Are you ready to explore the potential of TikTok and start selling your products or services? With the unique trends and features of TikTok, you can have the opportunity to become famous by following the right steps!
What is TikTok
TikTok is becoming one of the most famous social media in the world, with over 800 million users worldwide; Tiktok offers a lot of opportunities for eCommerce businesses to reach new potential audiences and boost brand awareness.
It’s a great way to reach new audiences and promote your business or product. For those just getting started selling on TikTok, this guide will help you understand how it works and give you tips for success.
You can build brand awareness and the attention of potential customers by showcasing your product or services. So follow these helpful tips and steps and start selling on TikTok like a pro!
Step 1: Create a TikTok account
Download the Tiktok app on your device or computer, then create a personal account. In addition to your account, you can also create a TikTok Business account, which offers additional features and tools for businesses.
After you log in with your information, create a username memorable for your account to ensure brand recognition and handle consistency across different platforms so customers can easily remember your brand.
Once you are done creating an account, personalize it by adding a TikTok profile picture, a short TikTok bio (but informative), and a link to any of your Youtube accounts or Instagram if applicable.
Step 2: Switch your TikTok account to “Pro”
You can switch your TikTok account to “Pro” by going to the Settings tab and tapping “Switch to Pro Account.” This will give you access to performance data, analytics, and other features exclusive to business accounts. Also, it’s free to use, so hassle-free; so here’s a summary about each account type:
Personal account: This is just a regular account where you can make TikTok videos, watch TikTok trends videos, comment and like someone else’s posts, and follow creators. It does not have access to analytics or insights.
Business account: This is a step up from the Pro account and offers more features like TikTok ads, Promotions, Insights, and Performance Statistics. It also allows you to create content specifically designed for e-commerce purposes.
Creator account: TikTok creator profiles are the highest account type, offering all of the features of both the Pro and Business accounts. It also allows you to create content specifically designed for monetization purposes, such as sponsored posts. You can also join Creator Fund once you achieve 10,00 followers, which will be monetized by your views. You can also access detailed analytics of the TikTok shopping feature and more benefits in the Creator account.
Steps on how to switch your account
Switching to a Creator Account:
Open your Tiktok account and go to your profile page.
Then top the three dots in the top right corner to access your settings.
Tap “Manage account.”
Select “Switch to Pro Account.”
Choose “Creator” as your account type.
Follow the prompts to add details, such as your name and category.
You can also link your Instagram and YouTube accounts to your TikTok Creator Account.
Switching to a Business Account:
Open your TikTok account and go to your profile page.
On the right top corner, click the three dots to access your settings.
Tap “Manage account.”
Select “Switch to Pro Account.”
Choose “Business” as your account type.
Follow the prompts to add your business details, such as your name and category.
Switching to a Pro Account:
Open your TikTok and go to your profile page.
On the right top corner, click the three dots to access your settings.
Tap “Manage account.”
Select “Switch to Pro Account.”
Choose “Creator” as your account type.
Follow the prompts to add your details, such as your name and category.
Tips:
Before starting the process, ensure you have a clear idea of what type of account you want to switch to.
Take your time filling out all the details and ensuring they are accurate.
After switching to a Business Account, you can access analytics and run ads on TikTok.
Once you switch to a Pro or Creator Account, you will have access to creator tools, such as the Creator Fund, and the capability to add links to your bio.
Always read and agree to the terms and conditions before switching your account type.
Step 3: Creating Content “Content is KING”
Now that you have an account, it’s time to start creating TikTok content. You want to create content that is entertaining and engaging for your followers. To do this, you need to get a feel for the type of videos users are interested in and what trends they find interesting.
Six Tips On How To Create Engaging Content:
Identify your niche: Decide what type of content you want to create and what your audience is interested in, whether it’s music, fashion, comedy, or beauty, so you will have a clear idea of what you want to achieve.
Keep it short and sweet: TikTok is just short videos, so make sure your content is concise and to the point. The ideal length is between “15 to 60” seconds, so plan your content accordingly.
Use trending sounds and hashtags: Incorporating popular sounds and hashtags into your videos can help your content get more exposure and engagement. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and try to incorporate them into your content.
Be creative and unique: TikTok is all about creativity and unique content. Try to come up with something different that will catch people’s attention. You can use different editing tools and filters to make your videos more engaging.
Engage with your audience: Respond to comments, collaborate with other TikTokers, and engage with your followers to build a community around your content. The more you interact with your audience, the more they will engage with your content.
Promote brand awareness: Once you have established your content and provided value to your followers, it’s time to start promoting brand awareness. This is the stage where you can start talking about your product or service and how it will benefit customers. You can create videos that showcase your offer and explain why people should buy it.
Choose an e-commerce platform: There are many options out there, such as BigCommerce, Shopify, and WooCommerce Research different platforms and find one that suits your budget and needs.
Set up your store: Follow the instructions provided by your e-commerce platform to create your online store. This typically involves setting up payment and shipping options, creating product pages, and designing your store layout.
Add your products: Upload high-quality product photos and descriptions to your store. Ensure to include details such as product dimensions, materials, and other relevant information.
