One of the biggest questions I get inside Blueprint Coaching is: “I got into TikTok Shop—what do I do next?” If that’s you, you’re not alone. The truth is, TikTok Shop has changed, and what worked a year ago doesn’t work today. If you want to make money—real money—you need a strategy. This post breaks down exactly what to focus on so you can start building momentum.
If you’re ready to take your TikTok Shop affiliate business to the next level, download my free TikTok Shop Affiliate Quickstart Checklist. This free guide will walk you through everything you need to get started—from choosing your niche to creating content that drives sales.
And for a complete strategy, grab my TikTok Shop Affiliate Content Kit here:
Get the Content Kit for $27
Choose Your Category Intentionally
Your category matters more than most people think. TikTok will start to group your content based on what you post consistently—beauty, fashion, home & living, pets, sports, etc. The more consistent you are, the more TikTok shows your content to the right people and the more likely you are to get invited to brand campaigns, creator incentives, and even UGC opportunities.
You can be in multiple categories (I’m in beauty, fashion, and home & living), but consistency in each category helps.
Home & Living: A Smart Category
Home & living is a smart category because you don’t always need to be on camera. You can show products with just your hands or voice. Think: vacuums, steam cleaners, mops, organizers, pet products, candles, and kitchen gadgets.
Beauty and Fashion: On-Camera Necessity
Beauty and fashion often require you to be on camera, especially trying on or demonstrating products.
Health and Wellness: High Reward but Risky
Health and wellness is also huge—but risky. TikTok has strict rules, and one wrong phrase can get your video flagged. That said, I made $23 yesterday off one greens gummy video, so it’s worth exploring carefully.
Understand That the Game Has Changed
Two years ago, TikTok Shop was wide open. Fewer creators, fewer products, more chances to go viral. Now? Most product success comes from brands putting money behind creator videos—meaning you need to work with brands that boost your content with paid ads.
If a brand isn’t spending, your video is unlikely to take off, no matter how good it is. That’s just how it works now.
Use TikTok to Find Brands That Spend
Here’s how you find brands investing in creators:
- Scroll your feed and look for videos marked “Sponsored.”
- Those brands are paying to push creator content = better chances for you.
- Follow creators in your niche to see what products they’re promoting. If it says “Paid Commission” = affiliate. If it says “Sponsored” = brand is spending ad money. That’s what you want.
- Keep a list of brands in your niche who are actively advertising.
Pick Products Strategically
When you pick products, use the filters in TikTok Creator Center. Look for:
- Best sellers
- 4.2 stars or higher
- Shops with good seller ratings
- Products that aren’t oversaturated (not 50,000+ sales)
- Products that are getting some sales (not 0–3)
- Look at Exposure+ campaigns and GMV Max listings—these mean the product might get an ad boost.
- Avoid products from unproven shops with no ratings. You’re rated based on the shops you promote.
Post Multiple Videos per Product
TikTok tests each video with a small sample (5–20 people). If it gets engagement, it slowly pushes wider. That means most of your videos will die quickly—unless you test different versions.
Try:
- One video with just hands
- One funny
- One tutorial
- One using a trending sound
- One faceless, one on-camera
Vary your hooks and style
Goal: Post multiple videos per product. Some creators say 10. I say, keep going if it sells.
Don’t Worry About Alienating Followers
Your affiliate videos mostly go to the For You Page, not your followers. Most of your followers won’t even see your TikTok Shop content.
If they visit your profile and scroll, they might see them—but those are your real fans anyway. Don’t overthink it.
Use the Right Tools to Maximize Output
Record in TikTok Studio so you can edit and repurpose videos without watermarking. This lets you:
- Clip long videos into short ones
- Avoid reposting the same video
- Download before publishing
- Batch filming and smart editing = more videos with less time.
You can also livestream, then clip replay segments that performed well. And tools like Opus Clips can automatically generate short clips from longer videos for posting across platforms.
Start with 3–5 Videos Per Day
That’s the pace. If you’re serious about making this work, you need volume. Some days I make 10–12. Most top-earning creators post 5+ daily.
That doesn’t mean every video is polished. I show a product I’m already using—like a milk frother or pet toy—and just film it. Quick, casual, effective.
Focus on What Sells—Fast
As soon as something sells, make more videos for it. If it doesn’t sell, try new angles—or move on. No emotion.
And get in early. If a product starts trending, get on it before everyone else floods the market. Once it’s saturated, your content won’t get pushed.
This is a Skill—Not a Gamble
This isn’t about luck anymore. It’s about:
- Picking products with potential
- Working with brands who advertise
- Creating videos that convert
You’ll improve the more you do it. Watch your sales. Watch your analytics. Tweak and repeat.
Final Word
The TikTok Shop opportunity is real—but strategy matters more than ever. Know your niche. Pick your products smart. Watch for trends. Work with brands who are spending. And post, post, post.
Don’t wait to feel ready. Just start.
