Introduction

Who doesn’t love spending time scrolling their favorite videos on TikTok? Well, 1.04 billion definitely do. Now imagine if you can reach this massive audience and get the chance to sell your products. Feels like a great opportunity, doesn’t it?

Thanks to TikTok Shop, it is now possible. 

A relatively new offering of the platform, TikTok Shop is an exciting adventure for businesses seeking to tap into the diverse TikTok community. 

If you are a business planning to start selling on TikTok Shop, this guide is perfect. From exploring how to start the shop to selling secrets, we have covered it all. Keep reading:

What is TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop is the e-commerce feature of the popular social media channel TikTok. It was officially launched in September 2023 to allow businesses, brands, and creators to sell their products directly on TikTok. 

Currently, the feature of selling on TikTok Shop is available only in certain markets; the United States, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Moving forward, this feature will also be available in other countries. 

Through TikTok, businesses can create a storefront where they can add products in TikTok videos and on their profile's product showcase tab. But that’s just the beginning. 

Why Create a Shop on TikTok for Selling?

Setting up a TikTok Shop for your business can really take things to the next level. TikTok has such a diverse community, and it's the perfect place to showcase your products in a fun, creative way. By using some best practices, you can really make a splash and get your brand noticed.

Moreover, a TikTok Shop lets you connect with users in a way that traditional marketing just can't match. It's a chance to create authentic content, collaborate with influencers, and offer a smooth shopping experience—all of which can boost your online presence and sales.

Here’s why creating a shop on TikTok is a big win:

• Reach People All Around the World: TikTok’s global audience means you can connect with customers from all over, tapping into a wide and diverse user base.

• Show Off Your Products with Creative Videos: TikTok’s short videos are perfect for giving your products the spotlight. You can get creative and make your products really stand out.

• Team Up with Influencers: Partnering with TikTok influencers is a great way to reach more people and build trust. They’ve already got followers who listen to their recommendations, so it’s a win-win.

• Make Shopping Super Easy: With TikTok Shop, your customers can shop directly within the app. No more jumping between platforms—everything they need is right there.

• Chat in Real-Time with Live Sessions: Go live and interact with your audience right then and there. Answer questions, show off products, and create a personal connection with your customers.

• Connect with Younger Audiences: If you’re looking to reach a younger crowd, TikTok is where it’s at. It’s full of trend-savvy users who are always looking for the next big thing.

• Ride the Wave of TikTok Trends: Get in on what’s trending and make your brand more visible. By staying current, your content is more likely to be seen and shared.

• Get Smart with Analytics: TikTok Shop gives you all the insights you need. You can see what’s working, understand your audience better, and tweak your strategies to get even better results.

• Offer Special Deals and Discounts: Everyone loves a good deal. You can also use TikTok Shop to give out special offers that attract new customers and keep the regulars coming back.

• Tap into User-Generated Content: When customers share their experiences with your products, it’s like free advertising. User-generated content can go viral and bring even more attention to your brand.

By making the most of these features, your TikTok Shop can really help you grow your business and connect with customers in a fun, meaningful way.

Check out these statistics to know how massive TikTok Shop is:

How to Start a TikTok Shop? (Steps)

Creating a TikTok Shop isn’t a technical task. Follow the steps we have shared below and you’ll have a TikTok Shop in no time: 

Step 1: Set Up a TikTok Business Account

Start by creating a TikTok Business Account if you haven't done so yet. Head over to the app's settings, and under ‘Account,’ choose ‘Switch to Pro Account’ to unlock business features. Just follow the steps, and make sure to enter all the necessary business information as you go.

Step 2: Connect Your TikTok Shop to an eCommerce Platform

Next, you'll want to link your TikTok Shop to an eCommerce platform like Shopify. This connection makes it easier to manage your products, inventory, and orders all in one place. Simply follow the instructions specific to your chosen platform to sync everything up.

Step 3: Complete Your TikTok Shop Profile

Now, take some time to finalize your TikTok Shop profile. Add a profile picture, write a short but catchy bio, and include any other key details that will help introduce your brand to potential customers. A polished profile can really boost your shop’s credibility.

