TikTok Ads For Dropshipping: How to Attract New Customers? 

If you’re a dropshipper, you know how hard it is to find new and effective ways to promote your products. But what if there was a game-changing opportunity that could help you reach millions of potential customers who are eager to discover new products and trends? 

That opportunity is TikTok, the dynamic platform that has taken the world by storm with its short and catchy videos. In this article, we’ll show you everything you need to know to prepare a dropshipping TikTok ads campaign and learn to boost your sales like never before!

What Is TikTok Ads? 

TikTok Ads is an advertising platform that allows businesses to promote their products or services on TikTok, the popular social media app that lets users create and share short-form videos with music and special effects.

TikTok Ads offers various ad formats, such as in-feed video ads, branded hashtag challenges, branded effects, and top-view ads, that can help businesses reach their target audience and drive conversions. 

This platform also provides a range of tools and features, such as the TikTok Pixel, the TikTok Creator Marketplace, and the TikTok For Business account, that can help businesses optimize their ad campaigns and measure their performance.

Specifically, in terms of dropshipping, merchants can use TikTok Ads to advertise the products they’re offering through their dropshipping store. Moreover, merchants will be able to grow their brand awareness, reach new customers, and increase their sales with TikTok.

In the next section, we will discuss some of the noteworthy benefits of using TikTok Ads for your dropshipping store.

The Benefits Of TikTok Ads For Dropshipping Store 

Initially, you might be wondering, “Why TikTok?”, right? It’s understandable, given that its initial reputation revolves around being a platform for all age groups associated with viral dances and catchy music.

Here are some of the best advantages of TikTok ads that you won’t want to miss out on for your business:

• Tiktok audience demographic
• Marketing opportunities
• High qualities video ads (which can bring high conversions)
• Cost-effective
• Easy to set up
• Brand awareness improvement
• The best platforms for influencer marketing

Let’s go into detail:

1. TikTok audience demographic

TikTok’s user base skews towards a younger and highly engaged audience, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, making it an ideal playground for dropshippers targeting these demographic segments. 

Over 1 billion monthly active users globally, coupled with TikTok’s unique culture of trends and challenges, enables dropshippers to align their products with popular themes and engage with an audience that actively seeks novelty.

Here are some key statistics (2023 updated) according to the Exploding Topics:

Fun facts:

• TikTok has more Gen Z users than Instagram
• The gender distribution among TikTok users is almost equal, with 57% being female and 43% male
• The US has the largest TikTok audience (over 135 million)
• The US experienced an increase of 19% in hours per month spent on TikTok last year.
• The largest demographic among monthly active TikTok users is users between 18 and 24.

2. Marketing opportunities

Incorporating TikTok Ads into your dropshipping marketing strategy opens up a world of innovative and effective marketing opportunities. 

Firstly, the platform’s dynamic and visually appealing video format empowers dropshippers to create engaging content that effectively showcases their products, capturing the audience’s attention in a matter of seconds. 

Secondly, TikTok’s trend-driven ecosystem offers a chance to seamlessly integrate products into viral challenges and trending topics. You can use some dropshipping TikTok ads tactics such as collaborations with TikTok influencers, to lend authenticity to your products.

Last but not least, TikTok’s precise ad targeting options empower dropshippers to zero in on their ideal audience. The platform’s interactive ad formats, including “Branded Effects” and “Branded Hashtag Challenges Plus,” foster direct engagement. What can be more effective?

3. High qualities video ads (which can bring high conversions)

TikTok is primarily a video-centric platform, therefore, high-quality video ads have the potential to captivate viewers and leave a lasting impression.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that TikTok ensures that every video maintains clarity when uploaded. Well-produced videos can seamlessly incorporate a clear call to action (CTA) as well as keep viewers watching until the end.

4. Cost-effective

Using TikTok for dropshipping ads can be a cost-effective choice compared to some other platforms. Since TikTok has a vast and active user base, you can reach a large audience without huge ad expenses.

Additionally, TikTok’s creative ad options and precise targeting tools help you get more value for your advertising budget. However, it’s important to research, track your ad performance, and make adjustments as needed to ensure you’re getting the most out of your budget

5. Easy to set up 

Setting up dropshipping TikTok ads is a breeze, everyone can learn and do it within seconds!

The user-friendly interface and intuitive tools guide advertisers through the process step by step. From defining campaign objectives to targeting your ideal audience and crafting engaging ad creatives, TikTok provides straightforward options and valuable insights at every stage.

6. Brand awareness improvement

TikTok’s format encourages creative and authentic storytelling. Brands can leverage this to craft compelling narratives that resonate with viewers and leave a lasting impression.

TikTok users actively engage with content through likes, shares, and comments. This high level of user interaction not only boosts engagement but also provides valuable social proof, reinforcing the credibility and popularity of the brand.

7. Best platforms for Influencer marketing

100,000+ is the total number of influencers on TikTok.

