TikTok, primarily known for its short-form videos and viral challenges, is increasingly becoming a powerful platform for companies looking to sell their products. In fact, TikTok Shop has emerged as an essential tool for maximising online sales and brand exposure.
But how can you get started on the platform? Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or a startup looking for your big break, understanding how to set up a TikTok Shop is your ticket to success in the booming world of social commerce.
Let’s delve into everything you need to know about setting up a TikTok Shop effectively to skyrocket your sales and elevate your brand.
What Is TikTok Shop For Businesses In Singapore
Launched officially in Singapore around August 2022, TikTok Shop is the platform’s newest shopping feature integrated into the TikTok platform.
It allows merchants, brands, and creators to display and sell their products directly to their followers on TikTok. In other words, you can sell products through in-feed videos, LIVE broadcasts, and the product showcase tab, making it easier than ever to turn viewers into customers.
The ability of TikTok Shop to provide a seamless shopping experience empowers users to make purchases without exiting the app. This direct selling feature is a game-changer, especially for business organisations aiming to boost sales and gain a competitive edge.
Who Is Eligible To Use TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop is crafted specifically for the needs of business owners and sellers. This is why individual users looking to make occasional sales won’t find this feature accessible.
However, if you are a “Creator”, “Partner,” “Seller”, or “Affiliate”, you can benefit from what TikTok Shop has to offer.
- Creators: If you’re a Creator, your account must be in good standing. You must also have over 1,000 followers and at least 50 video views in the last 28 days. You must be at least 18 years old and have posted a video on TikTok within the past 28 days. Meeting these requirements allows you to apply through the TikTok Shop Creator Application.
- Partners: Businesses must be registered in the following countries to be considered Partners: China, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, the UK, or Vietnam.
- Affiliates: To be an Affiliate, you must be a registered TikTok Shop seller in one of these regions: the United Kingdom, Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong SAR (cross-border only), Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, or Singapore.
- Sellers: If you’re from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, the United Kingdom, or the United States, you qualify. From a country not on the list? You’ll have to identify yourself as a Global Selling Seller. Validation requires a phone number from the specified region, a certificate of incorporation, and proper identification.
Step-By-Step Guide To Get Your Business Started On TikTok Shop
Here’s a breakdown of how to set up your business on TikTok Shop:
1. Register for a TikTok seller account
The first step in setting up your TikTok Shop begins at the TikTok Seller Centre. For those unfamiliar with how TikTok’s shopping features work, this is where you’ll get your bearings. Complete the registration form to create a new account if you’re new to TikTok. If you already have an account on the platform, simply select “Sign up with TikTok account” during the process.
Switching from a personal to a business account is seamless. During the registration, select your business type, choose a shop name, and upload all requisite documents. The documents you will need depend on whether you run a business individually or a corporation.
Individual business owners should present personal identification such as a passport, national ID, or driving licence, and corporations must furnish official documents like business licences and government-issued IDs of chief personnel. Additionally, you will need to provide both the warehouse and return addresses, which can typically be the same.
2. Set up your TikTok Shop
After registration, the next step is to set up your TikTok Shop by filling it with products. How you use this time can be crucial; remember that your products won’t be publicly viewable until your documents gain verification.
Utilise this period wisely to start uploading essential product details—names, descriptions, prices, and images. Another important consideration is how to offer alternate shopping avenues. You can accomplish this by linking to your website or a third-party e-commerce platform.
3. Link your bank account
Once your documents get verified, the next step is to link your bank account. Log in to the TikTok Seller Centre, navigate to the home page, and find the “Link Bank Account” option. Input your details, such as the account name, bank name, bank account number, email, and address.
4. Shape your business profile
When filling out your TikTok business profile, the aim is to establish a solid brand identity. Remember that business accounts have the luxury of adding a clickable link on their profile, which could lead to your business website or a landing page featuring multiple links.
Your bio is your elevator pitch; given that you have just 80 characters, make it impactful and to the point. Some businesses even include promo codes to capture immediate attention.
5. Optimise your TikTok Shop
The final step to set up your TikTok Shop is to fine-tune its appearance and functionality. But how? Visit the shopping tab on your TikTok account to review your product listings.
Re-examine your product images, titles, and descriptions and make any last-minute refinements to ensure your shop is ready to welcome its first customers.
5 Tips To Boost Your Sales Through Your TikTok Shop
After you have set up your TikTok Shop, you must be wondering how to make the most of this feature to skyrocket your sales. Well, you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you’re new to the TikTok shopping game or looking to enhance your efforts, the following five tips will guide you through maximising sales and brand exposure.
TikTok Shop Tip #1. Fine-tune your product catalogue for TikTok
The heart of your TikTok Shop is your product catalogue. If you’re wondering how to set up a TikTok Shop effectively, presentation is everything. The first step is to get your visual elements right. Use high-quality, aesthetically pleasing images that align with your overall brand image on TikTok.
Limit your product titles to under 34 characters to avoid truncation, and ensure they convey the most vital information about the product. Use the product description to elaborate on any additional details, but remember, links in TikTok product descriptions are not clickable.
TikTok Shop Tip #2. Introduce your TikTok shop to your audience
Now that you have set up and refined your TikTok Shop, it is time to spread the word. Using TikTok lets your audience know that your shop is live. Create engaging videos showcasing the shopping tab on your profile and offering a quick tutorial on how to make purchases.
TikTok Shop Tip #3. Get creative with product promotions
Don’t just stop at telling people about your shop; promote your products in a fun, engaging manner. Spice up your product descriptions and throw in humour or pop-culture references to make them more engaging. Use your posts and live streams to feature your products creatively.
Understanding the right times to post on TikTok is also crucial for maximising your reach and engagement. Your promotional efforts should blend seamlessly with your other content, making the experience organic for your viewers.
TikTok Shop Tip #4. Leverage the power of influencers
TikTok is a multifaceted platform with its own unique culture and trends. If you find it challenging, consider partnering with popular TikTokers in Singapore who understand the platform’s intricacies. Choosing the right influencers can elevate your brand, increase product awareness, and ultimately, ramp up sales.
When you collaborate with TikTok creators who genuinely resonate with your products, you allow them the creative freedom to introduce your brand in a way that’s likely to captivate and engage their followers.
TikTok Shop Tip #5. Set Up TikTok Ads
TikTok Ads can be an effective way to reach a broader audience. Whether you’re looking to target a specific demographic or are keen to get more eyeballs on a new product launch, TikTok’s robust ad platform offers a range of formats for TikTok shopping ads.
Well-crafted ads can drive traffic not just to your TikTok Shop but also to any other online platforms where you sell your products. Given the high engagement rates on TikTok, figuring out how to set up TikTok ads can offer a substantial ROI, making it a pivotal part of your overall sales strategy.
Elevate Your Business’s Social Media Game With First Page
Unlocking the potential of social commerce through TikTok is more than just a trend; it’s a game-changing strategy for business owners looking to reach new heights in today’s digital marketplace. However, navigating the intricacies of how to set up a TikTok Shop can be a complex venture. This is where partnering with a specialised TikTok agency like First Page can make all the difference.
As a digital marketing agency based in Singapore, First Page specialises in creating the best TikTok Ads that not only establish your brand presence but also turn viewers into loyal customers. Additionally, we offer expertise in a range of other social media marketing services to enhance your business’s online presence. By leveraging the expertise of our agency, you can propel your business to new levels of success, harnessing the full power of social commerce capabilities.
