helps with brand recognition. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Use the same logo or brand colors as your website and other social media accounts.
• Make sure the image is high quality and not blurry.
• Keep it simple—avoid too much text or small details that won’t be visible.

2. Keep Your Bio Short and Clear

TikTok bios have a limit of 80 characters, so every word counts. Your bio should:

• Clearly explain what your brand does.
• Include a call-to-action (CTA), like “Shop now” or “Follow for more tips.”
• Use emojis carefully—they can add personality but shouldn’t replace words, as this can make your bio harder to read for some users.

3. Pick Your URL Wisely

If you have a TikTok Business account and at least 1,000 followers, you can add a website link to your profile. If you don’t meet that requirement yet, you can still apply for a business account, which may allow you to add a link sooner.

Since TikTok only allows one link, choose the most important one for your brand. Some good options include:

• Your e-commerce store
• A special landing page for TikTok visitors
• A blog post or product page you’re currently promoting
• A link to your other social media pages

You can keep the same link all the time or change it depending on your marketing campaigns.

4. Get Verified on TikTok

A verified badge (blue checkmark) on TikTok increases your credibility and makes your profile look more official. It also helps prevent fake accounts from impersonating your brand.

Unlike some social media platforms, TikTok has no fixed number of followers required for verification. However, to get verified, your account should:

• Be active (logged in within the last six months).
• Have a complete profile with at least one video.
• Follow TikTok community guidelines and terms of service.
• Have two-step verification enabled for security.

You can apply for verification in the Settings and Privacy menu of the TikTok app. You need to provide proof of identity, such as a business email or media coverage, to support your request.

Optimizing your TikTok profile helps attract more followers, build trust, and increase engagement. You can make the most of your TikTok presence by keeping your profile picture, bio, and link well-structured.

Step 03: Create a TikTok Strategy

Before posting on TikTok, you need a clear and effective strategy. Even if you already have experience with platforms like Instagram or YouTube, Remember that TikTok is very different. How people interact with content, the style of videos, and the algorithm that decides what goes viral all work uniquely on this platform.

To succeed, you need a TikTok-specific approach. Here’s how to build a winning TikTok strategy from scratch:

1. Understand the TikTok Algorithm

The TikTok algorithm determines which videos appear on users’ For You Page (FYP)—this is where content has the best chance of reaching new audiences and going viral.

Unlike other platforms where followers play a big role in visibility, TikTok’s algorithm focuses more on engagement signals and content relevance. This means even new accounts with zero followers can have a video go viral if the content is engaging.

TikTok ranks videos based on several factors, including:

• User Interactions: How people engage with your content matters the most. If viewers watch your video all the way through, like, comment, or share it, TikTok assumes the content is valuable and shows it to more people.
• Video Details: The algorithm looks at captions, hashtags, sounds, and effects. Choosing the right keywords, trending sounds, and relevant hashtags can help your video reach the right audience.
• Viewer Demographics: TikTok considers user location, device type, and language settings. If your video is relevant to users in a certain country or demographic, the platform may prioritize showing it to them.

To make the most of the algorithm, focus on creating engaging, high-retention content and using the right hashtags and sounds.

2. Spend Time Scrolling TikTok

The best way to understand what works on TikTok is to spend time on the platform.

As a business owner or marketer, watching TikTok videos is not a waste of time—it’s part of research. You must observe trends, content styles, and engagement patterns to create videos that fit naturally into the TikTok ecosystem.

Here’s what to pay attention to:

• Trending Content: Look at the latest challenges, audio clips, and video formats that are going viral.
• Captions and Editing Styles: Notice how successful creators use text overlays, animations, and music to enhance their videos.
• Comment Culture: TikTok comments are often just as important as the videos. Engaging with comments and responding creatively can boost your video’s performance.
• Niche-Specific Trends: If you’re in a particular industry, see what competitors and influencers in your space are doing on TikTok.

Spending time on TikTok helps you learn by watching, so you can create content that feels authentic and engaging.

3. Set Clear Objectives and Goals

Your TikTok strategy should start with a clear goal. Unlike platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn, TikTok isn’t designed for direct sales. Instead, it’s built around entertainment and engagement.

So, your goals should focus on building an audience and increasing brand awareness rather than just pushing products.

Common TikTok business goals include:

• Increasing Brand Awareness: Reaching new audiences and getting people to recognize your brand.
• Building Brand Reputation: Using TikTok to showcase your brand’s personality, values, and expertise.
• Driving Engagement: Getting more likes, comments, shares, and followers to strengthen your TikTok presence.

Make Your Goals SMART

Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals. Here are some examples:

• Gain 10,000 new followers within three months.
• Reach 500,000 video views across all content in one quarter.
• Get 75,000 profile visits in six months.

By setting clear objectives, you can measure success and adjust your strategy as needed.

4. Identify Your Target Audience

While TikTok is most popular among Gen Z and younger millennials, it has a growing number of older users as well. No matter who your customers are, there’s a good chance you can reach them on TikTok.

But your audience on TikTok may behave differently than on other platforms.

