How To Sell On TikTok

Introduction.

TikTok isn’t just for dance trends and funny videos anymore; it’s one of the most powerful tools for businesses looking to sell online. With over 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok offers a massive audience to showcase your products.

Whether you’re running a small business or looking to scale up, selling on TikTok can help you connect directly with people who love what you offer.

Let’s break it down and explore how TikTok can help grow your sales, build your brand, and create a community of loyal customers.

Why TikTok Is Great for Selling Products

TikTok is different from other social platforms. It’s all about short, creative videos that grab attention quickly.

People use TikTok to discover new things, and that includes products.

The algorithm is designed to show content to people based on their interests, making it easier for businesses to reach their ideal audience.

Here are some key reasons TikTok works so well for selling:

1. Massive Reach: TikTok is one of the most downloaded apps globally, and its user base continues to grow.
2. Engaged Audience: Users spend an average of 52 minutes per day on TikTok. That’s plenty of time for them to see your content.
3. Trendy Environment: TikTok thrives on trends, which means there are endless opportunities to tie your products into popular challenges or hashtags.
4. Authentic Marketing: People appreciate genuine content over polished ads. TikTok allows you to create casual, relatable videos that feel less “salesy.”

How Do I Sell On TikTok?

1. Set Up a TikTok Business Account

If you haven’t already, start by creating a TikTok Business Account. It’s free and gives you access to analytics, ads, and tools designed to help you grow.

• How to switch to a Business Account:
  • Go to your profile, click the three dots in the top right corner, and select “Manage Account.”
  • Choose “Switch to Business Account” and follow the steps.

2. Understand Your Audience

Take time to learn who your audience is. TikTok attracts users of all ages, but it’s particularly popular among Gen Z and Millennials.

Check your TikTok analytics to see what types of people are engaging with your content and adjust your strategy to match their interests.

3. Create Content That Sells

Content is everything on TikTok. Here are some tips to make videos that stand out:

• Show, don’t tell: Instead of saying how great your product is, show how it’s used in real life. For example, if you sell skincare products, show a simple morning routine using them.
• Jump on trends: Use trending sounds, hashtags, and challenges to make your content more discoverable. Just make sure it aligns with your brand.
• Keep it short and engaging: The first few seconds are crucial. Grab attention quickly with a hook, like asking a question or showing an interesting product feature.

4. Use TikTok Shopping

TikTok Shopping is a feature that lets you sell directly through the app. You can set up a storefront and link your products to your videos. It’s currently available in select regions, but it’s a game-changer for making the buying process seamless.

How to set up TikTok Shopping:

• Apply for TikTok Shopping through the TikTok Seller Center.
• Add your products and link them to your account.
• Tag products in your videos to let viewers shop directly.

5. Collaborate with Creators

Partnering with TikTok creators can boost your sales significantly. Influencers already have a trusted audience, and when they promote your product, it feels authentic. Look for creators whose audience matches your target market.

6. Run TikTok Ads

TikTok Ads are another way to get your products in front of the right people. You can create different types of ads, including:

• In-Feed Ads: Videos that show up as users scroll through their feed.
• Branded Hashtag Challenges: Encourage users to create content using your hashtag.
• TopView Ads: These appear when users open the app.

Set a budget that works for you and experiment with different ad formats to see what gets the best results.

7. Engage With Your Audience

TikTok is a community-driven platform, so it’s important to interact with your followers. Reply to comments, ask questions in your videos, and show appreciation for your customers. This builds trust and loyalty.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to show my face to sell on TikTok?

A: Not necessarily. While personal videos can create a stronger connection, you can also focus on product demonstrations, customer testimonials, or creative animations.

Q: What if I’m not good at making videos?

A: TikTok videos don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity works better than polished content. Start simple and learn as you go.

Q: How much does it cost to advertise on TikTok?

A: TikTok ads start at $10 per CPM (cost per 1,000 views), but you can set your budget based on what works for your business. Small businesses often find success with lower budgets by focusing on organic content.

Q: Can I sell services on TikTok, or is it just for physical products?

A: You can absolutely sell services! For example, personal trainers, photographers, and consultants have used TikTok to attract clients by sharing tips, behind-the-scenes content, and success stories.

Q: What types of products sell best on TikTok?

A: Trendy, visually appealing, and problem-solving products tend to perform well. For example, unique gadgets, fashion items, and beauty products often go viral.

Conclusion

TikTok is more than a platform for fun videos; it’s a powerful tool for growing your business. By understanding the platform and creating content that connects with your audience, you can turn TikTok into a sales machine.

So, are you ready to make your first sale on TikTok? What’s the one thing holding you back from starting?