Hi there,

Dropshipping isn’t what it used to be. Sure, you can still run ads on Facebook like before, but let’s be honest—the golden era is over. It’s getting increasingly difficult to achieve a decent return on ad spend (ROAS). So, what’s the alternative? Viral dropshipping.

Viral dropshipping leverages organic growth on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Compared to traditional Facebook ads, it’s more cost-effective and allows you to build a genuine connection with your audience. However, it’s important to acknowledge that viral dropshipping isn’t for everyone. It can take time—time to build an audience, time to create engaging content, and time to see results. Patience and consistency are key factors in this approach.

If you’re willing to invest the effort, let’s explore the 10 common mistakes people make with viral dropshipping on these platforms and how you can avoid them.

1. Not Ordering the Product Yourself to Create Original Content

Relying solely on supplier photos or generic stock videos doesn't resonate on social media. Authenticity is crucial. By ordering the product yourself, you can create unique content—such as unboxings, demonstrations, or creative skits—that showcases the product's features and benefits. This personal touch not only builds trust with your audience but also sets you apart from competitors using the same stock images.

2. Inconsistent Posting Schedule

Maintaining a consistent posting schedule is vital for keeping your audience engaged and for maximizing visibility within social media algorithms. Regular posting ensures that your content appears frequently in your followers' feeds, increasing the likelihood of engagement and growth over time. Plan your content ahead and stick to a schedule that keeps your audience anticipating your next post.

3. Not Leveraging Viral Trends

Social media platforms thrive on trends. Ignoring popular challenges, hashtags, or viral content can result in missed opportunities for exposure. Keep an eye on current trends and creatively incorporate them into your content. This strategy can significantly boost your reach and attract new followers interested in your niche.

4. Poor Understanding of Your Target Audience

Without a clear understanding of your target audience, your content may fail to resonate. Research your ideal customers: their interests, needs, and preferences. Tailor your content to address these aspects, making it more likely that your audience will engage with your posts and develop a connection with your brand.

5. Low-Quality Content

Quality matters. Posting blurry images or poorly edited videos can deter potential followers. Invest time in producing high-quality visuals that are appealing and professional. Good lighting, clear audio, and sharp images can make a significant difference in capturing and retaining your audience's attention.

6. Ignoring Engagement with Followers

Social media is a two-way street. If you're not interacting with your followers by responding to comments or messages, you're missing opportunities to build relationships and foster loyalty. Engage with your audience by answering questions, acknowledging feedback, and showing appreciation for their support. This interaction can turn casual followers into dedicated customers.

7. Not Using Hashtags Effectively

Hashtags are essential for increasing the visibility of your content. Using irrelevant or overly popular hashtags may not yield the desired results. Research and utilize hashtags that are relevant to your niche and have a balance between popularity and specificity. This approach helps your content reach the right audience who are more likely to be interested in your products.

8. Missing Out on User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful tool for building trust and credibility. But what if you don’t have customers yet to provide real UGC? No problem. You can create your own ‘AI’ UGC using AI tools. Advances in artificial intelligence now allow you to generate realistic images, videos, and even testimonials that simulate genuine user experiences with your product.

Here’s a video explaining how to do it:

By using AI to create high-quality content that showcases your product in action, you can fill your social media feeds with engaging posts that attract attention. This strategy helps you demonstrate the value of your product and builds social proof, even before you’ve made your first sale. It’s an effective way to kickstart your brand presence and encourage real customers to share their experiences down the line.

9. Lack of Storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful tool in connecting with your audience. Simply posting product images is not enough. Share the story behind your brand, the inspiration for your products, or how your offerings solve a problem. Crafting a narrative around your products helps in building an emotional connection with your audience, making them more invested in your brand.

10. Not Utilizing ManyChat for Automated Responses

Managing direct messages manually can become overwhelming, especially as your audience grows. Not using tools like ManyChat for automated responses can lead to delayed replies and missed opportunities. Implementing an automated messaging system ensures that inquiries are addressed promptly, enhancing customer experience and freeing up your time to focus on other aspects of your business.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll be better positioned to succeed in Viral Dropshipping on Instagram and TikTok. Focus on authenticity, engagement, and strategic use of tools to build a strong, organic presence on these platforms.

Stay consistent, be creative, and keep refining your approach based on feedback and results. Your dedication will pay off as you build a loyal audience and grow your dropshipping business.

Talk to you soon.

Nick
@SellThisNow