Set up payment and shipping options: Choose payment and shipping options that work for your business and customers. Make sure to include clear information about shipping times and costs.
Test your store: Before launching your store, make sure to test it thoroughly. Try placing a test order to ensure everything is working as expected.
Launch your store: Once you’re confident that your store is ready to go, it’s time to launch! Promote your store through email marketing, social media, and other channels to drive traffic and sales.
Next, be resourceful with your marketing strategies. Use social media, search engine optimization (SEO), email newsletters, and promotions to attract potential customers and keep your audience coming back for more engaging videos you make.
Remember, customer service is vital to quickly respond to inquiries, ship products, and offer hassle-free returns. Your customers will appreciate the extra effort, and it will help build a loyal customer base.
Step 5: Engage with the audience
Engaging with your followers on TikTok is a great way to build relationships and loyalty. Engage with your viewers by replying to comments, following back, and collaborating with other creators.
Be unique with your engagement process by duetting with your followers, hosting giveaways, and creating challenges for them to participate in that way; you can encourage users to engage with your content TikTok video. This will help you form meaningful connections with your target audience and create customer loyalty.
To engage your audience with your content, you can use TikTok’s Video Creation Kit. This tool provides access to various video templates, allowing you to create video ads easily without needing advanced editing skills. You can even create videos using your existing images.
Step 6: Leverage TikTok influencer
By partnering with TikTok “influencers” or TikTok creators, you can increase your brand awareness, reach new audiences, and drive sales. An influencer in your niche can put your products before a much bigger audience. Another benefit of hiring an influencer is they can make your brand feel organic rather than blatant advertising.
To achieve influencer marketing successfully, it’s essential to work with influencers who have a genuine connection with their audience and can create engaging and authentic content.
To find influencers in your niche, search keywords that apply to your product category within TikTok to see if any influencers in your space are interested in working with you.
Example: If you’re in a Slimming coffee, search for “Slimming coffee” and find users who post like that topic. You can also find top influencer talent in TikTok’s Creator Marketplace. The TikTok Marketplace is a hub to connect influencers and brands and offers data-driven insights into which influencers are suitable for your brand.
Step 7: Use TikTok Ads
TikTok Ads are a great way to promote your products and services. With the help of ads, you can reach more potential customers, increase brand awareness, track performance metrics, and drive conversions. So, it’s essential to set up ad campaigns that deliver maximum results.
TikTok Ads offers a variety of ad formats to suit different marketing goals. These include In-Feed Ads, TopView Ads, Branded Hashtag Challenges, Brand Takeovers, and Branded Effects. In-Feed Ads are similar to Instagram’s sponsored posts and appear in users’ feeds as they scroll through the app.
There are two main types of ads:
Self-Service Ads: They are seamlessly integrated into a user’s “For You page,” making it easy to create ads without the help of a TikTok account manager
Ad Manager Ads: They are managed by a professional account manager who can help you optimize your campaigns and maximize conversions. It also includes branded hashtag challenges, branded filters, brand takeovers, and Top view ads.
Brand Takeover is full-screen ads that appear when a user opens the app. TopView Ads are similar to Brand Takeovers but allow businesses to showcase a longer video. Branded Hashtag Challenges encourage users to participate in a challenge related to branded content, while Branded Effects allow businesses to create their filters or effects.
Step 8: Use Relevant Hashtags
Hashtags are essential to TikTok’s discovery process and can help users find your content more easily. Make sure to use popular and relevant hashtags that are related to your niche or products. Also, you can create your own branded hashtag to encourage user-generated content and promote your brand.
Here are some tips:
Research: Look up popular hashtags in your niche and see what others are using. Then it will give you an idea of what works and what doesn’t.
Be specific: Don’t just use generic hashtags like #funny or #cool. Be more specific with your hashtags, like #funnyvideos or #coolhacks.
Use trending hashtags: Keep an eye on the trending hashtags on TikTok and see if any are relevant to your content and if they suit your brand.
Limit your hashtags: Don’t use too many hashtags in your posts, as it can make them look spammy. Stick to around 3-5 relevant hashtags per post.
By using relevant hashtags in your TikTok posts, you’ll increase your chances of reaching a larger audience and gaining new followers. So, do your research, be specific, use trending hashtags, and limit your hashtags.
Step 9: Promote User-Generated Content (UGC)
User-generated content (UGC) is a content created by your brand or product users. This content can range from dance challenges to comedic skits, lip-syncing videos, product reviews, and more. UGC is a great way to create engaging content for your TikTok feed and build customer relationships.
Here are some tips for encouraging user-generated content on TikTok:
Create a branded hashtag: One of the easiest ways to encourage user-generated content is to create a branded hashtag that users can use to tag their videos. This will help your brand easily find and share UGC related to your products.
Run a challenge or contest: Challenges and contests are a great way to encourage users to create and share content related to your products. You can create a challenge that encourages users to show off creative uses for your products or run a contest where users can submit videos for a chance to win prizes.
Feature UGC on your social media accounts: When users see that a brand is sharing its content, they’re more likely to continue creating and sharing content. By featuring UGC on your own social media accounts, you can show your appreciation for your customers’ creativity and build a stronger relationship with them.
