How these entrepreneurs grew their business through TikTok Shop
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TikTok isn’t only a place for wacky dance challenges, funny skits and educational content, it has become a platform for budding entrepreneurs to kick off their businesses in creative and achievable ways.
Take Jena Garcia, a 2020 college graduate who serves as her family’s breadwinner. She was eyeing to be an engineer but unfortunately failed the board exams in 2021. To provide for her family, Jena decided to start her own business through TikTok.
“One night I was scrolling through TikTok and discovered that TikTok is now offering affiliate marketing via Live Streaming. I instantly signed up and studied everything to make my livestream effective,” she said.
In June 2022, Jena became one of the first creators on TikTok Shop, the e-commerce section of the short-video app where you can browse and purchase the products you see in the videos on your feed. She opened her own store, Neutrals Ave., buying apparel with the last of her money and selling them through daily livestreams and fun viral videos that raked in 1 million views. And in all her content, she showed off her winning personality and hustle.
@jena.gee F2F Class Tiktoshop Finds!!! Branded Shirts Available!! All items on my Tiktokshop🥰 #tiktokshop #tiktokshopfinds ♬ original sound - 🏀 - Roldan Yu Barcenas
“Within a month, my whole life changed and I am now able to provide for my family. I reached my goals that I never knew I’d be able to achieve,” she said. “Who would’ve thought that in a span of four months, I would be able to buy my parents a titled lot, afford a new car, and open my new business?”
“Everything still feels surreal, but I know that TikTok really changed the course of my life and I’m very thankful for this opportunity. With hard work and consistency, we can really achieve our goals. From creating video content into creating one’s dream, TikTok has really been amazing,” Jena added.
This TikToker’s gross merchandise value, or GMV (consisting mainly of fashion items), increased more than 14 times, while her followers grew from 135,901 in June 2022 to 257,532 in September. Jena also saw success outside the online realm as she opened a walk-in store in September where she now does her livestreams and continues to post her stylish budol videos.
Unleashing creativity
Other creators like vlogger Viy Cortez, Colourette Cosmetics CEO Nina Ellaine Dizon-Cabrera, Annamagkawas, and SY Glow have also grown their businesses on TikTok through livestreams and deal hunts.
Viy Cortez, who has over 5 million followers in the app, gives her fans a closer look at the beauty products they can buy from her shop. She does videos testing the makeup herself, like trying on her matte lip tints.
@viy.cortez Team Payaman HD matte tints from 1299- 499 nalang mga viviys❤️
♬ Just The Two of Us - Kauai45 & Sweet Cocoa
To connect with her followers, Colourette’s Nina Cabrera does livestream sessions where she’s showing makeup swatches, doing a full face of makeup, and even packing orders. Nina also does wear test of the makeup to show what it would look like in different scenarios.
@ninaellaine Woohoo ang saya
♬ original sound - Nina Cabrera
Baby care seller Unilove grew their brand with monthly “birthday sales” where customers get up to 50% discounts on products like laundry detergents and diapers and enjoy giveaways from partner brands.
Instead of switching to a different e-commerce app to buy something you see in a video, TikTok Shop lets you browse and buy without leaving the app. Customers can browse photos of the products and check out reviews, as well.
Merchants, on the other hand, can sell and post products directly in the app through in-feed videos, livestreams, and product showcases to reach a wider audience. In addition, they can manage shipment and order fulfillment also in the app.
Explore different products—from beauty to fashion, baby essentials, skincare, and more—that you can add to your cart on TikTok Shop. Find new trends and anything that helps you enjoy the good life. There are vouchers for discounts, free shipping, various payment methods available, and monthly and payday sales, just like other e-commerce apps.
Fresh from its successful 11.11 Maagang Pamasko Sale, TikTok Shop also has exciting things in store for shoppers this 12.12 like fast and free shipping, millions worth of subsidy, and up to 33% off vouchers.
For budding entrepreneurs, learn how to boost your business and have fun while doing it here.