TikTok is becoming an important social media platform for small business owners. Whether you want to build brand awareness or start social selling, this ever-popular social media app is a powerful weapon in your marketing arsenal. In this article, you will learn how to start selling on TikTok and some proven tips to increase your sales.
Let’s dive in:
Should You Create a TikTok Account for Your Small Business?
TikTok has rapidly emerged as one of the top social media platforms, boasting approximately 78.7 million users in the United States. Of these, around 37.3 million are from Generation Z, a group characterized by high educational attainment, digital fluency, and social consciousness.
Utilizing TikTok can enable you to connect with Gen Z, a demographic that is rapidly becoming a significant force in the shopping and buying landscape.
What Are the Benefits of Selling on TikTok App?
Here are the key benefits of selling on TikTok:
- You can target Gen Z, which accounts for more than 40% of global consumers
- Videos increase conversion rates. So, TikTok, being a video hosting platform, can provide your business with attractive conversion rates. In fact, 37% of users immediately go to buy it once they discover it in a TikTok video
- You can easily find local TikTok influencers to spread the word about your products/services
- You don’t have to be an expert to start selling products on TikTok, as having an online store on TikTok is super easy
- Users are not passive on TikTok due to its immersive experience – users not only watch content but also listen to the audio. So, you can have their attention if you create content that is interesting and entertaining
Additionally, 38% of TikTok users influence their friends and family to purchase products they discover in TikTok videos.
| Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| Targeting Gen Z | Reach a demographic that makes up more than 40% of global consumers. |
| Increased Conversion Rates | Utilize video content to boost conversion rates, with 37% of users making immediate purchases. |
| Local Influencer Collaboration | Easily collaborate with local TikTok influencers to promote your products/services. |
| User-Friendly Platform | No need for extensive expertise; setting up an online store on TikTok is straightforward. |
| Immersive User Experience | Engage users with an immersive experience where they both watch and listen to content. |
| Word-of-Mouth Influence | Leverage the power of user recommendations, as 38% of TikTok users influence friends and family. |
How to Sell on TikTok
So, you have made up your mind to sell your products to the TikTok community.
Here is the step-by-step process to start selling on TikTok:
1. Create a TikTok Account
If you already have a personal TikTok account, consider creating another account for your business. Go to the TikTok website or download the app from App Store or Google Play to create an account. You can register using your email address, phone number, or any existing social media account.
When you’re picking a username for your TikTok account, keep your account on other social media platforms in mind. You may want to have the same or similar username across different social platforms. So your audience can easily recognize you. Once your account is live, add a profile picture.
2. Upgrade to a Pro Account
By default, TikTok creates a personal account. You need to upgrade it to a Pro account, which has two types – business and creator. To use TikTok for business, you should upgrade your account to a business account. Doing so will enable you to access detailed analytics and add your business contact information to your TikTok bio.
What’s more, the TikTok business account will give you access to a host of engagement and ad solutions to succeed. After you have upgraded your account, you should optimize your TikTok profile. Make sure you define your business in your TikTok bio and use an appropriate call to action.
Also, you should connect TikTok with other social media accounts, such as Instagram and YouTube accounts.
3. Link Your eStore to TikTok
To start selling on TikTok, you must integrate your eCommerce store with TikTok. TikTok allows Shopify, Square, Ecwid, BigCommerce, and PrestaShop integration. Soon other platforms will join the list.
You should consult your eCommerce infrastructure provider to learn how to sell on TikTok by integrating your eStore with the platform.
4. Start Creating Content
The only way to wow your target audience is to create engaging content. Instead of creating tons of branded content, you should focus on creating TikTok content that is engaging and playful.
You should check the Discovery page and your TikTok feed (For You Section) for viral videos to get content ideas. See what your competitors are doing and try to understand TikTok trends.
Some popular content ideas are how-to videos, song parodies, and before and after videos. If you lack creativity, these TikTok content ideas can help you create videos for TikTok.
Posting content at the right time is critical for the success of your TikTok channel. So, you should figure out the best time to post on TikTok.
5. Engage with TikTok Audiences
High-quality organic content tends to generate strong engagement on TikTok. Therefore, by producing entertaining short videos, you can attract viewers who will engage with your content through likes and comments. Rather than remaining passive, it’s important to actively connect with your audience. Make sure to respond to their comments and acknowledge their likes.
Your objective should be trying to earn fans. When more users engage with your content as soon as you post it, TikTok’s algorithm is likely to amplify the reach of your videos and make them feature on In Feed Videos of others.
6. Partner with Influencers
Partnering with influencers will provide you with social proof and extensive exposure. You can search for influencers on the TikTok creator marketplace, where you can see data-driven insights to find the right influencers for your business.
7. Encourage User-Generated Content
If you aim to turn TikTok into a top-performing sales channel, it’s essential to promote user-generated content. Engaging your audience to share their preferences, launching a TikTok hashtag challenge, and collaborating with TikTok creators are effective strategies to inspire users to create content for your brand.
