Selling on TikTok and other e-commerce platforms comes with its own set of characteristics and considerations. Here are some key differences between selling on TikTok and other e-commerce platforms:
- Content Format and Style:
- TikTok: TikTok is known for short-form video content that is creative, engaging, and often entertaining. Selling on TikTok requires creating visually appealing and engaging videos that capture users’ attention within a few seconds.
- Other E-commerce Platforms: Traditional e-commerce platforms typically rely on static images and longer product descriptions. While visuals are still important, the focus is more on providing detailed information about the product.
- Audience Demographics:
- TikTok: TikTok has a younger audience, primarily consisting of Gen Z and younger millennials. Selling on TikTok allows you to reach a specific demographic with unique preferences and behaviors.
- Other E-commerce Platforms: Other platforms like Tmall, JD.com, and Taobao have a broader audience range, including various age groups. Your strategy may need to cater to a wider demographic.
- Engagement and Interaction:
- TikTok: TikTok encourages user engagement through likes, comments, shares, and challenges. Selling on TikTok involves creating content that encourages interaction and user-generated content.
- Other E-commerce Platforms: Interaction is more transaction-focused. Users browse product listings, read reviews, and make purchases, but the level of engagement may differ from TikTok.
- Influencer Marketing:
- TikTok: Collaborating with TikTok influencers is a common strategy due to the platform’s emphasis on user-generated content and trends.
- Other E-commerce Platforms: Influencer marketing is also effective on other platforms, but the approach may vary based on the platform’s features and user behavior.
- Purchase Experience:
- TikTok: TikTok’s “Shop Now” feature allows users to make purchases directly within the app. This streamlines the purchase process and reduces friction.
- Other E-commerce Platforms: On other platforms, users are redirected to product pages outside the app for purchases.
- Trends and Challenges:
- TikTok: Capitalizing on trending challenges and using relevant hashtags can boost visibility and engagement on TikTok.
- Other E-commerce Platforms: While trends and challenges exist on other platforms, they may not be as prominent as on TikTok.
- Visual Storytelling:
- TikTok: TikTok encourages creative storytelling through visual content. Brands can tell their story in a more dynamic and engaging way.
- Other E-commerce Platforms: Storytelling is still important on other platforms, but the format may be more text-based.
- Entertainment Factor:
- TikTok: Entertainment is a key aspect of TikTok. Brands need to create content that is not only informative but also entertaining and shareable.
- Other E-commerce Platforms: While content can be engaging, the entertainment aspect may not be as central on other platforms.
- Algorithm and Discovery:
- TikTok: TikTok’s algorithm promotes content based on user engagement and interests, allowing for organic reach and discovery.
- Other E-commerce Platforms: Other platforms may require more active promotion and optimization to increase visibility.
Both TikTok and other e-commerce platforms have their own strengths and strategies. The choice depends on your target audience, product type, and marketing goals. It’s also possible to integrate both approaches for a comprehensive sales strategy that reaches a wider audience.
PLTFRM is an international brand consulting agency that works with companies such as Red, Tiktok, Tmall, Baidu and other well-known Chinese internet e-commerce platforms. We have been working with Chile Cherries for many years, reaching Chinese consumers in depth through different platforms and realizing that Chile Cherries exports in China account for 97% of the total exports in Asia. Contact us and we will help you find the best China e-commerce platform for you. Search pltfrm for a free consultation！
