A TikTok dropshipping business has the potential to earn you a full-time income. Dropshipping is a very lucrative online business venture when done right, and when you source buyers from the TikTok platform, the results are explosive. TikTok is not saturated, and organic content can generate massive traffic to your eCommerce store. Compare that to Facebook or Instagram, where organic reach is limited, and ads are not converting as they used to.
The cost of generating content is low, meaning you do not require huge cash to start or grow your dropshipping business on this platform. If you are low on capital and are willing to put in the work, you can set up and run your TikTok dropshipping business for less than $100.
The following steps will lead you to a profitable TikTok dropshipping business.
1. Optimize Your Store
The first thing you have to do is optimize your store for maximum sales. Make buying easy, and the product page should convert visitors easily. It is easy to start seeing results when you combine your shop with the TikTok platform.
If you have over 1,000 followers on your TikTok account, you can have a link to your store in the bio section. Those with less than 1,000 followers can set up the link in their Instagram accounts.
2. Choose a Great Product
You will not make many sales if your product is not in high demand. So, product research is a necessary step before you settle on a dropshipping product. The following points will help you choose a great product to sell through your TikTok dropshipping business.
Ensure the Product Has a Wow Factor
The attention span of most linked users is low, hence the popularity of short videos. Having the product with a wow factor ensures your videos can capture attention, even if they are three seconds. Such products are also easy to market, making your work easier.
It Must Be Unique on TikTok (While Still Having a High Demand)
If your chosen product is exclusive, even better. A quick search on Amazon should help determine if there is demand for your product. Check the positive ratings; if there are a lot, they are worth selling. But, before settling on it, check if you can get it for a reasonable price, leaving room for a good margin.
Also, if the product is available on Amazon Prime, the competition may be a bit higher. The reason is they offer products at a much lower price and shipping time is shorter.
3. Pick Suitable Video Content and Formats
Although running ads is an option, to do this with the least amount of money, go for organic content. In fact, on the TikTok ads manager, they have a helpful tip: don’t make ads, make TikToks. Since the platform is not yet saturated, the organic reach is excellent.
Avoid content that looks like ads or that has still images and GIFs. Instead, go for short videos between 8 and 15 seconds, which is ideal for the platform.
The idea of running contests is currently popular on the platform right now. Giving giveaways to the user who views a certain number of times and also comments is one way to generate engagement on your video. The strategy has given some videos in a certain campaign over 51k likes and another over 10.4 million likes.
Even people not interested in the prize will engage with your video. You will likely get people asking about your product and where they can find it.
4. Create Suitable Videos
You can use content from various suppliers’ websites to make your videos. But the best idea is to get the product and use it to make your own videos. The type of video that does best on TikTok is the raw and organic kind. Don’t spend a lot on making high-quality videos for the platform. A video shot on your phone will perform much better.
User-generated content is king when it comes to online marketing. You can include the following types of content:
- Testimonials
- Reviews
- Unboxing
- Product in use
- Creative such as silly/crazy scenarios
If you want your video to go viral, have a catchy or even weird hook to get users’ attention. Videos of the product in use and creative giveaways seem to be attracting more attention. Include a different mix of content in your account for better reach.
5. Engage With Your Followers
The more you engage with fans on this platform, the more the algorithm shows users your content. Engage with those commenting on your posts by answering questions and appreciating those who like your posts. The more people view your content, the higher your chances of converting for more revenue.
If your account is new, engage with other niche accounts to show the algorithm you are active on the platform.
6. Present the Prize to the Winners
Some of the accounts running contests are unethical and don’t award prizes to the winners. But honoring your word and giving out the giveaway is an opportunity to promote your product.
You can ask the winners to do a post using the product. Pin this on your TikTok page for extra credibility and also as a testimonial.
7. Seek Professional Help
If you are not good at creating videos to promote your products, you can collaborate with other creators to help you make them. But the best option in such a case is to seek professional help for your TikTok dropshipping business. Ensure the person or company understands how the platform works, as it differs from the more common YouTube strategies.
Alternatively, get professionals to build your dropshipping store, including making videos. This way, you shorten the learning curve and avoid pitfalls when guided by experienced people.
On the TikTok platform, it is possible to earn thousands of dollars without spending a lot on ads. It has not grown to the size of Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, so it is not (yet) saturated. Follow the steps above, and you will see returns from your dropshipping business in no time.
If you are ready to start and grow an ultra-profitable dropshipping business without building a website, spending on Ads, or prior experience, sign up for our free webinar. You can also find helpful marketing tips for different platforms on our YouTube channel for more insights.