Custom products, global reach
Forget boring marketing – TikTok is where eCommerce meets entertainment. From TikTok Shop and affiliate programs to influencer collabs and viral trends, this social media platform is a goldmine for brands looking to promote and sell products directly.
Using organic content, hopping on trends, or setting up your shop tab are only a few ways to increase sales. We’ll explore TikTok features and tools to help you launch successful campaigns and connect with shoppers.
Ready to turn TikTok users into buyers? Let’s get started!
Key takeaways
- TikTok Shop offers a direct way to sell products within the app, making eCommerce seamless.
- Posting at the right time and following trends increases engagement and visibility.
- User-generated content builds trust and encourages organic sales.
- TikTok ads and influencer marketing help expand reach and drive purchases.
- Printify makes it easy to launch a print-on-demand store and sell custom products on TikTok.
How to use TikTok to promote your eCommerce store
TikTok has become a game-changer for eCommerce businesses, offering unmatched visibility, engagement, and direct sales opportunities. With 1.12 billion monthly active users worldwide, brands can tap into a massive audience and turn casual scrolling into serious sales.
What makes TikTok eCommerce so powerful?
- Its algorithm gives businesses a fair shot at going viral, even without a huge following.
Unlike other platforms, TikTok pushes content to the right target audience, growing product discovery and brand awareness fast.
- The platform is designed for seamless shopping. Features like the TikTok Shop, Shop Tab, and live shopping allow brands to sell products directly, while affiliate programs and creator partnerships amplify reach.
Plus, TikTok videos make marketing effortless. Short, engaging content is the key to capturing attention and driving purchases.
- TikTok isn’t just about fun – it’s a high-converting eCommerce platform.
With users spending an average of 50 minutes daily on the app and the US revenue hitting $10 billion in 2024, brands that invest in TikTok today are setting themselves up for explosive growth.
If you’re in eCommerce, this is the platform to dominate.
Increase sales on your TikTok channel: 11 Tips and tricks to try
Getting sales on TikTok isn’t about luck – it’s about strategy. With the right approach, turn views into conversions and followers into customers. From amping up visibility to leveraging TikTok’s built-in eCommerce features, these 11 practical tips can help you make the most of the platform and drive real results.
Increase visibility with promoted posts
Think of promoted posts as a shortcut to more eyes on your content. While organic reach on TikTok can be powerful, promoted posts give your videos an extra push by turning them into ads.
Yes, technically, they are a form of TikTok ads, but they’re different from full-fledged ad campaigns. Instead of creating an ad from scratch, you’re simply paying to promote an existing post to more TikTok users, helping you increase sales and engagement fast.
How do promoted posts work?
- You select a high-performing video from your TikTok account.
- You set a budget and duration (as little as $5 per day).
- Choose your goal – more views, more website visits, or more followers.
- TikTok shows your video to a larger audience beyond your current followers.
What kind of account do you need?
To access promoted posts, you need a Business Account, which is free and comes with extra eCommerce tools like the Shop Tab and TikTok Seller Center.
Simply go to Settings → Manage account → Switch to Business Account and unlock TikTok’s marketing features.
Start with a video that’s already performing well. If TikTok’s algorithm loves it, a little nudge could turn it into a viral sales magnet.
Follow trends to stay relevant
TikTok moves faster than fashion trends, and if you’re not keeping up, you’re missing out. Jumping on viral challenges and memes puts your brand right in the middle of the action – where the views and sales happen.
How to do it? Check the For You feed and TikTok Trends daily and pay attention to what’s blowing up. Then, adapt those trends to your niche. Selling fitness gear? Do a workout challenge using a trending sound. Have a skincare brand? Use the latest TikTok filter to show instant results.
The more you blend in with trends, the more TikTok users will discover you.
Use feedback for trust and engagement
People trust real customers more than polished ads. User-generated content (UGC) is like free marketing, built on authenticity – it’s when shoppers post videos featuring your products.
How to encourage UGC?
- Create a branded hashtag challenge to get users involved.
- Offer discounts or shoutouts for customers who share their experience.
- Partner with TikTok creators who love your brand.
UGC improves credibility, fuels engagement, and increases sales – because when people see others using your product, they want in on the action too.
Use hashtags and trending audio for a visibility boost
Think of hashtags as SEO for TikTok. They help categorize your content, making it easier for users to find you. Meanwhile, trending audio is like riding a viral wave straight into more views and engagement.
How to do it? Use a mix of broad hashtags (#TikTokShop, #eCommerce) and niche-specific ones (#SustainableFashion, #TechGadgets). Then, pair them with trending sounds – TikTok’s algorithm loves it when businesses use popular audio.
Bonus tip? Check the TikTok Creative Center for trending sounds and hashtags daily.
