Set Up A TikTok Shop – All You Need To Know

TikTok Shop is one of the top ways for brands to promote their products or services to their audiences and millions of other people. Did you know that 58% of TikTok users found new products and brands on the platform?

Picture this: you scroll through TikTok and suddenly find a perfect item you did not know you needed. It is no coincidence, but rather how TikTok works.

About 44% of people discovered something they instantly wished to buy. So, the mighty TikTok can induce a desire to get your hands on the product then and there. Brand discovery on TikTok happens 1.1x more than on other networks.

Thus, TikTok significantly impacts the buyer’s purchasing decision. If you are a business or a brand and do not have a TikTok Shop yet, you are significantly missing out on a million new buying opportunities and leads. Fortunately, setting up a TikTok Shop is painless, and we will tell you how.

What is a TikTok Shop?

It is a marketplace where businesses, creators, brands, or anyone who sells anything from a shop and sell their products directly through TikTok. Viewers can buy the item directly via a few simple clicks using the TikTok Shop. 

Before we discuss how to set up a TikTok Shop, you must know about their types to understand not all Shops are the same/equal.

1. TikTok Shop for Brands

TikTok Shop for Brands is directly operated and owned by a brand. So, the brand shows off its products, interacts with its customers, and manages its Shop independently. Often, brands run promos, make product catalogs, and conduct live streams. These help them promote their offerings. 

If you aspire to sell on TikTok as a brand, apply for a Shop. Once you fill out the application, you will receive an email confirmation with approval to sell on TikTok. 

2. TikTok Shop for Creators

As is apparent, these are managed by the creators who use their influence over the audience to sell and market the products. Creators can create their product selection, engage with the audience, and promote the products through their videos.

These are a few requirements to set up your Shop as a creator on TikTok. However, they vary by country. Click here for the complete list of requirements.

3. TikTok Shop for Partners

A third-party ecommerce partner manages such Shops. These parties integrate their fulfillment processes and products into the TikTok Shop. Several things are marked as products, from content strategy to video creation, etc.

To become a TikTok Shop Partner, you need to apply by submitting your application. Click here to learn the process.

How to Set Up A TikTok Shop

Before we delve into the process of setting up your TikTok Shop, you must check the eligibility criteria. So, here is the brief eligibility criteria: 

1. TikTok Account: To start your shop, you must have an active TikTok account, which you will link to the Shop.
2. Age: Individuals must be over 18 years old to start their Shop.
3. Business Entity: Register your business entity for starting a TikTok Shop.
4. Location: TikTok Shop is presently available in select countries. So, please ensure your country is on the list.

Now that you are thorough with the eligibility criteria let us set up your TikTok Shop.

Step 1: Create a Seller Center Account

1. Head to the TikTok Seller Center website.
2. Now, click on the Sign Up button.
3. From the drop-down list, select your region or country.
4. Pick the apt account type based on your role. For instance, if you are a Registered Business, choose Enterprise Seller. Alternatively, if you are a sole proprietor, click Individual Seller.
5. Input your email address.
6. Pick your password, and ensure it is strong.
7. Read the Terms of Service and the Privacy Policy and accept them.
8. Finally, click on the Sign-Up button to finish the registration process.

Step 2: Verify Your Business Information and Identity

1. After you have logged into the Seller Center account, proceed to the Settings tab.
2. From there, proceed to the Merchant Information.
3. Input your details: name, contact information, and date of birth.
4. Upload your government-issued ID. To verify your identity, you can use your driver’s license or passport (if it is valid).
5. Submit your business registration documents, such as a tax registration certificate or business license.
6. Input your bank account information to receive payments/earnings from the sales on your TikTok Shop.
7. Press the Submit button, and the verification process will start.

Step 3: Set Up the TikTok Shop

1. You can start setting up your Shop after the business information and identity are verified.
2. Pick a Shop name (related to your products, offerings, or brand).
3. Choose the Product Categories that are in line with your offerings.
4. Add product listings with detailed descriptions, accurate pricing, and good-quality images.
5. Optimize the product listings for search by adding relevant keywords.
6. Set the delivery and shipping options based on the regions and locations you service.
7. Precisely establish your return and refund policy for the customers.

Step 4: Integrate With Your TikTok Account

1. Link the TikTok Shop with your TikTok account.
2. Choose the Shop Tab as part of your profile.
3. Select the Shop Now button to display the shoppable products. It will also help you direct your customers to the Shop.

…and your TikTok Shop is ready!

Benefits of Setting Up a TikTok Shop

When a potential buyer browses through your TikTok Shop products, there is a low probability for them to lose interest or abandon the purchase. Hence, the TikTok Shop allows you to convert your fans into customers directly within the platform.

As stated, TikTok is growing in popularity for people (especially Gen Z) to discover new brands. Thus, having an easy and quick platform for people to Shop is suitable.

A TikTok Shop enables the creators to be naturally introduced to your product range through content creators. It also lets you be in different content styles or types instead of engaging merely with promotional content.

Here is a list of other benefits of setting up your TikTok Shop:

1. Position your products amongst the relevant niche or audiences.
2. Collaborating with content creators and influencers to drive visibility, increase trust, and generate revenue for the business.
3. Chance to reach a wider audience and more potential customers.
4. Be a part of the viral content and trends to boost viewership.

