
TikTok Shop lets you add product links directly to your videos, making it easier for viewers to shop without leaving the app. With 83% of TikTok users influenced in their purchase decisions, this is a great way to boost sales. Here's what you need to know:
Quick Steps:
-
Set Up a TikTok Business Account
- Switch to a Business Account in TikTok settings.
- Verify seller details (ID, tax info, and bank account).
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Meet TikTok Shop Requirements
- For individuals: Be 18+, provide U.S. ID, and complete tax forms.
- For businesses: Submit company documents, EIN, and business bank info.
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Create a Video and Add Product Links
- Film engaging content showcasing your product.
- On the posting screen, tap Add Link → Add Product → Choose items from your TikTok Shop catalog.
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Optimize for Engagement
- Tag 1–2 products for better interaction.
- Place product tags in the first 3–5 seconds of the video.
- Use trending sounds and clear calls-to-action like "Shop now!"
-
Track Performance
- Use TikTok Shop Analytics to monitor views, click-through rates, and sales.
TikTok Shop is a powerful tool for connecting with an audience ready to buy. Follow these steps to make your videos shoppable and boost sales.
Before You Start: TikTok Shop Requirements
Setting Up a TikTok Business Account
To include shop links on TikTok, you'll need a TikTok Business Account. Here's how to set it up:
- Open the TikTok app and go to Settings and Privacy.
- Head to Account settings.
- Select Switch to Business Account.
- Pick the category that best fits your business.
Once your account is ready, verify your seller details to prepare your TikTok Shop.
Getting Your TikTok Shop Ready
TikTok Shop has specific requirements depending on whether you're an individual or a business seller.
For Individual Sellers:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Provide a valid U.S. government-issued ID (e.g., passport or driver's license).
- Show proof of U.S. residency.
- Submit your legal name and address.
- Complete a W-9 Form with your Taxpayer Identification Number.
- Have an active U.S. bank account.
For Business Sellers:
- Submit company registration documents.
- Provide an EIN (Employer Identification Number).
- Use a business bank account matching the company name.
- Have a verifiable U.S. business address.
- Submit U.S. government-issued business certificates.
Product and Location Rules
TikTok Shop currently operates in eight countries, with a primary focus on the U.S. and U.K. markets. Products sold must follow TikTok's guidelines.
Allowed Products:
- Physical goods.
- FDA-compliant beauty products.
- Tangible merchandise.
- Items with proper certification.
Prohibited Items:
- Digital products.
- Adult content.
- Alcohol and tobacco.
- Weapons and ammunition.
- Counterfeit goods.
Location Requirements:
- Sellers must have a verifiable U.S. address.
- All documentation must come from U.S. government agencies.
- Bank accounts must be with U.S. financial institutions.
TikTok Shop may review seller accounts and documents at any time. Violations of their rules can lead to penalties, so it's essential to stay updated on TikTok's regional product guidelines.
Adding Shop Links to Videos: Step by Step
Making a Video with Product Links
Start by recording content that showcases your products in the best light. Open the TikTok app, tap the + button, and begin filming. Make sure your products are easy to see and well-lit during the shoot.
Once you're on the editing screen, enhance your video with music, effects, and text. Save the product linking step for the final posting screen.
Adding Products to Your Video
After perfecting your video, follow these steps to add product links:
- Tap Add Link at the bottom of the posting screen.
- Select Add Product.
- Pick items from your TikTok Shop catalog.
- Write a short description that highlights your products.
- Add hashtags like #TikTokShop to improve discoverability.
Tip: While you can tag up to 10 products in a video, sticking to 1–2 products often works better for engagement. Too many options can overwhelm viewers.
Placing Product Tags
Strategic tag placement can make a big difference in viewer interaction and sales.
- Position tags within the first 3–5 seconds of your video.
- Ensure tags are visible without covering key parts of your content.
- Time tags to appear during moments when you're actively showcasing the product.
- Avoid overlapping tags with other on-screen elements.
For a stronger connection, mention the tagged products in your voiceover or on-screen text. This makes the shopping experience feel more natural. Be transparent about any affiliate relationships to build trust with your audience.
Lastly, remember that TikTok reviews all product links before they go live. Keep your app updated to access the latest shop link features and tools.
Making Videos That Sell
Product Display Tips
Good lighting and a clean background can make a big difference when showcasing your products. Show how your product works to highlight its value. For instance, if you're selling makeup, create before-and-after demos. Include multiple angles and close-ups of key features or details that could influence a buyer's decision.