And in 2023, 55.5% of brands prioritize TikTok over other platforms when it comes to influencer marketing.

All of them mean that when an influencer’s video goes viral, it can reach millions of users, providing unparalleled exposure for brands. The platform’s engaged audience, creative opportunities, viral potential, and precise targeting make it a top choice for brands looking to collaborate with influencers and reach their marketing goals effectively.

What Are The Types of Ads on TikTok? 

There are 4 main advertising options tailored specifically for dropshipping sellers. 

1. In-feed videos
2. Brand takeover
3. Hashtag challenge
4. Branded AR content/effects

Below, we’ll provide an overview of them:

1. In-feed videos 

In-feed videos are short video ads that appear seamlessly in users’ TikTok feeds as they scroll through the app. These ads typically last between 9 and 60 seconds and can add sound and music.

Often, in-feed videos are full-screen and engage users in a visually appealing manner. Therefore, dropshipping advertisers have the flexibility to create their content, including branding, product demonstrations, storytelling, or any creative approach that suits their campaign goals.

This type is divided into two groups as follows:

• Type 1. Direct Native Ad: It is used to increase views and interactions with brand-related videos on TikTok.
• Type 2. Direct Diversion Ad: it redirects to the homepage.

2. Brand takeover 

Brand takeover is an advertising format that is specifically designed for product/brand awareness ambition. 

When a user opens the TikTok app, the first thing they see is a full-screen, immersive ad from the advertiser. This ad can be an image or a short video that typically includes a clickable link to the advertiser’s landing page or TikTok profile.

Many dropshipping sellers are choosing this format since it is quite attention-grabbing. It allows brands to make a strong initial impression on TikTok users. However, similar to YouTube’s bumper ads or non-skippable ads, users cannot comment on or like the content. 

3. Hashtag challenges

A TikTok hashtag challenge is a social media campaign that invites users to create and share content related to a specific theme or task, using a designated hashtag to join the conversation

Whether it’s showing off your product, flaunting your brand’s personality, or pushing a unique theme, a Hashtag challenge ad is your chance to shine.

This type taps into TikTok’s user-generated content culture and encourages users to become active participants in the advertising campaign. When executed well, these dropshipping campaigns can go viral, significantly boosting brand visibility and engagement.

4. Branded AR content/effects 

How can we say no to the filters on social media? 

Branded AR Content/Effects in dropshipping TikTok ads involve incorporating customized augmented reality elements into advertising campaigns. These AR effects can enhance user engagement and interaction with the brand.

If it’s your first time using Branded AR Content/Effects, you can imagine it like Instagram Stories or Snapchat. Instagram Stories or SnapchatThese effects are created by the brand and appear in the trending list for the first 5 days after launch, with a maximum lifespan of 10 days.

How To Create Video Ad Content On TikTok For Your Dropshipping Store?

TikTok is reshaping the way businesses promote their products, and your dropshipping store can’t miss out. Here are some simple types and step-by-step guides to create video ad content on TikTok!

1. TikTok Ads Structure

The structure of dropshipping TikTok ads consists of three main parts:

Ad campaign

An ad campaign is the overarching advertising initiative. You begin by defining the objective of your ad campaign. TikTok offers various campaign objectives such as website traffic, app installs, video views, conversions, and more.

Ad group

An ad group is a smaller, more focused unit within your advertising campaign. Its purpose is to organize and manage a specific set of ads that share common characteristics or target a particular audience.

Ad groups may include multiple ad variations or A/B tests. It is a crucial element in structuring your advertising campaign.

Ads

At the most granular level, you have individual ads. These are the actual content pieces that users will see on TikTok. You create and customize the ad content within each ad group. This could include video ads, image ads, or carousel ads, depending on your campaign goals.

2. Step-by-step guide for creating successful TikTok Ads

Pro Tip: How to Create a TikTok Ads Manager Account in 4 Easy Steps

1. Create a login: Go to the TikTok Ads sign-up page, create login credentials using an email address or phone number, and set a password.
2. Click Sign up, and verify your email address by clicking on the link sent to your inbox.
3. Create an advertiser account: Choose your region and fill in your basic information, such as your name, email, phone number, and industry. 
4. Agree to the terms and click Register.

You can now access the TikTok Ads dashboard and start creating your ad campaigns. For more details, you can check out the official guide from TikTok Ads.

To harness the full potential of this dynamic platform, let’s outline the fundamental steps for crafting successful dropshipping TikTok ads:

Step 1: Set Up The Tiktok Ads Campaign

First, you need to create a TikTok ads campaign. Let’s access TikTok Ads Manager on a Business account (if you are not using it, switching is cost-free and straightforward).

1. Create a new campaign: On TikTok Ads Manager, click on the “Campaign” button. After being redirected to the Campaign page, proceed by selecting “Create”. There are 2 options for you to choose from:

• Simplified Mode: For quick and easy ad creation (you can make an ad in under 5 minutes).
• Custom Mode: For more advanced configurations.

