TikTok for online stores
The definitive guide
Written by Manuel Lamas | Updated:

Much more than just for young people ...
What is TikTok and why is it essential for online stores?
• What is TikTok?
TikTok is a short-form video sharing platform that has revolutionized the way users consume digital content. With its dynamic and entertainment-focused format, TikTok offers a unique opportunity for online stores to connect with an engaged and diverse audience. The visual and interactive nature of TikTok makes it an perfect tool to showcase your products in a creative and authentic way.
• Why is TikTok essential?
Videos can go viral in record time, providing massive exposure without the need for an exorbitant marketing budget. Driven by the momentum of social media this phenomenon helps generate interest, build loyalty, and convert visitors into customers. TikTok is therefore becoming an essential lever for e-commerce.
Key statistics
• Audience and engagement
1 billion monthly active users worldwide, with a strong presence among 18–35 year olds, a key demographic for online stores. Users spend an average of 52 minutes per day on the platform, a clear sign of strong engagement — fertile ground not only for video but also for emerging formats like podcasting .
• Impact on purchase decisions
TikTok accounts for 21% of online impulse purchases, according to recent studies, thanks to its personalized recommendations and viral videos.
Purpose of the guide
This guide is designed to help you understand and harness the full potential of TikTok to:
• Increase your online store's visibility
TikTok offers a platform to reach a broad and diverse audience, essential for promoting your products.
• Create engaging marketing campaigns
Discover how to design videos that captivate and engage your audience by leveraging creativity and authenticity.
• Boost your sales
Learn how to turn viewers into customers using TikTok-specific strategies.
• Integrate TikTok into your overall strategy
TikTok is not just an entertainment platform, but a powerful channel to enhance your e-commerce strategy and boost your results.
Get ready to explore all the opportunities offered by this revolutionary app to launch your online store to new heights!
Understanding TikTok
How the platform works
• Short videos
TikTok focuses on short videos, typically 15 to 60 seconds long, which forces creators to deliver their message concisely and effectively. This format is ideal for quickly capturing users' attention and showcasing your products creatively.
• Algorithm
TikTok's algorithm is based on users' interests, analyzing their interactions, views, likes, and shares to suggest relevant content. This means that even small shops can reach a large audience if their content is engaging and aligned with trends.
• Trends
Trends (or "trends") play a key role on TikTok. They include challenges, popular hashtags, or specific sounds. Joining relevant trends can help your shop gain greater visibility.
Difference between a personal account and a TikTok Business account
• Personal account
A personal account is designed for regular users. It allows you to create and share content without access to advanced analytics tools or advertising features.
• TikTok Business account
A TikTok Business account offers additional features tailored to businesses, such as:
Access to advanced analytics: Track your performance in detail.
Advertising tools: Launch campaigns to promote your products.
Direct link to your website: Add a clickable link in your profile.
Overview of the main content formats on TikTok
• Short videos
The main format on TikTok, ideal for product demos, teasers, or tutorials.
• Live (streams)
Live videos allow you to interact with your audience in real time, answer their questions, and showcase your products in an interactive way.
• Challenges
Creating or joining engaging challenges is a great way to generate viral content and involve your audience.
• Custom sound and hashtags
Using trending sounds or hashtags increases your chances of appearing in algorithm recommendations, boosting your store's visibility.
TikTok is a dynamic and interactive platform that encourages creativity and engagement. By understanding its features and formats, you can adapt your strategy to maximize your results.
Why TikTok is an opportunity for online stores
Young and active audience
• A fertile ground for brands
TikTok has an audience mostly made up of young users, often between 18 and 34 years old, who are looking for creative and inspiring content. This demographic is especially responsive to trends, making it an ideal target for brands wanting to reach a dynamic and engaged audience.
Impact of viral trends on sales
• Leveraging trends
Viral trends on TikTok, whether they involve challenges, sounds, or hashtags, can generate massive visibility for your online store. A well-timed video in a trending topic can turn a product into a viral phenomenon, quickly boosting sales.
• Concrete example
A clothing brand can, for example, join a dance challenge by featuring its products in the video. Curious users will want to learn more, which can lead to a significant increase in visits and sales.
Comparison with other social platforms
While Instagram focuses on polished visuals and curated posts, TikTok emphasizes authenticity and immediacy, which can help brands build a more direct connection with their audience.
