Unlike other video apps of the past TikTok has clearly proven itself as more than just a fad. In an online world dominated by online giants like Meta that isn’t an easy task. TikTok has become it’s own centre of the internet universe, a place where people go for anything. You can literally find anything from entertaining comedic skits to learning about how something works. And just like with other social media platforms selling products on TikTok is a market on its own.
We covered the basics of marketing on TikTok in the past, and shared how you can use the app to grow your audience. Building up a brand on TikTok is crucial for anyone navigating the online space. And once you’ve achieved that you can begin to position yourself to expand and sell products on TikTok.
Why Sell Products on TikTok
Not only are there over a billion users on the app, but it’s popularity is only growing. It’s has clearly become a huge part of today’s culture. So in the same way that Instagram was the place to be not so long ago, TikTok is equally as important. Most of trends we’re seeing in fashion, food and music originate on TikTok, including trends that find their way to Instagram Reels. What started out as the cool kids club is quickly turning into the town square. So the longer you wait to jump on that train the more opportunities you’re missing out on.
Asides from it’s popularity, just like with other social media platforms you don’t need a big budget to execute. The era of traditional advertising is long gone. Today’s consumers prefer organic content to help influence their shopping decisions.
Selling Products with TikTok Shopping
There is so much to this app beyond just marketing products and hoping to drive traffic to your online store. In 2021 TikTok Shopping launched as a way to create an in-app shopping experience. Powered by Shopify, users can browse products and checkout all without ever leaving the app. It’s basically Instagram Shopping, but on TikTok. So not only can brands promote products on TikTok but they can sell them too.
Tips for Selling Products on TikTok
1. Make Sure You Have a Business Account
If you haven’t already done so, you should definitively have a business account on TikTok. You can do this with an existing account by going to Manage Account and select Switch to Business Account. Once you’ve done that you should also make sure to optimize your profile from a branding perspective. Include your website, contact information and other social handles.
2. Set Up TikTok Shopping
Now that you have a business account, you can begin to set up TikTok Shopping. This will allow you to tag products in your content and have a Shopping tab on your profile. Users will also be able to shop your products directly on TikTok, which you can set up one of two ways. First, you can have users checkout directly from your website. Or you can keep the shopping experience fully integrated within TikTok.
3. Create Consistent Content
You can’t expect to just exist with an account on TikTok an expect to sell. You absolutely have to have a consistent stream of exciting content being published if you want to get noticed. And on this app you’re rewarded for quantity, not quality. So the more content you create and publish on TikTok, the more you can drive sales. However, whatever you do avoid coming off too salesy. Like we mentioned above the TikTok audience really values organic content. Sharing things like product demonstrations or a behind the scenes of how it’s made will pay off way more than an attempt at an infomercial.
4. Tag Products in Your Content
One of the biggest favors you can do for yourself when it comes to selling products on TikTok, is tagging them. Once you’ve set up TikTok Shopping you’ll have the ability to tag products in your videos. This allows your audience to shop products directly from your content which can help to boost your sales. Not only that but it allows you to advertise products without advertisements. You can focus on creating organic content and yet still casually promote your products. It’s a great way to sneak a product placement in front of an audience.
5. Don’t Count Out Influencer Marketing
Many people think Influencer Marketing is dead and gone. While the initial hype of it has certainly faded out, it’s still helpful when it comes to sales. Especially if the campaign is executed correctly. And just like with platforms like Instagram and YouTube, TikTok certain has it’s share of influencers. Unlike influencer marketing tactics of the past, you need to define what it is that you’re looking to achieve. Are you trying to drive sales? Or are you looking to build brand awareness and generate content you can use?
You also want to be sure you’re working with influencers that fit the niche of your target audience. Do your research to find creators that don’t just have the follower numbers, but also the authentic engagement with their audience. Influencers that take the time to build a community out of their following ensures there’s a level of trust there. This trust is the foundation to successful influencing which is was encourages their followers to purchase products.
