When TikTok started as a social media platform, it rocked the internet, redefining online media and becoming one of the fastest-growing apps in the world.
TikTok is doing the same with online shopping, changing the landscape and raking in billions with its TikTok shop feature.
As a business owner, you can grow your TikTok business account with the help of reputable firms that help with organic TikTok growth. You can then use that traffic to generate sales from the app.
This guide covers everything you need to know to successfully set up a TikTok shop and sell products that make your business profitable.
Image source: Unsplash
What is TikTok Shop and How Does it Work?
Think of it TT shop as a market stand stationed right beside an amusement park. The owners dazzle you with all sorts of entertaining performances, showcasing different products from far and wide and then finally sell the products to you right where you stand.
Simply put, TikTok added a feature that allows creators to create TikTok videos showcasing their products, and as TikTok users scroll through, whenever they see anything that catches their fancy, they can simply click on the product and buy directly without leaving the app.
Advantages of Selling On TikTok Shop
With estimated revenues of 17 billion dollars in 2024, here are some reasons why you should get a TikTok account and take advantage of the app’s new online store feature:
Easy to Set Up
Imagine having to set up an e-commerce store from scratch. Consider the arduous period it would take to learn the required programming language, the effort needed to write the back-end code and design the front-end, and so on.
TikTok decided to make something that saves TikTok users valuable time because it allows them to plug into a system that’s already working.
Image source: Pixabay
Cost Effective
For TikTok users who want to set up a traditional e-commerce website and are looking to hire a professional web designer, it may come at a high cost, depending on the site’s level of sophistication.
The TT shop’s page allows your TikTok account to double as a profile page and a mini online shop where you display product catalogs.
In addition to the products displayed, you can add reviews, offers, and purchase options.
With this, business owners can start making money from their online store with very little commission paid out from their TikTok account.
Hence, TikTok’s online store version is like a nursery that gives SMEs the right platform to grow and develop their businesses before going on to greater levels.
Decreased Stress for Buyers
TT shop is much better than the conventional process of clicking an affiliate link, which redirects buyers to a site whose interface and settings are obviously different.
When a buyer is on TikTok shopping, thy never have to leave the platform since the new store feature’s embedded on the app. Also, all transaction details have been previously saved on their TikTok account, so they don’t need to be entered again, saving precious time.
Eliminates Distractions & Reduces Buyer's Indecision
Another advantage (which favors TikTok creators) is that often when an interested buyer is redirected to an external link, they may get distracted or reconsider buying, depending on how long the site they are redirected to loads.
Hence, having a direct funnel that takes TikTok users to a storefront immediately after watching a TikTok video or ad is a well-constructed slippery slope that makes it difficult for them not to buy.
How to Sell on TikTok Shop
Selling your products on TikTok’s online outlet is a straightforward process that doesn’t require any complex technicality, especially if you’ve got an already existing business account. You can use the following steps to get your TT shop set up.
- Click the TikTok Seller Center, and you’ll be directed to a page where you can sign in after you’ve selected your region.
- If you have a business account, click log in; if you don’t, click sign up and enter your phone number and email address.
- Next, fill in the details required to complete your seller information. Choose whether you’re setting up as a person or a registered business entity.
- If you already have a business account, enter your company name. If you don’t have a pre-existing name, create one for your brand.
- For users with a company name, provide proof that your business is a registered entity.
- Afterward, choose the business type and the product category you want to sell on TikTok.
- Upload your driving license or any other valid ID, then enter your residential address.
- Next, enter your tax identification number.
- Finally, enter the details of other business partners if your business is a partnership.
Once you've furnished all the necessary documents, verification will follow. The standard duration from the moment of submission to verification is usually a few hours.
However, in rare cases, verification can take up to two days.
Image source: Pixabay
How to Add Products to your TikTok Shop
Congratulations! You’ve submitted all the necessary information, you are verified, and you can now access your dashboard.
Now, it’s time to showcase your products to the world.
Here’s a step-by-step process to add products to your dashboard:
- Go to your seller dashboard. You’ll see the option to ‘Add your first product’. Click the ‘Get Started Button’.
There are two options to consider in the next step:
Option 1
For those who already have an operational e-commerce store such as Shopify, Square, or Amazon, you only need to add your website link to import your products to the TT shop.
Option 2
If you don’t have an e-commerce site, you’ll need to upload product information manually.
- Start uploading by clicking the ‘Upload Now Button’ and download the template to fill in your information.
- The template is structured to provide relevant fields based on the product type you’re looking to sell on TikTok.
- Once downloaded, fill in all the needed information, such as product name, status, weight, picture, etc.
- After inputting all the necessary details, upload the template and the app will automatically arrange the information for you.