• YouTube
YouTube focuses on longer videos and tutorial-style content. TikTok, with its short format, is better suited for quick demonstrations and punchy teasers.
Pinterest is ideal for inspiration searches, but TikTok offers real-time interaction and higher viral potential, allowing brands to reach a wider audience in record time.
TikTok represents a unique opportunity for online stores to captivate a young audience, ride viral trends, and stand out from competitors on other platforms through authentic and engaging content.
Create a TikTok Business account
Step-by-step guide to creating a business account
• Step 1: Download the app
Start by downloading the TikTok app on your mobile device, available on the iOS and Android stores.
• Step 2: Sign up
Create an account using a professional email address or log in with an existing account. You can then choose to switch to a TikTok Business account in the settings.
• Step 3: Set up your Business account
In the app settings, select "Manage account" then click on "Switch to Business Account". Follow the instructions to complete the setup.
Profile optimization
• Profile picture
Choose a high-quality photo or logo that represents your brand. It will strengthen your store's recognition.
• Engaging bio
Write a clear and concise bio that reflects your brand and grabs attention. Include a call to action like "Discover our trending products!" or "Click the link to learn more."
• Add links to your store
Use the "Link in bio" feature to redirect users directly to your online store or a dedicated landing page. Make sure the link works properly and provides an optimal user experience.
Set up analytics and advertising tools
• Set up TikTok Analytics
Access TikTok Analytics to monitor your video performance, identify top content, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
• Enable advertising features
Make sure to explore TikTok Ads Manager to create targeted ad campaigns and analyze their impact on your sales and engagement.
A well-configured and optimized TikTok Business account is the first step to maximizing your presence on the platform and generating real results for your online store.
Understanding the TikTok algorithm
How does TikTok decide what goes viral?
• Analysis of user preferences
TikTok uses an algorithm that analyzes users' preferences based on their interactions with videos, such as likes, comments, and watch time. Each user has a personalized feed called "For You", where videos most likely to interest them appear.
• Initial distribution of videos
When you post a video, TikTok tests it by showing it to a small group of users. If this audience responds positively (likes, shares, comments), the algorithm gradually increases its reach.
Role of engagement (likes, shares, comments)
• Visible interactions
The more likes, shares, and comments a video receives, the more likely it is to be promoted by the algorithm. These interactions signal to TikTok that the content is relevant and engaging.
• Shares as a key indicator
Shares play a major role, as they show that users find the video interesting enough to share it with their friends or their own audience.
• Qualitative engagement
The quality of comments, such as questions or thoughtful discussions, can also signal to the algorithm that your content deserves to be highlighted.
Importance of consistency and relevance
• Frequent posting
TikTok favors accounts that post regularly, as it keeps followers engaged and increases the chances for your videos to be discovered.
• Creating relevant content
Focus on trends or topics related to your niche and audience. Using popular and relevant hashtags can improve your visibility and attract new users.
• Following trends
Taking part in viral challenges or using trending music increases your chances of catching the algorithm's attention and expanding your reach.
Mastering the TikTok algorithm helps you maximize the impact of your content and boost your online store's visibility.
Content strategies for TikTok
Effective video types
• Product demonstrations
Create videos showcasing your products in action. For example, a makeup store can produce a quick tutorial using its products. These videos help users visualize the practical use of your items.
• Before/After
Before-and-after videos are particularly captivating. For a home decor shop, show the transformation of a space using your items. These types of content spark curiosity and highlight the impact of your products.
• Customer testimonials
Share genuine feedback from satisfied customers. Film them explaining why they love your products or how they solved a specific problem.
Creating educational and entertaining content around your products
• Educational videos
Explain how to use your products, their benefits, or the story behind their creation. For example, a craft store can post videos explaining the making process.
• Entertaining videos
Add a touch of humor or creativity to your videos. Use popular sounds or music to make your products more appealing and engaging.
• Short but impactful formats
On TikTok, the ideal length is 15 to 30 seconds. Focus on a clear and powerful message to keep viewers engaged.
Join trends and challenges to increase visibility
• Join viral trends
Regularly monitor trends and adapt them to your products. For example, if a song or effect is trending, create a video showcasing your items using these elements.
