Published on

I tried TikTok dropshipping... and it's broken rn

Introduction

Over the past several months, one of the most talked-about side hustles in the e-commerce world has been the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program. I've come across numerous screenshots showcasing people making tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dollars in a single month. Despite my skepticism, I decided to dive in and give it a shot.

Initial Skepticism and Strategy

I was a bit skeptical from the outset, given the repetitive infomercial nature of many TikTok Shop videos, which I typically swiped past. However, with my background in e-commerce and a keen interest in side hustles, I decided to explore this trending hustle myself.

To participate in the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program, one generally needs at least 5,000 followers. However, I discovered several workarounds to join with smaller accounts. I picked an account I had previously stopped using and ordered five different products to feature in my videos.

Product Selection and Initial Videos

The key to succeeding with this hustle is choosing the right products. I selected:

  • A stuffed animal seal
  • An indoor mini fire pit
  • A unique kitchen knife
  • A mini label printer
  • A magnification lens for smartphones

For my first day of filming, I focused on unboxing and initial demonstrations using my iPhone for a raw and simple approach. My strategy was to create five initial videos and see if any of them gained traction.

  • Stuffed Animal Seal: Tried for funny voiceovers, aiming for $ 3 per sale.
  • Indoor Mini Fire Pit: Priced at $ 30 with $ 6 profit per sale.
  • Unique Kitchen Knife: Priced at $ 31 with a $ 6 profit, focused on the knife’s unique functionalities.
  • Mini Label Printer: Priced at $ 20 with a $ 4 profit, targeted towards home organization.
  • Magnification Lens: Priced at $ 50 with a $ 5 profit, wondered about its viral potential.

Day One Results

After posting the videos, the engagement varied:

  • The stuffed animal seal video garnered approximately 200 views.
  • The phone lens video got around 2,000 views but no sales.
  • The label printer had 500 views but no sales.
  • The kitchen knife video took off with nearly 20,000 views, resulting in $ 160 in total revenue and about $ 24 in affiliate earnings.

Adjusting Strategy

Given the success of the kitchen knife, I decided to focus on it further. I created additional videos for the knife, aiming for higher quality demonstrations with food items like fruits and vegetables.

Subsequent Days and Increased Sales

On day two, the updated videos quickly brought in more sales. The original video reached almost 180,000 views, accumulating $ 2,000 in total revenue and $ 350 in commissions.

Final Insights

By the end of the week, the total revenue was over $ 7,000 with just under $ 1.3k in affiliate earnings. Some vital insights included:

  1. Finding the Right Product: Investing in multiple products increases the chance of finding a hit.
  2. Targeting Less Saturated Products: Initially focusing on lesser-known products can yield better results.
  3. Leveraging Viral Videos: Doubling down on successful videos by creating related content can be effective.
  4. Clear Call to Action: Always direct viewers to where they can purchase the product.
  5. Faceless Videos: While not necessary, showing a face can increase engagement.

In conclusion, despite some initial skepticism, the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program proved to be a viable side hustle. With strategic product selection and engaging content, it is possible to generate significant earnings with minimal initial investment.

Keywords

  • TikTok Shop Affiliate Program
  • E-commerce
  • Side Hustle
  • Unboxing Videos
  • Product Selection
  • Viral Content
  • Affiliate Earnings

FAQ

Q1: What are the prerequisites for joining the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program? A: Officially, you need at least 5,000 followers, though there are workarounds to join with a smaller account.

Q2: How do you choose the right products to feature? A: Look for products that are easy to demonstrate, not overly competitive, and within a profitable price range.

Q3: What type of content works best for TikTok Shop Affiliate videos? A: Simple unboxing, demonstrations, and story-driven content that clearly shows the product’s benefits and utility.

Q4: How can you increase the chances of a TikTok video going viral? A: Focus on engaging scripts, clear calls to action, and responding to comments with additional videos related to the winning product.

Q5: Is it necessary to show your face in TikTok Shop Affiliate videos? A: While not strictly necessary, showing your face can significantly boost engagement and viewer relatability.

Read More