#202 HTE - Breaking News: TikTok's E-commerce Revolution is Here!🔔

June 28, 2023 • Estimated Reading Time: 24 minutes

Welcome to another exciting edition of HTE’s newsletter, where we serve up a delightful blend of tips, tricks, and trends for DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) brands and beyond. Get ready to kick-start your day with a boost of knowledge and inspiration!

Now, let's dive right into the goodness that awaits you in this edition. From ingenious strategies for DTC brands to the secrets behind maximizing engagement on social platforms, we've got you covered. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle into a cozy spot, and let's embark on a journey of discovery together!

Get ready to level up your e-commerce game, empower independent brands, and explore the fascinating intersection of TikTok and the world of online shopping. Plus, we have an exciting update about TikTok's latest ventures in the e-commerce realm. Brace yourselves for an incredible blend of insights, trends, and UGC (User-Generated Content) stats that will leave you inspired and ready to conquer the digital landscape.

So, without further ado, let's make today a day filled with success, knowledge, and endless possibilities. Happy reading, dear readers! 🌟

✨This newsletter is going to dive into:

📣 US Online Marketplaces Set to Reach $603.20 Billion in Sales by 2027

💥 TikTok Pulse: Maximizing Engagement Around Organic Content

🌟 The Power of Facebook Shops: A Comprehensive Guide to Building Your Social Commerce Empire

🔥 Drip: Leading the E-Commerce Rebellion and Empowering Independent Brands

🎉 TikTok Set to Launch E-Commerce Store in the US

📊 37 UGC TikTok stats you need to know

✨ HTE Job Board 

📕 Top Reads Of The Week

⚙️ Plenty Of Jobs Await You!

So, scroll down to THE VERY END & read up on what’s yet to come your way!

US Online Marketplaces Set to Reach $603.20 Billion in Sales by 2027

Online marketplaces in the US face a myriad of challenges as they strive to maintain their position in the competitive landscape. Let's explore these hurdles and how they shape the marketplace experience:

  1. The Inventory Maze: Managing inventory across multiple marketplaces can be like taming a wild beast. With different platforms and systems, it becomes a challenge to prevent overselling or underselling products. Navigating this maze requires careful coordination and efficient inventory management tools.

  2. Pricing Predicaments: Ecommerce companies face an ever-changing landscape of pricing challenges. From escalating costs like warehouse rentals and last-mile deliveries to the introduction of tariffs on goods and raw materials, maintaining competitive prices while preserving profit margins demands a delicate balance.

  3. Logistics Limbo: Providing a top-notch customer experience means conquering the logistical mountain. Ensuring secure and timely deliveries, catering to various customer demands, and managing the complex web of shipping partners are daunting tasks. The ability to meet customer expectations while optimizing logistics is a constant juggling act.

  4. Crafting the Perfect Experience: Customers crave seamless and personalized shopping experiences. Online marketplaces must rise to the occasion by showcasing customer reviews and ratings, ensuring relevant information is easily accessible, and making the buying process as effortless as possible. Balancing functionality and aesthetics is the key to capturing hearts and wallets.

  5. Navigating Economic Storms: The uncertain tides of economic crises can rock even the sturdiest ship. Online marketplaces must be prepared to weather these storms by establishing contingency plans and adapting swiftly to changing market conditions. Flexibility and resilience are the life rafts in times of economic uncertainty.

  6. Safeguarding against Cyber Perils: As technology continues to evolve, so do the risks. Cybersecurity looms as a major concern for online marketplaces. Protecting customer data, thwarting fraudulent activities, and fortifying digital defenses are essential to building trust and maintaining a secure environment for all participants.

  7. Battling for Attention: Competition in the ecommerce arena is fierce, with established retailers and niche marketplaces vying for consumer attention. This high-stakes battleground drives innovation and investment but also intensifies the struggle for market share. Online marketplaces must constantly differentiate themselves, offer unique value propositions, and stay one step ahead of the competition.

According to a forecast by Insider Intelligence, US retail marketplace ecommerce sales will reach $603.20 billion in 2027, representing 34.8% of total retail ecommerce sales. Amazon is expected to maintain its massive lead, generating $277.91 billion in US marketplace sales this year. eBay will take a distant second place with $35.41 billion in marketplace sales, followed by Walmart Inc. ($8.57 billion), Etsy ($7.87 billion), and Poshmark ($1.91 billion). These statistics highlight the significant growth of online marketplaces in the US and the dominance of major players like Amazon.

