Getting Started with Your Shopify Store
If you're considering dropshipping products via your Shopify store but are uncertain about what to sell, this blog post will guide you through the optimal products to dropship using organic marketing on TikTok and Instagram.
First and foremost, it's vital to have your Shopify store set up. If you haven't done so yet, you can sign up and have your store ready to go in just a few minutes.
Understanding Your Audience on TikTok and Instagram
Now, let's delve into what items you can dropship. According to Data AI, TikTok has surpassed $6 billion in consumer spending, while over 2 billion people use Instagram monthly. Research from Capital One Shopping reveals that over 1 billion, or 44% of active users, shop on Instagram weekly. This data indicates that Instagram and TikTok present significant potential for you as a dropshipper to market your product.
However, understanding the differences between the two platforms is crucial. TikTok primarily caters to a younger audience, with most users aged between 16 and 24. This demographic is more inclined to purchase lower-priced items. Conversely, Instagram has a more diverse audience, with the majority aged between 18 to 25, who are more willing to buy mid-range price items.
The audience you're marketing to will influence the products you choose to dropship on each platform. For example, a younger audience with less disposable income, like those on TikTok, will spend no more than $45 per purchase on average. Therefore, you'll need to consider this when selecting products to dropship.
Winning Dropshipping Products for TikTok
In the fast-paced world of TikTok, where high-speed scrolling is the norm, it's crucial to have a product that is visually appealing and capable of stopping a viewer in their tracks. The rise of hashtags like #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt, which has generated over 38 billion views, underscores the importance of choosing a product that can be easily demonstrated, showcasing a 'wow' end result.
The key is to find a low-priced, visually appealing product that tells a story and delivers an incredible end result to the consumer. To do this, you can use tools like pbads.com. This platform allows you to create a free account and find winning products using filters like category, keywords, and even time frames. This way, you can see which products are trending right now, not last season or last year.
For instance, consider a portable mini blender that you can get for less than three dollars. This product is perfectly positioned to be priced in the under $45 range. When you create Instagram ads or organic content, you can tell a compelling story, whether it's showing a student rushing to class with the blender or someone using it during their lunch break at work. The eye-catching innovation of this product makes it a solid choice for dropshipping this summer.
TikTok is also home to many users who run small businesses, such as DIY candles. A silicone mold for candle making could appeal to young business owners and craft enthusiasts. This product is a definite attention-grabber. If you demonstrate this product in use, viewers will likely watch from start to finish to see the final product. Plus, this particular candle shape has been trending on TikTok, and trendy products perform exceptionally well on the platform. This is a product to sell not just seasonally this summer, but all year round.
Winning Dropshipping Products for Instagram
Now, let's shift our focus to Instagram. Instagram has evolved into a shopping search engine, making it an ideal platform for selling winning dropshipping products. The type of products you sell on Instagram, however, should differ from those you sell on platforms like TikTok. While TikTok supports cheaper, trendy, and impulse-buy products, Instagram caters to a slightly older demographic that tends to spend more money and trust the platform more due to its longevity. Therefore, you can easily sell items priced between $45 to $100 on Instagram.
Products that are considered luxury or a bit more high-end are ideal for Instagram. The ten most profitable industries on Instagram currently include apparel, jewelry, home decor, beauty products, health products, gadgets, and specific hobby products.
For example, silicone ice cube trays have seen a surge in popularity due to their ease of use. You can sell large cubes for whiskey, lemonade, or iced coffee, or even odd-shaped ones for a unique appeal. When advertising these, consider showing different use cases for the product, such as soap making and baking. This product is particularly suitable for a home goods store or a DIY craft store.
Another promising product is a screen cleaning spray bottle with a case that doubles as a microfiber cloth. This innovative product is a hot seller as it appeals to a broad audience and can be sold to nearly anyone on Instagram. To sell this item, consider creating video ads that demonstrate its convenience and potential use scenarios. For example, if there are fingerprints on your phone, you can use this product on the go. Or, if you've dropped your phone on the subway, you can use this product to get rid of germs. Telling a narrative with this product can help boost sales.
Attention-Grabbing Gadgets for Instagram
In the realm of gadgets, there are numerous products that can serve as real 'thumb stoppers'. These are products that grab attention and generate interest, making them ideal for selling on Instagram.
One standout item is an oversized lighter in the shape of a match. This product not only has a 'wow' factor due to its sheer size, but it also serves as social media content gold. Its appeal is not limited to a specific season, making it a product with longevity. It can be marketed all year round, from barbecues in the summer, campfires in the fall, to Christmas and Hanukkah candle and fireplace lighting. Currently selling for two dollars on AliExpress, there is ample room for profit. Moreover, the product has garnered great reviews, indicating no apparent issues with the gas functionality. If you're seeking a product to sell in the summer that can adapt to a year-round content strategy, this oversized lighter is an excellent choice.
Another product worth considering is a sleek and modern phone stand. This item has been sold over 2000 times on AliExpress, proving its popularity. Its design sets it apart from bulkier alternatives, and its ease of installation on dashboards or windshields adds to its appeal. This product can command a premium price due to its form and function. To market this product, you could create an advertisement showcasing the common frustrations of dealing with suction cup phone holders, and then introduce this product as the solution. This phone stand is particularly relevant in the summer, as warmer weather often renders suction cups and stickers ineffective, leading people to seek out replacements for their old phone holders.
Maximizing Profits with High-End Products
For those looking to maximize profits, consider selling heated vests. These vests can be sold for $99, while their cost on AliExpress is only $20, providing an 80% profit per item. If you manage to sell a hundred of these a month during the colder months, you could potentially earn up to eight thousand dollars per month with your Shopify store. This calculation doesn't even factor in advertising costs. If you opt for organic marketing on platforms like Instagram via reels and Instagram shopping, the expense for this item could be close to zero.
Leveraging Instagram for Marketing
In the realm of side hustles, leveraging Instagram for marketing can be a game-changer, especially when it comes to men's apparel. The key to standing out in this competitive space is to offer products that are not just fashionable, but also functional. This combination can give you an edge over your competitors.
Take, for instance, a product that is designed to keep you warm. By showcasing its effectiveness and functionality, you can capture the attention of potential customers. This strategy is particularly effective for targeting the millennial demographic, who are often looking for products that fall within a certain price range.
In addition to showcasing your products, it's also important to make your online store easily accessible to your followers. One way to do this is by including a link to your store in your Instagram bio. This allows interested customers to easily click through and make a purchase.
Go Forth and Make Those Sales!
Remember, the goal is not just to attract viewers, but to convert them into customers. By combining style, function, and strategic marketing, you can effectively use Instagram and TikTok to boost your side hustle. Happy selling!