TikTok SEO might seem like a strange concept at first. But with more and more people turning to social media for search, SEO is becoming necessary on platforms like TikTok.
TikTok is evolving quickly, becoming an essential platform for businesses. What once started off as music.ly is now a massive social media network. Without making use of good SEO, you’re missing out on potential views. The platform recently announced they’d be extending their character limit from 300 characters to 2200, leaving even more room for SEO.
By increasing the character limit, users are able to create more details about their videos, making it easier for users to find what they are looking for, improving engagement and helping TikTok suggest more engaging videos.
Is TikTok a Search Engine?
While TikTok isn’t technically a search engine, users are engaging with the app to find what they’re searching for. Studies have shown that nearly 40% of young people would rather use TikTok or Instagram to find a place to eat than traditional search engines like Google.
These videos sometimes provide better, easier and more straightforward solutions than Google. Unfortunately, a lot of SEO-optimised blog posts include a lot of unnecessary content for ranking purposes. This leaves the user having to sift through until they find what they are actually looking for. Because TikTok has to grab its viewers’ attention immediately, answers are prioritised.
TikTok and SEO
The search function on TikTok allows users to find content via hashtags and copy in the descriptions, making these sections vital for success. This means that Search Engine Optimisation has become a necessity. More and more people are using TikTok for discovery.
TikTok is being used to discover the latest trends, news and products. For companies operating in this arena, using TikTok is non-negotiable, especially if they are targeting a younger audience.
Use Hashtags
The power of hashtags is undeniable and they play a major role in search. Because of this, you want to make sure you are targeting the right hashtags so you can reach relevant viewers. Hashtags are clickable and make search a lot easier as well as aid discovery. Keep your TikTok hashtags short, sweet and relevant. Don’t just use popular hashtags, try and target niche ones as well.
Look at what people are searching for and then think about what you’d type in when searching. You can even type your main keyword in Google and see what their suggestions say to give you more ideas.
Keywords
When searching, people type in what they are looking for. These keywords are what you want to make sure you include in your descriptions. If possible you should try and use a variety of keywords that encapsulate what you are sharing. Through TikTok SEO, brands can reach new audiences and increase interest.
TikTok have even experimented with linked keywords in both comments and video descriptions. This feature allows users to tap on the keyword and find more videos that relate to what they are searching for as well as expand their discovery.
Optimize and Create Engaging Video Content
A successful business relies on helping people find what they’re looking for. Quality content that is engaging is the best way to achieve success on platforms like TikTok. If you’ve optimised a post for search and it doesn’t give the user what they’re looking for, then it’s a waste of their time and algorithms will pick that up.
Make sure your content satisfies the user and you’ll see the results.
Redirect Your TikTok audience to your website
If you want to convert viewers into clients, you need to create a call to action (CTA). This means redirecting your TikTok audience to your website. Make sure your call to action is clear in your posts so your viewers know exactly where to go and what to do.
Cross-Promote Your Video Content
TikTok isn’t the only social media platform where viewers are searching for restaurants, products and news. Instagram is becoming another source of information.
Because of this, you need to use more than just one platform. Share your content to other social sites like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. This way you can reach your audiences where they are at.
Use TikTok Analytics to Understand Your Audience
Data is a great way to figure out what you’re doing right, what you’re doing wrong and where your opportunities lie. To see proper analytics for TikTok you’ll need to switch to a TikTok business account. Then you’ll find your analytics under Creator Tools.
You can use these analytics to learn about customers, discover new features, find inspiration and access exclusive sounds. In the analytics, you can look at: overview, content, followers and LIVE. Comments are also a great place for people to add keywords.
Are You Using TikTok SEO?
Search is changing, is your business changing with it?
If you’re not using TikTok for SEO, you’re missing out on opportunities to expand your business and reach valuable people. The rise of platforms like TikTok and Twitch, as well as all the changes being made by Instagram and YouTube offer endless opportunities for marketers, businesses and individuals.