If you own a business and you are not yet running ads on TikTok, you are really missing out. The best time to join was months ago, and the next best time is now – as you are reading this. In this post, you will learn how to easily advertise your business on TikTok and go viral.
TikTok’s current ad credit offer for small businesses
If you have been considering advertising on TikTok but have not started, now will be the best time to do so. TikTok has rolled out ad credits where you can spend $100 on ads, and TikTok will give you $100 for free. Register here to claim this offer.
By using this offer, you can also test TikTok ads with little risk, and you only need to spend $100 to experience an ad campaign that would normally cost $200. It’s a good deal to get your business in front of thousands of new customers.
Now you might wonder why TikTok is doing this. Well, the reason is to bring more business owners like you to also advertise on TikTok. Most businesses advertise majorly on Instagram, Facebook and Google, and not so much on TikTok because its newer.
But that is why TikTok is the best place to even advertise right now since your competitors are not on the platform yet. You won’t have to spend much to get the same amount of sales you get on other platforms.
[Claim your $100 TikTok Ad credit]
What Can You Do with TikTok $100 Ad Credits?
With TikTok’s Spend $100, Get $100 offer, you can do a lot with your ad credits. Here are some ideas:
- You can finally make your ads go viral and reach buyers who are already looking to get what you sell/offer.
- Boost your engagement in both video ads and carousel ads
- Get more sales by using ads to directly link to your product pages.
- Since you’re getting free ad credit through this offer, it’s the perfect time to test different ad strategies, formats, and messaging. You can finally find out with what works best for your business without risking too much of your budget.
[Make your business go viral on TikTok]
Step-by-step guide to creating your first TikTok ad
Step 1: Sign up for a TikTok ads account
To start, you need to go to the TikTok Ads platform.
Here’s the link to make it easy for you: sign up for TikTok ads.
By signing up through this link, you’ll not only set up a TikTok ads account but also unlock exclusive offers, including the free ad credit deal that TikTok is offering for small businesses. So, go ahead and click that link to begin.
Once you’ve created your account, you’ll land on the dashboard where you can start setting up your ad.
Step 2: Create an ad campaign
Once you’ve set up your TikTok Ads account, it’s time to create a TikTok ads campaign. This is the part where you get to choose what kind of ad you want to run and who you want to see it.
- In the top menu, click on “Campaigns,” and then hit “Create Campaign.”
- Choose your campaign objective
Do you want to get more people to visit your website? Or do you want them to buy something directly from your TikTok ad? The campaign objective determines how TikTok will show your ad to people.
Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand:
What is a campaign objective?
In the simplest terms, a campaign objective is the main goal you want to achieve with your ad. It tells TikTok what to focus on when showing your ad to people. The platform uses this information to make sure your ad gets shown to the right people who are more likely to do what you want (like visiting your website or buying your product).
Types of campaign objectives for TikTok ads
Here are the main options TikTok offers when you setup TikTok ads:
#1. Traffic
If you want people to click on your ad and visit your website or landing page, this is the objective you should choose. When you select Traffic as your campaign objective, TikTok will show your ad to people who are most likely to click on it and visit your site.
- When to choose traffic: You should choose Traffic if your goal is to get more visitors to your website or a specific page, like a product page, a blog, or a special offer.
- Why traffic works: TikTok will target people who have a high chance of clicking through to your website. This is perfect if you’re running a business that sells products online and you want to drive potential customers directly to your store.
#2. Conversions
If you want people to not just click on your ad but also make a purchase or take another valuable action (like signing up for a newsletter or downloading an app), the Conversions objective is the one you need.
- When to choose conversions: Choose Conversions when you’re ready to track specific actions that happen after someone clicks your ad. For example, if you want people to buy your product, this is the goal you should select.
- Why conversions work: TikTok will optimize your ad to show it to people who are more likely to make a purchase, sign up, or complete any other action you want them to do on your website.
#3. App install
If you have an app and want to get more people to download it, you should choose the App Install objective. This objective is useful for businesses that offer mobile apps and want to increase downloads.
- When to choose app install: If your business has a mobile app and you want people to download it, this is your best option.
- Why app install works: TikTok will show your ad to people who are likely to download apps.
#4. Video views
If your main goal is to get more people to watch your TikTok ad, select the Video Views objective. This will ensure that your ad gets shown to users who are most likely to engage with and watch video content.