To conquer these challenges, online marketplaces must embrace innovation, invest in advanced technologies, and cultivate strong partnerships. By weaving creativity and adaptability into their strategies, they can navigate the marketplace landscape with confidence, creating an enchanting shopping experience for their customers and emerging as leaders in the ever-evolving ecommerce realm.

 TikTok Pulse: Maximizing Engagement Around Organic Content

Are you ready to revolutionize your TikTok advertising game and unlock new levels of engagement? Look no further than TikTok Pulse, the innovative revenue-sharing program and advertising feature that will transform how you connect with your target audience on the platform. Whether your brand falls under popular categories like dance, comedy, food and cooking, fashion and beauty, or home renovations/DIY, TikTok Pulse is here to help you tap into a massive audience and build meaningful connections with your desired community. In this article, we'll take you through a step-by-step guide to TikTok Pulse and its unique benefits. Get ready to take your advertising campaigns to the next level!

🤔 Is TikTok Pulse different from Spark Ads?

Before we dive into the setup guide, let's clarify the difference between TikTok Pulse and Spark Ads. While both are powerful tools to enhance your online presence and expand your customer base, they have different strategies and implementation.

TikTok Pulse, the star of the show, is an advanced contextual advertising feature that allows brands to align their ads with the top-performing content on the platform. With 12 categories to choose from, such as beauty, fashion, and gaming, Pulse offers a wide range of options to cater to your audience's interests. The key feature of TikTok Pulse is its revenue-sharing program with creators, ensuring a fair 50-50 split of the generated ad revenue. This not only incentivizes creators to produce engaging content but also fosters a positive relationship between advertisers and creators on the platform.

On the other hand, Spark Ads are organic posts created in partnership with a brand and promoted as ads in users' home feeds. These ads appear even for users who do not follow the influencer or brand and are labeled as "sponsored." Unlike Pulse, Spark Ads do not involve revenue sharing with creators and focus on user-generated content and targeted advertising.

💡 TikTok Pulse Set-up Guide

Now that we've cleared up the difference, let's dive into the TikTok Pulse setup guide. Follow these steps to launch a successful TikTok Pulse campaign and maximize engagement around your organic content.

1️⃣ Campaign Level

  • Open TikTok Ads Manager and click on "Create an Ad" under the Campaign section.

  • Select "Reach and Frequency" as the buying type.

  • Choose "Reach" as the advertising objective.

  • Select "TikTok Pulse" as your campaign type.

  • Enter a unique campaign name.

  • Click "Continue" to proceed.

2️⃣ Ad Group Level

  • Choose an appropriate name for your ad group.

  • Define your audience targeting parameters, including demographics, interests, and devices. Refer to the TikTok Pulse Planning Packet for targeting recommendations.

  • Under "Contextual Targeting," confirm that "Standard Feed" is selected in the "Feed Type" section.

  • Select TikTok Pulse content lineups in the "Content Topics" setting. You can target "All Pulse" to allow the system to find the best-matching lineups for your audience and creative. Alternatively, choose 4 to 5 specific lineups that resonate with your targeted audience.

  • Confirm that the "Limited Inventory" filter is auto-selected in "Content Exclusions."

  • Set a start date and end date for your ad delivery in the "Schedule" section.

  • Choose a reservation purchase method (Budget, Impressions, Reach, or Reach Percentage).

  • Confirm that "Reach" is set as the auto-selected optimization goal.

  • Set a frequency cap to control how often your ads appear.

  • If you're using multiple creatives in your ad campaign, choose your desired delivery mode in the "Ad sequencing & Schedule" tab.

  • Once you've completed the Ad Group setup, click "Next" to proceed to the next step.

3️⃣ Ad Level

  • Type in an engaging name for your ad.

  • Customize your ad's identity by providing a display name, text, and profile image.

  • You can run a Spark Ad as your Pulse creative, adding an extra element of fun and creativity.

  • Upload a video for your ad creative, ensuring it meets the Reach & Frequency creative specifications.

  • Add any interactive add-ons to enhance user engagement.

  • Set your destination page options, including adding a website URL and/or adding call-to-action buttons.

  • Include any necessary pixels or tracking URLs for tracking purposes.