According to eMarketer:
"With its advanced algorithm and personalized For You page, TikTok has excelled in blurring the line between creator content and advertisement. Rather than separating paid and organic social, TikTok ads feel native and can be mistaken for organic content".
Once you’ve nailed the visuals, focus on strong calls-to-action (CTAs) to encourage viewers to take the next step.
Writing Strong Call-to-Action Text
Place CTAs at strategic points in your video:
Timing | CTA Type | Example Text |
---|---|---|
Opening | Attention-grabbing | "Watch how this works!" |
Middle | Value proposition | "Get 20% off today" |
Ending | Action prompt | "Shop now - limited stock!" |
Make CTAs stand out by using bold colors, larger fonts, or animations.
Next, take advantage of TikTok’s shopping tools to boost your sales strategy.
TikTok Shopping Tools Guide
TikTok’s shopping features can help drive sales:
- LIVE Shopping Events: These events encourage interaction. For example, Benefit Cosmetics saw 62,500 live views, 280,000 likes, and gained 2,500 new followers in just three days.
- Affiliate Program Results: Rebellious Fashion's success highlights the value of creator partnerships. In Q3 2023, they saw a 45x revenue increase, a 400% jump in product sales, and 80% of sales came through affiliates.
To get the most out of these tools, keep an eye on your Shop Ads analytics to see what’s working. Experiment with different video styles and formats while sticking to a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged.
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Tracking and Improving Sales Results
After optimizing your videos, it's time to measure their performance and fine-tune your strategy.
Finding Your Shop Analytics
You can access TikTok Shop analytics through the Business Suite dashboard. In the Analytics section, you'll find key metrics like total sales, revenue trends, and customer demographics. For a deeper dive into your customers' journey, consider integrating tools like Google Analytics or Shopify Analytics. Adding UTM parameters to your shop links can also help pinpoint which videos are driving the most traffic.
Sales Numbers to Watch
Keep an eye on these metrics to evaluate your shop's performance:
Metric | What It Tells You | Why It Matters |
---|---|---|
Video Views | How many times your content was watched | Reflects your reach and visibility |
Click-through Rate (CTR) | Percentage of viewers clicking shop links | Indicates how effective your calls-to-action are |
Conversion Rate | Percentage of clicks that lead to sales | Shows how well your product pages perform |
Average Order Value | The typical amount spent per order | Helps you refine pricing and product bundles |
"More than 63% of videos with the highest click-through rate (CTR) have their key message in the first few seconds of the video".
Ways to Boost Sales
Brands like PRISM+ and HolySmile have seen massive growth by experimenting with strategies that align with TikTok's unique style. PRISM+ increased its monthly sales tenfold by testing different ad formats, while HolySmile cut its cost per acquisition in half by using creator content and Spark Ads.
Here are some proven ways to improve your sales:
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Optimize Content Timing
Grab attention within the first few seconds. Highlight product benefits and include strong calls-to-action early in your video. -
Leverage Trending Sounds
Audio plays a big role on TikTok. In fact, 88% of users say sound is essential. For example, P.F. Candle Co. used the viral audio "Girls are like candles" and gained over 500,000 views. -
Collaborate With Creators
Partner with creators who align with your brand and use targeted ads. Silk & Snow boosted their return on ad spend (ROAS) by 60% with Spark Ads and precise targeting.
"Stay updated with TikTok trends, challenges, and viral content within your niche. Timely participation can significantly boost visibility." - Joe Bowab, Founder and CEO of Lobster Anywhere
TikTok users are 1.5 times more likely to make impulse purchases compared to users on other platforms, and 65% of them have bought products they discovered on the app. To succeed, focus on creating content that feels genuine, entertains your audience, and naturally showcases your products.
Conclusion
TikTok Shop turns engaging content into a way to drive sales, mainly targeting U.S. users aged 18-34. A standout example is Wyze, whose wireless camera sales on TikTok Shop quickly surpassed their traditional sales channels after launching in September 2023.
To make the most of TikTok Shop, focus on these key steps:
- Ensure your account meets TikTok Business and eligibility requirements.
- Create content that aligns with trends while naturally showcasing your products.
- Keep product listings clear and optimized according to TikTok's guidelines.
"With its advanced algorithm and personalized For You page, TikTok has excelled in blurring the line between creator content and advertisement. Rather than separating paid and organic social, TikTok ads feel native and can be mistaken for organic content." – eMarketer