Even though it has been in the spotlight for getting banned through the U.S. congress, having negative intentions toward a younger audience, and whatever else. However, TikTok is becoming more than just a platform for entertainment and we can’t avoid it. Google reports that 40% of younger people do not turn to apps such as TikTok and Instagram for search purposes instead of using good ol’ Google. They want quick, visual answers. With over 1 billion active users, TikTok could be an untapped goldmine for marketers aiming to boost brand visibility.
Social media populates on the search engine whether we want to accept it or not. There are a ton of companies that don’t believe this is true and thus they treat social media just as a social media outlet. In terms of TikTok, if you don’t optimize your content for search features, you’re missing out on the massive opportunity at hand. So, how can you make sure the videos you make appear where your target audience is already searching? Easy – TikTok SEO. The right strategy makes your content work smarter, not harder.
Just like general SEO, TikTok SEO focuses on getting the most visibility out of your content within the app. Think about the For You Page (FYP) or in the search results. In order to achieve any of this, you first have to understand and leverage the user behaviors and preferences on the platform.
Engagement Metrics: Engagements would be considered likes, comments, and total video views just like any other social media platform. The more people engage with your video, the more likely it is to appear on the For You page.
Keywords and Hashtags: You have the option to add sounds, keywords, and hashtags. Use them when you can. There are a ton of tools which help with the research of trending topics and relevant keywords, but you can even use TikTok itself to do this.
Trending Audio: Just like with keywords and hashtags, audio helps you to get discovered. Choose a trending sound that resonates with your content.
Optimize Video Descriptions: Descriptions aren’t always read, however, that shouldn’t push you away from creating engaging descriptions. Add informative content that pushes your audience to actively watch your video.
Leverage User Interaction: Yes, add a CTA within the video as well as in the description. The TikTok algorithm favors content with high engagement…
Post Consistently: If you ghost your audience they’ll no longer be interested in what you have to share. Post regularly and keep your content fresh and relevant. Consistent content also builds a loyal, engaged audience which we all know helps in the long run.
Collaborate with Influencers: If it’s not your audience, it could be someone else's. Partner with influencers (when appropriate) in order to expand your reach. Influencers can introduce your brand to their followers, boosting your visibility and engagement.
Given the data saying 40% of younger people prefer to use TikTok instead of Google for searches, you should get the wink and nudge that it’s time to optimize your TikTok content for SEO. Focus on engagement, using keywords, hashtags, and audios, and implement the right strategies along the way. Doing all of this, you won’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with a massive audience.