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TikTok has blown up into one of the biggest social networks ever! It's got over 1 billion active users every month since it started in 2016. Pretty crazy, right?
Right now, more than 5 million businesses use the platform to sell their products, and over 150 million people in the US use it every day.
TikTok has a lot to offer—entertaining videos, daily vlogs, dance challenges, and general lifestyle advice—but there's more to do on the TikTok Shop.
Many businesses and brands are leveraging the site to promote their products and drive sales especially to connect with the younger demographics. If this is a good fit for your business, keep reading to find out how to market and sell your products on the platform.
TikTok is an amazing platform to generate sales. It has a global user base of over 1.9 billion and it's projected that by 2027 , TikTok will reach a user base of a whopping 2.2 billion.
The app is the first non-Facebook (now Meta) app with over 4.7 billion downloads. Almost 20% of people aged 18 and older all over the world use TikTok of which, 33% of TikTok Shop users actually have bought a product after seeing it on the platform.
All of this proves that TikTok Shop is the place to be if you're looking for online sales and your thinking to start using the platform to promote your business, there's no time better than right now.
Before creating your account, review the TikTok monetization requirements to confirm you meet the platform's eligibility criteria for selling and earning.
First, install the TikTok app and create an account.
If you want to keep your personal and business activities separate, consider creating a dedicated business account. This allows you to switch between accounts easily using the same login information.
Next, choose a creative and consistent username across all your social media platforms to make it easier for people to find and recognize you. Don’t forget to add a profile photo and a bio that briefly describes your brand. You can also link your Instagram and YouTube accounts for seamless navigation.
Initially, you will have a "Personal" account. To access enhanced features and analytics, upgrade to a "Pro" account.
For businesses, select the "Business" account. This upgrade provides detailed performance analytics, allowing you to track which videos are performing well and which need improvement. You can also include contact information and links to your online store, Amazon storefront, or Facebook Business page in your bio.
Creating engaging content is key to attracting interest in your brand. Focus on making content that entertains, informs, or aligns with the latest TikTok trends. Aim for visually appealing and engaging content to encourage viewers to interact with your posts.
You've set up your shop, what's next? Make your TikTok Shop shine.
Your TikTok Shop is in the purchasing tab of your account, and a well-organized catalog is key to converting viewers into customers. Think of it like a tidy, inviting store. Here’s how to make it happen:
Now that your shop is ready, it's time to spread the word.
With your shop up and running, it’s time to get those products noticed.
Partnering with influencers can significantly boost your brand's visibility.
Research and reach out to influencers who share your target audience and brand values. Make sure to focus on their engagement and content quality rather than just follower count.
Influencers will often use TikTok Stories to promote products, which disappear after 24 hours, creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity.
Investing in TikTok Ads can help increase the reach of your promotions. Here are some effective Ad formats:
Several businesses, brands, and online stores have hit it big on TikTok by using the platform to promote their products and services. Let's walk through some of their success stories and what you can learn from them.
NYX recently hosted an exciting six-day creative hashtag challenge to inspire beauty enthusiasts and creators. They collaborated with five TikTok influencers to create a unique song for the campaign, which went viral. Followers were encouraged to try out different lip gloss colors while singing or performing, with a chance to win $1,200 worth of NYX products.
The campaign generated over 2 million user-generated videos , showing a 42% increase in brand awareness. The hashtag #butterglosspop received an incredible 11.2 billion views.
Takeaway : Team up with influencers and create fun challenges to get more people talking about your brand and sharing their own content.
In 2020, Netflix expanded its user base to over 13.5 million TikTok followers by creating popular and engaging content tailored for their community. The third season of Cobra Kai was a notable success, featuring a branded interactive Cobra Kai Chop filter.
Influencers from all over the world added their creative touch, resulting in the hashtag #CobraKaiChop to receive a whopping 5.6 billion views .
Takeaway : Use interactive filters and collaborate with influencers from around the world to create content that everyone will love.
EA Games introduced an interactive element to their campaign with the #PlayWithLife campaign . This encouraged users to show off their favorite outfits, with a branded creative effect featuring a plumbob floating over their heads. The campaign sparked a popular trend, with the hashtag being viewed over 15 million times.
Takeaway : Add fun, interactive elements to your campaigns to make them more engaging and memorable.
Nascar became one of the top brands on TikTok by connecting with their community through innovative content. An accidental sponsorship between Nascar driver Ryan Vargas and TikTok led to a successful partnership. This collaboration allowed Vargas to complete the final six races of the season, highlighting the potential of TikTok for sports marketing.
Takeaway : Embrace unexpected opportunities and engage with your community to create genuine connections and boost your brand.
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