TikTok has transformed rapidly from its roots as a hub for viral dances into a bustling marketplace known as TikTok Shop. This shift reflects the expansive opportunities of social commerce, enabling users to explore, shop, and make purchases without ever leaving the app.
Curious about how to sell on TikTok Shop? Let’s take a closer look at TikTok Shop and how you can build your own business on that online marketplace.
Contents:
2. How can Synder help you with selling on TikTok?
3. Is TikTok Shop safe to sell on?
4. Setting up your TikTok Shop in 4 steps
5. Products listing and optimization
6. Content strategy for a TikTok shop user
8. Pricing strategies for TikTok Shop
9. Analyzing your TikTok Shop performance
10. How to sell on TikTok: Conclusion
11. FAQs
What is a TikTok shop?
Now TikTok is more than a popular social media app allowing users to create, watch, and share 15-second videos on mobile devices or webcams. TikTok has its own online shopping platform called TikTok Shop. Here, sellers and content creators can showcase and sell their products directly to TikTok users. It provides different ways to shop, such as:
- Live Shopping,
- Shoppable Short Videos,
- Product Showcase,
- and the Shop Tab.
1. Live shopping
During Live Shopping, brands and creators weave products into their live streams. This creates an interactive shopping experience similar to visiting a physical store, all while enjoying the convenience of online shopping.
2. Shoppable short videos
Short shoppable videos offer sellers a convenient opportunity to creatively integrate their products into videos. By clicking on the link in the video, shoppers are directed to detailed product pages, making the checkout process easier.
3. Product showcase
The product showcase feature expands your profile by adding a product catalog. Viewers can conveniently shop directly from your curated collection of products in one place.
4. Shop tab
TikTok’s Store tab acts as a central hub for ecommerce, highlighting a wide range of products, shopping content, and promotions in one convenient place. It increases visibility, offers convenient search options, improves product availability, and opens up new opportunities to increase sales and encourage repeat purchases.
How can Synder help you with selling on TikTok?
Running an ecommerce business comes with the responsibility of ensuring accurate and compliant online sales bookkeeping. However, manually managing these selling records can be a tedious and time-consuming task.
It’s much easier to manage your accounting automatically with Synder. Specially for this problem Synder has a solution: you can connect TikTok to your accounting with Synder Sync.
With Synder, TikTok sellers can import delivered or completed orders from the TikTok account and sync them directly to QuickBooks Online. This automation eliminates the need for manual data entry, saving valuable time and reducing the risk of errors in financial reporting.
Furthermore, Synder allows businesses to categorize their selling transactions precisely, including TikTok sales, fees, taxes, and more, according to their preferences. This customization ensures that financial reporting is accurate and tailored to the specific needs of the business.
Simplify your TikTok Shop order bookkeeping with automated processes. Join Synder’s Weekly Public Demo to discover more, or sign up for a free account to explore the integration firsthand.
Is TikTok Shop safe to sell on?
Yes. Selling products on TikTok Shop is safe. However, similar to any online marketplace, there are TikTok guidelines and policies that brands and sellers need to adhere to in order to maintain a secure and equitable trading atmosphere.
Requirements for safe selling on TikTok Shop
- Clear product guidelines
TikTok Shop has strict rules about what can and can’t be sold on the platform. They provide a detailed list of items that are restricted or prohibited, including hazardous goods. All sellers must follow these guidelines to maintain safety and trust for both sellers and buyers.
- Legitimate business verification
To sell on TikTok Shop, having a legitimate business and genuine products is a must. This verification step enhances the platform’s trustworthiness, guaranteeing that only authentic sellers are allowed to operate.
- Streamlined shipping
TikTok Shop provides end-to-end shipping services, guaranteeing a smooth delivery process from start to finish. This option ensures convenience and reliability for both sellers and buyers, with transactions managed seamlessly from pickup to final delivery.
- Secure payment processing
TikTok Shop ensures the safety of all transactions by utilizing a reliable payment gateway. This means that buyers can shop with confidence, knowing that their payment information is encrypted and protected from any potential risks. This commitment to security enhances trust between buyers and sellers, making TikTok Shop a safe and reliable platform for online purchases.
Setting up your TikTok Shop in 4 steps
Step 1: Create a TikTok business account
Setting up a TikTok business account is easy and doesn’t cost anything. Just by completing this step, you gain access to exclusive features that regular users don’t have, like advanced analytics and the TikTok Ads Manager*.
*TikTok Ads Manager is a platform for businesses to create and manage advertising campaigns on TikTok, allowing them to target audiences, create ads, set budgets, and track performance.
To get started, go to the TikTok seller registration page and complete the application form. You’ll need to upload certain documents such as:
- your ID,
- proof of residency,
- and evidence of owning a business.
Step 2: Add your products to your TikTok store
To begin, click on the “Get Started” button next to the “Add your first product” option.
Once selected, you’ll have two options to proceed:
- Manually upload your products directly;
- Import them from ecommerce platforms such as BigCommerce, Shopify, Square, or Amazon.
