A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Getting Started on the World’s Fastest-Growing Ad Platform
TikTok isn’t just for viral dances and Gen Z humor anymore. It’s become one of the most powerful platforms for businesses—especially those ready to connect with audiences in a more human, creative way.
But if you’re new to TikTok, you might be wondering: Can TikTok ads actually work for my business?
The short answer: Yes, they can—but only if you understand how the platform works and what makes it different from Facebook, Instagram, or Google.
In this guide, we’ll break down what TikTok ads are, what kinds of businesses they work best for, and how to start testing without blowing your budget.
Why TikTok Is Different (And Why That Matters)
TikTok is a content-first platform. It doesn’t operate like a typical feed—it’s powered by a highly personalized, AI-driven “For You” page that shows users what they want to watch, not just who they follow.
That means your ads don’t show up in a sidebar—they’re native videos, mixed in between regular content.
If they’re good, people watch. If they’re bad, they swipe.
Who Should Consider TikTok Ads?
TikTok works especially well for businesses that:
- Have a visually engaging product or service
- Want to reach younger audiences (but not just Gen Z—Millennials and even Gen X are growing fast)
- Are willing to test short-form video content
- Can tell their story in a simple, creative, human way
- Want to build brand recognition, engagement, or direct sales
Great fits:
- E-commerce brands
- Service-based businesses with a personal touch
- Course creators, coaches, and consultants
- Local businesses targeting a younger demographic
- Lifestyle brands (beauty, wellness, fitness, fashion, etc.)
Types of TikTok Ads (Made Simple)
Here are the main ad formats you can run as a beginner:
| Format | What It Is | Best For |
| In-Feed Ads | Video ads that show up between organic content | Most affordable, best for small budgets |
| Spark Ads | Boosted versions of organic TikToks (yours or others) | Great for social proof and creator content |
| Top View Ads | Premium placements that appear when the app opens | Big brands, high-budget awareness campaigns |
| Branded Content / Creator Collabs | Partner with influencers or creators to promote you | Authentic engagement, trust-building |
For most small businesses, In-Feed or Spark Ads are the best place to start.
What Makes a TikTok Ad Work?
TikTok isn’t about being polished—it’s about being real, relatable, and fast-moving.
Here’s what’s working right now:
1. Native Feel
Your ad should look and feel like regular TikTok content. Think:
- Talking-to-camera clips
- Trending sounds (used creatively)
- Behind-the-scenes peeks
- “3 tips” or “Did you know?” style hooks
2. Strong Hook (First 3 Seconds)
People scroll fast. Get to the point—fast.
Examples:
- “Here’s how I saved $400 on my heating bill…”
- “This one mistake is ruining your skincare routine.”
- “Nobody talks about this business tip, but it works…”
3. Clear CTA
Tell viewers what to do next:
- Shop now
- Click the link
- Download the free guide
- Book your free consult
Make it feel easy and low-pressure.
How Much Do TikTok Ads Cost?
You can start small.
- Minimum daily spend: $20 for campaigns, $5 for ad groups
- Typical CPM (cost per 1,000 impressions): $1–$5
- CPC (cost per click): Often lower than Meta (but creative matters more)
TikTok Ads Manager lets you set:
- Campaign goals (traffic, conversions, views, etc.)
- Audiences (age, interests, lookalikes, retargeting)
- Budget caps and scheduling
Can You Run TikTok Ads Without a Huge Video Team?
Yes. In fact, you’re better off starting scrappy.
Ideas that work with just a phone:
- Founder talking about the “why” behind the brand
- Quick product demo
- Customer testimonial
- Time-lapse of a project or transformation
- “3 tips” or “how we help” explainer
You can also use TikTok’s free video templates, effects, and captions to polish it up inside the app or Ads Manager.
Want Help Launching Your First TikTok Campaign?
TikTok ads can absolutely work for your business—as long as you’re willing to meet the platform where it is.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about attention, authenticity, and value.
You don’t need a viral hit. You need a message that matters, and a format that feels human.
Start small. Test fast. Track what works.
And don’t be afraid to show up as your scrappy, smart, creative self.
At Root Company, we help brands create scroll-stopping video ads that feel natural and convert like crazy. Whether you’re starting from scratch or repurposing existing content, we’ll help you build a TikTok strategy that works.