What platform is taking over as the top-used search engine that's not even a search engine? If you guessed TikTok, you’d be correct!
In 2022 alone, 40% of Gen Z -ers actively used TikTok as their primary means of searching for, well, anything. Gone are the days of Google and Yahoo battling it out for the title of number one info finder. TikTok is taking over, and it's here to stay.
This means that a strong SEO strategy for both brands and creators is essential for exposure and success. So no more blowing it off; it's time to learn an effective SEO strategy to help guarantee your TikTok content gets the views it deserves.
TikTok and SEO SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of strategically putting out content with a high chance of being discovered. SEO on TikTok is no different. To succeed with SEO on TikTok, you have to understand how to use the algorithm in your favor.
The algorithm has quite the reputation, but we promise she's not as scary as she may seem. TikTok's algorithm is a master at showing users the content they are most likely to engage with (In other words, the algorithm is partially responsible for your scrolling addiction). It does this by considering posts you interacted with in the past, accounts you follow, and now keywords.
Keywords and SEO Even though TikTok technically isn't a search engine, it can be (and is) used as one, thanks to keywords. The platform heavily relies on them to produce content users want to see and, ultimately, interact with.
This means two things;
1. Google has got some competition.
2. As a creator, TikTok success really relies on optimizing your content through keyword use so that the algorithm pushes it to the right audience.
Let's look at four strategies to help you master TikTok SEO and get the views you have worked so hard for.
How to Use SEO in Your Favor Strategy #1 -Use Trending Audio To start with, one of the more basic strategies...audio. Audio has always played a huge role in success on TikTok, which makes sense for an app driven by creativity.
The audio you choose not only ties your whole story together but also increases your discoverability. The more trendy your audio is, the more likely users will stumble upon your content and the more likely the algorithm will push your video.
You can always take advantage of the search bar if you need to find some niche-related audio. Just type in "trending sounds," filter to "this week," and see which ones you can use!
Even if an audio doesn’t directly connect to your niche, see what creative spin you can take to make it work. Some of the most successful TikTokers are excellent at bridging the gap between the audio they want to use and the niche they are dedicated to.
Strategy #2 - Consistency This one isn't very glamorous, but it's important. Stay consistent. Stay consistent with your niche, with your strategy, and with the entire process. Stay Consistent.
Over time, the algorithm will begin to recognize you as an expert in your niche and push your content out more. But this only happens when you stay consistent with your strategy.
Take content creator Sydney Ferbarche, aka @divineontheroad.
She is a #vanlife influencer who has been living in a converted sprinter van for about four years. She began by documenting her journey as a solo female van-lifer and has created an extremely successful TikTok presence by staying true to her niche. TikTok now majorly favors her in all things solo female travel, van life, and sustainable living.
So, regardless of how tempting it may be to jump ship and start over, stick it out. If you have a solid plan and a niche you are passionate about, all that's missing is consistency and time.
Strategy #3 - #Hashtags Forever Hashtags are great for getting you in front of the right audience. TikTok doesn't limit the number of hashtags you can use, and many sources say, "more the merrier." To be honest, we don't recommend this approach. Just because you can doesn't me you should.
Instead, try between 5-8 high-quality hashtags. With those 5-8, use a mix of niched-down and viral hashtags.
Niche hashtags will increase your chances of exposure to people already interested in your content. These people are more likely to interact with your videos and become loyal followers. Viral hashtags will increase your overall exposure. They will help you get in front of as many people as possible.
Both hashtag types are important, and you should always use a combination of both.
Strategy #4 - The Key is Keywords Remember when we mentioned that the TikTok algorithm now pushes content based on keywords? Yep, so you need to use them strategically.
Keywords are just buzzwords often searched for in different niches. When TikTok sees you used a keyword lots of users are searching for, your content will be more likely to pop up in their FYP.
If you aren't sure what keywords to use, you can do external research or find them through TikTok itself. Try typing words related to your niche in the search bar and see what is auto-filled. Use these results to guide your content and what keywords you use.
To walk you through this, say you are a curly hair influencer. By searching "curly hair," you can see all the top results for searches related to the niche.
Based on this search, you might choose the keyword phrase "curly hairstyles for short hair" as your content inspiration.
Now, you need to strategically use the words you selected.
You probably already know to put keywords in your captions, but you also need to put them directly in your video.
Place keywords in your descriptions, closed captions, and on-screen text. You should even consider saying your keywords within the first few seconds of your content. TikTok favors this, and it will help grab your audience’s attention and keep them watching longer.
Keyword use may feel unnatural initially, but with how the algorithm works, they are worth the effort to learn.
Conclusion If you're trying to optimize your TikTok SEO, you have to be ready for constant change. Keywords are becoming increasingly important as the app grows in popularity and expands into its new, albeit unintended, use as a search engine.
To stay ahead of the curve and reach your target audience, you need a strategic presence on TikTok. In order to acheive that, you need to consistently research and strategically use keywords to increase your visibility.
One might say keywords are the key . ;)
We hope you found these four strategies helpful! What tips do you have for TikTok success? Let us know!
