How to Use TikTok for Your Retail Business in 2023 - The Ultimate Guide
Step into the digital realm where social media reigns supreme, and discover the extraordinary platform that has captivated the world with its captivating content and immense user base. Brace yourself for the awe-inspiring world of TikTok, the app that has amassed a staggering 1 billion users globally.
If you're an ambitious retail business owner eager to harness the potential of this social media sensation, you've arrived at the perfect destination. Welcome to "How to Harness TikTok for Your Retail Business in 2023" - AKA how to get your customers using the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt hashtag!
Get ready to unlock the hidden gems of TikTok, set free your boundless creativity, and catapult your retail empire to unprecedented heights. Prepare for a remarkable journey brimming with thrill, ingenuity, and limitless opportunities.
Let's embark on this exhilarating quest and conquer the realm of TikTok triumph!
Why Tik Tok?
TikTok is revolutionising the retail landscape, and the numbers speak for themselves. In the first half of 2022 alone, in-app spending on TikTok surged by an incredible 85%, reaching a staggering $1.7 billion. That's a remarkable testament to the platform's power in driving sales and generating revenue.
The hashtag #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt has taken the social media world by storm, highlighting the platform's influence on consumers' purchasing decisions. When it comes to engaging potential customers, TikTok's 100 percent video-based format works wonders. Studies have shown that video content can increase purchase intent by a remarkable 97%!
The magic of TikTok doesn't end there. This vibrant platform attracts users from all walks of life, and they're not just idly scrolling – they're highly engaged and diverse in age, boasting above-average incomes. What's more, they are more than willing to invest in products showcased on TikTok, just like yours!
Setting up your TikTok business account
Alright, let's get down to business! Setting up your TikTok business account is the first step on your path to conquering the TikTokverse. Here’s how…
- Step one: Embrace the app! 📲 Head to your favourite app store and download TikTok. Look out for that vibrant, colourful icon – tap it, and let the adventure begin!
- Step two: Sign up with flair! 🔑 Launch the app and hit that "Sign Up" button. You can sign up using your email, phone number, or even your existing social media accounts. Pick the option that suits your fancy and let the magic of account creation commence. Ta-da!
- Step three: Shine with your profile! ✨ Your profile is like a virtual storefront for your retail business, so let's make it dazzling! Choose a profile picture that represents your brand to the tee – it could be your logo or an awesome snap of your signature products. And don't forget to pen a snappy bio that captures your brand's essence. Keep it concise, engaging, and sprinkle a pinch of personality to make it truly shine.
- Step four: Link it up for ultimate connection! 🔗 You want your TikTok followers to explore more about your retail business, right? Absolutely! Let's make it easy for them. Head to "Edit Profile" and seize the opportunity to add your website link and other social media handles. This way, your viewers can seamlessly dive into more of your fabulous content and connect with you across various platforms.
Congratulations! You're now the proud owner of a TikTok business account.
Top TikTok Trends in 2023
Hold on tight because we’re about to reveal the hottest TikTok trends that will make your retail business shine in 2023! These trends are all the rage and will help you engage with your audience, showcase your offerings, and boost your brand's visibility. Let's dive in:
Trend #1: Seamless outfit transition 💃👗
Get ready to wow the fashionistas! Showcase your retail prowess with a seamless outfit transition challenge. Create eye-catching videos where you effortlessly switch from one fabulous outfit to another. Let your creativity shine, and your audience will be inspired to shop the looks and flaunt them like true fashionistas!
Find current themes you can play with, and you’re quickly onto a winner to create multiple ideas and looks:
- Multiple outfit ideas to suit an event (you could do multiple TikTox for weddings, parties, summer festivals - even seeing films with iconic themes)
- Multiple outfit ideas for a month / different weathers (as we go from hot weather in the summer to layering up for the fall)
- Multiple outfit ideas for songs/bands
- How to wear an item of clothing for many different occasions (e.g. styling a dress-shirt to be suitable for work, a night out, a festival, relaxing at home)
- How to accessorise an item of clothing (go from a plain outfit, and transition to a fully accessorised outfit!)
Alternatively - ask for engagement. Display five products (making sure your visuals are on point), and ask your audience to comment on their favourite one!
Check out this brilliant example on YouTube shorts (a similar platform)
Trend #2: Unboxing or ‘pack an order with me’ 🤩📦
The ‘pack an order with me’ trend is a firm favourite - everyone loves being a bit nosey after all! This trend has become so popular, that businesses that do this regularly will get customers actually asking for their order to be packaged on camera! Make your stockpile look visually appealing, add in an ASMR-vibe by carefully packaging the order, and you’re onto a winner.
Alternatively, team up with influencers to promote your retail products through unboxing campaigns. Influencers bring their magic touch, while unboxing reveals the excitement of your goodies in real-time. Watch the engagement soar and your products fly off the shelves!