  • If you want to add more ads, click the "+Add" button and repeat the previous steps.

  • Once you're satisfied with your ads, click "Submit" to send them to the review queue.

That's it! You've successfully set up your TikTok Pulse campaign and are ready to maximize engagement around your organic content.

📚 TikTok Pulse FAQs

Curious to learn more about TikTok Pulse? Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

❓ How Does TikTok Pulse Work?

TikTok Pulse is an advanced contextual targeting product that helps advertisers maximize exposure and engagement for their brand. It allows you to purchase ad slots that are immediately matched with relevant creator niches based on various categories of Pulse content. This ensures that your ads are displayed alongside verified content, promoting brand safety. TikTok Pulse ads are benchmarked based on views and engagement, guaranteeing that your brand is associated with trending content and reaches a wider audience.

❓ What Are the TikTok Pulse Lineups?

TikTok Pulse Lineups are top categories such as Beauty, Sports, Gaming, Art & Animation, and more, that enable advertisers to effectively reach their desired audience. Your ads will be displayed in the "For You" feed after a popular and relevant TikTok video from your chosen Pulse Lineup. TikTok Pulse uses a proprietary scoring system to identify the top 4% of culturally-relevant videos across each category daily, ensuring your ads are placed alongside the most engaging and relevant content.

❓ What Are the Objectives Available for TikTok Pulse?

TikTok Pulse offers two buying options: Reach & Frequency (Reach objective only) and two ad formats: In-feed Spark Ads or Non-Spark Ads. These placement options and ad formats allow advertisers to connect with their desired audience effectively and achieve their marketing goals on TikTok.

❓ Is TikTok Pulse Available for Everyone?

Currently, TikTok Pulse is only available to a select number of allow-listed advertisers in the US. Content creators must also meet specific criteria, including having at least 100,000 followers, posting at least five videos within the last 30 days, and being 18 years or older to qualify.

❓ Why Should You Use TikTok Pulse?

TikTok Pulse has emerged as a powerful tool for advertisers looking to expand their reach and engagement on the platform. By aligning your ads with top-performing content, you can leverage popular content that resonates with your target audience, resulting in higher engagement and brand loyalty. The revenue-sharing program in TikTok Pulse enables you to actively engage with creators and participate in ongoing conversations. Additionally, you gain greater control over your advertising campaigns and budget, maximizing your advertising ROI and connecting with your target audience meaningfully and effectively through user-generated content.

TikTok Pulse provides a unique opportunity for brands to drive engagement among diverse communities. By featuring alongside the top 4% of creators and videos on TikTok, your brand gains maximum exposure. You can also ensure the safety of your ads by using TikTok's brand safety categories and third-party verification tools. With TikTok Pulse, you can optimize your reach, engage with your audience, and create a lasting impression on TikTok.

In conclusion, TikTok Pulse is an innovative and game-changing platform for advertisers. With its powerful features and tools, you can achieve your marketing goals while connecting with your audience in a more meaningful way. It's time to tap into the power of social media and take your advertising campaigns on TikTok to the next level. So, get creative, have fun, and make the most out of TikTok Pulse to maximize engagement around your organic content!

The Power of Facebook Shops: A Comprehensive Guide to Building Your Social Commerce Empire

In today's fast-paced and tech-driven world, establishing an online presence is crucial for businesses to expand their reach and drive profits. Facebook Shops has emerged as a powerful tool for brands looking to tap into the world of social commerce and reach new customers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of setting up your Facebook Shop, from creating your account to implementing best practices. Whether you're new to social commerce or looking to maximize your results, this guide is the ultimate resource for selling on Facebook.

Facebook Shops: An Overview for Brands:

Facebook Shops offers a robust solution for brands to keep up with the evolution of social commerce. It provides the necessary tools to streamline the buying process and efficiently sell products through the platform. One exciting feature is the ability to tag products during live streams on Facebook and Instagram, driving traffic to your page and encouraging purchases. Overall, Facebook Shops empowers businesses to reach their target audience effectively and increase sales.

Facebook Shops vs. Facebook Marketplace: Comparison:

When it comes to establishing your online presence on Facebook, you have two options: Facebook Shops and Facebook Marketplace. Understanding the differences between the two will help you make an informed decision based on your business needs.

Facebook Shops:

  • An eCommerce-like platform that allows brands to streamline the buying process within the app.

  • Managed by business page admins.