8. Utilize TikTok Advertising Solutions
Running TikTok ads is an excellent way to get your products in front of your audience. But before you begin creating ads, you should understand the different types of paid ads on TikTok. This will help you determine the right ad type for your business.
In feed ads, branded hashtag challenges, top view ads, branded lenses, and brand takeovers (that take up the entire screen) are popular options to run ad campaigns on TikTok. It is better to track ad performance to find what works best in your niche.
Using TikTok paid advertising to promote discount codes can be a good marketing strategy to boost sales.
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Create a TikTok Account | Set up a TikTok account for your business, ensuring it aligns with your brand and is easily recognizable to your audience. |
| Upgrade to a Pro Account | Upgrade your TikTok account to a Pro account, specifically a business account, to access analytics and additional features. |
| Link Your eStore to TikTok | Integrate your eCommerce store with TikTok, leveraging platforms like Shopify, Square, Ecwid, and more for seamless selling. |
| Start Creating Engaging Content | Focus on creating captivating and playful TikTok content that resonates with your target audience and aligns with trends. |
| Engage with TikTok Audiences | Actively engage with your audience by responding to comments and building a fan base to boost your content’s reach. |
| Partner with Influencers | Collaborate with TikTok influencers to gain social proof and expand your brand’s exposure to a wider and relevant audience. |
| Encourage User-Generated Content | Foster user-generated content by involving your audience in challenges and creative content creation for your brand. |
| Utilize TikTok Advertising Solutions | Leverage TikTok advertising options like in-feed ads, branded challenges, and more to promote your products effectively. |
Selling Tips for TikTok Users
Here are some proven tips to increase your sales:
- Study viral videos to know what works in your niche
- Focus on creating sharable content frequently and encourage user-generated content
- Partner with micro-influencers to improve your exposure and brand positioning
- Create your video ad content strategically to wow your audience
- Take advantage of popular hashtags
Also, you ensure that you use the right music in your videos.
Leveraging TikTok’s Algorithm for Sales Success
Understanding TikTok’s algorithm can significantly boost your sales efforts on the platform. Here’s how you can harness the power of TikTok’s algorithm to your advantage:
- Consistency is Key: TikTok rewards consistency. Regularly posting content, preferably at peak times when your target audience is active, can help you stay on the algorithm’s radar. This consistent presence increases the chances of your content reaching a wider audience.
- Engagement Matters: TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes content with high engagement. Encourage viewers to like, comment, and share your videos. Responding promptly to comments and fostering a sense of community around your brand can boost engagement levels.
- Trend Riding: TikTok trends play a pivotal role in content discovery. Stay updated with trending hashtags, challenges, and soundtracks relevant to your niche. Incorporate these trends into your content strategy to ride the wave of popularity and increase visibility.
- Video Length: TikTok favors short-form videos, typically under 60 seconds. Keep your content concise, engaging, and to the point. Grab viewers’ attention within the first few seconds to ensure they watch your video until the end.
- Hashtags and Descriptions: Use relevant hashtags and detailed descriptions for your videos. This helps the algorithm understand your content better and ensures it gets shown to the right audience. Research popular hashtags in your niche and include them strategically.
- Diversify Content: Experiment with different types of content, from tutorials to behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business. The algorithm appreciates content diversity and rewards creators who provide it.
- User Interaction: TikTok’s algorithm considers the interaction between users. Collaborate with other TikTok users, engage in duets, and participate in challenges. This not only expands your reach but also increases the likelihood of your content being recommended to others.
- Video Completion Rate: The algorithm evaluates how many viewers watch your video until the end. Craft engaging narratives or captivating visuals to keep viewers hooked and improve your video completion rate.
- Utilize TikTok Analytics: TikTok offers built-in analytics for Pro accounts. Use these insights to track your content’s performance, audience demographics, and video engagement. Adjust your strategy based on what works best for your brand.
- Adapt and Evolve: TikTok’s algorithm evolves, so it’s essential to stay adaptable. Continuously monitor your analytics, stay updated with platform changes, and refine your content strategy accordingly.
Can you Sell Products through TikTok?
Yes, you can sell products through TikTok. You can integrate your eCommerce platform with Open API to sell your products to users. It works with Shopify, Square, Ecwid, and PrestaShop. And other platforms are joining the list soon.
How Do I Set up a Shop on TikTok?
Setting up a shop on TikTok depends on the platform you use. Shopify users should add the TikTok app from the dashboard and follow the steps to complete the process. If you use Ecwid, the process will be the same. You should contact your eCommerce platform to learn how to set up a shop on TikTok.
How Do I Become a TikTok Seller?
Open a TikTok account and convert it into a business account. Then, you need to integrate your eCommerce platform with your TikTok account to become a TikTok seller.
Image: Depositphotos
