TikTok is the hottest social media platform right now, with millions of active users around the globe. It's no surprise that businesses and individuals alike are looking for ways to increase their reach and build a following on the platform.
One of the best ways to do this is through TikTok SEO.
However, the traditional methods of optimizing your content for SEO may not be enough. In this article, we will explore some unconventional ways to boost your TikTok reach through SEO.
What Is TikTok SEO?
In today’s digital world, SEO is not limited to text-based marketing materials. Even your TikTok marketing videos need to be optimized in order to stand out and get on the For You Page.
Well-optimized videos will give you the opportunity to rank higher in the platform's search results and gain more visibility among its millions of users. The optimization strategies themselves involve various techniques and strategies, including the use of trending hashtags, strategic captions, engaging content, and collaborating with other creators to increase your reach.
One of the key factors that determine the visibility of your content on TikTok is its relevance to users. The platform's algorithm analyzes the content of videos, including the hashtags used, captions, and engagement levels, to determine whether they are relevant to users' interests.
By optimizing your TikTok content for SEO, you can increase the likelihood of your videos appearing in search results and gaining more views and followers.
Not to mention user engagement. TikTok algorithm favors content that generates high engagement levels, such as likes, comments, and shares. By creating engaging content that encourages interaction and collaboration, you can increase your chances of ranking higher in search results and attracting more followers.
How to Incorporate SEO into Your TikTok Campaign
When it comes to content optimization, the first thing that comes into our minds would be keywords or mobile responsiveness. But, the approach to TikTok SEO is a bit different. Here are some unconventional ways to make sure that your TikTok content stands out among the crowd.
Leverage Trending Hashtags
Hashtags are an essential part of TikTok SEO, but instead of just using popular hashtags, try to find trending hashtags that relate to your niche. TikTok's algorithm heavily relies on trending hashtags to display content to users, so using trending hashtags can help you get more views and followers.
To find trending hashtags, use the "Discover" feature in the app and look for hashtags that are related to your niche. You can also use third-party apps like Hashtag Expert or Flick to find trending hashtags.
Photo from Unsplash
Collaborate with Other TikTok Creators
Collaborating with other TikTok creators is a great way to reach new audiences and increase your following. When you collaborate with someone, you can tag them in your video, and they can do the same for you, exposing your content to their followers.
Make sure to collaborate with creators in your niche or a related niche to ensure that their followers will be interested in your content. You can also use hashtags related to your collaboration in your video to increase its visibility.
Use Captions Strategically
Captions are another essential part of TikTok SEO, but they are often overlooked. Many users just add a short caption that describes their video, but you can use captions strategically to boost your reach.
Keywords are still relevant here. Don’t forget to include keywords related to your niche in your captions. This will help the TikTok algorithm understand what your video is about and show it to the right audience. You can also include a call-to-action in your caption to encourage engagement and increase your video's visibility, whether it be to visit a particular product page or to stitch the video with their take.
Use TikTok's Built-in Editing Tools
TikTok SEO is so much more than the technical aspects. It also includes how you represent your content. That’s why the way you edit your content should also be a part of your TikTok SEO efforts.
TikTok has a variety of built-in editing tools that you can use to make your videos more engaging and increase their visibility. Use effects, filters, and music to make your videos stand out and capture viewers' attention.
You can also use the green screen effect to create videos that incorporate trending hashtags or include a call-to-action in your video using the text overlay tool.
Create Engaging Content
Finally, the most important part of TikTok SEO is creating engaging content. No matter how much you optimize your content, if it's not engaging, people won't watch it, and your reach will suffer.
Create content that is entertaining, informative, or inspiring. Use humor or storytelling to capture viewers' attention and keep them engaged. Experiment with different video formats, such as tutorials or challenges, to keep your content fresh and interesting.
To further enhance the relevance and visibility of your TikTok videos, consider utilizing video annotation techniques. Adding informative and engaging annotations within your videos can provide additional context, highlight key points, or prompt viewers to take specific actions, increasing the overall impact of your content.
Photo from Unsplash
TikTok SEO: What Not to Do
While TikTok SEO can help you grow your reach and gain more followers, there are also some common mistakes that creators make that can hurt their visibility on the platform. Here are some TikTok SEO mistakes to avoid:
Not engaging with your audience
TikTok's algorithm favors content that generates high levels of engagement, so not responding to comments or ignoring your audience can harm your SEO.
Engaging with your followers by responding to comments and creating content that encourages interaction can boost your visibility on the platform.
Using clickbait
While clickbait may generate short-term views, it can harm your SEO in the long run. TikTok's algorithm values content that provides value to users and discourages clickbait, which can damage your credibility and result in fewer views and followers over time.
Reposting content from other platforms
Reposting content from other platforms, such as Instagram or YouTube, can harm your TikTok SEO because it is not original content. TikTok's algorithm rewards creators who create unique and engaging content for the platform, so reposting content from other platforms can harm your visibility.
Ignoring video quality
The quality of your videos can affect your TikTok SEO. Low-quality videos can reduce engagement levels and discourage users from watching your content. Aim to create high-quality videos with good lighting, sound, and editing to increase your chances of appearing in search results.
Neglecting trends
TikTok is known for its trend-driven culture, and creators who participate in popular trends and challenges can increase their visibility on the platform. Neglecting trends or failing to keep up with the latest viral challenges can harm your SEO and reduce your chances of attracting new followers.
Wrapping Up
While TikTok may not fit the traditional definition of a search engine, it does utilize its own unique algorithm to help users discover content on the platform. Paying more attention to optimization gives you a chance to sit on the For You Page. With dedication, creativity, and a willingness to learn and adapt, you can achieve success on TikTok and reach millions of users around the world.
Learn how to embed your TikTok feed on your website with a TikTok widget.
Author
Andre Oentoro is the founder of Breadnbeyond, an award-winning explainer video company. He helps businesses increase conversion rates, close more sales, and get positive ROI from explainer videos (in that order).
Twitter: @breadnbeyond
Email: andre@breadnbeyond.com
LinkedIn: Andre Oentoro