Once just a viral video platform, TikTok has transformed into a dynamic shopping destination. With its immersive content-driven approach, TikTok Shop seamlessly integrates product discovery, social influence, and direct purchasing—all within the platform. It’s easier than ever to engage customers and sell directly through the app.
It’s no wonder that brands have a huge opportunity to turn engagement into revenue. The key to success on TikTok Shop lies in strategic product listings that maximise visibility, engagement, and conversions.
Optimised product listings are one of the easiest ways to reach your target audience on TikTok Shop. Well-crafted listings help your products stand out, attract buyers, and increase sales. This guide walks you through everything you need to make your products stand out in TikTok’s crowded marketplace.
How to Start Selling on TikTok Shop
The first thing you need to do when setting up your TikTok Shop is to add your products. Good product listings make it easier for customers to find and buy what you’re selling, giving them a smooth shopping experience.
You can manage your listings in the Seller Center, where you have two options:
- Add products one by one if you have just a few items.
- Upload in bulk (up to 1,000 products at once) if you have a large inventory.
Check if Your Products Are Allowed
Before listing any product, ensure compliance with TikTok Shop’s Prohibited Products and Restricted Products policies.
- Review TikTok Shop’s guidelines for prohibited and restricted items.
- Ensure your products comply with local laws and regulations.
- Avoid listing products that could pose safety risks or policy violations.
How To Optimise Your Product Detail Page
A Product Detail Page (PDP) is the first impression customers have of your product. A high-quality PDP increases trust and conversions.
Best Practices:
✔ Provide clear and detailed product descriptions.
✔ Use high-resolution images and videos.
✔ Ensure grammar, punctuation, and formatting are correct.
✔ Be honest and transparent about product features and pricing.
What to Avoid:
❌ Redirecting customers off TikTok Shop (e.g., using QR codes or external links).
❌ Making unauthorised references to "TikTok" or other e-commerce platforms.
❌ Using misleading or exaggerated promotional terms (e.g., “Best Seller,” “Trending Item”).
Product Images and Videos
High-quality visuals help your products stand out and encourage purchases.
Best Practices:
✔ Upload at least 5 images, covering different angles.
✔ Ensure the first image shows a clear front view of the product.
✔ Use real photos, not placeholders or digital renderings.
✔ Videos should be under 5MB and showcase the product effectively.
What to Avoid:
❌ Adding text, graphics, or watermarks to the first image.
❌ Using misleading, unclear, or irrelevant visuals.
❌ Including marketing stickers, blurry images, or placeholders.
Writing an Effective Product Title
Your product title significantly impacts searchability and discoverability.
Best Practices:
✔ Keep titles between 25-200 characters.
✔ Include key details: brand, product type, key features, size, and quantity.
✔ Use numerals instead of spelling out numbers (e.g., "2" instead of "two").
✔ Capitalise the first letter of each word (except prepositions and conjunctions).
What to Avoid:
❌ Using ALL CAPS or excessive special characters.
❌ Including seller names, URLs, or promotional messages.
❌ Repeating words or listing all variations in the title.
Choosing the Right Product Category
Accurate categorisation helps customers find your products more easily.
How to Select the Correct Category:
✔ Understand your product’s function and features.
✔ Use TikTok Shop’s category recommendations.
✔ Research competitor listings for reference.
✔ Start with a broad category and narrow down to specific subcategories.
What to Avoid:
❌ Guessing or miscategorising to gain exposure.
❌ Ignoring customer feedback about difficulty finding your product.
Product Qualification & Compliance
Some products require qualification documents for listing approval.
How to Submit a Qualification Document:
✔ Go to Qualification Center > Category Qualification.
✔ Select Add Category Authorisation and submit the required documents.
✔ Monitor the Product Compliance section in Seller Center.
Brand Information & Intellectual Property
Your brand name must match official documentation (website, trademark, or packaging).
Best Practices:
✔ Obtain legal permission if using another brand’s name.
✔ Ensure brand names are correctly formatted and case-sensitive.
✔ Once approved, brand names cannot be changed.
Crafting a Compelling Product Description
A strong product description enhances trust and informs customer decisions.
Best Practices:
✔ Write at least 500 characters.
✔ Clearly explain features, benefits, and uses.
✔ Include measurements, care instructions, and warranty details.
✔ Use proper grammar, punctuation, and formatting for readability.
✔ Add relevant images (e.g., size guides, usage instructions).
What to Avoid:
❌ Including seller-specific details like emails or websites.
❌ Providing incomplete or vague product information.
Product Variations & Bundles
If your product comes in multiple sizes, colors, or styles, use TikTok Shop’s product variation feature.
✔ Anchor Product: The main listing that connects variations.
✔ Variations: Different product options (e.g., sizes, colors).
✔ Variation Styles: Attributes that differentiate variations.
Bundles & Multipacks:
✔ Only manufacturer-created bundles/multipacks with a GTIN are allowed.
✔ Do not manually combine standalone products into one listing.
Setting Competitive Pricing
Your pricing strategy can impact visibility and sales.
What to Avoid:
❌ Misleading price comparisons.
❌ Overpricing beyond market rates.
❌ High shipping fees (must be under $40).
❌ Price gouging during high-demand situations.
How to Appeal a Listing Removal
If your product listing is mistakenly removed, you can submit an appeal.
✔ Go to Seller Center > Shop Health > Submit an Appeal.
✔ Provide detailed information to support your claim.
✔ Ensure compliance with TikTok Shop’s policies before re-listing.
Ready to launch?
Now that you know the ins and outs of TikTok Shop product listings, it’s time to take action. Follow these best practices, optimise your listings, and watch your business grow on one of the fastest-growing e-commerce platforms. Happy selling!
Need a fresh perspective? Let’s talk.
At 360 OM, we specialise in helping businesses take their marketing efforts to the next level. Our team stays on top of industry trends, uses data-informed decisions to maximise your ROI, and provides full transparency through comprehensive reports.
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