- When to choose video views: Use this objective if you want to create a brand awareness campaign and just want people to watch your video, without needing them to click anywhere.
- Why video views works: TikTok will prioritize showing your video to users who are more likely to watch videos all the way through, increasing your chances of having a viral video.
#5. Lead generation
If your business needs to collect information from potential customers, like email addresses or phone numbers, the Lead Generation objective is ideal. This objective allows users to submit their information directly within TikTok, making it easy for you to gather leads without redirecting users to an external website.
- When to choose lead generation: If you want to grow your email list or gather customer information, this is a great objective to choose.
- Why lead generation works: TikTok shows your ad to users who are more likely to fill out forms and provide their contact details. It’s a straightforward way to build your customer base.
#6. Brand awareness
Finally, if your goal is to increase awareness of your brand and get your business in front of more people, choose the Brand Awareness objective. This is perfect if you’re just starting out and want to build recognition without focusing on immediate sales or website visits.
- When to choose brand awareness: Choose this objective if you want to create a strong presence on TikTok but aren’t focused on immediate sales.
- Why brand awareness works: TikTok will show your ad to as many people as possible, helping you increase visibility for your brand, product, or service.
Which TikTok campaign objective is best for your business?
- Are you trying to drive sales or lead generation? Choose Conversions or Lead Generation.
- Do you want people to visit your website? Go for Traffic.
- Looking to get more downloads for your app? Choose App Install.
- Need brand recognition? Pick Brand Awareness or Video Views.
The next step is to give your campaign a clear, identifiable name (e.g., “My Traffic Campaign”). After naming, click Continue.
Also Read: How to Make Money on TikTok (Tested and Proven)
Step 3: Set optimization location and placement
In this step, you will decide where your ad will be shown and how TikTok will optimize it for you.
1. Set your optimization location
You need to decide where people will go when they click on it.
- Website traffic: For most businesses, you’ll want to send traffic to your website. This is where potential customers can learn more about your product or service, and hopefully make a purchase. So, be sure to select “Website” if that’s your goal.
- App Ttraffic: If you have a mobile app and want people to download it, you can choose to send it to your app instead.
2. Set your ad placements
Now, you need to choose where exactly your ad will show up.
Automatic placement lets TikTok itself decide where to show your ad.
Manual placement: This option lets you control where your ad will be shown. For the best results, you should only choose TikTok as the platform for your ad to appear on. Under Manual Placement you have the option to also enable “Pangle.”
Pangle is another platform that TikTok uses for ad placements. While it can be useful, based on experience, most advertisers see better performance by focusing only on TikTok.
Make sure you check the box for Search Results. This placement will allow your ad to show up when users search for keywords related to your product. For example, if you sell phone accessories, your ad will appear when someone searches for “phone cases” or “tripods” on TikTok.
Also Read: 10 Tips to grow your SME business
Step 4: set your targeting criteria
If you want to advertise your business on TikTok effectively, you need to make sure your ad reaches the people who are most likely to be interested in your product or service. Let’s go through this step in simple terms so you can set the right targeting criteria for your ad.
1. Automatic targeting
When you’re setting up your ad on TikTok, you have two options for targeting your audience:
Automatic targeting: This is the easiest option. TikTok uses its own system to automatically show your ad to the people it thinks are most likely to be interested in your business. TikTok looks at things like user behaviour, location, and interests to find the right people.
If you’re new to advertising on TikTok, automatic targeting can be a great choice because TikTok does all the hard work for you. You don’t need to worry about selecting every detail about your audience.
Also, If you’re not sure who exactly your audience is, or if you want to let TikTok’s algorithm decide, then automatic targeting is your best bet.
2. Manual targeting
If you have a good idea of who your target audience is, you can choose to target them more specifically. This is where you get to pick things like their location, age, gender, and interests.
Location targeting
TikTok lets you choose which countries or regions to show your ads to. So, if you’re running a local business, you might want to focus on targeting just your city or region.
Age and gender targeting
Next, you can decide which age group and gender your ad will target. TikTok lets you select specific age ranges, like:
- 18-24
- 25-34
- 35-44
- 45-54
- 55+
You can also choose to target all genders or focus on a specific gender.
