In 2023, social media platform TikTok announced a partnership with Shopify, which paved the way for TikTok Shop. Since its global launch in September 2023, TikTok Shop has already made a big impact on social commerce.
In this post, we’ll look at the main features of TikTok Shop and how you can get the most out of the platform.
Understanding TikTok Shop
What is TikTok Shop and How Does It Work?
TikTok Shop is TikTok’s built-in commerce solution for sellers, creators and affiliates. Users with business accounts can sell directly on the platform through Live Shopping and shoppable videos.
Key Features of TikTok’s E-Commerce Platform
In-feed video and live shopping
Customers can shop for tagged products straight from videos and live streams on their FYP.
Product showcase
You can create personalised product collections on your profile, so customers can easily find and buy what they’re after.
Shop tab
Customers can search for and discover promotions, get recommendations and manage their orders, all in one place.
Shop ads
Shop ads let you promote your TikTok Shop. They use the products you choose from your shop, showcase or catalogue, and can be optimised for the actions that matter most to your shop.
Getting Started with Social Commerce
How to Use TikTok Shop for Your Business
With 150 million monthly users, TikTok’s e-commerce feature puts you in front of new audiences and helps you grow your brand. The TikTok Shop Seller Centre also gives you useful analytics, which you can use to build highly targeted, high-converting campaigns.
Setting Up Your TikTok Store: A Step-by-Step Guide
Want to start selling through TikTok but not sure how to make a TikTok Shop? It’s fairly straightforward. Just follow these steps:
1. Set up your TikTok business account
First, register for a TikTok business account.
2. Register for TikTok Shop
Next, register for TikTok Shop. Head to the seller registration portal and fill out the application. You’ll need to upload documents such as your ID, proof of residence and proof of business ownership.
3. Link to your account
Then link your TikTok account to your TikTok Shop and you’re ready to sell! You can now add products and promote your shop in your bio and content.
Maximising Your Success on TikTok Marketplace
Social Media Shopping Strategies for TikTok
TikTok Shop hasn’t launched in Australia yet, but it’s never too early to start planning, so we’ve pulled together our top TikTok business tips. With over 1 billion monthly users worldwide, it can be tricky to know where to start.
One easy way to get familiar with the platform is to have a scroll and take note of current trends and the different features on offer. It’s also worth researching the TikTok algorithm, including how it ranks and displays videos on the For You Page.
Get to know your audience
Before you build your TikTok presence, make sure your audience actually uses the platform. TikTok is especially popular with teenagers, but recent research from Statista shows that 32% of TikTok’s global active users are aged 25 to 34.
From there, you can start gathering post ideas by looking at the types of content your audience engages with most.
Conduct competitor analysis
Competitor analysis is another good way to build a strong presence on TikTok. A S.W.O.T framework can help you pinpoint your competitors’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Set goals
Before you start posting on your new account, decide what you want to achieve on TikTok. Make your goals SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely.
Optimise your product listings
Your product listings show off your products, so make them appealing! TikTok says listings should include a descriptive title and product images. Keep your descriptions clear and compelling, and above all explain why your audience should buy.
Tips for Optimising Your TikTok Creator Marketplace Presence
Collaborate with other creators
The TikTok Creator Marketplace puts all the marketing tools you need in one place, including creator discovery, campaign management and reporting. Creator discovery is especially handy. It lets you find creators you’d like to work with and invite them to your latest campaign.
Once they accept, you can see their contact information and get started.
Working with the right creators can put your brand in front of an even wider audience, with ads that blend naturally into TikTok. Don’t just partner with the first creator you see, though. The key to a good collaboration is finding someone who shares your brand’s values.
Utilise analytics
In the Seller Centre, you can view metrics that show how your ads are performing. The ads dashboard shows how many sales came from people viewing your ads. With that information, you can see which parts of your campaign are working and what needs improving.
Post regularly
Quality matters more than quantity, but a regular posting schedule still counts. TikTok recommends posting 1 to 4 times a day, which isn’t realistic for many brands, so Hootsuite suggests starting with 3-5 videos per week.
TikTok’s algorithm favours newer content, so try to post when most of your audience is on the app. The best time varies by industry, but Hootsuite’s research found that Thursdays at 7 pm are the best overall.
You don’t have to be online every time you post, either, thanks to scheduling platforms like Hootsuite and Sprout Social.
Remember the content guidelines
To avoid issues that could hurt your campaign’s visibility, make sure your videos follow TikTok’s guidelines. They should also follow your own brand guidelines, especially if you’re collaborating with other creators.
When is TikTok Shop launching in Australia?
TikTok Shop won’t be launching in Australia this year, but we hope to see it arrive sometime in 2025.
Ready to get started with TikTok ads? Our expert social media team can help you build a campaign that delivers the results you want. Get in contact with us at hello@omdigigroup.com to find out more.