Ways TikTok Shop Can Help Users Shop On Tiktok

TikTok offers different options for users to buy products from their preferred brand or business on the platform. Here are some options:

1. Live Shopping

Whenever your brand goes live, it is an excellent opportunity to showcase your products. Further, answer questions people have related to your brand and encourage them to buy the products from the app. Users can add the items to the cart during the live stream and check out instantly once the broadcast ends. 

2. Shoppable Videos

Shoppable videos are content with shoppable links. They enable the users to buy the products without leaving the content.

3. Product Showcase

Users can tap the bag icon or the shopping tab on the TikTok account. It helps them access the mini storefront to check out in a few taps. Some accounts have a product showcase sans a TikTok Shop.

These are affiliate accounts that own the products sold or the brand. Predis helps you make seamless ecommerce videos with the help of AI so that you can showcase your products. 

4. Shoppable Ads (Powered by Shopify)

Brands that do not pass the eligibility test for the TikTok Shop can make the most of TikTok shopping through the TikTok app for Shopify. Install the TikTok Shopify app to sync the product catalog, create creative videos of your product, and run TikTok ad campaigns. 

Lastly, tag the products in your content. It makes it easier for the users to shop for the products.

5. Shopping Center Tab

TikTok 2023 announced a marketplace solution: the Shopping Center tab. By clicking on the icon, users are directed to the one-stop-shop destination to browse the products from different creators across different categories.

Note: This feature is available in select markets, including Malaysia and the Philippines.

Tips To Create a Successful TikTok Shop

The rules and mechanisms for shopping on most social platforms are the same. However, starting a TikTok Shop in 2024 is often challenging as more sellers join the platform. The quicker you sign up for it, the less competition you will encounter.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of the TikTok shopping:

1. Optimize the Product Catalog for TikTok

The TikTok storefront is your account’s shopping tab. Optimize it to attract more customers. Your potential customers won’t appreciate a messy store or product catalog, so be careful about the style and quality when adding product images.

Make them appealing to customers. Ensure the photos are recognizable and identifiable as your brands by being consistent with the rest of the TikTok aesthetic.

Please note:

1. The product title must be under 34 characters.
2. Include the basic information about the product.
3. You can keep the description long but eliminate the details you entered in the title.
4. Product description links are not clickable.

2. Let Your Audience Know About The TikTok Shop

Once you get your TikTok Shop up and running, let everyone know. You can make some TikToks to let your audience know about your Shop and how to buy the products through it.

After your audience knows about your products, the next step is promoting them. Mention these products in your posts. Add a product shout-out every time you launch a new product or feature them in your live stream.

If you want people to notice your products, do not be afraid to do creative promotions. Avoid boring product descriptions or tedious plugs. Let people know what’s available and add a bit of humor.

3. Use TikTok Ads

Creating ads featuring your ads is an excellent way to boost your TikTok Shop. The ads are shoppable with the TikTok App for Shopify.

Users can buy items directly from the ads they see. Ideally, to sell more, you need to get your brand in front of as many people as possible, and TikTok ads are an excellent way to do this. You can use Predis to create ads on TikTok that sell using its Ad copy generator. 

4. Conduct a Live Stream Shopping Event

Take your products live and conduct demos for your audience. This is the perfect way to highlight your product. You can also use this to answer any questions your potential customers may have in real time, for instance, a QVC-style show.

5. Add a CTA to the Videos

Adding the CTA to the TikTok content and profile helps increase conversions by telling the users exactly what they must do next. Studies suggest that text CTAs can increase conversions by 152%.

Use the CTA to guide users to your ecommerce Shop, social channels, blogs, or anywhere else you want them to go. Alternatively, if you have limited-period offers on your products, you can add the discount codes in your bio.

6. Promote the Products

Promoting your products and being productive is another tip for making your TikTok Shop successful. So, get moving and create dedicated TikTok videos to direct your audience in the right direction. Use different filters and follow the latest trends to gain more followers.

Consider engaging viewers by making videos they would want to re-watch and share with their friends. The more people watch and share your videos, the more likely TikTok will suggest your content to other users. Use a simple tool, such as a video thumbnail picker, to make the most of your videos for promotion. 

If you do not know how to start, use the TikTok Business Help Centre. The resource will help you understand how to set up a campaign and advertise your brand.

7. Partner With Influencers

If you have kept pace with TikTok’s trends and sub-cultures, you might benefit from handing the creative direction to an expert. So, why not get TikTok influencers on board? They live and breathe the platform and are well-versed in it.

However, the stakes are high when promoting products. Your content might get lost in the TikTok algorithm. So, partner with influencers and have them promote your products or services to help them reach newer audiences.

Tip: When collaborating with an influencer, opt for someone who likes your brand and whose style aligns with yours. 

For instance, partner with an influencer who promotes veganism if you create vegan soaps

To Sum Up

Now that you know how to start your TikTok Shop, it is time to get the new leads in through the door. Remember to make content with a great hook to attract your audience. This shop can open doors to a large audience waiting to discover and shop for new products.

With straightforward tips and strategies, creators and businesses can capitalize on TikTok’s influence and increase sales to boost their brain presence. Use Predis’s AI-powered social media post generator to convert simple text into useful posts for TikTok. Moreover, you can use the tool to schedule your posts on TikTok so that you can post regularly without worrying about the time. 

Need help with your content? Use tools like Predis.ai to make the most of their AI-powered video maker. Predis.ai can also help with seamless video generation, smart captions, and hashtags, all of which can improve your chances of success on TikTok Shop.