If you already have an existing TikTok ecommerce store, you can simply sync it and import your products. For manual uploads, click on the “Upload now” button on your dashboard.
Step 3: Connect your TikTok shop account and your TikTok account
To link your accounts, start by going to your TikTok Shop dashboard and clicking on “Get Started” next to “Connect your shop to a TikTok account.” Then, press the “Link official account” button to generate a QR code and a dialog box.
To finish, open your TikTok profile, tap the three lines in the top right corner, and select the scan icon. Use it to scan the QR code and authorize the TikTok shop connection.
Step 4: Create TikTok’s catchy content
We’ve already talked about shopping videos. This type of content can play a very important role in promoting your product. Have you ever asked yourself: what kind of advertising do you like best? It’ll probably be:
- a user-generated video,
- a product review video,
- or a recommendation video from your favorite blogger.
This type of content is called user-generated content (UGC). And this is where you, as a seller, should focus.
Why?
People trust people. Of course, beautiful and high-quality advertising from brands is eye-catching. However, a video review by a real person is much more trustworthy. Thanks to collaborations with bloggers and other users, you can increase the social credibility of your product through video content. In addition, this will increase product recognition, which will lead to increased sales.
Products listing and optimization
How to list your products in TikTok Shop
- Start with keyword research
Effectively optimizing your TikTok product listings starts with thorough keyword research. Use resources like TikTok Shop’s search feature, keyword research tools, and competitor analysis to find relevant, high-performing keywords for your products.
Naturally, integrate these keywords into your titles, descriptions, and listing tags to increase your visibility in search results.
- Create informative headlines
Catchy and informative headlines are crucial for attracting potential customers in TikTok. These headlines should clearly highlight the special benefits and main features of your products, encouraging users to learn more. By finding the right combination of compelling language and useful information, you can successfully capture the attention of your target audience and increase engagement with your ads.
- Write detailed descriptions
Creating detailed and interesting TikTok descriptions is important to effectively showcase your products. These descriptions should clearly explain the unique features, benefits, and uses of your products, helping customers understand their value. By using compelling language and providing detailed information, you can build trust and interest, which will ultimately lead to increased sales and customer satisfaction.
- Use top-notch visuals for your products
When showcasing your products, it’s essential to use the highest quality images and videos. Photograph your products from different angles and highlight their unique features. Make sure your image visuals are well-lit, visually appealing, and accurately reflect what customers can expect.
- Use SEO tools for visuals
Make your photo and video descriptions even better. Add keywords, titles, and alt tags to improve search engine performance and accessibility. Use descriptive and interesting language to attract users and encourage them to explore your products further.
Content strategy for a TikTok shop user
1. Creating engaging content
To keep your audience engaged, vary your content offerings. Show your products in action with dynamic demos, giving viewers a firsthand look at what they can do.
Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your brand’s daily operations, like how your products are made or team meetings, to add transparency and authenticity.
Also, showcase user-generated content, such as customer testimonials or creative product uses, to build credibility and foster a sense of community among your audience.
Mixing these specific content elements will help you connect with your audience and strengthen your brand on TikTok.
2. Using TikTok hashtags effectively
Using hashtags effectively can greatly increase the exposure of your TikTok posts. Start by researching popular and trending hashtags in your niche. Look for ones that are commonly used by your target audience and relate to your content topics.
Once you find the right hashtags, strategically incorporate them into your posts. Don’t overload your content with hashtags, as this may look spammy. Instead, focus on using a few relevant hashtags that will help your posts reach a wider audience.
By using hashtags strategically, you can increase the reach of your posts and attract more potential customers to your TikTok shop.
3. Collaborating with TikTok influencers
It’s also worth exploring collaborations with TikTok influencers to expand your audience and boost your authority. Partnering with influencers who share your brand values and appeal to your target audience can help you expand your message and increase engagement in your TikTok shop.
When choosing influencers to collaborate with, consider their level of engagement, audience demographics, and fit with your brand. Look for influencers who have a genuine interest in your products and can promote them to their followers.
By partnering with influencers, you can not only attract new potential customers, but also increase the credibility of your brand by connecting with respected people in your industry. Using influencer marketing on TikTok can lead to increased sales for your TikTok store.
Transforming retail
Transitioning from the strategies tailored for individual TikTok shop users, let’s delve into a remarkable example of collaboration between a retail giant and a social media platform, illustrating the potent fusion of commerce and digital engagement.
Walmart & TikTok collaboration
This collaboration has redefined online shopping dynamics and exemplified the profound impact that alliances between retailers and social networks can have on consumer behavior and the retail sphere at large. Let’s explore how this partnership has reshaped the contours of digital commerce and social media interaction.
Walmart utilizes TikTok’s vast audience and entertaining platform to showcase its products through viral challenges and influencer-led campaigns.
This partnership seamlessly integrates ecommerce into the social media experience, allowing users to discover, shop, and share their favorite products directly from the app.
