5 Things to Know About Promoting Your TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop is rapidly becoming a major player in e-commerce. With over 150 million U.S. users and a global GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) of $33.2 billion in 2024, it's grown from a simple social network platform to a place to buy and sell. Do you have a business, or are you a TikTok Shop affiliate? Here are five practical ways to get your products seen and sold. 

No. 1: Craft Scroll-Stopping Content

Getting attention on TikTok begins with content that looks and sounds like it belongs on the platform. Skip anything that comes across as an ad. Instead, show how your product works, jump into a trend, or share a behind-the-scenes moment. 

Here’s what’s working now:

  • Use trending audio to reach more people

  • Keep it short – users prefer videos of 15–60 seconds

  • Show your product in action (POV or user-generated works well)

  • Post often and lean into what performs best

  • TikTok ads are built in Ads Manager and let you target specific audiences with more options and formats. Promote is a quick way to pay to show one of your posts to more people, right inside the TikTok app.

No. 2: Run TikTok Ads to Increase Visibility & Sales

Organic content is a great start. However, TikTok ads can take things to the next level. With TikTok Ads Manager, you can sell your products, reach specific audiences, and drive clicks straight to your TikTok Shop, without leaving the app. 

  • Brands often overlook the need for TikTok ads to match the platform's fast, native style; repurposed traditional ads just don't work. I like to focus on creator-led, organic feeling videos that blend seamlessly into the For You Page and feel like content, not ads

    If a video is already doing well, put some spend behind it to sustain the momentum. According to TikTok, 3 in 4 users say they’re more likely to buy from a brand they’ve seen on TikTok Shop.

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No. 3: Optimize Your TikTok Shop for Discoverability

Your content can drive clicks, but your TikTok shop needs to keep shoppers engaged. Make sure it’s easy to browse and shows off your products in the best light. 

Here’s how to improve discoverability:

  • Use product titles and descriptions with keywords your customers would search.

  • Upload clear, high-quality images and videos.

  • Group items into collections so browsing is simple.

  • Encourage more clicks, shares, and engagement on your posts and product listings with TikTok shop promo codes.

TikTok says that 71% of shoppers were inspired to buy things they weren’t looking to buy. 

  • Yes. Many sellers make money by posting videos that grab attention, selling products people want, and offering reasonable prices. Posting often and using tools like promo codes or live streams can help increase sales.

No. 4: Consider Collaborating with TikTok Creators

Partnering with creators is one of the best ways to grow on TikTok. Nearly three-quarters of users say they are more connected to brands they see creators use. You can find partners through TikTok’s Creator Marketplace or contact micro-influencers directly.

When choosing creators, you should:

  • Look for strong engagement, not just high follower counts

  • Make sure their style fits your brand

  • Prioritize natural, unscripted content

  • Ask for clear calls to action that guide viewers to your TikTok Shop

Micro-influencers with under 15k followers average 18% engagement, which is much higher than bigger accounts. 

  • You must be at least 18 years old and have a TikTok account in good standing. Then you can apply in the TikTok Shop Seller Center. Once approved, you can earn money by promoting other people’s products and getting a cut of each sale.

No. 5: Utilize TikTok Shopping Native Feature

TikTok has built-in shopping tools designed to make buying quick and easy. With over $33 billion worldwide. sales last year and 47.2 million active social shoppers, these features are worth using. 

Here are a few to try:

  • LIVE Shopping: Go live and let viewers buy in real time during your stream

  • Shop Now Buttons: Add clickable buttons to videos and livestreams for fast purchases

  • Product Showcase: Use your profile to highlight featured products and organize by season or trend.

These tools work best when paired with consistent content and creator collabs. Are you just starting out or already active? Using TikTok’s shopping features can make your products easier to find and buy.  

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Emily Iten