To find your target audience, ask:

• Who is your ideal customer? Consider age, gender, location, and interests.
• What kind of content do they enjoy? Are they into comedy, educational videos, trends, or tutorials?
• What hashtags do they use? Hashtags reveal what topics and trends your audience follows.
• Who do they already follow? Check out your competitors or industry influencers to see what content works for them.

Once you know who you’re trying to reach, analyze what they engage with and create content that aligns with their preferences.

5. Plan Your Content Calendar

TikTok trends move fast. A viral challenge that’s popular today may be forgotten next week.

Even though TikTok is known for its spontaneous and casual content, having a content calendar helps you stay consistent and ensures you don’t miss important trends or events.

Here’s what to include in your TikTok content calendar:

• Trending Events & Holidays: Major pop culture events (Met Gala, award shows, sports events) that drive conversation on TikTok.
• Recurring Content Themes: For example, “Behind-the-scenes” videos every Monday or “Customer testimonials” every Friday.
• Product Launches & Promotions: If you’re launching a new product, plan how you’ll introduce it on TikTok.

A calendar helps you stay prepared while still leaving room for spontaneous content.

6. Define Your TikTok Visual Style

Unlike Instagram, TikTok isn’t about polished, professional-looking videos. Users prefer content that feels real, fun, and relatable.

A survey found that 65% of TikTok users think professionally produced videos from brands feel out of place. This means you don’t need a big budget or fancy equipment—just a phone and creativity!

What matters most:

Clear audio – Speak loudly, avoid background noise, and use captions.

Good lighting – Natural light or a ring light works best.

Authenticity – Don’t try to be overly polished. Keep it casual and fun.

Your TikTok content should match the vibe of the platform—engaging, fast-paced, and visually appealing.

Creating a TikTok strategy takes time, but it’s worth the effort. A well-planned approach helps you grow your audience, increase brand awareness, and engage with your customers in a fun, authentic way.

By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to building a strong presence on TikTok and making the most of this powerful platform.

Step 04: Create Thumb-Stopping Content

TikTok is a fast-paced platform where users scroll through videos at lightning speed. As a business or marketer, your #1 priority should be creating attention-grabbing content that makes people stop mid-scroll.

There’s no exact formula for viral success, but a few proven strategies can help you increase engagement and connect with your audience. Here’s how:

1. Polish Your Video Aesthetics

Even though TikTok is known for its casual and raw content, video quality still matters.

If your videos are blurry, poorly lit, or have bad audio, viewers will scroll past them without a second thought.

Here’s how to make your videos look and sound great:

• Use good lighting – Natural light or a ring light works best.
• Ensure clear audio – Avoid background noise and use a microphone if needed.
• Shoot in vertical format – TikTok is designed for full-screen, vertical videos (9:16 aspect ratio).
• Keep your framing balanced – Make sure your subject is centered for better visibility.

Small improvements in quality can increase watch time and make your content more enjoyable.

2. Lean Into Popular Formats

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel when creating TikTok content. The best ideas often come from observing what’s already working.

Steps to find inspiration:

Spend time on your FYP (For You Page) – Pay attention to video formats, trends, and styles that get high engagement.

Save trending videos – Bookmark videos that fit your niche and adapt them for your brand.

Experiment with proven formats – Some content types always perform well, such as:

• How-To Videos – Quick tutorials (e.g., “How to make the perfect latte” or “3 easy SEO tips”).
• Behind-the-Scenes Content – Show how your product is made or give a glimpse of your daily operations.
• Challenges & Trends – Participate in trending challenges to stay relevant.
• User-Generated Content (UGC) – Repost content from your customers or encourage them to showcase your product.

The key is to balance trends with original content that aligns with your brand’s identity.

3. Collaborate With Other Creators

If you’re tired of always being on camera, consider partnering with TikTok influencers to create fresh content.

Why it works:

More exposure – Influencers already have a built-in audience that trusts their recommendations.

Better engagement – People love seeing real personalities rather than just brands promoting themselves.

Variety – Featuring new faces keeps your content dynamic and interesting.

By leveraging influencers and creators, you can reach new audiences and boost credibility.

4. Add Captions & Animations

TikTok is a sound-on platform, but not everyone watches with the volume up. Many users scroll through videos in public, making captions an essential tool for engagement.

Why captions are important:

Increases accessibility – People with hearing impairments can follow along.

Boosts engagement – Text on screen keeps viewers hooked.

Helps comprehension – If someone misses a word, they can still read the caption.

Other visual elements to consider:

Jump cuts – Keep your video moving fast to maintain interest.

Text animations – Make captions pop with movement.

Trending sounds & effects – Use popular music and visual effects to enhance engagement.

A well-edited video holds attention longer, increasing your chances of appearing on more For You Pages.

5. Use Hashtags Strategically

Hashtags help TikTok categorize your content and improve its discoverability. While the algorithm does most of the work, hashtags refine targeting and allow your videos to appear in TikTok search results.

Best Practices for TikTok Hashtags:

Use a mix of trending and niche hashtags – Trending hashtags boost visibility, while niche hashtags attract the right audience.

