TikTok has rapidly transformed from a quirky video-sharing app into one of the most powerful marketing tools of our time. In 2025, it’s not just a playground for Gen Z – it’s a serious engine for business growth. Whether you’re running a local service in London or selling handmade goods online from Manchester, a well-structured TikTok business account could be the most cost-effective channel in your entire marketing toolkit. But success on TikTok doesn’t come from luck or a viral dance – it comes from strategy.
In this guide, you’ll discover exactly how to unlock TikTok’s potential for your business and turn fleeting views into real growth.
What Is a TikTok Business Account and Why Does It Matter in 2025?
Before diving into tactics, it’s essential to understand what a TikTok business account is. Unlike the default personal account, a TikTok business unlocks tools tailored to brands and marketers. It offers access to detailed analytics, a commercial music library, advertising options through TikTok Ads Manager, and integrations like TikTok Shop. These features aren’t available on a standard personal account and can make a tangible difference in your content’s reach and your return on investment.
As TikTok continues to favour clarity and category-based content, the algorithm is designed to promote accounts that serve a consistent purpose. Business accounts fall right into that design. If you’re trying to grow your presence, convert followers, or promote products or services, starting with the right account type isn’t just recommended – it’s necessary.
TikTok Business vs TikTok Personal Account: Which One Is Right for You?
This is one of the most common questions brands ask: “Should I keep my personal TikTok account, or switch to a business one?“. The answer lies in your goals. Personal accounts give you access to trending sounds and more flexible content creation, which is great for creators and influencers. However, they lack the analytical depth and promotional capabilities that business ones offer.
A TikTok business account is built for performance. You get access to data about your audience, post reach, engagement rates, and follower growth. You also gain credibility – your profile looks more established, and you can add a clickable website link in your bio, directing users of the social media platform straight to your online shop or landing page.
Still, there are trade-offs. Business accounts can’t use every trending sound due to licensing restrictions, which sometimes limits creative freedom. But if your aim is to grow your business on TikTok, the value of insights and promotional tools easily outweighs this limitation.
How to Set Up Your TikTok Account the Right Way?
Transitioning to a business account on TikTok is straightforward, but a few strategic steps can improve your performance from day one.
1. Open Your TikTok App and Go to Settings
Start by opening the TikTok app on your phone. Tap on your profile icon, then click the three lines in the top-right corner to access your account settings.
2. Switch to Business Account
In the settings menu, select “Manage Account” and then tap “Switch to Business Account.” TikTok will prompt you to choose the right account type.
3. Choose the Right Business Category
You’ll be asked to select a category that best describes your business (e.g., retail, education, health & beauty). Pick the one that closely matches your niche, as this helps TikTok understand your content and show it to the right audience.
4. Optimise Your TikTok Bio
Now it’s time to update your bio. Write a short, clear description that tells people what your brand is about. Include a call-to-action (like “Shop now” or “Learn more”) and, if relevant, your unique value proposition – what makes your brand stand out.
5. Add Your Website Link
One of the major perks of this type of account is the ability to add a clickable link in your bio. Use it wisely – link to your homepage, product page, or a special campaign landing page to drive targeted traffic.
6. Upload a Brand-Consistent Profile Picture
Use a profile image that’s instantly recognisable. If you’re a company, your logo is usually best. If you’re a personal brand, a high-quality headshot with good lighting works well. This is your first impression – make it count.
7. Start Creating Purposeful Content
With your business account set up, you’re ready to post. Keep your niche and target audience in mind, and create content aligned with your goals – whether that’s building brand awareness, growing a following, or selling products.
What’s New in TikTok for Business in 2025?
Social Media Marketing, and especially TikTok, has significantly evolved over the past two years, and in 2025, it’s even more sophisticated. Business users now have access to improved targeting tools through TikTok Ads Manager, including postcode-level targeting for local promotions. TikTok Shop integration is also much smoother, allowing users to browse and buy without leaving the app.
Another game-changer is the update to TikTok’s algorithm. Unlike previous years, where engagement drove reach, now content relevance and niche authority play a stronger role. That means businesses that consistently post high-quality, topic-aligned content are rewarded with greater visibility. For businesses, this is a clear signal – TikTok wants to promote brands that bring value to their audience.
