More and more consumers are turning to TikTok for online shopping. They’re 1.7 times more likely to discover products there than any other social network. So, if you’re not already selling on TikTok, you’re missing a golden opportunity to expand your customer base.
In this article, we’ll cover how to sell on TikTok with Shopify. We’ll talk you through all the different features and the steps needed to set up your accounts.
How do you sell Shopify products on TikTok?
Although TikTok is primarily a video-sharing app, it has some ecommerce features. You can link your products and sync your Shopify inventory via an integration.
Shopify can also complement many of the new TikTok Shop features including:
- Direct sales: Customers can purchase products directly from the platform using a secure check out
- Live shopping: These are live events that last around 15 to 30 minutes where you present your products, answer questions, and make sales.
- Product showcase: Like an ecommerce store, you can create dedicated sections for all your products with photos and pricing.
- Affiliate program: It’s possible to connect with TikTok users and offer them a commission to advertise your products in videos.
- Product catalog: TikTok can list your products in a marketplace, organized for easy browsing.
- Shop ads: To reach a wider audience, you can launch targeted ads that promote your brand.
While TikTok offers these marketing and ecommerce features, it lacks the automation tools found in many ecommerce platforms. You can’t use it to manage high volume sales.
That’s where Shopify comes in — the integration allows you to record any sales made on TikTok and manage these orders via your Shopify account.
Note that TikTok Shop is only available in specific countries including the US, the UK, and Singapore. After the pilot program, TikTok hopes to expand its ecommerce services to other locations.
Who can open a store on TikTok?
TikTok has strict rules for who can use its ecommerce features. You must have a business with a Tax ID and an address. As you might expect, you also have to be over 18.
You’re required to follow TikTok’s guidelines concerning tax reporting, consumer protection, and copyright. If you don’t, they may remove content, suspend you, or permanently ban your account.
If you want to open a TikTok Shop account, you must follow the same conditions. Remember your business must be based in one of the eligible countries as well.
How to set up TikTok shopping for Shopify
Setting up a TikTok account for Shopify is free and only takes a few days. Here are the steps you need to take:
Get the TikTok app (if you haven’t already)
You need the TikTok app before you can start setting up and connecting Shopify. Go to the website or download the mobile app. You just have to input a few details and verify your identity to sign in.
Switch to a TikTok business account
Now you’re inside the TikTok app, click on:
- Profile
- The ‘…’ symbol
- Settings and privacy
- Manage account
Register your business with TikTok
To start selling via the Shopify TikTok integration, you have to verify your ecommerce store. Click on the tab called ‘Business registration.’
Complete the form with all your company’s details and upload supporting paperwork. TikTok has a list of acceptable documents for each country.
Then you wait. TikTok needs around one to three business days to review your account.
Download the Shopify TikTok app
Once you’re verified, go to the Shopify app store and find the official TikTok app.
From there, click:
- Install
- Add sales channel
- Set up business
- Connect TikTok for Business
Shopify will open a login window for your TikTok account. Enter your credentials and click ‘Connect’ to integrate the two platforms.
You can now create targeted ads that appear in the user feed, link your products, and monitor the success of your marketing campaigns.
Create a TikTok Shop account
Although you’ve linked your accounts, you still can’t sell directly on TikTok or access all its ecommerce products.
If you’re in an eligible location, you can sign up for TikTok Shop to start selling on the marketplace. Go to the TikTok Seller Center for your location and log in with your account. You need to verify your business again and link your bank account.
Sync your Shopify inventory with TikTok
From the moment you connect, the integration app automatically syncs your inventory across TikTok and Shopify.
You can manage your products, orders, or customers by going to either your Shopify or TikTok settings. Make sure you’ve turned on automatic synchronization. You want changes on one platform to be reflected on the other so your accounts are up to date. Otherwise, you might oversell or overstock your products.
Record TikTok sales in your books
Make sure you record every sale you make through TikTok so you can keep accurate books and file taxes compliantly. Shopify should automatically track and store this data for you via the integration.
If you’re using a Shopify ecommerce accounting integration like MyWorks, you can also automatically record TikTok orders in your bookkeeping software. MyWorks lets you sync data every five minutes so you don’t have to worry about keeping your accounts up to date.
How to adapt your Shopify sales strategy for TikTok
As a Shopify user, you’re probably no stranger to marketing. But TikTok is a video-sharing app which means people will interact with your store differently. Here are some tips to ensure you have a smooth transition from one platform to the other:
- Make your content accessible: TikTok has a global audience. As users might not speak English fluently, use simple language and captions.
- Don’t be too niche: Unlike Facebook and Instagram, TikTok doesn’t prioritize users you already know in the algorithm. Somebody from halfway around the world is just as likely to see your products as your friends. Avoid alienating potential customers with overly specific personal and cultural references.
- Check out the competition: As well as other sellers, you have to worry about users creating similar content. Watch their videos to see what you can borrow and how you can stand out.
- Look at what’s trending: Use relevant hashtags to find popular content in your niche. Observe any trends in the top-ranking videos and use them as inspiration for your own content.
- Invest in video marketing: TikTok users will skip you if you have low-quality content. Ensure your equipment is up to date and learn the essentials of recording.
- Connect with customers: Every video has a comment section. Take advantage of this feature by answering questions and building rapport with potential customers.
If your first videos miss the mark, don’t worry. TikTok is fast-paced and content only stays in the algorithm for a short time. You can keep trying and experimenting until you find what works for you.
Ready to reach a bigger audience?
With over 800 million users worldwide, TikTok can help you expand your reach and capture new markets. There’s a slight learning curve as you set up your accounts and get used to video marketing but the payoff is worth it.
The Shopify TikTok lets you sync all your sales data so you can take advantage of features across both platforms. You can combine TikTok’s video marketing with Shopify’s automation tools to get the best of both worlds.
MyWorks Sync can help you complete the set. Our deep integration lets you connect your QuickBooks or Xero account to effortlessly record sales data and manage your books.