Keep it relevant – Use hashtags that match your content rather than just picking the most popular ones.

Limit to 3-5 hashtags per post – Overloading hashtags can look spammy and reduce effectiveness.

Try branded hashtags – Encourage users to post content with a specific hashtag related to your brand.

By applying these strategies, you’ll create videos that stand out, increase engagement, and ultimately make a bigger impact on TikTok for business.

Check out our Video Tutorial as well,

Step 05: Using TikTok Advertising to Maximize Reach and Impact

If you want to instantly boost your brand’s visibility on TikTok, investing in TikTok advertising is a powerful option.

Unlike organic growth, paid ads can help you reach a larger audience faster, drive traffic to your website, and increase sales. However, since advertising involves financial investment, it’s important to set clear goals and target the right audience to maximize your return on investment (ROI).

Before launching a TikTok ad, you need to define:

What do you want to achieve? – Are you looking to increase brand awareness, drive sales, or gain followers?

Who is your target audience? – Their age, location, interests, and behaviors on TikTok.

Once you have these answers, you can choose the right ad format that aligns with your objectives.

Types of TikTok Ads:

TikTok offers multiple ad formats, each serving a different purpose. Choosing the right one depends on your business goals and budget.

1. TopView Ads (Maximum Visibility)

• A video ad that appears as soon as a user opens TikTok.
• It can be up to 60 seconds long, giving you enough time to make an impact.
• Perfect for brand awareness and high engagement.

Best For:

New product launches

Big brand campaigns

Making a strong first impression

2. In-Feed Ads

• Ads that appear naturally in users’ For You feed, just like regular TikTok videos.
• They are skippable and can be up to 60 seconds long (but shorter ads perform better).

Best For:

Blending ads into organic content

Driving website visits or app downloads

Engaging users without disrupting their experience

3. Brand Takeover Ads

• A full-screen ad that appears as soon as users open TikTok.
• Can be an image, GIF, or video (3-5 seconds long).
• Limited to one brand per day, making it an exclusive ad format.

Best For:

Massive brand awareness in a short time

Driving traffic to your website or landing page

Launching a major campaign

4. Pangle Ads

• Ads are placed on TikTok’s partner apps through the Pangle advertising network.
• Expands your reach beyond TikTok to other popular apps.

Best For:

Reaching a larger audience outside TikTok

Increasing visibility across multiple platforms

5. Spark Ads

• Promotes organic posts (either from your brand’s account or other TikTok users).
• Keeps an authentic, native feel while still being an ad.
• Great for amplifying user-generated content (UGC).

Best For:

Giving organic posts an extra push

Boosting real user reviews and testimonials

Driving engagement while keeping content natural

TikTok advertising is a powerful way to reach millions of users, but choosing the right ad format is key to success. By using the right ad strategy, you can increase brand awareness, drive traffic, and boost sales on TikTok.

Why Should You Use TikTok for Business?

Many people think TikTok is just for Gen Z and dance trends, but that’s not true. The platform has a diverse user base, including millennials and older audiences who use TikTok for entertainment, news, and discovering new products. Nearly 50% of TikTok users are between 25 and 44 years old, meaning your target customers are likely already there. When learning how to use TikTok for Business, you need to have a clear idea of the benefits of using TikTok for Business.

Here’s why TikTok is a powerful tool for businesses:

1. Increase Brand Awareness

TikTok makes it easy to get your brand noticed. Whether you use hashtags, branded stickers, influencer collaborations, or ads, the platform offers many ways to put your business in front of millions. Plus, TikTok’s unique algorithm gives every video a chance to go viral, even if you’re just starting.

2. Promote Your Products Naturally

Unlike traditional ads, TikTok marketing doesn’t feel forced. You can showcase your products through fun, engaging videos, work with trusted influencers, or create helpful how-to content that blends seamlessly into users’ feeds. This makes it easier to build trust and attract buyers without being overly promotional.

3. Grow Your Audience Worldwide

With millions of users across the globe, TikTok helps businesses reach international audiences like never before. It also has many exclusive users who don’t actively use other social media platforms, meaning you can tap into a fresh customer base.

4. Attract New Customers

TikTok thrives on authentic, engaging content. When businesses create videos that feel personal and relatable, they build strong connections with their audience. Plus, hopping on viral trends—or better yet, starting your trend—can lead to massive exposure and new customers.

With TikTok’s rapid growth and high engagement, businesses that embrace the platform gain a competitive edge. Now that you know why TikTok is a game-changer, let’s dive into how to use it effectively for your business.

Looking to grow your brand on social media? DigiFix is here to help! Our expert social media marketing services are designed to boost your online presence, engage your audience, and drive real business results. Whether you need a TikTok strategy, compelling content for Instagram, or high-converting Facebook ads, we create tailored campaigns that align with your brand’s goals. With our data-driven approach and creative expertise, we help businesses stand out in a crowded digital landscape. Let DigiFix take your social media to the next level—get in touch today and start seeing real growth! 🚀