# How to Set Up a TikTok Business Account
With over 8 million Australians now active on TikTok, this platform is no longer just for dance challenges—it is a powerful discovery engine for local businesses. Switching to a TikTok Business Account gives you access to real-time analytics, the Commercial Music Library, and the ability to run targeted ads to reach your local Brisbane or interstate customers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact process of setting up your account from scratch and switching to a professional profile.
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Prerequisites: What You’ll Need
Before you begin, ensure you have the following ready:- A dedicated mobile phone: While you can manage some features on desktop, TikTok is a mobile-first platform.
- Business Email: Use a professional email address rather than a personal one.
- Business Details: Your Australian Business Number (ABN) if you plan on running ads later.
- Brand Assets: A high-quality version of your logo (profile picture) and a short 80-character bio.
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Step 1: Download the TikTok App
Head to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download TikTok. Even if you plan to use the TikTok Ads Manager on your computer, the mobile app is essential for content creation and profile management. What you should see: The TikTok logo (a musical note) with a black background. Ensure you are downloading the official app by TikTok Pte. Ltd.Step 2: Create a New Account
Open the app and tap Profile in the bottom right corner. Tap Sign Up.We recommend signing up using your Phone or Email rather than linking it to a personal Facebook or Google account. This makes it easier to share login details with team members or a marketing agency like Local Marketing Group in the future without compromising your personal privacy.
Step 3: Enter Your Date of Birth
TikTok requires this for age verification. Ensure you enter a date that makes the account owner over 18. This is crucial for accessing business features and advertising tools in Australia.Step 4: Set Up Your Username and Password
Choose a password that is secure (use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols). Pro Tip: Your username (the @handle) should ideally match your Instagram and Facebook handles to keep your branding consistent across the Australian digital landscape. If your business name is taken, try adding "AU" or your city, like@YourBusinessBrisbane.
Step 5: Switch to a Business Account
By default, TikTok creates a Personal account. To access business tools, follow these steps:- Tap the three-line menu icon in the top right of your profile.
- Select Settings and Privacy.
- Tap Account.
- Tap Switch to Business Account.
Step 6: Choose Your Category
Select the category that best fits your business (e.g., Personal Care, Retail, Education, Real Estate). This helps TikTok’s algorithm understand who might be interested in your content. Note: This category won't be displayed publicly on your profile, but it influences the type of "Suggested Accounts" you appear near.Step 7: Complete Your Profile
Now it's time to make your profile look professional. Tap Edit Profile.- Change Photo: Upload your business logo. Ensure it is centred, as TikTok crops profile pictures into a circle.
- Bio: You have 80 characters. Be concise. State what you do and where you are located (e.g., "Bespoke furniture makers in Brisbane. We ship Australia-wide! 🇦🇺").
- Email: Add your business email address so customers can contact you directly.
Step 8: Add Your Website (The 1,000 Follower Rule)
In Australia, TikTok typically requires Business Accounts to have 1,000 followers before they can add a clickable link in the bio. Common Mistake: Don't panic if you don't see the "Website" field yet. Focus on creating engaging content first. Once you hit the threshold, return to "Edit Profile" to add your URL.Step 9: Set Up the Business Suite
Once you've switched to a Business Account, a new menu item called Business Suite will appear in your settings. This is your command centre. Explore the Analytics tab to see when your audience is most active and the Creative Hub to see what other businesses are posting.Step 10: Explore the Commercial Music Library
As a business, you cannot use mainstream copyright music (like the latest Taylor Swift song) for promotional purposes without a license. TikTok provides a Commercial Music Library with over 1 million pre-cleared tracks. Using these ensures your videos don't get muted or flagged for copyright infringement.---
Pro Tips for Australian Small Businesses
- Localise Your Content: Mention Brisbane landmarks or local events. TikTok's algorithm is highly location-aware.
- Consistency over Quality: You don't need a film crew. Raw, authentic "behind the scenes" footage often performs better than highly polished commercials.
- Use Captions: Many users watch videos on silent while commuting on the Translink or waiting in line for coffee. Always use TikTok’s auto-caption feature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a Personal Account for Business: You miss out on analytics and the ability to run ads. Plus, using copyrighted music on a personal account for business purposes can lead to legal headaches.
- Hard Selling: TikTok is an entertainment platform. If every video is a "buy now" pitch, users will swipe past. Follow the 80/20 rule: 80% value/entertainment, 20% promotion.
- Ignoring the Comments: Engagement is a huge ranking factor. Reply to every comment to build a community.
Troubleshooting
- I can't switch to a Business Account: Ensure your app is updated to the latest version. If you recently created the account, you might need to verify your email address first.
- My videos have 0 views: This is common for the first 24-48 hours. However, if it persists, check your privacy settings to ensure your account isn't set to "Private."
- I don't have the Business Suite: Double-check that you successfully completed Step 5. Go to Settings > Account; if it says "Switch to Personal Account," you are already in Business mode.
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Next Steps
Now that your profile is set up, it's time to start filming! Your first goal should be to post 3-5 high-quality videos to populate your grid.If you're finding the technical side of TikTok advertising or content strategy overwhelming, the team at Local Marketing Group is here to help. We specialise in helping Australian businesses navigate the digital landscape.
Need a hand with your social media strategy? Contact us today to see how we can help your business grow.