Getting Started with TikTok Ads (Spend $100 get $100)

As a marketer and entrepreneur, I’ve experimented with paid advertising across numerous platforms over the past decade—Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Google Ads. Each platform brings its unique opportunities and challenges. However, one area I hadn’t revisited in depth was TikTok ads. This time, I decided to dive in, document my experience, and create a practical guide for others who, like me, are new to TikTok advertising.

Here’s a breakdown of my first journey into TikTok ads, from setup to launch.

Why TikTok Ads?

TikTok is a dynamic platform known for its high engagement and creative potential. I decided to test it myself before sharing an affiliate offer for TikTok advertising with my audience. By documenting the process, I aimed to provide a real-world walkthrough for anyone curious about running their first campaign.

Getting Started

Setting up a TikTok Ads Manager account was straightforward—just an email and password, and I was in. The interface felt intuitive, even for a first-timer. My primary goal for this campaign was lead generation, targeting people already familiar with TikTok but who hadn’t yet explored its advertising capabilities.

Key Steps in the Setup Process:

1. Define the Campaign Goal: My objective was lead generation. I wanted to encourage viewers to sign up and engage with the offer I was promoting.

2. Campaign Naming: I kept it simple with “Lead Gen Phase 1.”

3. Budget Allocation: TikTok offered an ad credit incentive—spend $30 to receive $20 in ad credits. I set a daily budget of $30, aiming to maximize the $100 ad credit.

Claim your $100 ad credit here

Creating the Ad

Crafting the ad was a mix of creativity and technical setup. Here’s how I approached it:

1. Audience Targeting: I decided to target users aged 25 and older, assuming they might have more interest in TikTok advertising for business purposes.

2. Ad Copy: Using both TikTok’s AI generator and ChatGPT, I drafted several versions of the ad text. While some results felt generic, they provided a solid starting point.

3. Video Creation: I recorded a raw, 60-second video on my phone, explaining the offer. The unpolished style reflected my personality and made the ad feel authentic.

4. Call to Action (CTA): After reviewing various CTA options, I chose one that aligned best with the lead generation goal.

What I Liked About TikTok Ads Manager

One standout feature of TikTok Ads Manager is its streamlined interface. Unlike other platforms that require navigating multiple tabs or pages, TikTok consolidates all key steps into a single, user-friendly flow. This simplicity made it easier to stay focused and complete the setup quickly.

Publishing the Ad

Once the form, video, and targeting were finalized, I hit publish. The ad went under review, and I planned to run the campaign for three days before analyzing the results.

Initial Impressions

TikTok’s ad creation process is beginner-friendly yet robust enough to cater to more advanced needs. The built-in AI tools for ad text and form design are convenient, and the platform’s ad credit incentive is an excellent way to test the waters without committing significant funds upfront.

Next Steps

I’ll be monitoring this campaign closely over the next few days and will follow up with a detailed analysis of the results. Stay tuned for insights on what worked, what didn’t, and tips for optimizing your TikTok advertising strategy.

Whether you’re curious about TikTok ads or planning your first campaign, I hope this guide provides a helpful starting point. If you’ve tried TikTok ads before, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!