The Hidden Benefits of Using TikTok for Business
Many businesses overlook the depth of TikTok’s capabilities. Beyond going viral on TikTok by creating videos, the platform has become a full-funnel marketing platform. You can use it for brand awareness, lead generation, and even direct conversions through TikTok Shop.
Business accounts offer robust insights that reveal what your audience enjoys, how they interact with your content, and when they’re most active. With this data, you can fine-tune your TikTok marketing strategy, test different formats, and even discover micro-trends before they blow up.
Moreover, the TikTok community is built on authenticity. Unlike polished Instagram feeds or overly corporate LinkedIn posts, TikTok rewards real, unfiltered content. For small businesses and startups, this levels the playing field – you don’t need a massive budget to stand out, just a smart approach and consistent presence.
How the TikTok Algorithm Really Works?
There’s a lot of mystery around TikTok’s algorithm, but it follows a simple logic: relevance, retention, and engagement. When you post a TikTok video, the algorithm tests it with a small group of users. If they watch the video all the way through, like it, or comment, the algorithm shows it to a larger group.
In 2025, TikTok has improved its ability to detect niche content. So instead of chasing broad virality, businesses are better off going deep. Build authority in your space – whether that’s haircare, fitness, or finance – and the platform will push your content to TikTok users who actually care.
Captions now play a bigger role, too. Including relevant keywords in your video descriptions, hashtags, and even your bio can help the algorithm understand your focus area. Think of it as TikTok SEO – it’s not enough to just post, you have to optimise.
Creating TikTok Content That Converts
Many brands treat TikTok like another Instagram, posting product shots or corporate clips. That’s a mistake. TikTok is built for storytelling. Content that educates, entertains, or evokes emotion performs significantly better than pure promotion.
Think short “how-to” videos, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or real customer testimonials. By using tools like CapCut or TikTok’s built-in editor, you can add engaging effects, transitions, and captions to make your content stand out.
Don’t underestimate the power of a great hook. The first three seconds of your video should stop people from scrolling. Use curiosity, surprise, or direct questions to grab attention. Once you’ve done that, deliver value and end with a clear call to action – whether it’s “visit our site,” “follow for more,” or “check out the link in bio”.
Timing Matters. When Is the Best Time to Post on TikTok?
It’s not just what you post, but when. TikTok analytics for business accounts reveal when your followers are most active. While some data shows general peaks around 6–9 PM, especially midweek, the best time to post can vary based on your audience’s habits.
Use this data regularly. Test different posting times and track how they impact views and engagement. TikTok rewards consistency, so finding your rhythm – both in timing and content type – can help you grow faster.
TikTok Ads Manager – Running Paid Campaigns That Work
If you’re ready to scale, TikTok AM is a powerful tool. You can target users based on interests, behaviours, and even location. TikTok offers different formats like In-Feed Ads and TopView placements that let your brand appear naturally in user feeds.
Make sure your ads match the TikTok style. Overly produced, ad-like videos tend to get skipped. Native-looking content – where the user barely realises it’s an ad – performs much better. And with TikTok’s ability to drive users directly to your product page or TikTok Shop, the entire buyer journey can happen in a few swipes.
Partnering with TikTok Creators for Explosive Reach
One of the fastest ways to grow your business TikTok presence is by collaborating with creators through the TikTok Creator Marketplace. Influencers have built-in audiences who trust them, and a single mention of your product can skyrocket visibility.
The key is finding the right match. Don’t just chase follower count – look for creators whose content style and audience align with your brand. A micro-influencer with 20K followers can often drive more qualified traffic than a big name who isn’t relevant to your niche.
TikTok isn’t a passing trend – it’s a dominant force in modern digital marketing. By understanding how to use TikTok for business in 2025, you can build brand awareness, engage with a community, and even generate direct sales.
Whether you’re just setting up your TikTok business account or looking to refine your content strategy, the secret lies in consistency, relevance, and authenticity. Stay true to your message, pay attention to what your audience responds to, and you’ll see results. If you need any help, don’t be shy to contact us! We’re here for you and your business growth!