By utilizing TikTok’s vibrant community and creative content, Walmart expands its brand presence while offering users a fun and convenient way to explore and purchase items. This collaboration highlights the growing influence of social media on consumer behavior and the evolving sphere of retail.
Similar read: How to Sell on Walmart Marketplace: A-to-Z Guide on Successful Selling on Walmart Marketplace
Pricing strategies for TikTok Shop
Sellers on TikTok Shop should use pricing strategies to stay competitive and optimize their sales. These strategies help improve visibility and your business performance in general.
1. Competitive pricing
Competitive pricing means pricing your products at or slightly below your competitors’ prices. This approach aims to attract customers who are looking for the great deals. By adopting this strategy, you’ll make your products more attractive and competitive in the market.
It’ll help you stand out from similar offerings and increase your chances of winning over customers who prioritize accessibility. However, it’s critical to ensure that your pricing strategy remains profitable and sustainable over the long term.
2. Discounts and promotions
Adding discounts and promotions to your TikTok store strategy can effectively entice people to buy and increase your sales. This could include offering various incentives such as limited-time discounts, running special campaigns, or providing exclusive offers to your TikTok account followers.
These techniques create a sense of urgency and excitement around your products, encouraging more people to purchase. For example, limited-time discounts force customers to act quickly before the offer ends. Campaigns can create buzz and increase awareness of your brand, especially when using TikTok’s interactive features. And exclusive offers reward loyal followers and encourage repeat purchases, helping strengthen the community on TikTok.
Analyzing your TikTok Shop performance
TikTok analytics
Regularly checking TikTok analytics offers a number of benefits, such as:
- Gain insights into audience preferences and behavior
Analyzing TikTok analytics enables you to grasp which content resonates most with your audience, whether it’s product showcases, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes footage. Furthermore, TikTok analytics unveil patterns in audience behavior, such as peak activity times and demographic engagement, enabling you to tailor your approach effectively.
- Tailor content strategy
TikTok analytics can help you identify areas where you can improve your content strategy. If you see a decrease in engagement on certain days or with certain types of content, you can experiment with different approaches to see what works best.
- Use data-driven decisions to optimize content types
Using this data-driven approach, you can make informed decisions about when to post, what type of content to create, and how to improve your TikTok shop. For instance, if you notice that short videos perform better than longer ones, you can focus on creating more concise content.
How to sell on TikTok: Conclusion
TikTok Shop provides a significant opportunity for businesses to engage in social commerce and connect with a wider audience. With this platform, companies can showcase their products or services to a wide range of potential customers by leveraging TikTok’s popularity and reach. This capability allows businesses to easily integrate their offerings into the TikTok environment, increasing visibility and accessibility to different audiences on the platform.
FAQs
1. Is selling on TikTok Shop worth it?
Selling on TikTok Shop can offer valuable opportunities for businesses, especially those targeting younger demographics or with visually appealing products. Success depends on creating engaging content, interacting with the audience, and adapting to TikTok’s unique style.
2. Who pays for shipping on TikTok shop?
Sellers on TikTok Shop have the choice to either use their own logistics provider, where they’re responsible for all delivery costs and payments to the carrier, or they can opt for TikTok Shop’s logistics service, which handles order fulfillment for them.
3. Is TikTok Shop safe to buy on?
Transactions on TikTok Shop are safeguarded to ensure the security of users’ financial details. Additionally, the platform employs measures to verify the authenticity and quality of products sold. Policies are implemented to safeguard buyers, which may include provisions for refunds and returns under specific circumstances.
4. How much does it cost to sell in TikTok Shop?
TikTok charges significantly lower fees compared to other trading platforms. For the first 90 days, sellers receive a 1.8% commission per product sale. After this period, the fee increases to 5%, which remains noticeably great lower than the fees charged by most other platforms.
5. What is the difference between TikTok and the Insense app?
TikTok is a social media platform focused on short-form video content creation for a broad user base, while the Insense app is specifically tailored for influencer marketing campaigns, facilitating collaborations between brands and content creators.
TikTok is a large social media platform for sharing short videos, popular for diverse content. Insense is a platform for brands to collaborate with influencers specifically for marketing campaigns.
Audience: TikTok has a broad user base, while Insense connects brands with targeted audiences through influencers.
Monetization: TikTok offers various earning opportunities for creators, while Insense facilitates paid collaborations between brands and influencers.
Features: TikTok provides creative tools for users, whereas Insense offers campaign management tools for brands.
6. What is the source of TikTok?
The source of TikTok is the Chinese technology company ByteDance, which launched the app in 2016. It has expanded to more than 150 different markets and maintains offices in Beijing, Los Angeles, Mumbai, Seoul, and Tokyo.
Share your thoughts
Are you currently selling items on TikTok Shop? Or perhaps you’ve been on the buyer’s end, exploring the offerings on TikTok Shop? Whatever your experience may be, we’re eager to hear all about your live interactions with the platform. Share your insights, stories, and impressions in the comments section below.
