TikTok’s only getting bigger and it doesn’t stop there. Last year, the giant short-video platform reached 1 Billion active users, surpassing Snapchat, another social media app.
But what’s in it for you? How can some hot trends and 30-second videos help you get into customers’ wallets?
The answer’s simple; it’s not because everyone is doing it, but because the benefit they’re getting from the platform.
As a store owner, the right time to get started on TikTok is now. And if you haven’t already, we’ll break it down in simple steps.
TikTok and its Impact on Retail
What’s the connection between TikTok and retail, you may ask.
58% of TikTok users discover new brands and products on the platform—14% more than on other platforms. 61% of TikTok users have made a purchase either directly on TikTok or online right away after seeing an ad on TikTok.
Here are some other aspects of retail that are directly related to marketing on TikTok.
1. Surge in eCommerce Orders
TikTok has now become the face of digital retail, with thousands of brands hopping on to the platform each day.
Firstly, TikTok’s algorithm favours content virality, enabling retailers to reach vast audiences quickly. With its clever algorithms, categories like bulk beauty products and food get noticed more, which means more people buying stuff they see on TikTok.
This not only means that you can tap a massive user base, but also keep your sales figures growing.
Additionally, TikTok’s short-form video format has reshaped how retailers showcase merchandise,, encouraging creativity and authenticity in content creation.
2. Building Brand Loyalty
TikTok is like the last puzzle piece for brands and stores that are exploring or have just started connecting with customers. Given how most of the population in working age groups are using TikTok for hours during the day, getting your store noticed on this platform can be a game changer for you.
There are a number of ways to do this. Targeting festivities and important days, announcing discounts and offers, hopping on trends and repurposing content already uploaded by your users are a few of these.
Retailers who are already doing this not only get more foot traffic but also get to build a loyal customer base online.
3. Showcasing Brand Identity and Values
TikTok is the perfect stage for brands to showcase what they’re all about. Although with today’s competitive scenario, you’ll have to do more than just “show up.”
This is an excellent opportunity to tell your customers that you’re not just another faceless store or company; you’re a group of real people with values and beliefs.
This is where trends, user-generated content and customer-centric marketing comes into play. Your strategy should be a mix of these, and make sure to experiment; repetitive content may not work effectively every time.
4. Insights into Consumer Preferences
TikTok’s got some cool tools that tell you what people are into. These are help in trend discovery, hashtag analytics, and content discovery tools that help businesses identify popular trends and topics within the platform.
By keeping an eye on likes, comments, and trends, retailers can figure out what their customers really want. If you use its tools the right way, they can collectively assist you in your content strategy, optimising your marketing efforts, and staying informed about user preferences and behaviours on TikTok.
It’s like having a direct line to your audience, so you can give them more of what they love and keep them coming back for more.
5. Agile Marketing Strategies
TikTok lets retailers be quick on their feet when it comes to marketing. With all the info you get from TikTok, you can tweak your strategies in real-time.
So, if something’s not working, you can change it up on the fly. By staying fresh and keeping the content coming, you can build a strong presence on TikTok and keep your brand relevant in today’s fast-paced world.
Tips to Market Your Wholesale Products on TikTok
So, you want to take your product marketing game to the next level on TikTok? You’re in the right place! Here are some handy tips to get your food or bulk cleaning products noticed and loved by TikTok’s vibrant community:
1. Know Your Audience
Before diving in, it’s crucial to understand who you’re talking to. TikTok has a diverse user base, so take the time to research and get to know your target audience. What are their interests? What trends do they follow? Tailoring your content to resonate with your audience will greatly increase your chances of success.
2. Embrace Authenticity
TikTok users love authenticity. Forget about overly polished ads; instead, focus on creating genuine, relatable content that showcases your product in a natural way. Whether it’s through user-generated content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or real-life testimonials, authenticity is key to winning over TikTok’s audience.
3. Jump on Trends (but Stay True to Your Brand)
TikTok is all about trends. Keep an eye on what’s trending and find creative ways to incorporate popular trends into your product marketing strategy. However, it’s essential to stay true to your brand identity. Don’t force-fit your product into a trend if it doesn’t align with your brand values—it won’t resonate with your audience.
4. Get Creative with Content
TikTok is a platform where creativity thrives. Experiment with different content formats—whether it’s catchy music, engaging challenges, or eye-catching visuals, let your creativity shine through. The more unique and entertaining your content, the more likely it is to grab users’ attention and keep them coming back for more.
5. Collaborate with Influencers
Influencer marketing is huge on TikTok. Partnering with influencers who align with your brand can help you reach a broader audience and build credibility. Look for influencers whose values and audience demographics match your own, and collaborate on creative content that showcases your product in an authentic way.
6. Engage with Your Audience
Rule no. 1 of TikTok or any other social media platform is “Don’t just post and ghost!” Many brands come to TikTok with hopes of getting massive visibility, only to leave the platform stagnant after a few tries.
Once you start with TikTok, make sure you’re consistent with your efforts. Sure, it takes time but a dormant profile will not add to your marketing.
Building a rapport with your audience should be your priority. It not only strengthens brand loyalty but also helps you gather valuable feedback and insights.
Hence, by continuously engaging with your audience by responding to comments, participating in challenges, and joining conversations.
7. Use TikTok Ads
Generally, marketing on TikTok is free. You can get an account made in seconds and get started. But if you want to get more results quickly, you might want to use TikTok ads.
This tool can give your product marketing efforts an extra boost. From native ads to branded hashtag challenges, TikTok offers a variety of ad formats to suit your goals and budget.
Similarly, you can experiment with different ad formats and targeting options to see what works best for your brand.
Transform Your Retail Store Operations with TikTok Marketing
TikTok is a powerhouse in social media, which is helping retailers the way they engage with consumers. Right from customer retention strategies and product development to sales tactics, TikTok is helping brick-and-mortar stores get the word out and draw customers.
Moreover, the platform’s direct shopping features allow users to purchase items seamlessly within the app, streamlining the consumer journey. As a result, adapting to TikTok’s evolving landscape will help you thrive in competitive retail .
At the end of the day, whatever you do should not be just about selling stuff; it’s about making people feel like part of a community. Doing fun challenges, showing behind-the-scenes stuff, and getting customers to share their experiences—it all adds up to people loving your brand/store and sticking around for more.
