#460 - Affiliate Armies, Viral Videos, & the TikTok Shop Playbook with Tommy Lynch

From living in a school bus to running a TikTok Shop agency, today’s guest shares affiliate secrets, viral content tips, and social commerce strategies to grow your brand online.

Tommy Lynch, the creative force behind Cult Content, joins us to share his extraordinary journey from crafting furniture at just 15 to becoming a social commerce marketing maestro. As we explore the vibrant landscape of TikTok Shop and e-commerce, Tommy reveals the blend of patience and tenacity required to overcome the hurdles of slow sales and costly shipping. His tale is a testament to resilience, navigating through early Amazon-like tactics to gain traction and establish his niche in the e-commerce space.

Embark on Tommy's adventurous transition from almost being banned from school premises to embracing a nomadic lifestyle, living out of a bus while traversing 35 states. The story turns from his initial sales roles to an unexpected career in content creation and freelancing. By harnessing the power of networking, Tommy's path led him to collaborate with brands, beginning with a hard seltzer company and eventually finding his footing in LA. His narrative underscores the profound impact of building genuine connections while highlighting the adaptability needed to thrive in both creative and entrepreneurial pursuits.

Dive into the strategic world of digital marketing as Tommy shares insights on leveraging TikTok's potential to drive e-commerce success. From working with major brands like Infinity Hoop to the birth of his own agency, Cult Content, he uncovers the secrets behind crafting viral-worthy content and the importance of a strong hook. Explore the unpredictable dynamics of the TikTok shop environment, the strategic use of affiliates, and how creating a community can lead to transformative growth. Whether you're an aspiring content creator or an established marketer, there's something for everyone in Tommy's compelling story.

In episode 460 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Tommy discuss:

• 00:00 - TikTok Shop and E-Commerce Journey
• 05:52 - Living in a Converted School Bus
• 09:26 - Bus Traveler Turned Content Creator
• 14:39 - Content Creator Brand Partnerships and Pricing
• 20:00 - Unlocking TikTok Shop's Money-Making Potential
• 25:56 - Creating Viral Video Content Strategy
• 30:43 - Building 'Cult Content' Agency Success
• 32:54 - Key Takeaways From Event Presentations
• 38:08 - Challenges of Becoming a Creator
• 43:52 - Setting Expectations for TikTok Advertising
• 44:45 - Strategies for TikTok Shop Success
• 53:42 - Getting Started on TikTok Shop
• 55:47 - TikTok Shop Platform and Sales Strategies
• 1:00:11 - Marketplaces' Regulatory Evolution for New Platforms
• 1:06:06 - The Power of Social Commerce