TikTok is no longer a place just for dancing and lip-syncing. It's now one of the best places for small businesses to grow and earn money. With TikTok Shop, a small brand can connect with thousands—even millions—of customers.
If you have ever wondered if TikTok is for your business, this article will help. You'll find out why increasingly more small businesses on TikTok are succeeding and how you can become one of them. From setting up your store to avoiding traps, this article will help you every step of the way on how to succeed on TikTok.
Let's get started!
Why More Small Businesses Are Turning to TikTok Shop
How Many Small Businesses Are on TikTok?
You might be surprised just how many small businesses thrive on TikTok. According to TikTok’s official data (2023), over 5 million businesses worldwide use the platform to reach customers and promote their products. A large portion of these are solo entrepreneurs and small stores leveraging TikTok Shop to boost visibility and drive sales.
Whether it’s handmade jewelry, natural skincare, or aesthetic stationery, small business products are everywhere on TikTok. The #smallbusiness hashtag alone has racked up more than 100 billion views as of early 2024 (TikTok Creative Center). This massive engagement shows just how much TikTok users love discovering and supporting small creators.
Why These Small Businesses Turn to TikTok？
So, what is fueling so many small businesses onto TikTok?
Here are the top reasons:
- Huge Audience: TikTok has more than 1 billion users. That means more potential customers.
- Free Organic Reach: Other channels demand pre-existing accounts to become viral, but TikTok makes it a leveler even for new ones.
- Video Sells: Short-form videos allow products to be showcased while they are in action, and trust is quickly built.
- TikTok Shop Integration: Sellers can now connect the store directly to the video so that consumers can easily buy with a click.
These features level the playing field for small business owners—even when competing against big brands.
How to Successfully Transition Your Small Business to TikTok Shop？
In order to monetize your small business on TikTok, follow these simple steps.
Set Up Your TikTok Shop Seller Account
Start by creating a seller account:
- Visit the TikTok Shop Seller Center.
- You can sign up using your TikTok account, phone number, or email.
- Provide Required Business Info. Depending on whether you’re an individual seller or a registered business, you’ll need different documents:
Tip: Make sure all documents are scanned clearly (no blurs or shadows), and that the name on your ID or license matches the account details.
- Wait for verification. TikTok usually completes the verification process within 1–3 business days.
Choose Winning Products for TikTok
To go big fast, choose products that:
- Are visually appealing in videos
- Fix a real problem
- Stick to $10–$25 products to test the waters.
- Are trending (search hashtags like #tiktokmademebuyit or #trendingproducts)
If your product is cute, convenient, or exhilarating, the more likely it will be to go viral.
Create Content That Sells (Ranked by Popularity)
Posting great content is the secret. You don't need to use high-end cameras—just your phone and a good idea.
Here's what works:
- Product demos
People love seeing how a product works in real life. Quick, clear demos answer questions before they're asked—and boost trust instantly.
- Packing Orders ("Pack an Order with Me")
These videos feel personal and satisfying. Viewers enjoy watching the order process—it makes your small business feel more real and trustworthy.
- Behind-the-Scenes (BTS)
Sharing your workspace or daily process makes your brand relatable and authentic. Great for building a loyal audience.
- Customer Testimonials & Reviews
Social proof is powerful. If other people love your product, new customers are more likely to buy.
- Storytime About Your Business Journey
These videos connect emotionally. Share your wins, fails, or startup story to inspire and build brand loyalty.
Use trending music, captions, and hashtags to increase views on your videos.
Build and Engage Your Audience
Don't post and ghost. Interact with your audience!
- Respond to comments
- Go live and answer questions
- Post consistently
- Ask followers what you should post next
When your followers feel they know you, they're more likely to buy and come back.
How to Monetize on TikTok Shop as a Small Business
Once your shop is up and running and your content is flowing, it's time to make money! Here's how:
Optimize Product Listings and Videos
1. Title: Keep it short, searchable, and benefit-focused.
- Use keywords people might actually search for.
- Highlight a feature or solution in 8–12 words max.
2. Description: Focus on “why” and “how.”
- Include what problem it solves, who it's for, and any key features.
- Break it up with bullet points to improve readability.
