TikTok is one of the fastest-growing platforms for sharing videos and engaging on social media. In less than a decade since its establishment, it has gained a user base exceeding 1 billion, according to Influencer Marketing Hub.
If you are tired of the same old online shopping routine, try TikTok shopping! You can easily avoid the hassle of bouncing between websites and instead, explore a whole new world of online shopping! It’s as easy as scrolling through your favorite app, not only for entertainment but for a shopping spree too!
Table of contents
- What is TikTok shopping?
- Who is eligible for the TikTok Shop?
- Why should you set up a TikTok Shop for your business?
- TikTok Shop Best Practices
- 1. Post relatable and authentic content
- 2. Team up with influencers
- 3. Enhance your product catalog
- 4. Create shoppable videos
- 5. Host live demos
- 6. Use TikTok trends and challenges
- 7. Invest in TikTok ads
- 1. Create a TikTok Business Account
- 2. Connect your TikTok Shop to a compatible eCommerce platform
- 3. Finalize your TikTok Shop profile
- 4. Add products to your TikTok shop
- 5. Configure prices and inventory
What is TikTok shopping?
Brands want it to be super easy for fans to become customers, so TikTok made it happen. They added shopping features right in the app, letting brands sell their stuff without any extra steps.
More and more people are loving TikTok shopping! It’s a unique shopping feature that allows sellers, brands, and creators to promote and sell their fantastic products directly on TikTok.
Who is eligible for the TikTok Shop?
The TikTok Shop feature is accessible only in specific regions, and you must fall into one of four designated categories:
Seller
TikTok Shop sellers include brands and sellers who market their products on TikTok Shop alongside external platforms like Shopify. Within the app, a TikTok seller can oversee their shops, inventory, promotions, and collaborations.
To qualify as a TikTok Shop seller, you must:
- Reside in the UK, Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, or Indonesia
- Possess a valid regional phone number
- Hold a business certificate of incorporation
- Provide appropriate identification
Content Creators
TikTok Shop content creators are users who create content for enjoyment and earn commissions by endorsing products through TikTok live shopping or in-feed videos.
To meet the criteria as a TikTok Shop Content Creator, you must:
- Maintain a good-standing account
- Have 1000 or more followers
- Publish a video within the last 28 days
- Accumulate 50 or more video views in the last 28 days
- Be 18 years or older
Affiliate
TikTok Shop affiliates are collaborative efforts between creators and sellers to attract new customers and boost sales through affiliate marketing. To be recognized as a TikTok Shop Affiliate, you must be a registered TikTok Shop seller located in any of the following countries:
- The UK
- Chinese mainland
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Philippines
- Singapore
Partner
TikTok Shop partners offer marketing and e-commerce services to sellers and creators. This category includes digital marketing agencies and e-commerce professionals on the platform.
To qualify as a TikTok Shop partner, you must have a registered business in one of the following regions:
- China
- Indonesia
- Italy
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Turkey
- The UK
- Vietnam
Why should you set up a TikTok Shop for your business?
Setting up a TikTok Shop for your business is a game-changer because it taps into the diverse TikTok community. This platform offers an active space for your business to creatively showcase products and by combining TikTok shop best practices, you can maximize the impact of your presence.
With a TikTok Shop, you can also engage with users in a way that traditional marketing struggles to achieve. It opens up opportunities for authentic content creation, collaboration with influencers, and seamless shopping experiences, ultimately boosting your brand’s online presence and sales.
Here’s a list of benefits of using TikTok shop:
- Connect with a diverse and global audience.
- Use short-form videos for creative product displays
- Collaborate with influencers for wider reach and credibility.
- Provide a convenient, in-app shopping experience.
- Interact with customers in real-time through live sessions.g
- Target a younger audience prevalent on TikTok.
- Align with TikTok trends for increased visibility
- Access valuable analytics to refine marketing strategies.
- Offer special deals to attract and retain customers.
- Capitalize on user-generated content for viral marketing.
TikTok Shop Best Practices
Getting the hang of TikTok is more than just showing off what you’re selling. Let’s dive into TikTok organic best practices that go beyond the traditional.
1. Post relatable and authentic content
If you want people on TikTok to really explore your stuff, keep it real and relatable. Show the genuine side of your brand, like what goes on behind the scenes or a regular day at your place. TikTok users love that kind of authentic vibe, and it helps build trust.
For example, if you own a coffee shop, instead of just posting fancy pics of your coffee, grab your phone and shoot a quick video of your barista making that perfect cup. Show the laughter, the process, and the love that goes into it. People on TikTok will connect more with the real, everyday moments than with polished ads.
2. Team up with influencers
Use the power of influencers to extend your reach and credibility. Collaborating with influencers in your niche allows you to tap into their established audience, gaining visibility and trust. Choose influencers whose values align with your brand, ensuring that their endorsement feels authentic and resonates with your target market. Through influencer marketing, you can borrow the influencer’s spotlight to show off your products.