• Create your own challenges
Launch a challenge related to your store, such as a contest showcasing creative uses of your products. Encourage participants to use a specific hashtag to boost your reach.
• Collaborate with influencers
Work with popular creators in your niche to get them involved in trends while featuring your products.
These content strategies will help you grab your audience's attention and turn your TikTok viewers into loyal customers.
Use popular hashtags and sounds
Find and use the right hashtags to maximize reach
• Identify trending hashtags
Browse TikTok's "Explore" tab to discover trending hashtags in your niche. For example, a clothing store can use hashtags like #StyleInspo or #OOTD (Outfit of the Day) to attract a targeted audience.
• Combine generic and specific hashtags
Combine broad hashtags (#Fashion, #DIY) with ones specific to your product or campaign (#EthicalBag, #HandmadeJewelry). This helps expand your reach while targeting a relevant audience.
• Analyze hashtag performance
Track the impact of the hashtags you use with TikTok Business analytics tools. Identify which ones drive the most engagement and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Role of music and sounds in virality
• Use popular sounds
Trending music and sounds increase your chances of appearing in TikTok recommendations. For example, sync your videos with a viral sound to capture your audience's attention.
• Match sounds to your content
Choose music that reinforces your message. For example, upbeat music can highlight a product demo video, while a relaxing sound suits a wellness product presentation.
• Create rhythmic videos
Use transitions and visual effects synchronized with music to make your videos more appealing. This type of content captures attention better and encourages engagement.
Create your own brand hashtags and challenges
• Launch a branded hashtag
Create a unique hashtag to promote your shop or a specific campaign. For example, #MyDreamDecor can encourage users to share videos using your products.
• Host a viral challenge
Design an engaging challenge around your products. For example, a contest where participants showcase their creative ideas using your items while using your dedicated hashtag.
• Encourage user participation
Offer rewards, such as discounts or free products, to encourage your audience to join your challenges and share their videos.
Strategic use of hashtags and trending sounds can turn your TikTok videos into viral content, boosting your visibility and sales.
TikTok Ads for Online Stores
Available Ad Formats
• In-Feed Ads
These ads appear directly in users' feeds, between organic videos. They are ideal for showcasing your products with short and engaging videos. For example, show a quick tutorial or a product demonstration.
• Top View Ads
These ads take over the screen as soon as the user opens the app. They offer maximum visibility for product launches or special promotions, such as sales or the release of a new collection.
• Branded Hashtag Challenges
These campaigns encourage users to create content using your brand hashtag. For example, a cosmetics store can launch the challenge #MyPerfectMakeup, motivating participants to use their products.
Set up an ad campaign via TikTok Ads Manager
• Creating an ad account
Sign up on TikTok Ads Manager and set up a business account. Make sure your payment details and campaign settings are filled in correctly.
• Choosing your ad objective
Define your objective: traffic, conversions, or awareness. For example, for an online store, the goal "Conversions" can be used to encourage users to buy directly.
• Creating targeted audiences
Use TikTok's targeting options to reach your ideal audience. You can segment by age, gender, location, interests, or behavior.
• Ad design
Create a captivating vertical video highlighting your products and value proposition. Add a clear call to action, such as "Buy now" or "Discover our offers."
Ad optimization to maximize ROI
• Test different formats
Experiment with In-Feed Ads, Top View Ads, and Branded Hashtag Challenges to identify what works best for your shop.
• Analyze performance
Track key metrics like cost per click (CPC), conversion rate, and return on investment (ROI). Use this data to adjust your campaigns.
• Continuous improvement
Refine your ads based on user feedback. For example, test different visuals, sounds, or messages to see what generates the most engagement.
TikTok Ads offers unique opportunities for online stores to capture an engaged audience and boost sales through creative, well-targeted campaigns.
Collaborations with content creators
Why work with influencers on TikTok?
• Amplify your visibility
Content creators on TikTok often have a loyal and engaged community. Collaborating with them helps you reach a wider audience and increase your store's visibility.
• Create authentic content
Influencers have a creative approach that resonates with their audience. They can showcase your products in a natural and appealing way, thereby strengthening consumer trust.
• Boost sales
A partnership with a popular creator can lead to an immediate increase in sales, especially when they use exclusive promo codes or highlight special offers.
