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Do you want to use TikTok for dropshipping?
This is a complete guide to take off your TikTok dropshipping business and grow it.
In this article, I will explain
- How to sell stuff on TikTok
- Good and not-so-good things about selling on TikTok
- How to put ads on TikTok
- The right way to promote things on TikTok
Sounds great? Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Tiktok for Dropshipping
TikTok is a popular social media application that allows its users to shoot 15-second short videos , on mobile devices or webcams. TikTok is used by a lot of people worldwide. Most people who use TikTok are between 20 and 29 years old.
Since TikTok is becoming even more popular, using it for your dropshipping business could give you a big advantage and help your business grow a lot.
What is Tiktok for Dropshipping?
TikTok dropshipping is like this: You show off your stuff on TikTok, but you also run a separate store for selling those things.
Now, there are two ways to do this TikTok dropshipping thing:
1. Regular TikTok Dropshipping
- You put your products in your dropshipping store.
- Then, you work on getting people to follow you on TikTok, kind of like how you’d get folks on Instagram to buy your cool stuff.
2. TikTok Shop Method
To start your TikTok dropshipping shop, you need to have 1,000 followers. Once you have met this requirement, the next steps are:
- Application: Apply for a TikTok shop
- Approval: Wait for an approval.
Once you are approved, you can connect your TikTok shop to platforms like Shopify or EcWid
How to apply for TikTok shop for creators?
Step 1:
The first step is to navigate to “Profile” in the TikTok app. Settings and privacy > Creator tools > TikTok Shop.
Step 2:
Apply and wait for your application to be approved.
Step 3:
Get creative and have fun promoting products!
Is TikTok a Good Place to Dropship?
Yep, if you use TikTok for dropshipping, you can reach more than 1 billion people every month in 141 countries.
TikTok is super popular for buying and selling things. There’s even a famous hashtag, #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt, where people share videos of things they bought on TikTok. Imagine, this hashtag has over 60 billion views, and lots of sellers are joining in on the TikTok trend.
Let’s talk numbers from a close lens:
- TikTok has more than 1 billion people using it every month.
- Around 20% of all internet users worldwide are on TikTok.
- It’s in 141 countries!
- 90% of the folks on TikTok use it every day.
- And get this, 30% of TikTok users are adults, aged 40 or more.
Here’s the deal: To do well on TikTok, you’ve got to make your marketing fun, not like a boring sales pitch. People on TikTok aren’t there to shop; they’re there for a good time. So, if you make your stuff entertaining, that’s the key to success on TikTok!
Steps to Dropship on TikTok
1. Choose a Popular Niche/Product
To create a successful TikTok dropshipping store, start by choosing a specific focus or product area, known as a “niche.” For instance, if your niche is organic products, your store will exclusively offer organic items.
Having a niche is smarter than having a general store. I want to be honest – building a store like Amazon or Walmart that sells everything is really challenging. It requires a lot of time, money, and hard work to make a general dropshipping store fully functional. So, starting with a niche is a more practical and effective approach.
2. Connect with a Reliable Dropshipping Supplier
The next big step in becoming a TikTok dropshipping whiz is teaming up with a supplier who gives you top-notch products and excellent service. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing your supplier:
Quality and Dependability
Choose a supplier that’s known for selling excellent products and being reliable.
When selecting a supplier, it’s crucial to opt for one with a reputation for offering outstanding products and being dependable. This means you want to partner with a supplier who is recognized for providing items of high quality. Customers should be satisfied with the products they receive, and the products should meet or exceed their expectations.
Swift Shipping
Make sure they have a track record of getting things shipped out quickly.
Choosing a supplier with a proven track record of fast shipping is crucial for your TikTok dropshipping business. This track record reflects the supplier’s past performance in delivering products promptly. Swift shipping is essential for a positive customer experience, building trust, and meeting modern consumer expectations for quick deliveries. Prioritizing suppliers with a commitment to fast shipping contributes significantly to the success and positive reputation of your TikTok dropshipping store.
Outstanding Customer Service
Check that they’re great at helping customers and have a solid return policy.
Competitive Prices
Look for a supplier with a diverse range of products at prices that are just as good as, or better than, others.
Positive Feedback
See what other people have said about them – it should be positive.
Reputable Platforms
- Use well-known platforms like AliExpress and CJDropshipping because they offer a variety of products and are reliable.
Forming a solid relationship with a trustworthy supplier is crucial. It ensures timely delivery to customers and maintains their happiness, which is vital for your TikTok store’s good name.
Pros and Cons of TikTok Dropshipping
Pros
Cost-effective Dropshipping
Many argue that TikTok advertising comes with a hefty price tag, as it demands a minimum daily budget of $20 (at least in my experience).
