Everything You Need To Know About TikTok Shop

With other social media platforms such as Facebook and Pinterest boasting conversion rates of up to 8%, TikTok launched TikTok Shop in September 2023 after nearly a year of trials. It’s no surprise that the feature has been a significant revenue driver for the platform since then, with up to 67% of TikTok users reporting that they were inspired to make purchases on the app even when they weren’t actively shopping. 

What does this mean for you? If your eCommerce brand is already putting in the work to grow your following through organic TikTok, then TikTok Shop can help you turn that engagement into revenue by allowing users to seamlessly check out within the app.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about TikTok Shop and why you should use it, including a step-by-step guide to setting up your own TikTok Shop.

What is TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop is TikTok’s integrated eCommerce platform, allowing users to discover and purchase products directly within the app. Blending social media and eCommerce, TikTok Shop products can be browsed via videos, live streams or a dedicated ‘shop’ tab. 

Launched to capitalise on TikTok’s growing popularity, TikTok Shop allows businesses to advertise their products to a highly engaged audience, particularly to younger users. By streamlining the purchase process and removing friction (such as page load times or too many clicks), conversion rates are likely to be higher.

Benefits of TikTok Shop

Sponsored TV ads are eligible for a selection of interactive experiences including QR codes, clickable ads on Twitch and remote interactive ads. Remote interactive ads apply an interactive “Press OK to add to basket” overlay so that viewers can add the advertised products to their Amazon carts to revisit later.

1. Access to a Broad Audience

TikTok boasts over a billion active users worldwide, making it an ideal platform for businesses to reach a large and diverse audience. As 76% of TikTok users in the UK are aged between 15 and 24, this is especially helpful for brands looking to tap into the buying power of a younger audience.

2. Increased Engagement

TikTok is known for its highly engaging, trending content. Users on TikTok Shop aren’t just passive consumers; they’re actively involved in your brand’s narrative through videos and live streams. TikTok shopping is highly immersive – rather than browsing on an online store, users are viewing your products alongside organic content from their friends and favourite creators. This heightened engagement can result in stronger brand loyalty and lead to higher conversion rates. 

3. Seamless Shopping Experience

One of the key advantages of TikTok Shop is the frictionless shopping experience it delivers to your audience. By allowing users to complete purchases within the app, TikTok minimizes the steps needed to buy, reducing the chances of abandoned carts and boosting your sales.

4. Useful Marketing Tools

TikTok Shop offers a variety of marketing tools to help promote your products. From in-feed ads to hashtag challenges, TikTok provides creative ways to showcase your brand. The platform’s powerful algorithm also helps your products reach the most relevant audience, enhancing visibility and potential sales.

5. Influencer Integration

TikTok is deeply connected with influencer culture, and TikTok Shop allows businesses to collaborate with influencers to create authentic, engaging content that resonates with users. These partnerships can amplify your reach and credibility, especially when targeting specific niches within TikTok’s user base.

How to Set Up Your TikTok Shop

Setting up a TikTok Shop is a straightforward process, but it requires some planning. Follow our steps below to get started:

1. Create a TikTok Business Account

First, you’ll need to create a TikTok business account. If you already have a standard TikTok account, you can easily switch this to a business account by selecting ‘Switch to Business Account’ in the settings. This will give you access to essential business features like analytics and advertising tools.

2. Register for TikTok Shop

After setting up your business account, visit the TikTok Shop registration page. You’ll need to provide basic business details, such as your company name, email address and website. Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll get access to the TikTok Shop dashboard.

3. Set Up Your Shop

Once you’re in the TikTok Shop dashboard, you can customise your shop by adding products, descriptions, prices, and images. It’s important to optimise your product listings with relevant keywords like “TikTok shopping” to increase visibility. You can also categorise products and set up shipping options to enhance the user experience.

4. Create Engaging Content

Content is the heart of TikTok, so it’s crucial to create videos that effectively showcase your products. Use TikTok’s creative tools like filters, effects, and trending music to make your content stand out. Engaging with trends and challenges can also boost your visibility. Always include clear calls to action (CTAs) to guide users to your shop and prompt them to purchase.

5. Promote Your TikTok Shop

Paid ads are a great way to drive traffic to your TikTok Shop. Within TikTok Ads Manager, you can create targeted campaigns that reach specific audiences.  

Whether you’re a small business or a well-established brand, setting up a TikTok Shop can open up new growth opportunities and deepen customer engagement. Are you ready to get started on the platform but not sure where to start? Get in touch with our TikTok experts today!