TikTok for Small Business
A comprehensive guide to help small businesses establish and grow their presence on TikTok.
RT
by Ridhi, Bhavana, Akshara FBLA Tompkins
Setting Up Your Account
Download and Sign Up
- Download TikTok from App Store or Google Play.
- Tap Sign Up → Use email/phone number.
Switch to Business
- Go to Profile → Menu (☰) → Settings → Manage Account → Switch to Business Account.
- Choose category (ex: Food & Beverage, Retail).
Create Your Brand Identity
✅ Tip: Pick a username that's short, brandable & easy to remember
Navigating the App
Home (🏠)
For You Page with trending content.
Discover (🔍)
Search sounds, hashtags, businesses.
Create (➕)
Shoot/edit videos.
Inbox (💬)
See comments & messages.
Profile (👤)
View your videos and bio.
Creating Viral Content
Start Creating
Tap ➕ (Create) → Record or upload video.
Add Elements
Use trending sounds and text overlays.
Caption & Hashtags
Add caption + hashtags.
Publish
Tap Post.
✅ Tip: Keep videos short (15-30 seconds)
✅ Tip: Use trending audio from Discover tab to increase views
Ideas for Business Videos
Behind the scenes
Show how products are made to create authenticity and connection with customers.
Packing orders
Showcase your attention to detail and care for customer experience.
Customer reactions/testimonials
Build trust through real customer experiences.
Time-lapses of busy days
Show the energy and excitement of your business in action.
Before & after
Demonstrate transformations through cleaning, organizing, or styling.
Boosting Engagement
Respond with Video
Reply to comments with video replies.
Go Live
Go live once you hit 1,000 followers.
Strategic Hashtags
Use 3–5 relevant hashtags (ex: #SmallBusinessCheck, #MomAndPopShop).
Engaging directly with your audience builds community and loyalty, while strategic hashtags help new customers discover your content.
Bio Examples
Ceramics Shop
🌼 Small-batch ceramics | Dallas, TX | Drops every Fri | Shop below ⬇️
Restaurant
🍜 Vietnamese fusion | Austin | Watch us plate up! | Catering available
Your bio is your digital storefront on TikTok. Keep it concise, include your location, and make sure to highlight what makes your business special. Adding emojis helps break up text and adds visual interest.
Caption & Comment Examples
Video Captions:
Product Demo
"Watch us make our best-seller: the mint chocolate cookie!"
Pack an Order
"Packing another custom candle order ✨ Thank you, @briwrites, for supporting our shop! 🔧💌"
Trend Tie-In
"This sound = our face when someone says 'this smells SO GOOD' "
Comment Templates:
- "Thanks so much! What scent should we do next? 🙀"
- "We're thinking of a new flavor next week – want a hint? 😏"
- "Appreciate the support ✨ This means so much to us!"