TikTok Shop has revolutionised the way businesses interact with their audiences in Malaysia. As the app grows in popularity, especially among younger users, it has become a powerful e-commerce platform that blends entertainment with shopping. TikTok Shop enables businesses to sell their products directly on the platform, creating a seamless experience for sellers and buyers. For those unfamiliar with its full potential, understanding its features and functionality can open doors to significant revenue opportunities.
In this guide, we explore 3 crucial aspects of TikTok Shop that every business and seller should know: the ability to checkout within the TikTok app, the three formats of TikTok Shop, and how to join as a TikTok Shop seller. Whether you’re an established business or a budding entrepreneur, mastering TikTok Shop’s ecosystem can give you an edge in today’s competitive market.
Table of Contents
1. Checkout Within the TikTok App
One of TikTok Shop’s standout features is completing purchases directly within the app. This seamless integration allows users to browse, shop, and checkout, streamlining the shopping experience without leaving the platform.
How It Works
When TikTok users see a product they like, they can tap on the shopping icon or link embedded in the video or live stream. This leads them to a product page within the app where they can add items to their cart, select payment options, and complete their purchase—all without being redirected to an external website.
Benefits for Sellers
This feature is a game-changer for businesses. By keeping customers within the TikTok ecosystem, sellers reduce the risk of losing potential buyers during checkout. Studies show that external redirects often lead to cart abandonment. With TikTok’s in-app checkout, sellers can boost their conversion rates and capture impulse purchases effectively.
Benefits for Shoppers
From a buyer’s perspective, the process is quick and convenient. They can browse TikTok’s engaging content while making purchases with minimal friction. Secure payment options and the absence of additional steps enhance the user experience.
Example: A Malaysian Success Story
A Malaysian skincare brand recently leveraged TikTok Shop to launch a new product line. By promoting their products through engaging short videos and using TikTok’s in-app checkout, they achieved a 40% increase in sales within a month. This feature allowed them to convert viewers into customers almost instantly.
2. There Are 3 TikTok Shop Formats
TikTok Shop offers three formats to help businesses effectively connect with their target audiences: In-Feed Ads, live shopping, and Product Showcase. Each format caters to different marketing strategies, allowing sellers to choose the best for their brand.
Format 1: In-Feed Ads
In-feed ads are short videos that appear organically in users’ For You pages. These videos include clickable links to shoppable products, making them an excellent tool for showcasing items in an engaging, visual way.
Why It Works
In-feed ads blend seamlessly with TikTok’s content, capturing attention without feeling intrusive. They’re ideal for introducing products to new audiences.
Example
A local coffee brand used In-Feed Ads to promote its latest coffee collection. Targeting users based on their interests generated significant engagement and increased sales.
Format 2: LIVE Shopping
LIVE Shopping allows sellers to host real-time streams where they showcase their products, interact with viewers, and answer questions. Shoppers can make purchases directly from the live stream.
Why It Works
This interactive format creates a sense of urgency and trust, as buyers can see the product in action and ask for immediate clarifications.
Example
A local fashion brand conducted a live shopping event during payday week, highlighting its short period of promotion or sale. This drew the attention of viewers and resulted in record-breaking sales.
Format 3: Product Showcase
Product Showcase is a feature that allows sellers to create a dedicated section on their TikTok profiles where all their products are listed. This acts as a virtual storefront.
Why It Works
It provides a permanent, organised way for customers to browse products. Sellers can drive traffic to their Product Showcase through videos and ads.
Example
A Malaysian coffee brand utilised the Product Showcase to display its range of ready-to-drink items, increasing visibility and establishing a consistent brand presence.
3. How to Join as a TikTok Shop Seller
If you’re ready to tap into the potential of TikTok Shop, becoming a seller is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can get started:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Register on TikTok Shop Seller Centre
Visit the TikTok Shop Seller Centre and create an account using your email or phone number. If you already have a TikTok account, you can link it to your seller profile.
- Submit Necessary Documents
Upload the required documents for verification, such as your business registration certificate, identity proof, and bank account details. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays.
- Upload Your Product Catalogue
Add product details, including high-quality images, clear descriptions, and competitive pricing. This step is crucial for attracting potential buyers.
- Start Promoting Your Products
Leverage TikTok’s video content to market your products. Create engaging videos highlighting your offerings’ benefits and use trending hashtags to boost visibility.
Eligibility Requirements
- An active TikTok account.
- Compliance with TikTok Shop policies.
- A minimum following may be required for some features.
Tips for Success
- Collaborate with influencers to reach a wider audience.
- Use TikTok’s analytics tools to monitor performance and optimise strategies.
Example
A small Malaysian bakery joined TikTok Shop and posted videos of their baking process. By incorporating trending music and creative visuals, they gained a large following and saw a 50% increase in orders within three months.
TikTok Shop Advertising Tips for Sellers
To maximise your TikTok Marketing efforts, it’s essential to leverage TikTok Shop’s advertising tools for maximum engagement and conversion. Here are some quick tips to optimise your strategy.
a. Maximising In-Feed Ads
In-Feed Ads blend seamlessly into users’ For You pages, making them perfect for product promotion.
- Keep it short: Capture attention within the first few seconds with visually striking content.
- Engage with trends: Incorporate popular TikTok sounds or challenges to resonate with users.
- Strong CTA: Direct users to act with clear, actionable prompts like “Shop Now.”
b. Leveraging LIVE Shopping
LIVE Shopping is a great way to connect directly with your audience in real-time.
- Create urgency: Offer time-sensitive discounts during the stream.
- Engage directly: Respond to comments and questions to foster real-time interaction.
- Promote beforehand: Build anticipation with teasers leading up to the stream.
Discover how social commerce in Malaysia is transforming the way brands connect with customers and drive sales through platforms like TikTok, Shoppe and Lazada.
c. Optimising Product Showcase
A product showcase is a dedicated space to display all your products.
- Organise products: Group similar items for easy navigation.
- Use high-quality images: Ensure each listing is visually appealing with clear, professional photos.
- Update regularly: Keep your showcase fresh with new arrivals or special offers.
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Unlock Your Business Potential with TikTok Shop Now!
TikTok Shop is transforming the way businesses engage with consumers, offering powerful tools to boost visibility and sales. Malaysian local brands have a unique chance to connect with a highly engaged audience through TikTok’s seamless e-commerce experience.
Take action now and start leveraging the in-app checkout, live shopping, and creative formats to drive growth. Maximise your TikTok Shop potential with expert content marketing and social media marketing strategies.
Partner with a digital marketing agency like Newnormz to elevate your TikTok marketing game and accelerate your business success.
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