Provide Inspiration: If you want users to create content related to your products, you need to give them some inspiration. Share your own TikTok videos that creatively showcase your products or repost UGC that you find particularly compelling.
Partner with influencers: TikTok influencers have massive followings and can help to amplify your brand’s message. Collaborate with influencers who align with your brand’s values and have a following that matches your target audience.
Step 10: Measure Your Results
To determine the effectiveness of your TikTok marketing efforts, you’ll need to track ad performance and measure your results. Use TikTok’s analytics tools to monitor your engagement rates, follower growth, and other metrics. You can also use third-party tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social to track your TikTok performance alongside your other social media channels.
Step 11: Connect Your Shop To Your TikTok Account
If you have an online store, then it’s important to link your shop to your TikTok profile. It will be easier for customers to purchase products directly from your videos and provide a more seamless shopping experience.
Six Steps you can follow to connect your shop to your TikTok Account:
Make sure you have a business account on TikTok. If you don’t have one yet, go to your profile page and click on the three dots in the top right corner. Then, click on “Manage Account” and select “Switch to Pro Account.” Follow the prompts to set up your business account.
Go to your TikTok profile page and on the right top corner click the three dots to Select “Edit Profile.”
In the “Website” field, enter the URL of your online shop or the specific product page you want to direct users to.
Save your changes and your shop link should now be visible on your TikTok profile page.
Consider adding a call-to-action in your bio, such as “Shop Now” or “Check Out Our Products.”
Create engaging TikTok content that showcases your products and directs users to your online shop. You can use hashtags, product stickers, and other tools to promote your products on TikTok.
Once you have linked your store to TikTok, customers can click on the shopping cart icon beneath your videos and shop directly to your account.
Linking your shop to your TikTok account can help you reach a wider audience.
When users see your TikTok videos, they may be delighted by your products and want to learn more. By linking your shop, you’re providing them with a direct path to purchase, which can increase the chances of them becoming customers.
Step 12: Get To Know Other Options To Sell On TikTok
In addition to linking your store to TikTok, there are other ways you can use the platform to sell products. You can create “Shop Now” links in your bio, which allow users to shop directly from your profile page. Steps you can follow to set up a “Shop Now:”
Open your TikTok account app and go to your profile page by clicking on the “Me” icon in the bottom right corner.
Click on the “Edit Profile” button located underneath your profile picture.
In the “Website” field, enter the URL of your online store or the specific product page you want to direct users to.
Make sure to add a clear call-to-action in your bio, such as “Shop Now” or “Get Your Products Here.”
Save your changes and your “Shop Now” link should now be visible on your TikTok profile page.
Encourage users to visit your bio and click on the link by creating engaging content and showcasing your products in a fun and creative way.
You can also link products directly in videos through “Product Stickers” or post-shippable these stickers can be added to your videos, allowing users to click on them and be taken directly to the product page on your website. This is a better way to showcase your products in a fun and engaging way and encourage users to make a purchase.
Make sure your TikTok account is set up as a business account. To do this, go to your profile page, and on the top right corner click the dots then click on, “Manage Account” and select “Switch to Pro Account.” Follow the prompts to set up your business account.
Ensure that your TikTok account is linked to a Facebook Business Manager account. So if you don’t have a Facebook Business account you can create one for free on Facebook’s website.
Set up your Facebook Business Manager account by providing your business details and linking your payment method.
Once your Facebook Business Manager account is set up, you can create a product catalog that includes the products you want to sell on TikTok. You can add products manually or by importing a CSV file.
Connect your product catalog to your TikTok account by going to your TikTok profile and on the right top corner click the three dots then connect your catalog.
Then Select “Business Suite” and then “Product Catalogs.” Follow the prompts to connect your product catalog.
Create your video on TikTok and select the “Stickers” option from the editing menu. Select the “Product” sticker and choose the product you want to feature from your product catalog.
Customize your sticker by adjusting its size and placement on the video. You can also add text or other stickers to make your video more engaging.
Publish your video and promote it to your followers and target audience.
Conclusion
TikTok is a powerful platform for businesses to reach new customers and promote their products or services. With the help of influencers, ads, user-generated content, and other strategies, you can create an engaging presence on TikTok that drives sales and builds customer relationships. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to success with your TikTok marketing efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell merchandise on TikTok?
A: Yes, you can sell merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, and other items on TikTok. You can create product stickers in your videos or promote your merchandise in the form of ads. You can also link your online store in your profile bio to make it easier for customers to shop directly from your account.
Is selling on TikTok profitable?
A: Yes, selling on TikTok can be profitable. With the right tools and strategies, you can create an engaged following that is interested in your products or services. The key to success is creating engaging content and promoting it to the right audience.
8-figure Amazon seller and serial online entrepreneur since 2015. Research and practice various online business models, and apply his in-depth learnings to further expand and grow his businesses as well as help others to achieve greater successes. Ex-VP of a high tech VC in Vancouver and a Management Consultant with over a decade of experience in the industry. Master's Degree from HEC Paris.
