TikTok Shopping: How does it work?
What is TikTok Shopping?
TikTok Shopping provides a way for TikTok users to buy products in the app without opening a web browser to go to a separate eCommerce store. According to the company, “TikTok Shopping is the suite of solutions, features, and tools that give businesses the opportunity to tap into the power of commerce on TikTok.”
When a business sets up TikTok Shopping, it will have a dedicated Shopping tab on its profile. This is represented by a shopping bag icon. Customers can then browse through and select marketing products within TikTok and then buy the product, either within TikTok or transferred to the company’s online store for checkout.
Who can use TikTok Shopping?
You can use TikTok shopping if you fall into one of these four categories:
- Sellers
- Creators
- Partners
- Affiliates
If you are a Seller, you must be located in the UK, Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, or Indonesia. You must also be able to prove it with a phone number from that region, a certificate of incorporation for your business, and identification.
If you are a Creator, your account must be in good standing. Plus, you have to:
- Have 1,000+ followers
- Have 50+ video views in the last 28 days
- Be 18 years old
- Have posted a video on TikTok in the past 28 days
TikTok Shopping Ads
There are several types of ads customized according to your marketing business needs. Some of them are:
- For-you Feed Ads: The “For You” page is curated based on the user’s interests and choices. Ads on this page will likely get more attention since it is the default landing page.
- Swipeable Ads: The most common ads include product details in the form of cards. Users can choose from multiple options with a gallery display.
- Other Ads: Customized ads are the best way to reach and pursue a digital user. You can now customize your ads based on the different demographics of your target segments. These ads, no doubt, require strong market and user-based research.
- TikTok Live Shopping: It is a tool for creators and influencers. It enables users to merge the products you are talking about in live sessions. So, suppose an influencer is narrating a shopping experience of a product. In that case, they can simply link the product in the live session.
- TikTok product tags: You can now link tags related to your business to your post. Users, while watching, can easily click on them. Next, they are simply redirected to the store’s website or the shopping hub within the app.
How to Sign Up for a TikTok shop?
Step 1: Download ‘TikTok Shopify‘ from the App Store or Shopify store.
Step 2: Open the app. A pop-up ‘Become a Seller’ will flash on the screen. You can sign up either using your existing TikTok account or using your phone number and email.
Step 3: The page will redirect you to another form asking for your personal and business details. Fill in the required information and submit the necessary documents. These documents are proof of your credibility and authenticity as a seller.
Step 4: The documents will be sent for further verification and approval. It usually takes 2-4 business days. Once approved, you will receive a confirmation mail. However, you can always check and re-submit your request if it isn’t approved. Don’t forget to link your bank account.
Step 5: Congratulations!! You finally got your TikTok Shop, ready to dazzle the digital market.