Step 4: Add Products to Your TikTok Shop

It’s time to start adding products to your shop on TikTok. Make sure to write detailed and engaging product descriptions, upload high-quality photos, and provide all necessary details like sizes and colors. Check the TikTok Shop product listing guidelines for proper details. This will help attract potential buyers and showcase your products effectively.

Step 5: Set Prices and Manage Inventory

Finally, configure your product prices and keep an eye on your inventory within the TikTok Shop platform. Make sure your prices are competitive and fair for the value you’re offering. Regularly update your inventory to avoid any issues with overselling and to keep your customers well-informed.

Step 6: Start Selling Products on TikTok

Now that you have learned how do you make a shop on TikTok, let’s start selling. For this you need to work on a proper strategy that includes content creation, influencer marketing, and so on. Use the dashboard to keep a track of how you are selling products on TikTok and repeat the strategy that works. 

One tip: check the top selling TikTok Shop products and try to understand what helped them reach the top. Then based on the analysis, create your own campaign. 

Best Practices for Selling on TikTok Shop

Getting the most out of TikTok is about more than just showing off your products. Let's explore some organic best practices to learn how to start selling on TikTok Shop effectively: 

1. Post Relatable and Authentic Content

To really connect with people on TikTok, keep things real and relatable. Show the true side of your brand, whether it’s behind-the-scenes moments or just a regular day at your business. TikTok users love that kind of authenticity as it builds trust and makes your brand feel more approachable.

For example, if you run a bakery, instead of just posting polished photos of your cakes, grab your phone and shoot a quick video of how you make that cake. Capture the creativity, the process, and the passion behind it. TikTok users will connect more with these genuine, everyday moments than with overly polished ads.

2. Team Up with TikTok Influencers

Leverage the power of TikTok influencers to extend your reach and build credibility. Partnering with influencers in your niche allows you to tap into their established audiences, gaining more visibility and trust. Choose influencers who share your brand’s values, so their endorsement feels natural and resonates with your target market. 

For instance, if you own a makeup brand, collaborating with a beauty influencer with a large, style-savvy following can be a game-changer. When they create videos wearing your makeup, their followers are more likely to be influenced and could become potential customers for your brand.

3. Enhance Your Product Catalog

Optimize your product catalog to make your TikTok Shop shine. Provide clear, detailed, and appealing information for your TikTok Shop products list. High-quality images, well-written descriptions, and accurate details, like sizes and colors, help create a catalog that not only looks good but also guides potential customers in their shopping journey.

If you own a home decor store, ensure your TikTok Shop catalog is both attractive and informative. Take beautiful, styled photos of each item, like cozy throw pillows or decorative wall art, showing how they can be used in a room. In your descriptions, mention the materials, dimensions, and any special features like being handmade or eco-friendly. This way, customers can easily imagine how these items would look in their own homes, making your catalog a useful tool that inspires them to make a purchase.

4. Create Shoppable Videos

Turn your products into stars by making shoppable videos on TikTok! 

Instead of just showcasing your products, create engaging videos that highlight them in a fun and interactive way.

You can use TikTok’s tools to include product tags and direct links within your videos, allowing viewers to click for more details and make a purchase in just a few taps.

5. Host Live Demos

Take engagement to the next level with live demonstrations on TikTok. Whether you’re launching a new product, answering questions, or giving an in-depth look at your offerings, live demos offer an interactive and personal touch.

The beauty of live demos is the direct interaction they allow. It’s like having a real-time chat with your customers, breaking down the barriers of traditional online selling. Viewers can ask questions, leave comments, or just say “hi,” and you can respond instantly, creating a more connected experience.

6. Use TikTok Trends and Challenges

Staying on top of TikTok trends and challenges is a smart way to keep your content fresh and engaging. Trends and challenges are the latest buzz on TikTok, and aligning your content with them makes your TikTok Shop feel up-to-date and fun.

Here’s the cool part: when your content taps into what’s trending, it’s more likely to get noticed and shared. Jumping into challenges also adds a playful element to your brand, making it more shareable.

An ideal example is the challenge of Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs. Their first campaign was a challenge where participants had to use the hashtag #HausLabsFoundation and create a video using the original audio where Gaga is heard saying “groundbreaking, totally epic, smooth like butter, second skin, whoa bitch…” to show the dramatic effect of the new foundation.

