TikTok business registration: A step-by-step guide

Calling all influencers or soon-to-be TikTok viral sensations! Setting up a TikTok business account is an important step if you want to reach a broader audience, promote your products, and gain powerful performance insights. This guide offers a clear and straightforward path to tap into TikTok’s vibrant digital marketplace.  

We'll explore the essentials of TikTok business registration—from understanding the basic requirements to navigating the seven key steps for setup. You’ll learn how to unlock analytics, establish a polished profile, and utilize TikTok's promotional tools. 

You will also discover how Gelato’s print on demand services can help you sell custom products smoothly through your TikTok Shop to enhance your brand’s visibility and reach.

• Establishing a TikTok business account enhances visibility and promotional power for businesses intending to sell products.

• Possessing a Business Registration number, IRS confirmation letter, or a social security card streamlines the registration process.

• Creating a TikTok business account involves a simple seven-step process, which makes it accessible for beginners.

• Gelato provides a smooth integration for many businesses to sell custom products through TikTok's platform.

• Utilizing TikTok's promotional tools and analytics is key to understanding audience preferences and expanding reach.

A TikTok business account is your passport to the world of marketing opportunities on the platform. It offers access to powerful marketing tools, analytics, a Commercial Music Library, and a Creative Hub. These features help you refine your marketing strategies, track performance, and engage effectively with your audience, which contributes to your business's growth and visibility online.

Before using TikTok's vibrant business platform, ensure you have all the necessary documentation. Here’s everything you need to register as a business on TikTok. 

A Business Registration number

This number is a unique identifier assigned to your company name when you officially register it with the appropriate government authority. This number is essential for legal and administrative purposes, as it allows you to conduct business activities, open bank accounts, and apply for licenses and permits. 

It also helps track your business’s compliance with tax obligations and other regulatory requirements. Depending on your location and business structure, this number might be issued by state, local, or federal agencies. 

Obtaining and properly using your business registration number is crucial for establishing your company’s legitimacy and facilitating smooth operations.

IRS confirmation letter SS-4

The IRS confirmation letter, also known as Form SS-4, is a critical document for newly registered businesses. This letter serves as official proof that your business has been assigned an Employer Identification Number (EIN) by the Internal Revenue Service. 

The EIN is necessary for various tax-related activities, including filing federal tax returns, hiring employees, and opening business bank accounts. Receiving the SS-4 confirmation letter ensures that your business is recognized by the IRS and complies with federal tax laws. 

Be sure to keep this letter safe, as you will need to reference your EIN for many official transactions and filings.

Any IRS notice and corresponding letters

Any IRS notices and corresponding letters are important communications that your business may receive from the Internal Revenue Service. These documents can include information about tax obligations, updates to tax laws, requests for additional information, or notifications of audits. 

Reading and responding to these notices promptly is crucial to avoid penalties or misunderstandings. Keeping organized records and clear communication with the IRS can help ensure your business remains in good standing. 

If you receive a notice you don’t understand, consulting with a tax professional may be beneficial to address any issues effectively and maintain compliance.

Social security card

This card is a vital personal identification document issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). For business registration purposes, especially for sole proprietors and single-member LLCs, your Social Security number (SSN) may be used as your Employer Identification Number (EIN) without a separate EIN. 

Protecting your Social Security card is important to prevent identity theft and unauthorized use. When registering your business, you may need to provide your SSN to verify your identity and report earnings to the IRS. 

Handle your Social Security card carefully and only share your SSN when absolutely necessary and with trusted entities.

Note: Only one of these three is required to register a business on TikTok, but it's better to submit more than one should any issues arise.

Now that you know all the documentation you need, let's explore the seven steps to set up your business account and leverage this dynamic platform. 

Step 1: Download the TikTok app and create an account

Kicking off your TikTok business journey begins with downloading the app and setting up your account. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need to do: 

• Download the app: Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download the TikTok app. It’s free, so there's no reason not to try it.

• Create an account: Once the app is installed, open it and tap "Sign Up" to create an account. You can choose to sign up using your email address, phone number, or any other social media account. 

• Set up your username: Pick a unique and memorable username that reflects your business. This will be your identity on TikTok, so make it count.

• Verify your account: To enhance your account's credibility and make the most out of TikTok's features, remember to verify your account through your email or phone number.

• Explore feed: Spend some time browsing TikTok’s feed to understand current trends and get inspiration on how others promote their businesses. This will give you a better sense of what resonates with your potential audience.

Step 2: Switch to a business account

Transitioning from a personal TikTok account to a business one is critical to optimizing your presence for business success. Simply follow these steps to switch and leverage TikTok's powerful features: 

• Access your profile: Tap on the "Profile" icon at the bottom right corner of the screen to view your personal profile.

• Navigate to settings: In your profile, look for the three horizontal lines (also called the hamburger menu) at the top-right corner and tap to open the "Settings and Privacy" section.

• Select manage account: From the list of options, locate and tap on "Manage Account."

• Switch to a business account: Tap on "Switch to Business Account" and follow the prompts to choose the category that best represents your business. This helps align your account with TikTok's business features.

