How To Use TikTok For Business In 2024: An 8-Step Guide

In 2024, TikTok has firmly established itself as a powerful marketing tool for businesses worldwide.

Step-by-step: Creating engaging branded content on TikTok can help your business stand out and build authentic relationships with your audience.

Initially known for its popularity among younger audiences, the platform has expanded to attract a broad range of demographics, making it an essential space for brands looking to grow their presence.

According to Dayna Winter of Shopify, TikTok offers unique advantages for businesses, such as high engagement rates, viral potential, affordable ad options, and access to influencers.

This article outlines a practical 8-step guide for utilizing TikTok to boost your business.

1. Create a TikTok Business Account

To begin, you'll need to set up a TikTok business account, which allows you to access features designed to help businesses grow.

Spend time exploring TikTok's "For You" page and trending hashtags, as this will give you a sense of what content resonates with users. Identify trends and communities, like #BookTok for book lovers, that align with your target audience to guide your content creation.

2. Understand Your Audience and the TikTok Community

TikTok is a dynamic platform where trends evolve rapidly, and understanding your audience's preferences is crucial.

Observe how your target demographic interacts with the platform, and tailor your approach accordingly. For instance, if you target Gen Z, focus on creating relatable, authentic, and visually appealing content that connects with this group.

3. Establish Clear Goals

Goal setting is fundamental to any marketing effort, and TikTok is no exception. Are you aiming to raise brand awareness, build a community, or drive traffic to your website? Defining your objectives will keep your content focused and ensure your campaigns meet your business needs.

4. Create a TikTok Content Strategy

A well-structured content strategy is key to succeeding on TikTok. Use a content calendar to plan your posts around key milestones like product launches, promotions, and niche holidays relevant to your brand.

Your strategy should also include guidelines for managing comments, partnering with influencers, and maintaining your brand's voice and style.

5. Make Engaging Branded Content

TikTok users crave authenticity, so your branded content should feel relatable rather than overly promotional.

Use humor, trending sounds, and viral challenges that fit your brand’s values and interests. Incorporating real people in your content, whether through behind-the-scenes videos or tutorials, helps humanize your brand and builds trust with your audience.

6. Leverage Collaborations and Influencer Marketing

Collaborating with TikTok influencers is an excellent way to expand your reach. Identify creators who align with your brand’s values and target audience, and explore potential partnerships for sponsored content.

These influencers can help promote your products in ways that feel organic and engaging to their followers.

7. Explore TikTok’s Ad Platform

While organic content can help you grow on TikTok, using the platform's ad features can maximize your reach.

TikTok's ad tools allow you to target specific demographics, making it easier to meet your marketing goals. Whether you want to run in-feed video ads or boost an existing post, paid campaigns are an effective way to amplify your message.

8. Connect to Shopify with TikTok’s Sales Channel

For businesses looking to streamline sales directly from TikTok, the platform offers seamless integration with Shopify.

This feature allows you to manage sales, sync inventory, and access customer data—all from within Shopify’s interface, simplifying the process of converting TikTok users into customers.

Final Thoughts

TikTok has become an essential platform for businesses looking to connect with diverse audiences and drive sales. By following this 8-step guide, brands can maximize their presence on TikTok, engage with users, and achieve their marketing goals.

As Dayna Winter of Shopify emphasizes, staying on top of trends and creating content that resonates with your audience is key to unlocking TikTok’s full potential in 2024.

Source: Dayna Winter, Shopify