3. Pricing: Stay competitive but profitable.
- Make sure your supplier cost + shipping + TikTok fees still leave you a solid profit margin.
- Use round numbers (e.g., $19.99 vs. $20.43) to improve conversion.
4. Photos: Use clean, real-world visuals.
- Include 3–5 high-quality images with a plain background.
- Add at least one lifestyle shot showing it in use.
Video Content That Converts:
TikTok is a video-first platform — and videos often decide whether a product goes viral or flops. Here’s how to make yours count:
1. Start with a hook in the first 2 seconds.
Use text overlays like “You need this if…” or “Watch this glow-up!”
2. Demonstrate the product in action.
Don’t just show it — show how it works and what problem it solves.
3. Use trending music and natural lighting.
Align with viral sounds (check the TikTok Creative Center).
Shoot near a window or with a basic ring light — clarity matters.
4. Add a call to action (CTA).
End your video with something direct:
- “Link in bio”
- “Grab yours before it sells out!”
- “Shop now through my TikTok Shop!”
Example Video Structure for a $15 Skincare Product:
- Hook: “Struggling with dry skin? This saved mine in 3 days 👀”
- Demo: Show before/after or applying the product
- Benefits: “Smells great, non-greasy, and works overnight”
- CTA: “Available now in my TikTok Shop!”
Use TikTok Promotions and Ads
If you require fast growth, TikTok Ads will help you out. You can run brief ads to feature your products or videos. Even with a low ad budget, you'll receive more impressions.
Also, try using TikTok Shop promotions like:
- Free shipping
- Discounts
- Flash sales
Such promotions appeal to more customers.
Partner Up With Influencers and Affiliates
Collaborate with TikTok influencers who are your brand match. They can highlight your product to their audience and increase your sales.
Experiment with TikTok's Affiliate Program to allow creators to promote your products in return for a small fee. It's a win-win situation for both of you.
Typical Errors Small Companies Commit When Transitioning to TikTok Shop
Even with all the tools TikTok gives, some small businesses still struggle. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
Mistake 1: Ignoring Safety Measures
Many small business owners don’t realize that TikTok watches how sellers behave. If TikTok thinks you’re breaking the rules, your shop can be banned or blocked. This can happen if:
- Running multiple shops on the same device or IP address
- Using fake or inconsistent business information
- Listing prohibited or non-compliant products
- Slow or unreliable shipping
Solution: Among the above safety issues, you can easily avoid the multiple shop dangers via ZiBird, a tool designed to protect your TikTok Shop accounts. Its anti-association function keeps each store away from getting associated.
What Is ZiBird's Anti-Association Technology?
ZiBird is a professional multi-store management solution built for platforms like TikTok Shop, Amazon, and eBay. Its anti-association technology works by:
- Isolating each store’s environment: Each TikTok Shop runs in its own virtual space with separate IP addresses, device fingerprints, and cookies.
- Preventing platform tracking: TikTok cannot trace the connection between different shops, even if they’re operated on the same physical computer.
This means even if one account faces issues or penalties, the rest remain unaffected.
Mistake 2: Not Testing Products First
Certain sellers pick products that don't work or are prone to breaking easily. This creates negative feedback and returns.
Solution: Purchase a sample and try it. Check the shipping time and quality before reselling it to others.
Mistake 3: Subpar Content Quality
Poorly lit videos or those with no sound will not help you sell.
Solution: See what successful small businesses on TikTok are doing. Steal their style but add your own twist.
Mistake 4: Quitting Too Early
Some business owners give up on posting after a few videos.
Solution: Don't give up. Post daily and continue to improve. TikTok is all about consistency!
Last Words: Time to Get on the TikTok Shop Bandwagon
Now you understand why there are so many successful small shops on TikTok. You know how many small shops are on TikTok and what you must do in order for your shop to succeed.
Let's recap what you need to do:
- Get your TikTok Shop up
- Choose trending, useful products
- Make fun videos
- Leaven sales with promotions, ads, and creators
Don't make a mess by taking advantage of tools like ZiBird to protect your shop.
Whether you already have a small business or are beginning one, TikTok Shop gives you immense opportunity to grow. Start today—and don't forget to cover yourself with ZiBird!