Fully brand your account so it’s recognizable
Imagine scrolling through TikTok and instantly recognizing a brand without even seeing its name. That’s the power of branding. A consistent profile builds trust, loyalty, and repeat customers.
How to do it?
- Pick a strong username, use a memorable logo, and maintain a cohesive color scheme across your profile.
- Write a short, punchy bio highlighting what you sell and why TikTok users need it.
- Use your TikTok Shop Tab to showcase products and pin your best-selling video ads to the top of your feed.
Make sure your brand is instantly recognizable.
Experiment with different types of videos and tracking metrics
TikTok is not a one-size-fits-all platform. Some brands sell products directly with live shopping, while others use storytelling videos to engage customers. Testing different formats helps you find what works best for your audience.
How to do it? Mix it up. Try product demos, behind-the-scenes content, customer testimonials, and fun challenges. Use TikTok’s analytics tools (inside your Business Account) to track views, engagement, and conversions. Double down on what works and tweak what doesn’t. TikTok eCommerce success is all about adaptability.
Set up the TikTok Shop as an extension of your external store
This eCommerce platform isn’t just for discovery – it’s for direct sales. With TikTok Shop, sell products directly in the TikTok app, turning casual viewers into instant buyers.
How to do it? Head to the TikTok Seller Center, sign up as a merchant, and connect your product catalog. Use the Shop Tab on your TikTok profile so users can browse and buy without leaving the app. Combine this with Shop Ads and live shopping events to drive even more sales.
Read our guide on setting up your TikTok Shop for more details and clear instructions.
Collaborate with influencers or viral creators
When a TikTok creator with a huge following talks about your product, sales skyrocket, so keep those partnerships in mind. Influencers help build trust, showcase your product in action, and drive targeted traffic.
How to do it? Use TikTok Creator Marketplace to find creators in your niche. Set clear goals – do you want brand awareness, engagement, or sales? Offer free products, commission-based deals, or flat fees in exchange for authentic, engaging content that drives real conversions.
Jump on TikTok Shop’s affiliate marketing program
Want an army of TikTok users promoting your online store for you? Affiliate marketing lets influencers, creators, and everyday users advertise your products for commission-based earnings.
How to do it? Sign up for TikTok Shop’s affiliate program inside the TikTok Seller Center and let creators add your product links to their content. The best part? You only pay when they drive a sale. It’s an easy, scalable way to increase sales without upfront ad spend.
Post at the right time for maximum engagement
Timing is everything – even the best video won’t perform well if no one sees it. Posting at the right time ensures your content lands in front of active TikTok users, increasing your chances of engagement, shares, and sales.
So, when should you post?
- Check TikTok analytics (Business Account → Creator Tools → Analytics) to see when your followers are most active.
- Generally, the best time to post is early mornings (7-9 a.m.) and evenings (7-10 p.m.) work best.
- Experiment. Post at different times and track results using TikTok’s built-in insights.
A well-timed post can spark product discovery, drive purchases, and introduce your brand to more potential customers.
Use TikTok Ads to supercharge your reach
TikTok ads let you skip the waiting game and instantly reach your target audience. There are several ad types, including:
- In-Feed Ads (appear in the For You feed).
- TopView Ads (first thing users see when they open TikTok).
- Branded Hashtag Challenges (engage users creatively).
- Video Shopping Ads (seamlessly connect videos to your shop).
Set up an Ad Account in TikTok Ads Manager, define your audience, and launch a campaign that turns views into purchases.
Read our detailed guide on TikTok Ads to learn everything about paid advertising in the TikTok community.
TikTok eCommerce: FAQ
Absolutely! TikTok Shop gives businesses access to millions of engaged shoppers who love discovering and buying products through short videos and live shopping. With features like shop ads, in-app checkout, and influencer collaborations, TikTok makes it easier than ever to amp up sales and build a loyal customer base.
Start by setting up a TikTok Shop through the TikTok Seller Center and linking it to an eCommerce platform like Printify for on-demand product fulfillment. Then, optimize your business account, create engaging TikTok videos, and use trending content, shop ads, and influencer marketing to drive purchases.
Use several features, such as video shopping ads, influencer partnerships, and live shopping, to raise sales. Stay relevant by following trends, posting at peak times, and using feedback and reviews to increase trust and credibility. Track performance with TikTok Pixel, experiment with different video formats, and engage with the TikTok community to build brand loyalty.
To conclude
TikTok has become an unstoppable force in eCommerce, allowing users to discover, engage, and shop seamlessly through entertaining content. By leveraging TikTok Shop, influencer collaborations, and shop ads, businesses can generate sales and brand awareness.
Ready to launch your TikTok store? Start with Printify – your ultimate partner in creating and selling custom products with zero inventory!