Interest and behavioral targeting
TikTok can show your ad to users based on topics they are interested in. For example, if someone watches a lot of videos about fitness, you can target them if you’re selling gym equipment or activewear.
TikTok also allows you to target users based on their behaviour. For example, you can target people who have interacted with ads similar to yours, or those who’ve shown a strong purchase intent.
Advanced targeting options
If you want to get even more specific, TikTok offers advanced targeting options. You can target users based on Purchase Intent, Video Interactions and Hashtag Interactions.
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Step 5: Choose your budget and scheduling
When you’re setting up your TikTok ad campaign, one of the most important things to think about is how much money you want to spend and when you want your ad to run. This step will help you control your budget and make sure you’re spending money efficiently to get the best results from your TikTok ads.
1. Set your budget
This is how much money you want to spend on your TikTok ad campaign. There are two types of budgets you can choose from: daily budget and lifetime budget.
Daily budget
This is the amount of money you are willing to spend per day. TikTok will try to spend this amount evenly throughout the day. For example, if your daily budget is $10, TikTok will spend about $10 on your ad each day, but it could spend a little more on some days and less on others, depending on how well your ad is performing.
Lifetime budget
This is the total amount of money you want to spend for the entire duration of your campaign. If you set a lifetime budget of $100, TikTok will spread that amount over the length of your campaign. The budget will be used at a steady pace throughout the days you set.
2. Schedule your ad
You can either run your ad continuously or choose specific dates and times.
Continuous run
If you want your ad to run without stopping, you can choose the continuous option. This will let TikTok run your ad for as long as you have the budget for it.
Specific start and end dates
If you want to run your ad for a specific period, you can set a start date and an end date. For example, if you’re running a special sale or a holiday promotion, you can set your ad to start and stop on specific days.
Run Ads at specific times
You can also choose to run your TikTok ad campaign at certain times of the day. This is helpful if you know when your target audience is most active on TikTok. For example, if your audience is mostly students, you might want to run your ads in the afternoon or evening when they are free from school.
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Step 6: Choose your ad format
The ad format you choose determines how your ad will appear to users. TikTok offers two primary ad formats, which are Video Ads and Carousel Image Ads.
1. Video ads
The most common ad format on TikTok is video ads. These are the ads that users see while scrolling through their feed, usually right in between user-generated content. Video ads can be highly engaging because they blend and rhyme with other videos on the platform.
2. Carousel ads
Another ad format you can use is carousel ads. This allows you to upload multiple images that users will see as carousels.
Step 7: Upload your video or image carousel
Once you’ve chosen the right ad format for your TikTok campaign, it’s time to upload your video or image carousel. This is the step where your creative content actually comes into play.
1. Uploading a video ad
Video ads are by far the most common type of ad on TikTok.
Video requirements
TikTok’s ideal video dimensions are 9:16 (portrait orientation) with a resolution of at least 540 x 960 pixels. The maximum length for video ads is 60 seconds, though shorter videos (around 9-15 seconds) tend to perform better on TikTok.
How to upload your video:
- Click on the “Upload” button in the ad creation interface.
- Select the video file from your computer or device.
- Review the video to ensure it meets the platform’s specifications.
- Add any necessary text overlays, effects, or sound (if it’s not already in the video).
2. Uploading an image carousel ad
For carousel ads, you’ll be uploading multiple images.
Image requirements
The ideal size for carousel images is 1200 x 1200 pixels (square), and they should be high-quality visuals. Each image in the carousel should tell part of your brand’s story or showcase a different feature of your product. Make sure the images are consistent in style and color, so they feel cohesive.
Also Read: How to expand your business into international markets
Step 8: Add text and Call to Action
To make your ad clear and actionable, write a compelling ad copy (under 100 characters) that grabs attention and explains your product or service. Keep it concise and focused on the benefits of your offer.
Then Choose a Call to Action (CTA) that prompts users to take the next step. Options include:
- Shop Now
- Learn More
- Order Today
For the last step, add a destination URL where you want to send traffic (e.g., product page, landing page). You can preview how your ad will look like before clicking on the “Publish” button.
There’s no guaranteed formula for success, but there are several strategies you can follow to increase your chances of reaching a massive audience.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your TikTok ad go viral:
1. Be creative
Don’t just post a standard ad. TikTok users want content that feels real, relatable, and creative. Think outside the box. Use humour, trends, and challenges to make your ad feel more like organic content rather than a sales pitch.