2. Choose a campaign objective: Every campaign needs a clear objective to start well. Tiktok provides 3 main types of objectives: Awareness, Consideration, and Conversion.

Criteria	Awareness	Consideration	Conversion
Objective	Introduce your dropshipping products to a broader audience and increase overall recognition	Encourage potential customers to engage more deeply with your brand or product	Convert into purchase action
Metrics	Reach	– Traffic – Video views – Lead generation – Community interactions	– App Promotion – Website conversions

3. Fill in all required information: The next step is to name your campaign and choose the appropriate ad category for your content. You also have the option to let TikTok optimize your campaign budget for all ad groups collectively, rather than managing them individually.

Step 2: Set Up The TikTok Ads Group

Now, move into the TikTok Ads group.

1. Name an Ad Group and edit settings: To begin, an Ad Group name is required. You can also decide whether users will have the option to comment on, download, and share your video ads by selecting “Advanced settings”.

2. Select target audience pool: Within your campaign, ad groups will represent different segments of your target audience.

• Demographics: Specify age, gender, location, and other demographic details that align with your target audience.
• Interests: Identify interests and hobbies relevant to your product or service.
• Behaviors: Select specific behaviors or actions that your ideal audience is likely to engage in. This can include online shopping behavior, app usage, and more.

3. Pick content exclusions: This setting helps decide if TikTok will display your content alongside material with slightly mature themes. By default, your exclusions are set to “Standard,” but you can click “edit” to explore different types of content exclusions.
4. Set budget and schedule: There are 2 options named “Budget” and “Schedule” to fix. Set your daily budget and the period you estimate to run your dropshipping TikTok ads. Please note that the minimum daily budget for your TikTok ads is $20.

5. Set bidding and optimization: Finally, the bidding and optimization step is where you determine the amount you’re willing to pay for each metric. For instance, CPV will be your perfect choice if you select video views as your objective.

Step 3: Set up TikTok Ad

Are you ready to publish your creative dropshipping TikTok ads to the public?

1. Upload the ad content: You can see below all the information required to fill in, from ad name, and caption, to select your identity (You have the option to use either a display name or your own brand’s TikTok account, and this categorizes the ad as a Spark Ad).

2. Set your destination page: Remember to link the ad to your website or a product/service landing page. You can add a legal disclaimer if needed.
3. Select your tracking metrics (optional): Tracking events on your website, app, or third-party sites is up to you
4. Submit your TikTok ads: Just click on the “Submit” button and everything is done!!

How To Run A Successful TikTok Ads Campaign For A Dropshipping Store? 

Here are some tips to optimize your TikTok Ads campaign and increase your dropshipping store’s visibility, drive sales, and achieve success on this vibrant social platform.

1. Be familiar with TikTok 

For beginners, there’s always a lot to learn and discover on the platform. Our tip here is to spend time as a regular user to get a feel for the platform, its content, and what resonates with its audience.

By that, you can understand how TikTok’s algorithm works. Engagement is a key metric on the platform, so likes, comments, shares, or duets with videos can inform your content strategy.

2. Use the hashtag 

Keep an eye on trending challenges and hashtags. This can increase the discoverability of your content and engage a broader audience.

There are 2 ways to do it: Research relevant hashtags in your ad campaigns or create a branded hashtag to encourage user-generated content and engagement. It depends on you!

3. Define the target audience 

Go beyond demographics. Tailoring your ad content to a well-defined audience makes your messaging more relevant and personalized. Users are more likely to engage with and respond positively to content that resonates with their interests and needs.

Moreover, when your ads are shown to the right audience, you’re more likely to see higher conversion rates. Targeting the right audience can lead to building brand loyalty and customer retention.

4. Competitive audit 

Conducting a competitive audit for your dropshipping TikTok ads is a strategic move. It allows you to understand the current landscape of your dropshipping niche or industry on TikTok. You can identify key players, trends, and successful strategies.

Summarize your findings in a SWOT and use the information gathered from your competitive audit to refine your TikTok ad campaigns.

To save time and achieve more insights, try Zopi (AliHunter) today to spy on your competitors’ ads on TikTok and see the impressions and interactions of the most effective ads on TikTok. You will be able to see the details and order trends of the promoted products, find suppliers for the products, and download the video ad straight from Zopi! 

This can help you gain insights into their strengths and weaknesses, and learn from their best practices.

Final Words

TikTok Ads are more than just ads. They are stories that captivate your audience and make them want to join your brand, and at the same time, you have a unique opportunity to showcase your products and personality. 

But to succeed on TikTok, you need to keep up with the latest trends and learn from the best. That’s why you need to analyze dropshipping TikTok ads strategies regularly. By doing so, you will discover what works and what doesn’t, and how to outsmart your competitors. Don’t miss this chance to grow your business with TikTok Ads!

FAQs