How to Sell on the TikTok Shop, Easy Steps for Beginners!

When it comes to selling on TikTok Shop, who hasn’t heard of this video-based platform? TikTok has become a global trend and a part of our daily lives, with more than 157.6 million active users in Indonesia alone. The app is popular across all demographics, especially Gen Z and millennials.

It’s no surprise that many entrepreneurs see TikTok as a goldmine for generating profit. With global transactions reaching US$32.6 billion in 2024, TikTok Shop has grown into a powerful e-commerce platform. Over the past two years, TikTok has rolled out new business-focused features such as Business Profiles, Ads, TikTok Shop Affiliate, and Live Commerce.

If you’re interested in learning how to sell on TikTok—or planning to start your online business on the platform—this guide is for you. Let’s explore the latest strategies that are proven to work in 2025.

1. Why Sell on TikTok Shop?

Here are some compelling reasons to consider TikTok as your next business playground:

Eye-Opening TikTok Shop Statistics

• 1.74 billion monthly active users worldwide (Q4 2024)

• Over 3 billion downloads globally

• Indonesia is the largest TikTok market with 157.6 million users

• 60% of users are Gen Z—a demographic with strong purchasing power

• Users spend an average of 95 minutes per day on TikTok

• Live shopping conversion rates are 30% higher than traditional e-commerce

• Over 7 million active creators in TikTok Shop Affiliate ready to promote products

• Advanced AI recommendations help products reach the right audience

Business Advantages

• Smart algorithm for organic viral content (even without big budgets)

• Duet & collaboration features to expand reach with creators

• Interactive live commerce with real-time engagement

• TikTok Shop Affiliate to leverage influencer networks

• Seamless integrated payments and transactions

• Analytics tools to track and optimize performance

2. TikTok Shop and New Features in 2025

TikTok Shop is an integrated e-commerce ecosystem where sellers, creators, and brands can showcase and sell products directly through videos, live streams, and digital storefronts.

Key Features in 2025

• TikTok Shop Affiliate Program

  • Up to 15% commission for creators

  • Real-time sales and commission tracking

  • Creator marketplace for easy collaboration

• Live Shopping Experience

  • Interactive shopping during livestreams

  • Flash sales and exclusive promotions

  • Real-time Q&A with audiences

• Smart Performance Campaigns (SPC)

  • AI-powered ad optimization

  • Automated bidding and targeting

  • Cost-effective advertising solutions

• TikTok Creative Center & Seller Academy

  • Trending content insights

  • Best-practice guidelines

  • Educational resources for sellers

A recent survey shows 77% of TikTok users are interested in buying a product after watching creator content, while 68% trust brand ambassador recommendations—a huge opportunity for businesses.

3. 10 Proven Strategies to Sell on TikTok Shop (Beginner-Friendly)

Selling on TikTok Shop isn’t just for pros—it’s also beginner-friendly. Here’s how you can start:

1. Register and Set Up a Professional TikTok Shop Account

• Go to seller-id.tiktok.com → Sign Up with TikTok Account

• Complete business details (store name, product category, contact info)

• Upload verification documents (ID/Business License)

• Link bank account and tax info

• Activate TikTok Shop on your profile

Tips: Choose a catchy, SEO-friendly store name, upload a high-quality logo/banner, and write a keyword-optimized bio.

2. Upload and Optimize Products

• Use high-resolution product photos (1:1 ratio)

• Create a 15–60 second product video

• Write a SEO-optimized description

• Offer competitive prices (based on market research)

• Enable variations (color, size, etc.)

3. Create Viral & Engaging Video Content

Content is the heart of TikTok sales. Formats that work well:

• Unboxing videos with storytelling

• Before/after transformations (beauty, lifestyle)

• Step-by-step tutorials

• Behind-the-scenes (production/packaging)

• User-generated content (happy customers)

• Product integration in trending challenges

Tips: Keep videos short (15–30 sec), use trending audio, post 1–2 videos per day, and upload during peak hours (6–9 PM).

4. Leverage TikTok Shop Affiliate Marketing

• Offer attractive commissions (5–15%)

• Collaborate with niche-aligned creators

• Provide free samples for authentic reviews

• Give creative freedom while tracking ROI

5. Master Live Streaming Commerce

• Schedule livestreams at prime time

• Use good lighting and sound

• Prepare exclusive discounts & flash sales

• Greet viewers by name, answer questions live, and demo products

6. Run TikTok Ads & Paid Promotions

Ad formats include In-Feed Ads, Spark Ads, Live Shopping Ads, and Dynamic Showcase Ads.

• Target by interests and behaviors

• A/B test creatives

• Scale profitable campaigns

7. Provide Excellent Customer Service

• Respond to inquiries within 2 hours

• Handle complaints empathetically

• Encourage and showcase positive reviews

• Follow up post-purchase

8. Track Performance with Analytics

Monitor: conversion rates, AOV (Average Order Value), traffic sources, content performance, and livestream metrics. Use TikTok Seller Center Analytics and third-party tools.

9. Integrate Across Platforms

• Share TikTok videos on Instagram Reels, Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube Shorts

• Maintain consistent branding and tone of voice

• Use cross-promotion to build stronger visibility

10. Build a Community & Customer Loyalty

• Create customer groups (Facebook, Telegram)

• Organize contests with user-generated content

• Offer exclusive member benefits

• Collaborate with micro-influencers

4. Advantages and Opportunities of TikTok Shop in 2025

• High Revenue Potential – Sales can increase up to 300% compared to traditional e-commerce.

• User-Friendly Setup – Launch your store in under 24 hours, no coding needed.

• Competitive Commission Rates – 1.8% for the first 90 days, 5% thereafter (lower than Amazon’s 8–15%).

• Complete Ecosystem – From content creation to payments, everything is integrated.

• AI-Powered Discovery – Your products reach the right buyers, even without large ad budgets.

5. Common Problems & Solutions

• Product not appearing in search? Optimize keywords, ensure correct category, and maintain stock availability.

• Low video reach or no viral traction? Use trending hashtags/music, post at the right time, and engage actively.

• Low conversion rate? Improve product pages, pricing, and add strong CTAs with customer testimonials.

6. TikTok Shop Trends & Predictions for 2025

• AR Try-On Technology for fashion and beauty products

• Voice Commerce Integration for voice-activated shopping

• Social Commerce 2.0 with seamless cross-platform integration

• Sustainability Features such as eco-badges and carbon footprint tracking

7. Long-Term Strategy

• Consistency: Post high-quality content at least 5 times per week

• Engagement: Actively interact with your community

• Partnerships: Collaborate with micro-influencers and complementary brands

• Adaptability: Stay updated with TikTok’s new features and algorithm changes

Conclusion

Selling on TikTok Shop is one of the most profitable business strategies in the digital era of 2025. By applying the 10 proven strategies—from professional account setup, product optimization, viral content creation, affiliate marketing, and live commerce to customer retention—you can build a sustainable and profitable online business.

TikTok Shop is more than just a marketplace. It’s a digital ecosystem that connects creators, sellers, and buyers in an engaging and rewarding experience.

Need capital to scale your TikTok Shop business? You can apply for financing with BFI Finance—a trusted, OJK-licensed provider offering multipurpose loans with motorcycle BPKB, car BPKB, or property certificates as collateral.