How to Use TikTok Search Ads to Attract New Customers on Shopify

In today’s competitive eCommerce landscape, getting your Shopify store in front of the right audience is crucial. While organic growth strategies are important, paid channels like TikTok Search Ads offer a powerful way to reach highly engaged, intent-driven users.

To maximize the effectiveness of your TikTok ad campaigns, it’s essential to have a well-optimized store and marketing strategy. That’s where you can benefit when you hire Shopify experts who understand the nuances of both platform functionality and audience targeting, ensuring you get the best possible return on investment.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what TikTok Search Ads are, why they matter for your Shopify store, and how to create a campaign that delivers results.

What Are TikTok Search Ads?

TikTok Search Ads are a type of native ad placement that appears in TikTok’s search results. These ads are triggered by user search intent, allowing your Shopify store’s products or brand content to appear when someone types in relevant keywords.

Similar to Google Search Ads, these are keyword-targeted, but with the added advantage of TikTok’s immersive video format and algorithmic distribution. TikTok Search Ads blend seamlessly with organic content, which helps reduce ad fatigue and boost engagement.

Why Shopify Merchants Should Care About TikTok Search Ads

1. High Purchase Intent

TikTok users actively search for product reviews, tutorials, and “TikTok made me buy it” trends. When someone is searching, they’re already in a mindset to explore and buy. Search Ads place your store in front of potential customers when their intent is highest.

2. Lower Ad Fatigue

Unlike traditional feed ads that users passively scroll through, Search Ads target users when they’re actively seeking something. That means better engagement rates and a higher chance of driving qualified traffic to your Shopify store.

3. Enhanced Discoverability

TikTok’s search ecosystem is growing rapidly. Being discoverable within search results not only drives traffic but also builds brand trust. The more often users see your store pop up in results, the more authoritative and relevant your brand appears.

4. Seamless Integration with TikTok Pixel

When integrated with your Shopify store, TikTok Pixel helps track conversions and optimize ad delivery. This synergy enables smarter budget allocation and better ROI.

How TikTok Search Ads Work

TikTok Search Ads are part of the broader Search Ads Toggle feature in TikTok Ads Manager. When enabled, your in-feed ad content is eligible to appear in relevant search results based on user queries.

Here’s how it works:

• A user types a query in TikTok’s search bar (e.g., “best eco-friendly water bottles”).
• TikTok’s algorithm matches your ad with the query if it aligns with the targeted keywords.
• Your ad appears in the top 4 search results, marked as “Sponsored,” and behaves like a regular TikTok video.
• If the user engages with the ad (click, view, or visit your store), the interaction is tracked for retargeting and optimization.

How To Set Up TikTok Search Ads for Your Shopify Store

Step 1: Set Up a TikTok Ads Account and Pixel

If you haven’t already, create a TikTok Ads Manager account and connect it to your Shopify store. Install the TikTok Pixel via Shopify’s TikTok integration app to track events like Add to Cart, Purchase, and View Content.

Pro Tip: TikTok’s Shopify integration simplifies the process of installing the Pixel and managing your ad campaigns from within your Shopify dashboard.

Step 2: Enable the Search Ads Toggle

When creating a campaign in TikTok Ads Manager:

• Select your campaign objective (e.g., Conversions or Traffic).
• Choose your targeting options, including demographics and interests.
• In the Placements section, make sure the Search Ads Toggle is enabled. This allows TikTok to distribute your in-feed ads in search results.

Step 3: Conduct Keyword Research

Use TikTok’s Creative Center or internal search bar to identify trending keywords your audience is using. These could be:

• “Best skincare routine for oily skin”
• “Affordable gym wear haul”
• “TikTok fashion finds under $30”

Incorporate these keywords naturally into your video captions, overlay text, and even voiceovers. TikTok’s algorithm scans metadata and content to match ads with relevant queries.

Step 4: Create Engaging Video Content

TikTok is a video-first platform, so your creative must be visually appealing, concise, and authentic. For high-performing TikTok Search Ads:

• Start with a hook in the first 3 seconds
• Showcase your product in use.
• Highlight social proof (e.g., customer reviews, unboxings).
• Add compelling CTAs like “Shop now,” “Limited offer,” or “Click the link in bio.”

Authenticity beats overproduction on TikTok. Focus on storytelling and value, not just aesthetics.

Step 5: Optimize Landing Pages

Make sure the landing page your ad points to is fast, mobile-optimized, and aligned with the ad content. Consistency between your ad and landing page improves conversion rates and builds trust.

Use Shopify’s customizable templates or tools like Shopify’s Online Store 2.0 to tailor your product pages for performance.

Best Practices to Maximize Results from TikTok Search Ads

1. A/B Test Creatives

Don’t rely on one version of your ad. Test different video hooks, formats, durations, and CTAs to see what resonates best with your audience.

2. Use Broad and Niche Keywords

Mix high-volume generic terms with long-tail, product-specific keywords. This improves reach while still maintaining relevance.

3. Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC)

Collaborate with influencers or ask customers to create content featuring your product. UGC feels more authentic and performs better on TikTok.

4. Monitor Search Terms Report

TikTok Ads Manager provides a breakdown of actual search terms that triggered your ads. Use this data to refine your targeting, ad creatives, and even your product descriptions.

5. Retarget Viewers and Engagers

Create custom audiences based on users who viewed or clicked your Search Ads. Launch retargeting campaigns to bring them back and close the sale.

Real-World Example: TikTok Search Ads in Action

Let’s say you run a Shopify store that sells eco-friendly yoga mats. You create a 15-second video showing someone unrolling the mat, practicing yoga, and highlighting its non-toxic materials. You target keywords like:

• “best yoga mats 2025”
• “eco-friendly home workout gear”
• “TikTok fitness essentials”

When a user searches for any of those terms, your video ad appears in the results. They click it, visit your Shopify product page, and complete a purchase. That’s the power of intent-driven marketing.

Conclusion

TikTok Search Ads are an untapped goldmine for Shopify merchants looking to connect with motivated buyers. They combine the strengths of search engine marketing with TikTok’s engaging video format to drive high-quality traffic and conversions.

To fully leverage the potential of TikTok Search Ads, many businesses turn to Shopify development services. These services help ensure your store is optimized for mobile performance, user experience, and seamless integration with ad platforms—giving your campaigns the technical foundation they need to succeed.