• Complete your business profile: After switching to a business account, add your business logo, name, and a concise bio in the profile section to give potential followers a clear understanding of your brand.

Note: You need a driver's license or other valid government-issued ID to sign up for a TikTok business account.

Step 3: Choose the best category for your business

TikTok offers various categories to help you target the right audience effectively and efficiently. Here are some key considerations to make sure you're selecting the most appropriate category: 

• Understand your niche: Consider what makes your business unique and how you want to present it to your audience. Choose a category that closely matches your niche to attract like-minded followers.

• Research competitors: Look at what categories your competitors are using. This can give you insights into potential customer segments and help you position your brand strategically.

• Think about your audience: Consider who your target audience is and what interests them. To maximize engagement, select a category that resonates with their needs and preferences.

• Select flexibility: Choose a category that can accommodate future expansions of your business. A flexible category is beneficial if you plan to diversify your products or services.

• Review TikTok guidelines: Make sure the selected category aligns with TikTok's terms and conditions to avoid future compliance issues.

Step 4: Complete your profile for a professional look

Crafting a polished profile isn’t just a vanity project; it sets the stage where you present your unique business story. Here's how you can give your profile a professional makeover:

• Update your profile picture: Select a consistent and attractive image, such as a logo or product shot, that represents your brand.

• Add a catchy bio: Write a concise and engaging bio using searchable keywords to make it easier for potential customers to find you.

• Include your contact information: Be sure to add an email address so people can easily reach out to you.

• Create a unique username: Aim for consistency across all your social media platforms to reinforce your brand identity.

• Link your other social accounts: Connecting platforms like Instagram or YouTube can enhance your reach and provide additional ways for your audience to keep following and engaging with your brand.

Step 5: Set up TikTok Shop to start selling products

Next comes setting up a TikTok Shop, which is your gateway to reaching millions of potential customers. Here's how you can get started: 

• Sign up on the TikTok Seller Center: Begin by registering your business on the TikTok Seller Center to access the platform's seller tools. It's the first step towards showcasing your products.

• Upload your products: Once registered, list your products with compelling images and descriptions. Each product entry can be customized with attractive visuals and enticing details to catch the eyes of potential buyers.

• Set up payment methods: To attract a wider audience, ensure that you offer a variety of payment options. The easier the transaction process, the better the shopping experience for your customers.

• Configure shipping settings: Define shipping terms, costs, and timelines to ensure clarity and avoid unpleasant surprises for buyers. This step involves aligning your logistics with TikTok's guidelines.

• Engage with your audience: Leverage TikTok's interactive features, such as live streams, Q&A sessions, and engaging content, to connect with your audience. Building a community around your brand increases trust and boosts sales by creating direct communication with potential customers.

Step 6: Explore TikTok analytics for better insights

TikTok’s analytics suite is your route to mastering the art of TikTok business strategies. Here’s how to make the most of it: 

• Profile overview: Track the progress of your followers and see how your account is performing over time. Monitor these to measure your growth.

• Content insights: Evaluate views, likes, and shares to pinpoint which videos are the superstars of your profile. This will tell you what your audience loves.

• Follower insights: Use demographic data such as gender, age, and top locations to get to know your followers better. Tailor your content to fit their interests and time zones.

• Traffic sources: See where your views are coming from, whether on the For You page (FYP) or via direct profiles. This helps you understand how people discover your content.

• Trending sounds and hashtags: Stay ahead by identifying which sounds and TikTok hashtags are trending. Aligning with trends can boost your content visibility.

Step 7: Use TikTok’s promotional tools to reach a wider audience

Once your TikTok business account is up and running, it's time to expand your reach with TikTok's promotional tools designed to help you connect with more users and boost your brand visibility. Let's break down some of the essential features you should start using: 

• In-feed ads: These ads appear on the "For You" page and are great for getting your products seen by potential customers.

• Hashtag challenges: Encourage user interaction by launching hashtag challenges that are entertaining and relevant to your brand.

• Branded effects: Create custom stickers and filters that users can apply to their videos, which spreads your brand organically.

• TopView ads: Make a lasting impression with ads that appear as soon as a user opens the TikTok app.

• Collaborative partnerships: Partner with influencers to reach their followers and enhance your brand's credibility.

You've just unlocked the roadmap to setting up your TikTok business account! With these steps, you can harness TikTok's vibrant platform to sell custom products and make a profit. This is where Gelato can be an exceptional partner, with our streamlined print on demand services that can help you sell custom merch.

Imagine producing custom products that delight your audience without the hassle of inventory. Gelato offers an unparalleled global reach by fulfilling orders in over 30 countries. The integration couldn't be easier. Sync your TikTok Shop with Gelato and take advantage of our extensive custom product catalog, which includes wall art, cards, photo books, calendars, and more.

Bring your unique designs to life and let your creativity shine. With Gelato, shipping is swift and efficient, which ensures a delightful experience for your customers, wherever they are. 

Ready to elevate your brand and engage audiences on TikTok like never before? Sign up for Gelato and transform your business vision into reality today!