TikTok Shop affiliate marketing is an exciting new opportunity to earn commissions promoting products on one of the hottest social platforms today. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to get started and succeed with TikTok Shop affiliate marketing.
Introduction
TikTok Shop launched in 2021 as TikTok’s integrated social commerce platform. It allows brands to showcase and sell products directly within the TikTok app.
TikTok Shop affiliate marketing enables content creators, influencers and marketers to earn a commission for promoting TikTok Shop products and driving sales. It’s a win-win arrangement where merchants acquire new customers and affiliates monetize their audience.
This guide is designed for anyone interested in exploring TikTok affiliate marketing, whether you are a:
- Social media influencer
- Content creator
- Marketer
- Entrepreneur
- Affiliate marketer
With over 1 billion monthly active TikTok users worldwide, there is huge potential to profit as a TikTok Shop affiliate. Let’s dive in and explore how it works.
How to Become a TikTok Shop Affiliate
Here is a walkthrough to get approved as a TikTok Shop affiliate:
TikTok Shop Affiliate Requirements
To qualify for TikTok Shop affiliate programs, you generally need:
- A TikTok account in good standing with a minimum number of followers, typically 1000+
- Original content that resonates with TikTok audiences
- A website, blog, YouTube channel or social media profiles that can host affiliate links
Choosing a TikTok Shop Affiliate Network
Most brands don’t manage their TikTok Shop affiliate programs directly. Instead, they use an affiliate network as a middleman to handle signups, tracking, payments, etc.
Popular TikTok affiliate networks include:
- Rakuten Advertising: Extensive network of TikTok affiliate programs across categories. Provides helpful analytics.
- Awin: Leading global affiliate network with many TikTok Shop merchants. Offers dedicated account management.
- CJ Affiliate: Trusted affiliate network with customized reporting. Robust affiliate management tools.
Evaluate networks based on available merchant offerings, tracking capabilities, payment terms and support options.
Signing Up for TikTok Shop Affiliate Programs
Once you pick a network, browse their TikTok Shop affiliate programs and submit applications to ones relevant to your audience and content vertical.
The merchant will review your application and approve you based on factors like your follower count, content quality and previous affiliate experience.
Once approved, you can access affiliate links and marketing collateral to start promoting their TikTok Shop products for commissions.
Best TikTok Shop Affiliate Programs
With TikTok’s expansive reach across interests and demographics, you can find TikTok Shop affiliate opportunities in almost any niche.
Here are some top programs across popular verticals to consider:
| Category | Brands |
| Fashion & Beauty | ASOS, MAC Cosmetics, Adidas, Forever 21 |
| Electronics | Xiaomi, Sony, OnePlus |
| Home & Kitchen | Dyson, Tefal, Tupperware |
| Toys & Games | Lego, Funko, Bandai |
| Food & Grocery | Mondelez, PepsiCo, Danone |
Factors to evaluate when choosing a TikTok affiliate program include:
- Audience fit: Does the merchant align with your followers’ interests?
- Commission rates: What percent of each sale do you earn?
- Cookie duration: How long do you get credit for referred sales?
- Program reputation: Is the brand reputable with solid program reviews?
Selecting the right merchant partners can drive your TikTok Shop affiliate success.
TikTok Affiliate Commission Rates
TikTok affiliate commission rates vary depending on the merchant, product prices and other criteria. Here are some typical commission structures:
- Flat rate: Earn a fixed dollar amount per sale, typically $5-20.
- Percentage rate: Get a % cut of each sale, often 10-20%.
- Tiered rate: Earn higher % commissions as monthly sales volumes increase.
- Hybrid: Some merchants pay a flat rate plus a smaller percentage.
Higher ticket items generally pay more generous commissions. Rates around 15-25% for electronics, fashion or beauty sales are common.
Maximize your earnings by promoting premium products, driving repeated sales, sharing top offers with your best contacts, and converting traffic during peak shopping seasons.
How to Make Money with TikTok Shop Affiliate Marketing
Now that you know the basics, here are proven tips to make the most money as a TikTok affiliate:
Promote On and Off TikTok
- Share TikTok affiliate links directly in your TikTok content, bios and LIVE streams
- Promote deals off TikTok on your other social accounts, website and email list
- Use promotional elements like coupons, product reviews and giveaways
Optimize Your Affiliate Links
- Use link tracking software to shorten links and monitor clicks
- Test different link placement on TikTok videos to boost click-through
- Incorporate eye-catching CTAs into your link captions
Provide Value to Your Audience
- Give honest reviews showcasing product benefits
- Educate followers on how to use products through demos
- Entertain viewers with unboxings, hauls and style tips
- Build trust by recommending only relevant, high-quality products
The more value you consistently provide, the more your audience will purchase through your affiliate links.
Tracking and Measuring Results
To improve your TikTok affiliate strategy, you need to closely monitor performance. Here are key metrics to track and tools to use:
Key Performance Metrics
- Clicks, impressions, click-through-rate (CTR) on affiliate links
- Conversions and conversion rate (CVR)
- Cost per click (CPC), cost per acquisition (CPA)
- Return on ad spend (ROAS)
- Earnings per click (EPC), earnings per impression (EPI)
Tracking and Analytics Tools
- TikTok e-commerce analytics: kalodata
- Affiliate network dashboards: Monitor links, clicks, sales, commissions
- Link tracking software: Rakuten LinkShare, CJ Affiliate Link Locator
- URL builders: bit.ly, Rebrandly, Pretty Links
- Social media analytics: Iconosquare, Social Blade, Popsters
Analyze what content, links and placement drive the most profitable conversions to refine your approach.
The Future of TikTok Affiliate Marketing
TikTok Shop is rapidly expanding across new regions and product categories in 2023. Here are some top predictions:
- Wider rollout of TikTok Shop to the US, UK and other Western markets
- Launch of self-service TikTok Shop seller accounts
- New opportunities in high-demand verticals like groceries, alcohol, pharmacy and pets
- Rising adoption among long-tail micro-influencers
- Evolution of original branded content like shoppable livestreams
- Tighter integration between TikTok ads and TikTok affiliate promotions
There is still huge untapped potential for TikTok Shop affiliates to capitalize on emerging trends and features in this high-growth channel.
Conclusion
TikTok affiliate marketing offers an exciting way to monetize your audience and content creation skills. With TikTok’s meteoric rise, the platform provides unparalleled reach to promote relevant products in a fun, native environment.
This guide covered the core basics of how to get started as a TikTok affiliate, from signing up for programs to optimizing your links and tracking performance. TikTok Shop empowers influencers and merchants alike by enabling frictionless in-app commerce integrated with compelling entertainment content.
As a trailblazer leveraging these capabilities early on, you can gain a distinct competitive advantage. Follow the tips and advice outlined here to build a profitable and sustainable affiliate business. The opportunities in this space will only continue to grow over time.
