From my experience dabbling in TikTok Shop, the landscape has definitely shifted over time. Earlier, free samples and smaller promotional tactics seemed promising to attract organic engagement and potential buyers. However, lately, it feels like these strategies alone don’t cut it anymore — the competition is fierce, and TikTok’s algorithms seem to favor paid promotions or higher budget creators more often. What really stands out is that creators who invest in targeted ads or collaborate with influencers tend to see better visibility and sales momentum. It sometimes feels like you have to spend a decent amount upfront to gain traction, which can be tough for newcomers or those on smaller budgets. Still, it’s crucial not to throw money blindly. Focused spending on ads that reach your ideal audience or creatively engaging content can give you a better ROI. Another thing I’ve noticed is using TikTok-specific hashtags like #tiktokshop and #creatorsearchinsights helps with discoverability but won't replace the need for strategic investment. It’s all about balancing your budget, content quality, and understanding audience preferences. In the end, spending more might open doors but building genuine connections with followers and creating valuable content can sustain your growth long-term. So, if you’re trying to make money through TikTok Shop, be prepared to rethink your approach and possibly scale your budget carefully while staying creative with your marketing techniques.