Nevertheless, it’s essential not to judge ad costs solely based on what you pay. The ad’s performance should be taken into account. Some research indicates that TikTok boasts lower CPM and CTR than Facebook, while opposing views may exist.
Here’s the catch: Your TikTok ad won’t deliver results if you’re peddling the wrong products. TikTok isn’t a marketplace for just any item. The platform caters to a youthful demographic, meaning your ads will only resonate if you’re marketing products that align with the preferences of TikTok users.
Active Viewership
TikTok boasts a highly engaged audience, setting it apart from other platforms. While Facebook may have a larger user base, the demographics differ significantly from those of TikTok.
TikTok’s audience skews younger compared to Facebook, making them more receptive to the content and ads they encounter. On Facebook, many users simply scroll through their feeds without much interest.
Research indicates that TikTok excels in driving audience engagement. According to a study, TikTok audiences exhibit a 15% stronger engagement rate than leading social media platforms.
My personal experience aligns with this observation, having run ads on both Facebook and TikTok. I’ve noticed superior ad performance on TikTok, including extended view times and increased clicks.
Cons
High Competition
In the current social media scene, TikTok stands out as the trendiest platform, bringing about strong competition. Many creative minds have already started using TikTok for dropshipping, making the competition quite intense.
Your success on TikTok depends on your videos. It’s essential to regularly produce valuable content that achieves three things:
- Grow your followers.
- Boost engagement.
- Encourage people to do something.
TikTok’s popularity has prompted YouTube and Facebook to adapt. In the past, YouTube didn’t support short videos, but now they have something called Shorts, showing how platforms are adjusting to TikTok’s influence.
Limited Viewership
The primary issue I encounter with TikTok pertains to its platform coverage. TikTok has implemented regional divisions, making it unfeasible to run ads in the US unless you are physically situated there.
This division into regions poses a substantial challenge. For instance, if you find yourself in Asia, say Singapore, your advertising scope is confined to neighboring countries. The same constraint applies to US users on TikTok.
Now, the rationale behind this rule is linked to geopolitical considerations. TikTok, being a Chinese company, has aroused concerns regarding data security. Certain governments that permitted TikTok’s operations insisted on the platform keeping all servers and data within their respective borders.
Nevertheless, is there a workaround to this limitation? Certainly. You can enlist someone in your target country to create a TikTok business account on your behalf. If, for instance, you are in Asia and wish to advertise in the US, seek out an individual in the United States to establish a TikTok Business Account and Ad Account for you.
This designated person will provide TikTok with a US address and manage the TikTok account setup. Once the TikTok business account receives verification, they will share the login details with you. Subsequently, you can log in from any location and commence your advertising initiatives.
How to Promote Dropshipping Products on TikTok
There are several ways to promote your dropshipping business on TikTok.
You can choose to use one or more ways to advertise your dropshipping products on TikTok:
Let’s look at different ways and also their pros and cons:
Paid Ads
TikTok offers to purchase ads on its platform. All you need to have is a TikTok business account. You can go to its Ad Manager section and create an ad based on your goals. Just like Google Ads or facebook Ads, you can even set your ad budget and specify how much you want to spend to reach your target audience.
Pros: Paid TikTok ads are relatively easy to create, and they can increase your reach, which may lead to more conversions.
Cons: Your return on investment isn’t guaranteed, and if you have a small budget to work with, you might not see much traction from running paid ads.
Collaboration with TikTok Influencers
Influencers are powerful and can turn your potential customers into paid customers. TikTok dropshippers can hire influencers create a video to rate your product and promote it to their following, which can increase sales.
Pros: If your influencer has a target audience, the chances of conversion is very high.
Cons: Finding a good influencer can be a daunting task. They also may sometimes show you a high price tag.
Read also:
FAQs on TikTok for Dropshipping
Is TikTok good for dropshipping?
TikTok is a great tool for dropshiping which has millions of users and unlike other eComerce platforms, dropshipping is not banned here.
How do I promote my dropshipping store on TikTok?
Discover Your Ideal Audience. Evaluate Your Competitors. Consistently Generate Content. Monitor Your Advancements. Persist in Experimenting on TikTok.
Final Words
To start any successful dropshipping business, choosing good products and suppliers are important decisions. One more important thing is Marketplace.
Your potential buyers must visit that marketplace. Else, you will not have any sales. TikTok is now one of the biggest marketplaces on the internet. If you are considering TikTok for dropshipping, this is definitely a most sought-after platforms for all kinds of online business owners.
I recommend going ahead and creating a TikTok shop and a TikTok dropshipping business. Just do it the right way and it could be a turning point in your life.