Identify the right creators for your niche
• Look for active creators in your industry
Use TikTok tools, such as the "Discover" section or platforms like Upfluence and Heepsy, to find creators aligned with your niche (fashion, beauty, crafts, etc.).
• Analyze their engagement
Prioritize creators with a high engagement rate (likes, comments, shares) rather than those with just a large number of followers. An engaged audience often leads to better conversions.
• Evaluate their content
Review the creator's style, tone, and values to ensure they align with your brand image. For example, an eco-friendly store should partner with influencers who care about environmental issues.
Measure the impact of collaborations on sales
• Track campaign results
Create unique promo codes or trackable links for each creator. This allows you to directly monitor the sales generated by the collaboration.
• Analyze key metrics
Evaluate metrics such as traffic to your site, conversion rates, and return on investment (ROI). These insights will help you refine future collaborations.
• Encourage long-term partnerships
If a collaboration with a creator proves successful, consider a regular partnership to maintain consistent presence and strengthen your connection with their audience.
Collaborations with content creators on TikTok offer a unique opportunity to connect with your target audience authentically and accelerate the growth of your online store.
Using TikTok Shopping
What is TikTok Shopping and how does it work?
• A feature to sell directly on TikTok
TikTok Shopping allows online stores to integrate their product catalog directly into their profile, turning the platform into a real sales channel. Users can browse, click, and buy your products without leaving the app.
• Improve the shopping experience
With TikTok Shopping, visitors enjoy a seamless experience: they discover products through videos, Lives, or posts, then go directly to the product page to complete their purchase.
• An opportunity to maximize conversions
This feature combines the impact of short videos and social recommendations, encouraging users to buy immediately when a product interests them.
Integrate a product catalog into your TikTok profile
• Set up TikTok Shopping
Create a TikTok Business account and connect it to your online store through platforms like KingEshop. Then set up your product catalog with clear descriptions, high-quality images, and appealing prices.
• Add a shop tab to your profile
The Shop tab allows visitors to browse your products directly from your profile. Organize your items by category to make searching easier and boost sales.
• Automatic stock synchronization
Make sure your TikTok Shopping catalog is synced with your inventory to avoid stockouts or availability errors.
Examples of stores successfully using TikTok Shopping
• Fashion store
A clothing brand multiplied its sales using TikTok Shopping to promote its new collections through viral videos and interactive Lives.
• Cosmetics brand
A makeup brand used TikTok Shopping to launch a product with content creators. The item sold out in less than 24 hours thanks to the Shop tab and influencer recommendations.
• Artisan shop
A handmade goods shop showcased its creations through TikTok Shopping, generating strong engagement and direct sales during an exclusive promotion event.
TikTok Shopping is a powerful tool for online stores, enabling them to leverage the platform's high engagement while simplifying the buying journey for users.
TikTok trends for online stores
Analyze and track emerging trends
• Why follow trends on TikTok?
TikTok trends evolve quickly and often drive viral content. For online stores, keeping up with these trends is essential to capture audience attention and boost product visibility.
• How to identify trends?
Keep an eye on the "Discover" tab to spot trending hashtags, sounds, and challenges. Regularly check the content of influential creators in your niche to stay up to date.
• Use analytics data
TikTok Business Insights helps you identify relevant trends based on your audience and past performance.
Adapt your products and campaigns to TikTok user expectations
• Create content aligned with trends
Incorporate your products into videos that join challenges or use popular sounds. This maximizes your chances of benefiting from viral reach.
• Personalize your campaigns based on trends
If a trend highlights a specific style or theme, adapt your products or create promotions to spark interest.
• Stay authentic
TikTok users value authenticity. Integrate trends naturally and avoid content that feels forced or overly focused on selling.
Examples of brands that capitalized on trends
• A clothing brand
A streetwear brand took part in a clothing transformation challenge. The content generated millions of views, boosting sales of their featured items.
• A food products store
A snack manufacturer took advantage of a DIY recipe trend to show how to use their products, boosting purchases and engagement.
• A tech gadgets brand
An online store rode a humorous trend by integrating its products into funny videos, attracting a young and curious audience.
Adapting your strategy to TikTok trends can turn your online store into a viral brand that captures a wide and engaged audience.
