So you’re wondering why you don’t have a TikTok Shop yet, huh? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Tons of sellers have the same question when they see all the hype around TikTok’s new integrated shopping feature.
As an ebay ecommerce expert and long-time TikTok marketer, let me walk you through the ins and outs of TikTok shops so you can figure out if it’s the right move for your ebay ecommerce business.
Contents
Why don’t I have a TikTok shop?
First off, what even is a TikTok Shop? Basically it’s TikTok’s version of a built-in storefront, kinda like the Shop tab you see on major Instagram influencer profiles. With a TikTok Shop, viewers can browse and buy your products without ever leaving the TikTok app – pretty cool, right?
It’s a major step TikTok is taking to push more into ebay ecommerce and compete with the likes of Instagram and Facebook shops. For sellers, it means opening up a massive new sales channel and tapping into TikTok’s incredibly engaged user base of over 1 billion monthly active users. No wonder so many brands are eager to jump on board!
Do I Meet the Requirements for a TikTok Shop?
But before you can set up shop (pun intended), you’ve got to make sure your TikTok account and content are eligible for a TikTok Shop in the first place. Here are the basic requirements TikTok has laid out:
- You must be a business account – regular personal accounts can’t get a TikTok Shop. Switch over to a TikTok business profile first.
- Your account must be in “good standing” – no violations of community guidelines or other issues that could get you banned. TikTok wants Shops to be legit.
- You need at least 1,000 followers – this shows you have an established audience already engaged with your brand.
- Your content has to be commerce-focused – ie. promoting and selling products vs just entertaining videos. TikTok wants to see you’re committed to ebay ecommerce on the platform.
Checks those boxes for your TikTok account? Then you’re on the right track! Though keep in mind requirements can vary by region and are subject to change over time as TikTok figures things out.
For example, I heard TikTok ecommerce experts say the follower requirement used to be 10k followers to get a Shop in certain markets like Southeast Asia. And some accounts that are more entertainment-focused like comedy or cooking may still be accepted if the rest of the content is good for selling products.
So even if you don’t perfectly match the criteria yet, you may still have a decent chance depending on your niche and geographic market. Definitely worth applying – the worst they can do is say no!
Setting Up Your TikTok Shop: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Okay, you’ve determined your account is eligible – now it’s time for the fun part of setting up your TikTok Shop! Here’s a quick step-by-step process:
- Tap the “Post” icon in the bottom middle of your screen and select “Link”
- Choose “Merch” as the link type and pick which product catalog you want to connect. Most sellers use Shopify, WooCommerce etc.
- Toggle on the “TikTok Shop” and fill out additional info like shop name, category, and product feeds.
- Submit for review and wait 1-3 days for TikTok approval.
Seems simple enough, but it’s surprising how many sellers trip up on a few key points:
Using banned or inappropriate content – remember all Shop content needs to follow TikTok community guidelines. Don’t try to promote prohibited products like drugs or weapons!
Keyword stuffing the Shop name/bio – avoids awkward phrasing just to rank for keywords. Write it naturally. Linking incomplete product catalogues – take time to fully update inventory levels, product titles, images etc before linking. A messy catalog turns off buyers.
Not optimising shipping/payment options – ensure you have shipping set up correctly and accepted payment methods clearly visible. This removes friction. Follow those tips when setting up your TikTok Shop and you’ll steer clear of common pitfalls!
Though there’s never any guarantee of approval, avoiding obvious mistakes gives you the best shot.
Rejected TikTok Shop Application? Here’s What To Do
Uh oh…you carefully followed all the advice and guidelines, but still got that disappointing rejection email from TikTok. It happens, so don’t be too discouraged!
Here are some of the top reasons TikTok seems to reject sellers for a Shop:
- Account has fake or bot followers
- Content violates guidelines or local laws
- Shop name/bio includes banned words
- Catalog linking errors or inactive products
- Overall low account/content quality
Basically, it comes down to having an authentic, high-quality account in good standing. If you get denied, take it as helpful feedback from TikTok on areas for improvement.
A few things you can try to get approved on the next go-around:
- Remove any followers from suspicious sources
- Delete old videos that break rules or seem spammy
- Improve product titles/images to be enticing
- Create new videos showcasing products in action
- Collab with other sellers for an authenticity boost
And don’t be shy about reaching out to TikTok support to politely appeal the decision and ask for clarification. The requirements seem to fluctuate over time, so there’s always hope for getting a reversal!
Promoting Your TikTok Shop Like a Pro
Woo hoo, your TikTok Shop is up and running! But setting it up is only half the battle – now you’ve got to get out there and promote it to drive sales. Here are some pro tips for marketing your TikTok Shop like a true TikTok ecommerce expert:
- Show off products in action – Short demos and tutorials perform incredibly well. Let buyers see how useful your product is in real life!
- Leverage shoppable livestreams – Live shopping on TikTok is huge right now. Give exclusive deals and discounts during your streams to incentivize purchases.
- Partner with influencers – Pay popular creators in your niche to feature your products. Their loyal audience will convert to sales.
- Run shoppable contests/giveaways – Encourage users to visit your Shop and purchase to enter contests with prizes or discounts.
- Retarget website visitors – Use digital ads to draw in people who already visited your site but didn’t buy yet.
- Optimise hashtag strategy – Use a targeted mix of popular and long-tail hashtags so you reach new audiences while still ranking highly.
It does take continual testing and optimization to see what performs best for driving TikTok Shop sales. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t master it overnight. The key is sticking with it and finding the right marketing mix for your unique audience and products.
FAQs
How do I apply for a TikTok Shop?
To apply, go to your TikTok profile, tap the + icon, select “Merch”, choose your ecommerce platform, and fill out info on your shop and products. Submit for TikTok’s review.
What are the requirements to get a TikTok Shop?
You need a business account in good standing with at least 1000 real followers and commerce-focused content showcasing products you aim to sell in your Shop.
Does my Shopify store automatically get a TikTok Shop?
No, you have to actively apply and be approved. Linking Shopify alone doesn’t guarantee a TikTok Shop.
Can I sell any products in my TikTok Shop?
No, you can only sell products allowed by TikTok’s commerce policies and your local regulations. Restricted items include weapons, drugs, tobacco, etc.
How much does it cost to create a TikTok Shop?
A TikTok Shop itself is free, you only pay the usual selling fees from your ecommerce platform like Shopify or payment processing fees.
How long does TikTok Shop approval take?
The review process usually takes 1-3 days. Some accounts get approved faster while complex shops may take longer. Check your email for updates.
Conclusion:
At the end of the day, should you invest the time and effort to get a TikTok Shop approved for your business? There’s certainly hype and potential there as TikTok dives deeper into ebay ecommerce.
But it also may not be the right fit yet depending on your account and niche. Take an honest look at your audience, content focus and resources. Are you able to create the type of videos that both entertain and sell?
So be strategic in weighing if it aligns with your overall game plan. A thoughtful approach now will set you up for long-term success! There you have it – a complete walkthrough of TikTok Shops and what to consider before jumping in.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m always happy to share tips and strategies from my experience as an eBay ecommerce expert. Wishing you major success no matter what sales channels you pursue.
Ready to expand your ecommerce presence? Apply for a TikTok Shop today and unlock the power of social selling.
Read More: What kind of video should I make on TikTok to get famous?