TikTok will require some hours to check whether the information meets the required standard.
You’ll get a confirmation message when TikTok green-lights your products, giving you full access to sell through the platform.
Keep in mind that the app has a list of prohibited products that you mustn’t sell on the platform. Make sure to do proper research before you upload your products onto the platform.
How to Connect your TikTok Shop to your Product Account
Now that your store’s been activated, you need to connect it to your TikTok business account so that users can quickly move from your video or profile to your shop.
Here’s how to link your TT shop to your account:
- Revisit your dashboard, scroll to ‘Connect Your Shop,’ and select ‘Get Started’.
- You’ll be redirected to another site. Tap the ‘Link Official Account’ button.
- Scan the QR code you find near the dialogue box.
- You can scan the code by visiting your profile and clicking on the triple lines at the top of your screen to reveal a scan icon.
Five Steps to Sell your Products fast on TikTok Shop
So, your inventory is available, and your storefront is set up. Now, you need people to see what you are offering because the more eyes that see your products, the more sales you get.
This means you have to deploy specific strategies to increase traffic to your TT shop, and here are a few ways you can do this.
1. Encourage User Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) are product review videos that cover the specifics, features, and benefits of a product. Research shows that 34% of US citizens trust a product more when they see or hear a review about it.
The psychology behind this is that when a user on TikTok sees another person talking about a product they’re interested in, they’re more likely to trust the review of a random person than one written by the company.
Once your presentation, story-telling and editing skills are on point, getting sales via the TikTok app is a no-brainer.
The beautiful thing about this is that a great UCG video will show up in the ‘For You’ page of users with possible interest in the product covered in your video.
You can create engaging content yourself or hire TikTok influencers to develop it. Once you have your UGC, you need to add a link that connects it to your shop.
Here’s how you can go about that:
- Log in to your TikTok app, check your video gallery and select the UGC saved on your phone.
- Check the ‘Post Menu’ option. Click ‘Add Link’, then choose a product type.
- Name the product, click ‘Add,’ and then post.
It will take some time for the link on your video to become accessible, and that’s because TikTok needs to verify that your content doesn’t violate its policy.
2. Use TikTok Shop Ads
It’s true TikTok ads already exist, but running TT shop ads is a tad different from what you already know.
Although a bit technical, you can run TikTok ads using the following format:
- Go to the TikTok Ads Manager.
- Go to product source and select ‘TikTok Shop’. Also, select ‘Product Sales’ as a campaign objective.
- The next step is to fill in the necessary information about the campaign such as budget, name of the ad, etc.
- The app uses audience demographics to target users, so choose the right ad group by selecting ‘Video Shopping Ads’.
- Once your TikTok Shop Ad Campaign is done, you need to create the ad itself.
- Choose the product type
- Upload the video you want to use in the ad, perhaps a UGC.
- Add relevant hashtags that can make the ad trend.
- Hit ‘Submit’ and your ad is ready to go.
3. Use The TikTok Shop Affiliate Program
Using affiliate marketing to boost your shop’s visibility is a great way to increase your business's sales. Unlike a full-blown TikTok shop ad campaign that sometimes costs over a thousand dollars per video, affiliate marketing generates appreciable results without breaking the bank.
With the right partnership, seasoned TikTokers in the TikTok creator marketplace can draw traffic to your TikTok store for the right commission.
4. Conduct More Live Streaming Sessions
While livestreaming allows you to get gifts from your followers or those who view your content, live shopping creates an opportunity to sell to them.
Let’s face it: not everyone is philanthropic, ready to shower others with their hard-earned cash. But, the truth is everyone loves to buy for themselves. And if you showcase an exceptional product during your live streaming sessions, whether or not you make money from TikTok gifts, you’re sure to make money from what you sell on TikTok.
5. Collaborate with Influencers
Overflogged as it may seem, influencers can help direct a ton of traffic on the app. And since a bigger budget doesn’t necessarily translate to more engagement, going the traditional partnership route could be a wise option for small businesses.
Reach out to your favorite stars in the TikTok creator marketplace, compliment them, and ask for a collaboration. If they like your brand, they will reach out with a positive response.
Then, do a joint livestream or a recorded video together, or let them endorse your profile.
Wrapping Up
TikTok is helping business owners generate massive revenues through the TT shop feature. The excellent news is that it’s easy to set up, cost-effective, and works for nearly all business types except those that deal with products prohibited on TikTok.
Even if you are an established online store, you can still link your e-commerce site to TikTok’s store and benefit from the massive traffic on the platform. It’s never too late. Whether you’re a small startup or a mega brand, join the app now, set up your shop, sell on TikTok, and grab your slice of the proverbial cake.