Measure your TikTok performance
Key metrics: views, engagement, conversion rate
• Views
Views indicate the reach of your videos, or how many times they've been watched. It's a key metric to assess your content's visibility.
• Engagement
Engagement includes likes, shares, comments, and saves. High engagement shows that your content resonates with your audience.
• Conversion rate
For online stores, the conversion rate is critical. It measures how many viewers took a desired action, such as clicking a link or purchasing a product.
Use TikTok Analytics to evaluate your campaigns
• Access TikTok Analytics
To use TikTok Analytics, make sure you have a TikTok Business account. Go to the Analytics tab to explore detailed data.
• Main sections of TikTok Analytics
Overview: Understand your overall performance (profile views, engagements, follower growth).
Content: Analyze individual video performance, including average watch time.
Followers: Discover demographic data about your audience, such as age, gender, and location.
Adjust your strategies based on the data collected.
• Identify what works
Identify the types of content that generate the most engagement and conversions, then focus on those formats.
• Optimize your posts
If a video performs particularly well, analyze why (topic, timing, sound used) and apply those elements to your future posts.
• Test and iterate
Use the data to test different posting times, hashtags or formats. Continuously adapt your strategy to maximize impact.
Tracking and analyzing your TikTok performance is essential to understand your audience, improve your content, and optimize your campaigns to maximize sales.
Build customer loyalty through TikTok
Post regularly to maintain interest
• Importance of consistency
Posting regularly helps you stay visible in your followers' feeds and strengthens your presence in TikTok's algorithm. A consistent posting schedule keeps your audience engaged.
• Content planning
Create an editorial calendar to organize your posts. Alternate between different types of content like tutorials, product demonstrations, or entertaining videos.
Engage with user comments and messages
• Reply to comments
Respond quickly and authentically to comments on your videos. This shows you value your audience and encourages more interactions.
• Use interactions to generate content
Use user questions or suggestions to inspire new videos. For example, reply to a comment with a video to engage your community more effectively.
Create content series to retain viewers
• Series concepts
Develop series based on a specific theme or format, such as:
Mini-series of tutorials related to your products.
“Before/after” clips showing transformations thanks to your items.
Videos based on popular trends adapted to your niche.
• Keep the anticipation alive
Announce the next part of your series in each video to encourage viewers to return. For example, end a video with "Don't miss the next episode tomorrow!"
Building loyalty on TikTok is a powerful strategy to grow an engaged community and increase your online store's visibility.
Case studies: successful online stores on TikTok
Case study 1: A beauty brand boosting sales through viral videos
• Strategy used
A makeup brand created videos showcasing before-and-after transformations using their products. These videos featured popular music and sounds to maximize their virality.
• Results achieved
Millions of views on several videos within days.
A 40% increase in sales thanks to a promotional code included in the videos.
A significant increase in TikTok followers, creating a loyal community.
Case study 2: An accessory store leveraging collaborations with influencers
• Strategy used
A jewelry shop partnered with TikTok influencers in their niche. The influencers posted videos wearing the accessories while sharing exclusive discount codes.
• Results achieved
A 60% increase in website traffic in just two weeks.
Sales doubled thanks to the extended reach of influencers.
Increased brand awareness among new audiences.
Case study 3: A small craft business reaching a global audience through TikTok Shopping
• Strategy used
A handmade goods business used TikTok Shopping to showcase its products directly in its videos. The owner shared videos showing the crafting process and touching stories behind each creation.
• Results achieved
Orders from 10 different countries in three months.
A 150% increase in revenue thanks to TikTok Shopping.
High engagement with users sharing the videos and leaving positive comments.
These studies show that TikTok is a powerful platform for online stores, whether for established brands or small businesses looking to expand their audience.
Common mistakes to avoid
Ignoring TikTok's audience expectations
• Why is it a mistake?
TikTok's audience, mostly young and creative, looks for entertaining and authentic content. Posting videos that don't meet their expectations can quickly lead to disinterest.
• How to avoid this?
Study the most popular content in your niche.
Adjust your tone and formats to match the TikTok audience.
Posting overly promotional or inauthentic content
• Why is it a mistake?
TikTok users prefer videos that feel genuine and natural. Content that is overly sales-focused or appears forced is less likely to generate engagement.