2. Focus on visual appeal
TikTok is a visual platform, so your ad needs to be eye-catching. Use bright colours, clean editing, and captivating visuals to draw users in within the first few seconds.
3. Keep it short and sweet
TikTok videos are usually 15–30 seconds long. This time frame forces you to get straight to the point. Make every second count by keeping your content focused and easy to follow.
4. Sync your message with the Music
Don’t just slap any sound over your ad. Make sure it fits with the mood of your message and complements the visual content. This will make your ad feel more natural and less like a typical commercial.
When you advertise your business on TikTok, make sure to include popular, relevant hashtags in your ad. This will make it easier for users to discover your ad when they browse or search for content.
6. Visual effects
Use TikTok’s built-in effects to add excitement to your ad. Whether it’s special filters, transitions, or augmented reality effects, make sure your ad looks polished and fun.
7. Make It relatable
Share a story that your target audience can connect with. Whether it’s a funny, heartwarming, or inspiring story, make sure it reflects your brand values and speaks to the interests of your audience.
8. Partner with influencers
One of the most effective ways to boost your chances of going viral on TikTok is by partnering with influencers. TikTok influencers already have large followings and can help spread your message to a broader audience.
9. Engage with comments
After posting, engage with users who comment on your ad. Respond to their questions, thank them for their feedback, and keep the conversation going.
Here is a recap of everything we have discussed in this blog post.
How to create your first business ad on TikTok
Step 1: Sign up for a TikTok Ads account, and claim any current offers to maximize your ad budget.
Step 2: Choose the right campaign goal (e.g., traffic, conversions) based on what you want to achieve.
Step 3: Set the campaign name, daily budget, and other important settings for your ad.
Step 4: Choose where you want your ad to appear, such as TikTok feeds or the search results.
Step 5: Define your audience by location, age, interests, and behaviours to ensure you reach the right people.
Step 6: Select a daily or lifetime budget and set a schedule for when your ad should run.
Step 7: Pick the ad format that fits your content: single video, image carousel, or other creative options.
Step 8: Upload your content and make sure it’s optimized for TikTok’s platform.
Step 9: Write an engaging text under 100 characters and a clear CTA that directs viewers to take the next step. Then publish.
1. Be creative by using humour, trends, and challenges to make your ad look more like normal content.
2. Focus on visual appeal by making your ad eye-catching with bright colours and engaging visuals that capture attention quickly.
3. Keep it short by sticking to 15-30 seconds and focusing on delivering a clear message without unnecessary things.
4. Sync your message with the music to ensure the chosen soundtrack complements the mood of the ad and fits naturally with the visuals.
5. Use trending hashtags in your ad to make it easier for users to find your content while browsing.
6. Add visual effects like filters, transitions, or augmented reality, to enhance the excitement.
7. Make your ad relatable by telling stories that your your audience can relate to.
8. Partner with influencers who already have large followings, as they can help extend your reach.
9. Engage with comments by responding to users’ questions or feedback.
FAQs on TikTok ads
1. How do you advertise your business on TikTok?
To advertise your business on TikTok, you’ll need to create a TikTok Ads account. Once your account is set up, you can start creating your TikTok ad campaign by choosing your objective, selecting your audience, and uploading your creative content.
2. How much do TikTok ads cost?
The TikTok ad cost can vary depending on several factors such as your campaign objectives and targeting. The cost can also increase based on your targeting and the competitiveness of the audience you want to reach.
3. How much does it cost to advertise your business on TikTok?
The cost of running ads on TikTok can range from $10 to $20 per CPM (cost per thousand impressions) for larger campaigns, but small businesses can still get started with lower budgets.
4. How do I advertise my TikTok shop?
To advertise your TikTok shop, you need to use TikTok Ads Manager. Start by creating a TikTok ad campaign that highlights products from your shop. You can use in-feed ads, shoppable posts, or work with influencers to showcase your products. Make sure your ad includes a clear call-to-action that directs users to your TikTok shop.
Focus on creating fun, relatable, and highly shareable videos that align with TikTok’s user interests. Use trending hashtags, participate in viral challenges, and collaborate with influencers to boost your chances of going viral and advertising your business on TikTok.