  • Global reach for products.

  • Offers the ability to boost specific products or the entire store using Facebook's advertising capabilities.

Facebook Marketplace:

  • A visual platform for selling within local communities.

  • Can be used with personal accounts.

  • Local reach for products.

  • Allows sellers to boost their listings.

Setting Up Your Facebook Shop:

To set up your Facebook Shop, follow these steps:

Step 1: Setting up your Facebook Commerce Manager:

  • Log in to your Facebook Commerce Manager account.

  • Choose between creating a Shop or a Catalog.

  • Select your preferred checkout method.

  • Choose the Business Page you want to showcase your products on.

Step 2: Adding Products to your Product Catalog:

  • Utilize Commerce Manager tools to easily manage product information and inventory.

  • Add products to your catalog based on type, size, and frequency of change.

Step 3: Advertising Your Facebook Shop:

  • Utilize a product catalog to effectively showcase and promote your offerings on the platform.

  • Consider leveraging Facebook's paid advertising opportunities to further promote your products.

Best Practices to Maximize Facebook Shops' Potential:

To optimize the potential of your Facebook Shop, consider the following best practices:

  1. Maintain an Up-to-Date Product Catalog:

  • Regularly update your inventory to ensure it's in sync with your website and includes new products.

  1. Leverage Paid Advertising:

  • Utilize Facebook Shops' advertising capabilities to drive traffic and increase sales.

  1. Present Clear and Concise Product Information:

  • Provide comprehensive and straightforward product titles, descriptions, categories, and shipping information.

  1. Utilize Product Tagging Features:

  • Use product tags in your Facebook and Instagram posts, stories, and live videos to enhance your organic content.

  1. Provide a Seamless Checkout Experience:

  • Make the purchasing process smooth and easy for your customers.

By implementing these best practices, you can effectively position your products and increase sales on Facebook Shops.

Facebook Shops offers a powerful way for businesses to increase brand awareness, engage with customers, and reach the right audiences using Facebook's robust targeting capabilities. With its ease of setup and management, cost-effectiveness, and potential for expanding sales, Facebook Shops provides brands with a competitive advantage in the social commerce market. If you're looking to leverage this powerful tool, don't hesitate to reach out to our team at Strike Social for assistance in maximizing your advertising efforts. Our experts are here to help you succeed in building your social commerce empire.

As per a report by Insider Intelligence, Facebook had 2.0 billion daily active users during the last quarter of 2022, showcasing the vast audience potential for businesses utilizing Facebook Shops. By tapping into this platform, you can increase brand visibility, engage with customers, and drive sales. Start building your Facebook Shop today and unlock the immense possibilities of social commerce.

Drip: Leading the E-Commerce Rebellion and Empowering Independent Brands

Imagine a rebellion brewing in the world of e-commerce, and at the forefront stands Drip, the bold and innovative disruptor. With a mission to empower independent online retailers, Drip is like the rebel alliance fighting against the oppressive empire of giant marketplaces. They believe in the power of unique brands and refuse to let them be overshadowed!

So, what's their secret weapon? It's all about customer data, my friend. Drip has mastered the art of gathering and organizing this precious resource. They harness the data to create mind-blowingly personalized customer journeys across different channels. Independent brands now have the power to deliver a shopping experience that rivals those big marketplaces. Take that, Goliaths!

Drip champions the underdogs in a world where mass-produced mediocrity reigns. They understand that every product has a story, and they're here to help those stories be heard. By offering powerful personalization and automation tools, Drip empowers independent brands to shine bright. It's not just about price and shipping speed anymore—these rebels compete with heart and soul.

At the core of Drip's rebellion is empathy. They care deeply about the needs of their customers and fight tooth and nail to support their growth and success. Whether you're selling hand-carved spoons, customized T-shirts, or rad accessories for ATVs, Drip has got your back. They provide the tools, guidance, and encouragement you need to conquer the e-commerce landscape like a true rebel.

Drip lives by a set of guiding principles that keep them grounded and focused. They put customers first, because without them, the rebellion wouldn't exist. They're all in, committed to winning the battle against conformity. They row together, like a synchronized crew, propelling the rebellion forward. They seek growth fearlessly, learning from their mistakes and constantly improving. And they know that relationships matter, creating a community where authenticity and diversity thrive.