• How to avoid this?
Tell a story around your products instead of just showcasing them.
Highlight testimonials or user experiences.
Neglecting trends and not engaging with the community
• Why is it a mistake?
TikTok trends evolve quickly, and missing these opportunities can limit your content's visibility. Also, failing to reply to comments or messages can make your brand appear distant.
• How to avoid this?
Regularly monitor trends and adapt your content accordingly.
Actively engage with your community by responding to comments, asking questions, and joining discussions.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you will increase your chances of success on TikTok while building a strong relationship with your audience.
Advanced tips to maximize your TikTok results
Create immersive marketing campaigns
• Why use immersive campaigns?
TikTok users are drawn to interactive and engaging experiences. Immersive campaigns help capture their attention and increase their involvement.
• How to implement them?
Include interactive elements like polls or challenges.
Use compelling storytelling to keep viewers engaged throughout the video.
Experiment with innovative formats like live shopping
• Why is live shopping effective?
Live shopping combines the interactivity of a livestream with the ability to purchase in real time, creating a unique and engaging shopping experience.
• How to implement it?
Schedule live sessions to showcase your products and answer viewers' questions.
Offer exclusive promotions during broadcasts to encourage purchases.
Experiment with editing tools and effects to make your videos stand out
• Why use TikTok's editing tools?
TikTok offers a wide range of effects and editing tools to create visually appealing and memorable content.
• How to make the most of these tools?
Try creative transitions and special effects to captivate your audience.
Use filters and themes aligned with your brand to strengthen your visual identity.
These advanced tips will help you harness TikTok's unique potential and turn your online store into a reference on the platform.
TikTok Integration with KingEshop
Why are KingEshop and TikTok a powerful alliance?
• A perfect match between creativity and commerce
TikTok captures attention with creative and engaging content, while KingEshop provides a strong, optimized platform to turn that traffic into sales. Together, they form an ideal ecosystem to boost your online presence.
• Specific benefits for online stores
Increase qualified traffic through TikTok's virality.
Convert viewers into buyers with KingEshop's intuitive features.
Use TikTok analytics to refine your marketing strategies on KingEshop.
Guide to driving TikTok traffic to your KingEshop online store
• Optimize your TikTok bio
Add a direct link to your KingEshop store in your TikTok profile.
Use an engaging description to encourage visitors to click.
• Create calls to action in your videos
Include clear CTAs like: "Discover our products by clicking the link in the bio."
Show your products in action to encourage viewers to learn more.
• Use TikTok Ads to boost your visits
Set up TikTok ad campaigns that link directly to specific pages of your KingEshop store.
Track your ad performance using TikTok Ads Manager.
Measure TikTok's impact on your sales with KingEshop
• Track traffic coming from TikTok
Use UTM parameters in your links to analyze clicks from TikTok.
Set up reports in KingEshop to monitor visitors coming from TikTok.
• Analyze conversions
Identify the most popular products among the TikTok audience.
Evaluate conversion rates and adjust your campaigns to maximize sales.
• Continuous optimization
Combine TikTok Analytics data with KingEshop insights to refine your strategies.
Test different types of TikTok content to see what resonates best with your audience.
By combining TikTok and KingEshop, you can turn your marketing efforts into a machine for generating sales and building customer loyalty.
Conclusion
Summary of key points for success on TikTok
TikTok is much more than just an entertainment platform — it's a powerful tool to capture attention, engage an audience, and convert viewers into customers. By mastering content formats, leveraging trends, and collaborating with relevant creators, your online store can soar in visibility and sales. Plus, features like TikTok Shopping and targeted ad campaigns greatly expand your commercial potential.
If you're looking to attract a young and dynamic audience or stand out in a competitive market, TikTok is a must-have platform. Its unique algorithm, advanced analytics tools, and ability to turn trends into business opportunities make TikTok a valuable ally for online shops. Integrate TikTok into your strategy to expand your reach, boost your sales, and strengthen your brand awareness.
Don't wait any longer! Create a TikTok Business account today, start producing engaging videos, and leverage TikTok Shopping features to attract your customers. With TikTok and KingEshop, turn your online store into a must-visit destination in your niche. Get started now and see the difference TikTok can make for your e-commerce success!
Thank you for reading this page to the end!
