Here’s a guide on how to sell on TikTok Shop so you can boost your social media reach and drive sales on and off Amazon.
TikTok Shop has become a powerful platform for ecommerce. After all, the online store is part of a social media platform that hosts over 2.05 billion registered users.
As an Amazon seller, TikTok Shop provides you with an exciting way to showcase your products to a massive audience.
This post will walk you through how to sell on TikTok Shop, from understanding the basics to making the most out of it.
What is TikTok Shop?
TikTok Shop is an in-app shopping feature that allows users to buy products directly through TikTok. It combines social engagement with eCommerce, which means users can discover products in the content they watch, and buy them without leaving the app.
TikTok Shop has quickly grown into a preferred tool for businesses, creators, and influencers who want to monetize their audiences and boost product sales.
For Amazon sellers, this is a prime opportunity to showcase products in a new way. By selling on TikTok Shop, you can tap into a highly engaged audience while leveraging TikTok’s tools to make your products stand out.
Can Anyone Join TikTok Shop?
TikTok Shop is available for both businesses and individual creators, but there are some requirements.
You need to be a registered business or creator and meet TikTok’s eligibility criteria, which can vary by region. Generally, you’ll need to verify your identity, provide business documentation, and ensure you comply with TikTok’s content guidelines.
For Amazon sellers, this means that if you’re already a registered business, you’re likely eligible to set up a TikTok Shop. However, make sure you have the correct documents on hand when applying, as this will streamline the process.
Is TikTok Shop Free?
Yes, setting up a TikTok Shop is free, but once you start selling there are other fees coming your way.
TikTok charges a commission on every sale, which typically ranges from 1-5%, depending on your region and product category. You’ll also need to consider other costs, such as ad spend, if you plan to promote your content.
For Amazon sellers, TikTok Shop’s commission rates might seem reasonable, especially when you consider the high level of exposure TikTok offers. However, it’s essential to keep them in mind to get a full picture of your profit margins.
How to Start a TikTok Shop
If you decide to set up your shop, all you need to do is these steps:
Create a TikTok Business Account
A business account gives you access to specialized tools, such as analytics, advertising options, and access to the TikTok Seller Center. This is the place where you’ll manage your product listings, orders, and shop settings.
Open TikTok and navigate to your profile. Tap the three-line menu icon, select “Settings and Privacy,” and then choose “Account.” Switch to “Business Account,” and follow the prompts.
Apply for TikTok Shop Access
Once you have a business account, you’re ready to apply for TikTok Shop access through the TikTok Seller Center. This step verifies your business and enables you to list products for sale directly on TikTok.
Go to the TikTok Seller Center (this isn’t within the app). Log in with your business account details and look for the application for TikTok Shop. Be prepared to upload any required documents, like business registration or tax identification details, to confirm your eligibility.
Complete Your Product Listings
Once approved, you’re ready to start adding products. This step is essential for showcasing your items in a way that resonates with TikTok’s audience. Take the time to create visually appealing and informative listings.
Include clear, high-quality photos that showcase your product from multiple angles. Write brief but engaging product descriptions that highlight the benefits, not just the features.
If you’re an Amazon seller, consider repurposing your existing Amazon listings. However, tailor the language to fit TikTok’s style: think catchy, conversational, and focused on why someone would want this product.
Set Up Payment Options
TikTok will guide you through setting up payment options in the Seller Center, where you can connect your shop’s transactions to your business bank account. This ensures that payments for all sales go directly to you.
TikTok usually supports a variety of payment methods. Follow the on-screen instructions to link your preferred payment option, and double-check that the payment details align with your existing business accounts to avoid any issues.
Optimize Your Content Strategy
Once your shop is live, it’s time to start promoting it. TikTok is all about engaging content. So, the more you can tailor your videos to resonate with your audience, the better.
How to Sell Products on TikTok
Ready to start? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sell on TikTok for Amazon sellers:
Leverage Your Amazon Product Listings
If you already have well-optimized listings, use them to your advantage. Pull high-quality images, keyword-rich descriptions, and existing reviews to enhance your TikTok Shop listings.
Make sure to adjust for TikTok’s format and audience by keeping descriptions short and visually appealing.
Create Engaging TikTok Content Featuring Your Products
Focus on creating short, engaging videos that feature your products naturally. TikTok is a content-first platform, so avoid heavy sales tactics. Instead, try demonstrating your products, sharing tips, or using them in fun challenges.
For example, if you sell kitchen tools, make quick recipe videos using your products.
Use Hashtags and Trends
TikTok’s algorithm likes content that aligns with trending hashtags and sounds. Research popular hashtags in your niche and add them to your content.
For Amazon sellers, consider using product-specific hashtags like #AmazonFinds or #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt to tap into audiences already interested in ecommerce finds.
Run TikTok Ads for Extra Reach
If you want to fast-track your growth and have the budget for it, consider using TikTok Ads. TikTok offers various ad types, including in-feed ads, branded effects, and more.
For Amazon sellers, testing a small ad budget can help increase product visibility. Focus on targeting audiences interested in similar products or topics.
Engage With Your Audience
Reply to comments, answer questions, and encourage user-generated content. Positive interactions can build trust and boost your sales over time.
For Amazon sellers, this is a chance to establish a direct connection with potential buyers—something you don’t always get with traditional Amazon sales.
Is Selling on TikTok Shop Worth It?
Selling on TikTok Shop can be a profitable choice, but it depends on your strategy and goals. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- Massive reach. TikTok’s audience is vast and diverse, offering access to potential buyers across various age groups and interests.
- High engagement: TikTok’s algorithm favors engaging content, giving your products a good chance to go viral.
- Direct purchases. Users can buy directly on TikTok without needing to visit an external site, making the buying process seamless.
Cons
- Content-heavy approach. TikTok success relies on creating engaging content, which requires effort and consistency.
- Transaction fees.While the fees aren’t excessive, they can add up, especially when combined with Amazon’s fees.
- Competitive market. TikTok Shop is growing, which means competition increases. Staying relevant requires a solid content and engagement strategy.
Final Tips for Success
If you decide that selling on TikTok is the next step in your career, you better make the most out of it. These are some of the best tips on how to sell on TikTok shop:
- Profile optimization. Your TikTok profile is your brand’s first impression. Use a profile picture that represents your brand, write a bio that describes what you sell, and add a link to your TikTok Shop.
- Cross-promotion. Use your other social media channels to drive traffic to your TikTok account. Cross-promotion is a powerful way to expand your audience.
- Analyze and adapt. TikTok’s analytics provide valuable insights into which videos perform well. Use this data to refine your strategy. For example, if product demos receive more engagement than other content, focus on creating more demos.
- Encourage reviews and USG. People trust other people, and this is exactly why reviews and social proof are so important. Ask buyers to leave feedback on your products, and consider creating a hashtag for customers to share their experience.
Final thoughts
Even when it can be a great way to build brand loyalty and get sales, selling on social media requires a lot of work. You need to have the time to work on it.
If you’re looking how to sell on TikTok Shop from Amazon, this guide will give you a unique opportunity to grow your business. All you need to do is create high-quality content, do your research and give customers what they want to see.
Author
Antonella Fleitas is highly adept at creating fact-based, evergreen content about science, language learning, and culture. Her main goal is to build a strong content foundation for her clients, based on meaningful stories that people can learn from.