In the end, Drip is not just another e-commerce player. They're the spark of a revolution. They're rewriting the rules of online shopping, bringing back the magic and individuality that made it special in the first place. So join the rebellion, embrace the power of personalization, and let Drip be your trusty sidekick on this exciting journey. Together, we'll reshape the e-commerce universe!

TikTok Set to Launch E-Commerce Store in the US

Get ready, TikTok enthusiasts! Your favorite app could soon be your go-to destination for online shopping. Rumor has it that TikTok is planning to launch its very own e-commerce store in the United States, and it might happen as early as next month. This means that in addition to entertaining dance challenges and hilarious lip-syncing videos, you'll be able to browse and purchase a range of products right within the app.

So, what can you expect to find in TikTok's virtual store? Well, they're not holding back. TikTok will be showcasing its own line of products, sourced directly from manufacturers in China. From trendy toys to nifty kitchen gadgets, the store aims to offer a diverse selection that will rival major e-commerce giants like Amazon, Shein, and Temu. It's a bold move, but TikTok is ready to take on the challenge.

The new online store will be seamlessly integrated into the app, making it convenient for users to explore and shop to their heart's content. In addition to the in-app shopping section, TikTok will also introduce a dedicated e-commerce tab in TikTok Shop. This feature already exists, allowing businesses to sell their products on the platform by paying a commission. With the new store, TikTok will have a direct stake in the products being sold, adding another layer to its expanding e-commerce empire.

While TikTok has not officially confirmed these exciting developments, reports suggest that the U.S. is the next target for their e-commerce ambitions. Just last week, the company revealed that it was testing a shopping feature called "Trendy Beat" in the United Kingdom. And guess what? TechCrunch discovered that TikTok filed a trademark application for Trendy Beat in the U.S., strongly indicating that the feature will be making its way across the pond.

It's worth noting that TikTok's e-commerce journey in the United States is still in its early stages. The company has been experimenting with TikTok Shop since November of last year, but it has yet to gain significant traction. Perhaps that's why they decided to test the waters with Trendy Beat before diving headfirst into the U.S. market. Nevertheless, TikTok is determined to make a splash and replicate its success in Asia, where its e-commerce business has flourished.

With its sights set on Southeast Asia, TikTok has ambitious plans to grow its e-commerce venture exponentially. Bloomberg reports that TikTok aims to achieve a jaw-dropping $20 billion in gross merchandise value by 2023, a staggering increase from last year's $4.4 billion in sales. The company is banking on the region's rapid economic growth to fuel its expansion and secure its position as a major player in the e-commerce world.

So, TikTok enthusiasts, get ready for a shopping revolution within your favorite app. Soon, you'll be able to shop till you drop, all while enjoying the entertaining content that has made TikTok a global sensation. Keep an eye out for updates, because before you know it, your TikTok addiction might become a one-stop-shop experience like no other.

37 UGC TikTok stats you need to know

Brace yourself for an exciting rollercoaster ride through the incredible world of TikTok and user-generated content (UGC). We've got 37 epic stats that will make you rethink your TikTok plans and embrace the power of content like never before. So buckle up, hit that follow button, and let's dive in!

👥 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family above all other advertising. That's right, word-of-mouth is the holy grail of trust!

🤩 70% of Gen Z and 78% of millennials find UGC helpful with purchasing decisions. When it comes to making choices, they turn to fellow users like you!

🎯 41% of marketers ranked engagement as their top KPI for tracking UGC. It's all about getting that sweet, sweet interaction!

🌟 84% of Gen Z tend to trust brands that have real customers in their ads. Authenticity is the name of the game, and real people bring the magic.

💪 93% of customers find UGC very helpful in their purchasing decisions. Your content is a guiding light in their shopping journey!

😍 User-generated product videos are more successful in producing emotional intensity—84% for UGC compared to 77% for branded content. You're stirring hearts and making an impact!

💥 UGC content on social networks has a 28% higher engagement rate than branded content. Your creations are sparking conversations and grabbing attention!

🙅 45% of people would unfollow a brand on social media that has too much self-promotion. Keep it real, genuine, and user-focused!

There you have it, folks! 37 jaw-dropping TikTok stats that prove the power of user-generated content. It's time to embrace your creativity, authenticity, and the impact you can have on the world. So go ahead, press that record button, and let your imagination run wild. The TikTokverse is waiting for your incredible content! 🎵

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