TikTok has taken the world by storm. With 90% of its users accessing it on a daily basis and with an average session time of 10.85 minutes, it has become the most engaging social media app today. But aside from the entertaining videos on this app, it also has a shop where sellers can showcase and sell their goods to potential customers.
In this article, we will explain how TikTok Shop works and how small businesses can use it. We will help you set up your shop and give you tips on how to leverage the platform to get people interested in your products. So, get ready to learn all about it and start selling on TikTok!
What is TikTok Shop?
TikTok Shop is a social commerce platform that enables merchants, brands, and creators to showcase and sell products directly on TikTok. It’s a fully integrated commerce solution, meaning that users can browse, select, purchase, and track their orders all within the TikTok app.
TikTok has millions of users who spend hours on the app daily. They’re not just scrolling—they’re engaging with content they love. When you sell on TikTok Shop, you’re tapping into this passionate user base, which increases your chances of getting your products noticed, liked, and shared.
How to set up your TikTok Shop
It’s easy to set up a TikTok shop. Follow our guide on how you can launch your very own shop on TikTok:
Step 1: Make a TikTok shop
- In the TikTok Seller Center, choose which region and country you belong to.
- Sign up for a TikTok account with a phone number or email address.
- Set your shop’s warehouse/pickup address.
- Choose a country/region and provide the street address.
- Include the name of the contact person.
- Provide your postcode.
- Input your phone number.
- Supply a return address for your online shop. This return address can be the same as your warehouse/pickup Address. Just check the Set as return address boxwhen filling out the warehouse/pickup address.
- If you prefer a separate return address, add a return warehouse address, contact person, postcode, and phone number.
- Check the box to agree to the terms and conditions. Click Start Your Business.
Step 2: Validate your documents
To confirm your identity and eligibility under local laws, you need to provide pertinent documents to be able to sell products on TikTok.
- On the TikTok Seller Center home page, click Verify Documents,then click Upload documents.
- Under Seller information, choose your Business Type: Corporation or Individually-owned Business.
- Input a shop name.
- Upload the front and back of your passport, national ID, or driver’s license for individually owned businesses.
- On the other hand, if you’re running a corporation, you need to upload an image of:
- A government-issued identification document of a person with significant control in the corporation.
- A business license, registration, or similar official documents, that show if you’re qualified under relevant laws to sell in the TikTok shop.
- Click Submit once you’ve uploaded all the necessary documents.
- Once submitted, your application will be pending until it’s approved. If it’s rejected, you’ll receive an email on how to resubmit your documents.
Step 3: Link bank account
It’s essential to link a bank account to your shop so you can receive payments for purchases and process returns. To link a bank account, follow these steps:
- On the TikTok Seller Center home page, click Link Bank Account, then click Link Account.
- Provide your account name, bank name, bank account number, email address, and building number.
- For individually owned businesses, the account name needs to be the same as the registered name. For corporations, the account name needs to be the same as the company name.
- Once you’ve accomplished all required fields, click Submit.
Once you have the go signal to sell your products, you can set up video shopping ads or live shopping ads to boost your products’ presence. You can learn more about TikTok shopping ads here.
6 Tips for your TikTok Shop’s success
Success isn’t linear. That’s why you have to adopt these helpful tips to ensure your shop’s success:
Pro tip 1: Consistency is key
Consistency means regularly doing something. On TikTok Shop, it’s vital to keep posting new content. Share videos of your products often. This helps keep people interested in your business because they see new things from you regularly. But remember, it might take some time to build a strong presence, so be patient.
Pro tip 2: Be authentic and relatable
Share stories and show the people who work in your business. This helps people relate to you because they see there are real people behind your brand. People like buying from real people, not just faceless companies. When it comes to your products, you must be transparent and not offer false promises in hopes of getting a sale. You should be able to gain the trust of your target group to guarantee continuous sales.
Pro tip 3: Stay updated with TikTok trends
TikTok is full of trends and challenges that come and go quickly. Try to stay updated with what’s popular. When you make videos that fit with these trends, more people will see them, and that’s good for your business.
Pro tip 4: Experiment with different content formats
On TikTok, you can make all sorts of videos, like short ones or live ones. Don’t be afraid to try different kinds! Experimenting can help you figure out what your customers like best. TikTok rewards creativity, so have fun with it.
Pro tip 5: Engage with your audience
Remember that TikTok is a social app. It’s not just about posting videos—it’s about engaging with people. Respond to comments, answer questions, and let your viewers know you’re listening. Building a community around your brand can help you keep customers and make new ones.
Pro tip 6: Track performance and optimize your shop
TikTok Shop provides insights and data about your shop’s performance. It tells you which products are selling well, and which ones might need a boost. It can also show you when your videos get the most views. Use this data to your advantage.
For instance, if you notice that a particular product is popular, consider promoting it more. If your videos perform better at certain times of the day, try to schedule your posts accordingly. It’s all about making informed decisions based on what the data tells you.
Build your TikTok shop today
TikTok is one of the many social media platforms that small businesses use today to reach a wider audience. Because of its high session time, the chances of getting your products noticed are very high. Follow the steps above on how to set up your shop on the platform and you’ll be well on your way to success.
If you’re looking to expand your business beyond TikTok, take a look at Web.com’s Online Store Builder. With this tool, you’ll be able to build your industry-appropriate website with its drag-and-drop feature and professionally made templates. Choose a plan whenever you’re ready!
