In a nutshell:
- With a TikTok Business account, brands can list products on TikTok Shop, enabling direct sales through the platform.
- Using TikTok Shop is a great way for businesses to reach a large, engaged audience and increase sales through creative, engaging content.
- Regularly review TikTok’s product guidelines and ensure all products meet safety and regulatory standards.
With over a billion active users worldwide, TikTok has transformed from a trending video platform to a crucial player in digital marketing. For businesses or individuals looking to capture the attention of a younger audience, TikTok offers a unique space to engage creatively and effectively. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to get started, from setting up your account to optimizing your videos for maximum return.
How to get your products on the TikTok Shop
Selling products on TikTok can be a lucrative way to target a large customer base. Here’s how to start leveraging TikTok to drive your business’s success:
Step 1: Set Up a TikTok Business Account
Assuming you already have a TikTok account (if you don’t already, make one), go to your profile and tap on the three lines in the top right corner, then hit Settings and Privacy. Go to Account, then to Switch to Business Account.
This kind of account has access to advanced analytics and advertising features. You’ll also be able to add additional information to your profile, such as a website link and, more importantly, your own TikTok Shop
Step 2: Apply to be a TikTok Shop seller
In the same menu (your account settings), go to “TikTok Shop for Seller.” There, you’ll be prompted to enter your email address and enter a verification code. Fill out the rest of the application, uploading the necessary documentation:
- Individually owned businesses: A passport, national ID or driver’s license
- Corporations: A business license, registration or similar official document that proves your eligibility to sell products/services via the shop
You should receive an email regarding your application within a few days. Once accepted, you’ll be closer to getting your product live on TikTok Shop.
Step 3: Finish creating your shop
While waiting on document approval, there’s more information you can fill out in the meantime. Download the TikTok Shop Seller Center app, or access it via a browser on any device. Then link a bank account, verify tax information and set up shipping. Shipping information includes connecting your account to your preferred shipping couriers, as well as providing a return address.
Step 4: Add your products
Once everything is approved, you’ll be able to add your first product. They can be published directly on TikTok Shop or synched from another platform, such as Shopify. On the Manage Products page go to Add a New Product. You’ll then be prompted to put down information about the product, including the name, category, brand, image, description and shipping information.
Now what?
Those products aren’t going to sell themselves. Getting your products on the TikTok Shop is just the first step. But without any effort promoting them, it’s likely to get lost in the large marketplace of other products out there. Here are some things to consider when developing a promotion strategy:
Making TikTok videos featuring your products
Content on TikTok should feel natural and engaging. Prioritize videos that either entertain or inform, tapping into TikTok trends while staying true to your brand. How-to videos showcasing your product, humorous skits and customer testimonials are some effective ways to grab attention. The key is consistency, and regular content keeps your brand top of mind.
Leveraging TikTok ads for product promotion
TikTok ads can significantly boost your visibility on the platform. Options range from in-feed ads that appear between videos to branded hashtags that encourage user-generated content. Starting with in-feed ads is straightforward: set your budget, target your audience and monitor performance through TikTok’s ad dashboard. Successful ads are often those that blend seamlessly into the native TikTok content, avoiding the overt feel of traditional advertising.
Driving community engagement
Community engagement on TikTok can help foster a loyal customer base. Respond to comments on your videos, participate in challenges and stay active in relevant conversations. For example, a business that sells natural skin products may duet with a viral video that analyzes ingredients used by mainstream brands, bringing their expertise and offering an alternative solution: their own product.
Additionally, think about collaborating with influencers who resonate with your brand, as this will amplify your reach. Choose partners whose followers align with your target demographic to maximize impact.
Analyzing and adjusting your strategy
Use TikTok’s built-in analytics tools to track how well your content is performing. Look at metrics like view counts, engagement rates and follower growth. Try to find what works and what doesn’t, and your content will be more refined as time goes on. Don’t be afraid to test new ideas or pivot your strategy based on what the data tells you.
Following TikTok’s product guidelines
TikTok has specific product guidelines that sellers must adhere to, including prohibited items like illegal drugs, weapons, tobacco products, alcohol, adult products, counterfeit goods, hazardous materials and products derived from endangered species. Certain products, such as health and beauty items, food and children’s products are allowed, but come with specific restrictions. They must also comply with local safety and regulatory standards.
To ensure compliance with TikTok’s guidelines, make sure to regularly review their product listing policy, along with their list of prohibited and restricted products. Violating policy guidelines can result in the removal of your product, as well as the removal of your shop.
Time to get selling
Beyond the dancing and trends, TikTok is also a marketplace full of opportunities for brands and businesses. By utilizing the TikTok Shop and promoting your products, you can tap into the newest edition of online shopping. Staying authentic and connecting with others on the platform may just lead you to some real success for you and your business.