The challenge drew in 748 entries and led to 39% of the foundation shades selling out—20 out of 51 shades were gone while the challenge was active.

Pretty impressive, isn’t it?

7. Invest in TikTok Ads

Consider boosting your TikTok Shop’s visibility with TikTok ads. These ads pop up as users scroll through their feed, helping you reach a larger audience. It’s a great way to get more eyes on your products and drive traffic to your shop.

To make things easier, you can use ready-made ad templates online. These templates save you time and effort, offering a quick and professional way to create ads that stand out.

Mistakes Every TikTok Shop Seller Should Avoid 

Selling on TikTok Shop is a breeze until you make any of the following mistakes: 

1. Poor Content: The most successful TikTok Shop sellers know that high-quality content is non-negotiable. Your videos should be visually appealing, well-edited, and engaging. Poor content won’t hold the attention of TikTok users, who are accustomed to dynamic and creative videos. So, consider investing in good lighting, editing software, and even professional help if needed.

2. Not Maintaining Consistency: Like every social media platform, TikTok also rewards consistent posting. Irregular uploads can cause your content to lose traction, making it harder to maintain and grow your audience. So, start with a content calendar to keep your posts consistent, and take advantage of TikTok’s trends to stay relevant. 

3. Not Focusing On Customer Service: A key aspect of running any online store is providing excellent customer service, and TikTok Shop is no exception. Quickly responding to customer inquiries, addressing issues, and showing appreciation for your customers can set you apart from competitors. Happy customers are more likely to leave positive reviews and become repeat buyers.

4. Not Understanding Your Audience: One size does not fit all on TikTok. Sellers who don’t take the time to understand their audience risk creating content that doesn’t resonate. So make sure you use TikTok’s analytics tools to understand your audience’s demographics, interests, and behaviors and then tailor your content to meet their expectations.

5. Complicated Checkout Process: A complicated checkout process is a major turn-off for online shoppers. Make sure your TikTok Shop offers a smooth, user-friendly experience from browsing to checkout. Avoid hidden fees and lengthy forms, as these can lead to cart abandonment.

Conclusion

And we’re done! You can use this as a starting point and begin your journey as a TikTok seller. 

Here at impulze.ai, we love supporting entrepreneurs, and that’s why we offer a 14-day free trial that can help you find TikTok creators who are the right fit for your TikTok Shop. You can check their user base, engagement rate,  audience demographics, and so much more so that you can make an informed decision. 

Wondering how to get started? 

Book a free demo and see firsthand how it works. 

Happy selling!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for selling on TikTok Shop?

The TikTok Shop is typically available to businesses, brands, and creators who meet certain criteria. To be eligible, you generally need to:

• Have a TikTok Business Account: Your account should be set up as a business account rather than a personal one.

• Operate in a Supported Region: TikTok Shop is currently available in select countries, so your business needs to be based in one of those regions.

• Meet Age Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old to create a TikTok Shop.

• Comply with TikTok's Policies: Your content and business practices need to follow TikTok's community guidelines and e-commerce policies.

These are general guidelines, and TikTok may have additional specific requirements depending on your location or business type.

How much does It cost to sell at a TikTok Shop?

When it comes to the cost of selling in a TikTok Shop, there are plenty of things to consider. While setting up the account is free, the platform charges 30% transaction fees and commission of around 8%. Additionally, there might be other charges like influencer collaboration, shipping charges, TikTok ads, etc.  

Can I start a TikTok Shop for free?

Yes, creating the account is free but there are other charges like commission fees that you will need to pay for selling on Tiktok.

How to find influencers on TikTok to partner for my business?

To find the right TikTok influencers for your business, start by exploring TikTok's search to discover creators in your niche, checking out their engagement and audience fit. You can also use tools like impulze.ai to easily connect with influencers who align perfectly with your brand.

How to use TikTok to grow your business?

To grow your business on TikTok, create engaging and authentic content that resonates with your target audience, and leverage trending challenges to increase visibility. Collaborate with influencers or run targeted ads to boost your reach and drive more conversions.