Check out an example of this trend in the video below!
Trend #3: Get ready with me (GRWM) or ‘day in the life’ 💄💋
Make it personal and fabulous! Hop on the "Get Ready With Me" trend, where you (or some of your favourite influencers) can showcase the process of getting ready for an event, a special occasion, or just a fabulous day out. Use this opportunity to feature your beauty and fashion products, making them must-haves for your audience!
Interested in seeing what type of content your influencers could create? Check out this brilliant example of a popular beauty influencer using Rare Beauty.
The ‘day in the life’ video format is very popular too. These TikTox follow individuals (either you as the business owner, or your staff) on what they get up to in a day, such as setting up your business, tasks and activities. Often the video footage is sped up, with a voice over to explain how it relates back to your business. (Just remember to cover up any personal, customer and financial information in your videos!) You can regularly create these TikTox, as your audience will enjoy your transparency in making your business grow.
Check out Sweet Central Ltd (one of our Epos Now customers), who have been sharing regular TikTok videos on how they’ve transformed their building to launch their new small business.
Trend #4: Rate your products or create a restock alert 🚨⭐
Your customers want to know what’s hot or not in your store - so make it easy for them. Create regular Tik Tok on what you’ve restocked, or what’s flying off the shelves - but give them an usual twist.
- Do you sell pet food? Give them a ‘popularity rating’ from visiting dogs who sample them.
- Are you a bookstore? Provide a rating on how much a book might make a reader laugh or cry. (And make sure to get involved in the #BookTok subculture community!)
- If you’re a flower store, you could share ratings on the scent of new, seasonal flowers, or a rating on how easy it is to look after the plant with some top tips thrown in.
Want to see how it works in action? Check out OG Slimes - a company that produces slimes and rates their products on ‘scoopability’, while mentioning winning extras like their scent, popularity or colour.
Trend #5: Dispel a myth and share your expertise 💬🤯
There are loads of creative ways you can use TikTok trending sounds in your content. Here are 3 of the most recent trending sounds that worked well for small businesses:
Why? Well, these sounds are perfect for sharing your expertise in fun, jockey format. You can lip sync to the trending sound, or if you don’t want your face included, can use it over footage of your store, items, or questions from your customers.
When you spot a sound that you can use to call out myths about your business, industry, or products - jump on the trend quickly, and correct those misconceptions!
6 pro tips for running your retail TikTok business account
Running a successful TikTok business account requires a splash of strategy, a sprinkle of creativity, and a whole lot of retail magic. Here are six essential tips to navigate the TikTok waters like a pro:
1. Craft captivating content:
Be the maestro of content creation! Understand your target audience's preferences and tailor your videos accordingly. Show off your hottest products, demonstrate unique shopping experiences, or share helpful tips and tricks. Keep it fresh, engaging, and in line with your brand's vibe.
2. Embrace TikTok's creative tools:
Spice up your videos with TikTok's creative toolbox! Play with filters, effects, and transitions to add that extra pzazz. Experiment with text overlays, stickers, and emojis to convey messages and amp up engagement. Unleash your creativity and stand out from the retail crowd!
3. Ride the trending waves:
TikTok loves trends and challenges – hop on board! Stay up-to-date with retail-relevant hashtags and join popular challenges with your unique twist. By hopping on trends, you'll reach a broader audience and boost your visibility.
4. Engage your retail community:
Respond to comments, interact with your followers, and give shout-outs to user-generated content featuring your brand. Collaborate with other TikTok creators, duet with them, and foster a loyal following. Jump in on relevant TikTok subcultures too, like #BookTok, #CleanTok or #FoodTok.
5. Measure your retail success:
Keep an eye on the numbers that matter! Dive into TikTok's analytics to gain insights into your content's performance. Track views, likes, shares, and comments to gauge audience engagement. Use this valuable data to refine your strategy and create even more impactful videos.
6. Spotlight user-generated content:
Let your customers shine in the spotlight! Encourage your followers to create content featuring your products or retail experiences. Run contests, challenges, or simply ask for their stories. User-generated content boosts authenticity and social proof for your brand.
Armed with these pro tips, you're all set to conquer TikTok like a retail superstar!
TikTok for your retail business in 2023!
As we wrap up our ultimate guide to rocking TikTok for your retail business, let's leave you with some final pearls of wisdom.
TikTok is your ticket to a global audience, and the possibilities are endless! Embrace authenticity, hop on trends, and be flexible – these are the keys to making an unforgettable impact on your audience.
Don't be afraid to experiment, learn from your followers, and stay in sync with TikTok's ever-evolving landscape. Your adaptability will be your retail superpower!
With a dash of enthusiasm and a sprinkle of creativity, your retail business is destined to thrive on this vibrant platform. So, seize the moment, dive headfirst into the TikTok spirit, and let your brand shine like never before!
Here's to your TikTok success, retail maestros! 🥂🛍️
