TikTok is one of the most used applications at the moment with more than one billion users worldwide. For such reason, it is constantly adding new features to keep its users engaged. Under this argument, the application has implemented TikTok Shopping, a tool that improves the ease of purchase and the customer experience.

According to eMarketer, it predicts that social commerce retail sales will increase. This is regarding electronic commerce which would reach $79.26 billion in the United States alone by 2025. This is why TikTok wants to have a presence in this market.

What do you need to know as a brand about shopping on TikTok?

First of all, we need to understand the original idea of TikTok. Without a doubt, the application has favored many brands to have a digital presence and increase their sales. However, we have to keep in mind that TikTok was created with the idea of uploading simple videos with musical backgrounds. But over time, users have changed their content and uploaded more original videos.

Also, thanks to this increase in content and a broader range of genres, brands can find a niche to work with. When entering the application for the first time, the user can select the topics of interest. Then, each time you enter this, you will see content according to the TikTok algorithm related to your selection. On the other hand, the videos you can find are 15 seconds, 1 or 3 minutes long.

The clips your brand makes on your account shouldn't look like a traditional ad under an automated script. Well, the public that is handled on this social platform is Gen Z and Millennials. Likewise, brands need to know their target audience and their marketing to carry out a successful campaign. For that reason. TikTok implemented TikTok Shopping to get into e-commerce and improve the shopping experience for customers.

What is TikTok Shopping?

Before August 2021, sales on the platform were made organically. This process implied that the brand recommended its product in its feed and the customer could find it on other websites. However, TikTok and Shopify made the TikTok Shopping announcement official. In this way, the customer will be able to purchase the product within the application, simplifying the purchase process.

Who can use TikTok Shopping?

If you are in any of these 4 categories you can use it:

  • vendors
  • creators
  • partners
  • affiliates

In the case of being a seller, you must be located in the United Kingdom, mainland China, Hong Kong, or Indonesia. Likewise, you must prove it with a number from that region and a certificate of incorporation for your business and identification.

If you are a creator, your account must be in good standing. In addition, you have to have more than 1,000 followers, have more than 50 video views in the last 28 days, be 18 years old, and have posted a TikTok video in the last 28 days. Likewise, if you are a partner you must have a registered business in the following countries:

  • Indonesia
  • Italy
  • Malaysia
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • United Kingdom
  • Vietnam

On the other hand, if you are an affiliate you must be registered as a TikTok Shopping seller from:

  • United Kingdom
  • mainland china
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Philippines
  • Singapore

 

How to set up a TikTok Shopping store

To sign up and have your own store, you must be a seller. These should go to the TikTok Seller Center for registration. Also, you must upload all the requested documents such as a certificate of incorporation, passport, or license. And in an average of 1 to 3 days, you will receive an email about the request for your result. Finally, you need to link your TikTok account to your store and start selling on TikTok Shopping.

In addition, users will also be able to make purchases through live broadcasts displaying their products. This way, viewers tune in to the live shows and add items to their shopping carts right in the app.

How you can increase your purchases in the TikTok store

Shopping on TikTok Shopping is similar to shopping on Instagram or another digital platform. Therefore, you must first understand how the application works and the benefits that it can grant you as a seller. Also, you must have the plan to improve the sale of your products. Here are some tips you can follow to increase your results.

1. Optimize your product catalog for TikTok Shopping

Your TikTok Shopping storefront is the shopping tab in your account. Which you will want to optimize in order to attract customers. For this, you need to focus on the quality and style that you add to your images. Also, remember that the photos of your products must be easily recognized and consistent with the aesthetics of your profile.

Your product titles should not be less than 34 characters. Likewise, brief basic information about it should be added. The opposite of the description, which can be a bit longer. Remember that if you want to include a link, it will not work and will not redirect anywhere.

2. Inform your audience about your store

As soon as your TikTok Shopping store is set up, you should tell all your customers. For this, you can create a series of TikTok's showing where they can find it and how to make a purchase. In addition to using the various features that TikTok Shopping offers with the new update.

3. Promote your products

When your store is already configured in TikTok Shopping and your customers know about it, you should start creating promotions for your products. Whether it's through live broadcasts, humorous videos, or others, you can show them to your regular or new customers.

4. Collaborate with Influencers

This point is optional according to the seller's preference. However, based on the latest trends it is important to have a content creator. Well, by spending more time on the application, they know how a product is promoted. Therefore, you must give them creative freedom and experiment with ways to attract new customers and sell your product.

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What are the new features that TikTok Shopping offers to sellers

With the implementation of this store on the same TikTok platform, new features are also added. Which will improve the seller and customer experience. Because they are intended to help products reach their target audience more easily.

1.TikTok Collection Ads

This feature allows brands to include listings for their products in their In-Feed ads. For example, when the customer selects an item on a card, they can view the rest of the items in a gallery. This increases product visibility and increases audience levels. Resulting in improved sales.

The uses of the TikTok Collection are many, such as attracting customers to the website or presenting new offers. It also works great showing promotions, adding new products, or limited-time offers.

2. Products Links

With this feature, brands and businesses have the opportunity to highlight one or more products through links in organic videos. In this way, customers will be able to click on the link and will be redirected to an external page. Also, users can view the rest of the items without leaving TikTok Shopping.

3. Live Shopping

Through streaming, brands and sellers can connect with their customers and show their products. While this is happening, users will be able to purchase the items in real-time making them easy to purchase.

4. Dynamic Showcase Ads

Thanks to this feature, brands can automatically promote thousands of products through a personalized videos. Which reaches audiences based on the interests and activities on the platform. Without a doubt, these ads are perfect for brands with little experience in advertising creation. Allowing to generate brand content or encourage application downloads.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, social media apps provide us with new ways to socialize every day. However, given the excessive growth of these, they also choose to venture into other markets such as electronic sales. Which makes life easier for customers and shows new purchasing channels adapting to their needs. TikTok Shopping helps this process and creates a better customer experience.

That is why it is important to know how to adapt to the new purchasing modalities. And be aware of the new trends of these. Likewise, we must remember that our business must be in constant innovation according to the behavior of our public.