Douyin Shops Beginners Guide to Ecommerce Product Selection

This article details how TikTok Shop beginners can leverage Ocean Engine (Qianchuan) to discover blue ocean keywords, combine TikTok Mall and sourcing platforms for product selection, and effectively increase product card traffic through optimized product titles and related products to achieve quick sales. It emphasizes the importance of product optimization after selection, including the title, main image, details page, and pricing strategy. This approach helps new sellers navigate the platform and find profitable niches.
Douyin Shops Beginners Guide to Ecommerce Product Selection

Struggling to choose winning products for your TikTok Shop? Imagine listing items that immediately gain visibility and generate consistent sales. This scenario isn't just wishful thinking—it's achievable through strategic product selection that leverages TikTok's product card traffic.

Step 1: Identifying Blue Ocean Keywords

The key to success lies in discovering underserved market segments with substantial demand. TikTok's official marketing platform, Ocean Engine (formerly known as Jùliàng Qiānchuān), provides valuable insights for this purpose:

  • Access Ocean Engine: Navigate through your TikTok Shop backend to locate the Ocean Engine portal
  • Analyze Search Traffic: Select [Tools] → [Search Traffic Analysis] to access keyword research tools
  • Specify Product Categories: Choose categories matching your store's focus (e.g., "Women's Apparel → Blouses")
  • Export Keyword Rankings: Download relevant keyword data as a spreadsheet
  • Filter Strategic Keywords: Prioritize terms with competition indexes above 3—indicating healthy demand with manageable competition
  • Validate on TikTok Mall: Search these keywords to observe actual marketplace performance
  • Select Promising Products: Target items with sales volumes between 20-300 units—the sweet spot indicating established demand without excessive competition
  • Source Inventory: Use platforms like AliExpress or 1688 to find comparable products at competitive prices
  • Optimize Listings: Maintain visual consistency with high-performing products while crafting distinctive titles

Step 2: Title Optimization Techniques

Product titles significantly influence search visibility. Effective optimization involves:

  • Access Blue Ocean Opportunities: Navigate to "Search → Blue Ocean Opportunities" in your TikTok Shop dashboard
  • Filter by Scarcity: Sort products by "scarcity score" within your category
  • Monitor Demand Trends: Identify products showing rising 7-day search volumes
  • Create Strategic Associations: Link your listings to trending search terms through the [Associate Products] function

Beyond Selection: Maximizing Product Card Performance

While product selection forms the foundation, several optimization factors determine long-term success:

  • Title Refinement: Incorporate relevant keywords while maintaining natural readability
  • Visual Presentation: Use high-resolution images that highlight product differentiators
  • Detailed Descriptions: Provide comprehensive specifications augmented with lifestyle imagery
  • Competitive Pricing: Balance profitability with market expectations through careful benchmarking

TikTok's product card ecosystem presents substantial opportunities for merchants. By combining data-driven product selection with meticulous listing optimization, even new sellers can establish sustainable sales channels. Continuous testing and adaptation remain essential for maintaining competitive advantage in this dynamic marketplace.