# How to Set Up a TikTok Business Account

With over 8 million Australians now active on TikTok, the platform has evolved from a dance app into a powerful discovery engine for local businesses. Setting up a dedicated Business Account allows you to access real-time analytics, use the Commercial Music Library, and run targeted ads to reach your local Brisbane or interstate audience.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of setting up your account from scratch and optimising it for professional success.

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Prerequisites: What You’ll Need

Before you begin, ensure you have the following ready:

A dedicated mobile device: While you can use a desktop, the mobile app is essential for full functionality.
A business email address: It’s best to keep this separate from your personal TikTok account.
Your ABN (Australian Business Number): You may need this for verification if you plan to run ads later.
A high-quality logo: 200x200 pixels is the recommended size.
A 15-second "elevator pitch": To use for your bio.

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Step 1: Download and Install the App

Head to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and search for "TikTok." Download the app to your smartphone. If you already have a personal account, don't worry—you can easily add a second account or convert your existing one.

Step 2: Create Your Account

Open the app and tap the Profile icon in the bottom right corner. Tap Sign Up.

Screenshot Description: You should see a screen with several sign-up options including Phone/Email, Facebook, and Google.
Pro Tip: Always choose "Use phone or email." Using a social login (like Facebook) can lead to access issues if your other account is ever compromised or deactivated.

Step 3: Enter Your Business Details

Enter your date of birth (ensure it’s the business owner’s age, as TikTok has strict age-gating) and your business email. Create a strong password. You will then be asked to create a Username.

Australian Context: Try to keep your username consistent with your Instagram or Facebook handle. If your name is taken, adding "AU" or your city (e.g., @TheBrisbaneBakery) is a great way to signal your location to the algorithm.

Step 4: Switch to a Business Account

By default, TikTok creates a "Personal" account. To unlock business features, you must switch:

Go to your Profile.
Tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right.
Tap Settings and Privacy.
Tap Account.
Tap Switch to Business Account.

Step 5: Choose Your Category

TikTok will ask you to select a category that best describes your business (e.g., Beauty, Electronics, Professional Services). This helps TikTok show your content to the right people.

Warning: Choose carefully! This affects the type of "Commercial Music" suggestions you receive and how the algorithm categorises your brand.

Step 6: Complete Your Profile

Tap Edit Profile. This is where you make your first impression on potential Australian customers.

Profile Photo: Upload your business logo.
Bio: You have 80 characters. Be concise. Mention what you do and where you are located (e.g., "Bespoke furniture crafted in Sunnybank, Brisbane. 🇦🇺").
Website: Once you reach 1,000 followers, you can add a clickable link. Until then, ensure your bio mentions your website address or "Link in bio."

Step 7: Set Up the Business Suite

Once you are a Business Account, you will see a new menu item called Business Suite in your settings. Explore this area to find:

Analytics: See when your followers are most active.
Creative Hub: See what other businesses are posting to get inspiration.
Auto-Reply: Set up automated messages for when customers DM you outside of Brisbane business hours.

Step 8: Verify Your Email

Check your inbox for a verification email from TikTok. Verifying your account is crucial for security and ensures you don't get locked out when trying to use the TikTok Ads Manager later.

Step 9: Explore the Commercial Music Library

As a business, you cannot use trending popular songs (like the latest Taylor Swift track) for commercial purposes due to licensing laws. Instead, TikTok provides a Commercial Music Library of over 1 million pre-cleared tracks. Spend some time browsing these so you know what’s available for your first video.

Step 10: Post Your First "Hello" Video

Don't wait for perfection. Record a simple video introducing yourself and your business.

Screenshot Description: Tap the '+' button in the centre of the bottom menu. You’ll see the camera interface with options for 15s, 60s, or 10m videos.
Tip: Use the "Green Screen" effect to show your storefront or your website in the background while you talk.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a Personal Account for Business: You risk having your videos muted or your account banned if you use copyrighted music for commercial promotion on a personal account.
Ignoring the "Local" Factor: Many Aussie businesses forget to use location tags. Always tag your suburb or city to help the TikTok algorithm show your content to nearby users.
Being Too "Salesy": TikTok is an entertainment platform. If your first five videos are just ads, people will swipe past. Focus on "Edu-tainment"—educate your audience about your craft or entertain them with behind-the-scenes footage.

Troubleshooting

I can't add a website link: TikTok currently requires Business Accounts to have 1,000 followers or go through a business registration verification process to unlock the website link field. If you need this urgently, go to Settings > Business Suite > Business Registration and upload your ABN documents.
The app is glitching: Ensure your phone's OS and the TikTok app are updated to the latest version. Clearing the app cache (Settings > Free up space > Clear Cache) often fixes display bugs.
My videos have 0 views: This usually happens if your account is brand new. Engage with other local Brisbane businesses by liking and commenting on their posts to show TikTok you are a real person, not a bot.

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Next Steps

Now that your account is live, it’s time to start a content calendar. We recommend posting at least 3 times a week to gain initial traction.

If you find the technical setup or content creation overwhelming, the team at Local Marketing Group is here to help. We specialise in helping Brisbane businesses dominate local search and social media.

Need help with a strategy? Contact us today
Related Guide: [How to Run Your First TikTok Ad Campaign (AU Edition)]

How to Set Up a TikTok Business Account