6. Can I advertise on TikTok for free?
You cannot run a full-scale TikTok ad campaign for free.there are ways to gain visibility without spending money. But you can create organic content that attracts attention and boosts your profile’s visibility.
7. How to start TikTok ads?
To start TikTok ads, first, sign up for a TikTok Ads account. Once approved, you can go to the Ads Manager, select your campaign objective, set your budget, set your target audience, and create your video ad. After finalizing your ad settings, you can create a TikTok ad campaign and launch it.
8. How to monetize your TikTok?
You can monetize your TikTok through several methods like joining the TikTok Creator Fund, using affiliate marketing, selling your products directly via your TikTok Shop, or partnering with brands for sponsored posts. Another way is through advertising your business on TikTok by promoting your products or services directly through TikTok Ads.
9. What time is best to post on TikTok?
The best time to post on TikTok depends on your target audience’s location and behaviour. Generally, evenings (6 PM to 10 PM) and weekends are great times for high engagement. Use TikTok’s analytics to find the peak times for your audience.
There’s no guaranteed way to go 100% viral on TikTok. But you can keep creating creative content that your audience can relate to. Keep your video short and shareable.
11. How do I get my business noticed on TikTok?
To get your business noticed on TikTok, use a mix of organic content and paid ads. Use the TikTok algorithm to create relatable, eye-catching videos with clear branding.
12. Can I promote my small business on TikTok?
Yes, TikTok is an excellent platform for small businesses to reach a wide audience.
13. What sells well on TikTok Shop?
Items like clothing, beauty products, gadgets, and home decor are popular. Keep your TikTok ad campaign focused on showcasing your products in an entertaining way to grab attention.
14. How do I activate my TikTok business?
To activate your TikTok business, create a TikTok Business account. After setting up your profile, link your business to your TikTok Shop (if you have one). From there, you can start creating your TikTok ad campaign and promoting your products or services.
15. How much money do you need to advertise on TikTok?
The amount you spend will depend on your goals and the size of your target audience. You can start with smaller budgets and adjust based on the results and cost of running ads on TikTok.
16. How to boost TikTok followers?
To boost your TikTok followers, post consistently, engage with your audience, participate in challenges, use popular hashtags, and work with other creators. Responding to comments and messages also helps to increase your presence.
17. How to advertise on TikTok?
To advertise on TikTok, create an account in TikTok Ads Manager. Choose a campaign objective, set your target audience, set your budget, and upload your video ad. Review your ad settings, then launch your campaign to start advertising your business on TikTok.
18. How to quickly get 1000 followers on TikTok?
To quickly gain followers on TikTok, focus on creating trending and relatable content.
Use a mix of trending hashtags and niche-specific hashtags relevant to your business when posting on TikTok.
To go viral on TikTok, create content that is relatable, entertaining, and engaging. Focus on trends, use the right music, and keep your videos short. Engaging with your audience through comments and participating in challenges can also increase your chances of going viral. Keep posting consistently to advertise your business on TikTok effectively.
21. What is the best time to post on TikTok?
The best time to post on TikTok is when your target audience is most active, which is usually in the evenings and weekends. But still, you should use TikTok’s analytics to determine the best times for your audience.
22. How to get paid on TikTok?
You can get paid on TikTok through several methods: joining the Creator Fund, earning money from live streams, partnering with brands for sponsored content, and promoting products via affiliate links. If you own a business, you can advertise your business on TikTok to boost product sales and generate revenue.
Going viral overnight is not guaranteed, but you can increase your chances by posting high-quality content. Working with popular TikTok creators can also help boost your reach.
Using 3 to 5 relevant hashtags is okay for TikTok. Just make sure they are a mix of trending hashtags and niche-specific ones. This will help you gain more visibility when you advertise your business on TikTok.
Posting 1 to 3 times a day can help increase your chances of going viral on TikTok. Consistency is key, but quality content should always come first.
With TikTok’s Spend $100, Get $100 offer, you can:
- Make your ads go viral and reach buyers already looking to get what you sell/offer.
- Boost your engagement in both video ads and carousel ads
- Get more sales by using ads to link to your product pages directly.
- Test different ad strategies, and formats to know what works best for your business without using much of your budget.