For instance, if you have a fashion boutique, you can team up with a fashion influencer who has a ton of followers who love style. When this influencer makes videos rocking your outfits, their followers will get influenced and might turn into potential clients for your brand!
3. Enhance your product catalog
Optimize your product catalog to enhance your TikTok shop performance. Provide clear, detailed, and enticing information about each item. High-quality images, product descriptions, and accurate details, such as sizes and colors, contribute to an attractive and informative catalog that makes a positive impression on potential customers.
For instance, if your brand sells phone accessories, you can take cool pictures of each item, like a colorful phone case or a vibrant pop socket. In the descriptions, share all the important details, like what it’s made of, which phones it fits, and the colors you have. That way, your catalog will become a friendly guide that helps customers explore and understand each cool product you’re selling.
4. Create shoppable videos
You can make your products star in their own show with something called “shoppable videos” on TikTok! So, instead of just putting your products out there, you can make fun videos that show them off in an engaging way.
You can also use dedicated tools to include product tagging and linking directly within your videos. This feature allows viewers to tap on it for additional details and swiftly make a purchase with minimal taps!
5. Host live demos
Engaging with your audience takes a new turn with live demonstrations on TikTok. Whether you’re introducing a fresh product, addressing inquiries, or giving a detailed glimpse of what you have to offer, these live demos create an interactive and personal experience.
The beauty of live demos lies in the interactive experience they create. It’s similar to having a face-to-face conversation with your customers, breaking down the barriers of traditional online selling. Viewers can actively participate by typing in questions, comments, or just dropping a friendly “hello,” and you, as the host, can respond to them instantly!
6. Use TikTok trends and challenges
Keeping up with what’s trending on TikTok is a smart move for your TikTok Shop. Trends and challenges on the platform are like the latest cool things that everyone is talking about and trying out. When you align your content with these trends, it makes your TikTok Shop feel up-to-date and interesting.
Now, here’s the cool part; when your content fits with what’s trending, more people are likely to find and share it. And if you jump into challenges and contests, it adds a playful and shareable touch to your brand.
Take note of this challenge by Tim Hortons which is a playful and lighthearted way of expressing enthusiasm for a football activity with Buffalo Bills. It describes that Sundays are for enjoying football and perhaps a cup of coffee from Tim Hortons!
7. Invest in TikTok ads
Consider putting some of your resources into TikTok ads to give your TikTok Shop a bit of a boost. These little commercials for your shop show up while people are scrolling through their TikTok feed. TikTok ads help more people discover your shop, and it’s a way to get your products in front of a larger audience.
Check out ad templates from PosterMyWall for added convenience. The convenience comes in because these templates are ready-to-use, meaning you don’t have to start from scratch or have extensive design skills. PosterMyWall offers a range of customizable ad templates to suit your needs, whether you’re promoting your TikTok Shop, a special sale, or a new product!
How to set up a TikTok Shop?
1. Create a TikTok Business Account
Begin by creating a TikTok Business Account if you don’t have one already. Navigate to the TikTok app settings, and under “Account,” select “Switch to Pro Account” to access business features. Follow the prompts to set up your account, providing the necessary business information.
2. Connect your TikTok Shop to a compatible eCommerce platform
Link your TikTok Shop to a supported eCommerce platform, such as Shopify. This integration allows for seamless management of your products, inventory, and orders. Follow the platform-specific instructions to connect and sync your online store with TikTok Shop.
3. Finalize your TikTok Shop profile
Complete your TikTok Shop profile by adding essential details about your business. Include a profile picture, a concise and attractive bio, and any relevant information that introduces your brand to potential customers. A well-designed profile enhances your shop’s credibility.
4. Add products to your TikTok shop
Populate your TikTok Shop with products that you want to showcase and sell. Enter detailed and appealing product descriptions, upload high-quality images, and ensure that all necessary information, such as sizes and colors, is accurately provided. This step is crucial in attracting potential buyers.
5. Configure prices and inventory
Set prices for your products and manage inventory within the TikTok Shop platform. Ensure that the pricing is competitive and reflective of the value you offer. Regularly update inventory levels to avoid overselling and to provide accurate information to potential customers.
Final thoughts
TikTok Shop is an exciting adventure for businesses seeking to tap into the diverse TikTok community. This ultimate guide has equipped you with invaluable insights, from the basics of setting up your TikTok Shop to mastering TikTok shop best practices that enhance your brand’s presence on the platform.
As TikTok shopping continues to gain popularity, it’s essential to leverage the platform’s features strategically. Don’t forget to use the convenience of PosterMyWall’s huge library of design templates to help you get started with ease!
Hira is a Content Writer at PosterMyWall. Hira enjoys writing, so she looks forward to exploring different niches. When she’s not writing, she’s either on a trip making new friends, jotting down her thoughts, or just spending quality time with her two cats, Rio and Dusty!
