From Beginner to Pro: How TikTok Shop Creators Are Building Thriving Businesses and Making Thousands Monthly
We sat down with Bryce Lapham from Social Army to talk about their affiliate academy and community, and the strategies they teach to become successful TikTok Shop creators. From navigating the platform’s unique features to mastering the art of sales and engagement, they share their journey and valuable insights for aspiring TikTok Shop creators looking to turn their passions into thriving businesses.
Before we jump in are you looking to make thousands a month from just TikTok Shop?
Social Army is your one-stop shop for mastering the platform! Whether you want to learn how to create engaging videos, get started on TikTok Shop, or connect with a community of like-minded individuals, Social Army is here to guide you every step of the way.
Q: So what exactly is TikTok Shop?
Bryce: TikTok Shop is an online store with two main components: Shop and Affiliate. The shop component is a storefront where brands can list and sell their items through TikTok. On the affiliate side, creators join the affiliate program to connect with sellers and promote products through their videos and LIVEs.
TikTok Shop Creators can buy samples from brands or contact them to receive free samples. Once the sample is received, Creators add the sample’s affiliate link to a “Showcase” on TikTok, a section where affiliates can feature all the products they promote.
Next, Creators make a video focused on a specific product. Before posting the video, they can add their affiliate link. You simply find the product you’re featuring, add the link, and it’s embedded directly in the video. When viewers come across your video on their For You page, the link is there for them to click and purchase. It’s a seamless process for both creators and viewers!
I’ve been making videos on TikTok since February 2024. On that first day, I posted a video that went viral. In just 45 days, I earned over $115,000 in commission. It was surreal. But it’s not just me—our community is filled with stories like these. Some members hit $10,000 in their first month, others make up to $40,000. Wins like these happen every month.
Q: How easy have you found it to get started in TikTok Shop?
Bryce: If you’re already a content creator, the learning curve is much smaller since you’re already skilled in creating engaging content. However, if you’re new to content creation, there’s definitely a learning curve to overcome.
The key to TikTok Shop for Creators is to be unapologetically yourself. Authenticity is what truly connects with audiences, and people are more likely to buy from someone real, rather than someone who’s just performing to sell a product. Also, if you have any sales experience, that’s a huge advantage—it makes selling through video much easier and more natural.
Q: What are the requirements to start selling via TikTok Shop?
Bryce: To become an affiliate with TikTok Shop, you need at least 5,000 followers and must be actively posting content. Additionally, you must be a U.S. resident or live in one of the countries where the program is available, such as the UK, which has a separate shop program.
While users typically need 5,000 followers to become a TikTok Affiliate, you can also be invited to apply for the Pilot Program at 1,000 followers as long as you are actively posting content and growing organically.
Q: Is there a platform where you can learn how to become a TikTok Shop Creator?
Social Army is an all-in-one platform designed to guide you every step of the way on your TikTok Shop journey. Whether you’re looking to learn how to create engaging videos, get started on TikTok Shop, or connect with a community of like-minded individuals, they’ve got you covered.
The Social Army community of over 3,000 members is there to collaborate and mastermind, giving you access to a wide range of perspectives and support. Get all the resources, knowledge, and support you need to succeed on TikTok Shop.
Q: How Do I Handle Taxes As A TikTok Shop Creator?
Bryce: It is important to remember that you must pay taxes on all income earned through content creation, and TikTok Shop is no exception. The quickest and easiest thing to do is to create a spreadsheet where you list all your income and business expenses. This lets you track your tax deductions and will save you thousands of dollars on your taxes at the end of the year.
Tax deductions for creators include any purchases you make to run your business and create your content. These purchases often include equipment like cameras, lights, and tripods, editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Canva, samples you purchase to promote on TikTok Shop, and your Social Army membership.
If you are a TikTok Shop Creator and want additional support with your taxes, Cookie Finance provides tax, bookkeeping, and accounting services specifically for content creators and influencers. Book a call for a free consultation today!
Look out for part 2 next week to learn even more about creating content for TikTok Shop!
