Start a Business on TikTok – The Real Guide to TikTok Live Selling
Ever thought you could start a business on TikTok with just your phone and a few products? Welcome to the world of TikTok Live Selling – a fast, fun, and profitable way to sell clothes, beauty products, and more. I’ll break it down, step-by-step, with no fluff. Just real talk, real numbers, and real results.
What the Heck is TikTok Live Selling Anyway?
TikTok Live Selling is like having your own mini TV shopping show… but on your phone.
You go live, show off your products, answer questions, and get paid – all in real time.
Think of it like this:
You try on a dress
Apply some lip gloss
Tell your viewers how to order
Boom. Sale made.
It’s interactive, fast-paced, and designed for attention-hungry TikTok users.
Why’s it popping off globally?
It’s cheap to start
You don’t need a physical shop
You can sell to thousands from your bedroom
All you need is:
A phone
Good lighting
Internet
Products that look good on camera
Now let’s talk business.
What You Need to Sell & How to Make It Pop
You can’t start a business on TikTok without products that slap on camera.
Here’s what’s selling hot:
Fashion (Especially Mitumba)
Get stylish second-hand fits from Gikomba or Toi
Try them on live or hang them up
High margin, low cost
New Fashion Items
Ankara, trendy t-shirts, two-pieces, official trousers
Mix local styles with imports
Beauty Products
Lip gloss, foundation, perfumes, face masks, wigs
Do tutorials or before/after demos live
Men’s Wear
Caps, joggers, sweatpants, streetwear
Don’t ignore the gents!
Accessories
Earrings, lashes, bonnets, hairbands, nose rings
Cheap, fast movers
💡 Quick Tip: Start with 5–10 items per category. Lightweight = easy delivery. Rotate stock with trends – hoodies in June, dresses in December.
💸 Budget Breakdown (in KES)
Starter stock: 5,000 – 15,000
Ring light/phone stand: 2,000 – 4,000
Monthly data: 1,000 – 2,000
Packaging: 500 – 1,000
TikTok tools: Free
WhatsApp Business: Free
Emergency cash: 1,000
Total: 9,500 – 23,000 KES
Not bad for a business that could make 100k+ monthly.
🏠 Set Up Your Studio – At Home
You don’t need a shop.
Here’s how to create a TikTok-worthy space:
Bedroom/Living Room: Just keep it clean. Add a plant, mirror, or cute wall art.
Near a Window: Natural light is your best friend.
Evening Setup? Use a ring light (2k–3.5k KES).
Internet: Safaricom 4G, Faiba Wi-Fi – test before you go live.
Pro tip: Do a 10-minute test run before you go live. Check angles, background, and audio.
🚚 Deliveries That Won’t Kill Your Vibe
Choose what works for your customers:
Pick-up via rider: Glovo, Bolt, local boda guys
Parcel delivery: Wells Fargo, G4S, Modern Coast
Jumia logistics: For when you go big
Nationwide delivery: Use Mpesa before sending or pay-on-pickup
Make sure you explain these options clearly during your Live.
📈 Daily Sales? Let’s Do the Math
Example Day:
5 dresses @ 700 = 3,500
5 lip gloss @ 250 = 1,250
2 earrings @ 150 = 300
2 caps @ 300 = 600
1 serum @ 400 = 400
Total: 6,050 KES
Margins? 40–60% if you source smart.
Net Profit per Day: 2,400 – 3,600 KES
Monthly Potential (25 days):
Beginner: 37,500 – 50,000
Intermediate: 60,000 – 100,000
Pro: 100,000 – 200,000+
🔥 Go Viral or Go Home – Tips That Work
Want to boost your reach?
Use trending TikTok sounds – get on that FYP
Go live at peak hours: 12pm–2pm, 7pm–9pm
Use niche hashtags like #TikTokKenya #BeautyOnABudget #MitumbaFinds
Repeat prices often, use text overlays
Engage like a boss: “Which colour do you prefer?”
People want to feel seen. Make them part of the show.
FAQs
Q: Can I really make money if I just started? Yes. Start small. Stay consistent. Engage your audience. You’ll grow.
Q: Do I need a ring light? Yes. Unless you’ve got perfect daylight. Lighting is everything on TikTok.
Q: What if no one watches my Live? Post videos before your Live. Use captions like “Going Live at 7pm – Don’t Miss Out!”
Q: Can I use the same products every week? Yes, but refresh stock often. TikTok loves newness.
Final Words
If you’re reading this, it means you’re ready to start a business on TikTok.
No shop. No loans. Just your phone, your charm, and some good products.
TikTok is a goldmine – if you use it smart.
So go live, be real, and sell like you mean it.
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