TikTok, AKA the endless scroll of short-form videos, has emerged as a powerhouse platform, especially for younger audiences. But how do you stand out in a sea of non-stop content?
In this blog, we are going to tell you have you can hack its unique algorithm to make the most of its massive user base to significantly boost your brand’s visibility, with the right audience.
With TikTok, it’s a common mistake to assume that more views = successful marketing, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. TikTok marketing is all about getting the right people to see your content, and lucky for you the platform has a great system to help you do that. Enter TikTok SEO (Search Engine Optimisation).
Here’s a guide on how to optimise your videos to unlock the TikTok algorithm to start seeing a difference.
Understanding TikTok SEO
SEO on TikTok revolves around optimising your content to rank higher in TikTok’s search results and on the For You Page (FYP). SEO is about understanding the platform’s algorithm, using the right hashtags and keywords, creating engaging content, and capitalising on trends.
Remember: you have to tell TikTok where to put your videos!
1. Mastering the TikTok Algorithm
TikTok’s algorithm is designed to show users content they’re likely to enjoy, based on their past interactions.
So, when you post a video TikTok will first show it to a pool of 200-500 users categorised to like the content, if they engage well with it, TikTok will then show it to more people. This cycle then repeats.
Some things to note about the algorithm:
- Engagement: The more likes, comments, shares, and watch time your video gets, the more likely it is to be shown to a wider audience.
- Completion Rate: If users watch your video all the way through, it signals to TikTok that your content is engaging.
- Replays: Videos that are replayed by users indicate high interest, boosting their visibility.
2. Using Relevant Hashtags
Hashtags are crucial for discoverability on TikTok, yet do not fall into the trap of just using trending hashtags thinking this will work. For example, many people think hashtagging “#FYP” will get them onto the for you page, but it will not. You must use hashtags relevant to your content so TikTok can show it to the right audience who will likely interact with it (liking, commenting, saving etc.) which will in return mean your video will be seen by more people with similar interests.
So, if you are posting a cupcake recipe to advertise your small local bakery, it will be pointless hashtagging #catsoftitkok as your content won’t reach the correct people, and you’ll get stuck at 200 views.
Here’s how to use them effectively:
1.Go into the TikTok search bar and type in the topic of your video e.g. ‘cupcake recipe’
2. Scroll across to the ‘hashtags’ section and take a look through the suggested hashtags for your content
3. Choose 1 or 2 popular hashtags to use (you can also see here the number of posts for each tag)
4.After selecting your hashtags add them to your caption for your video. We would also recommend including 1 or 2 hashtags relevant to your business e.g. #Coventry #Bakery
By doing this it gives TikTok an idea about what your content is about and therefore who to show it to that will find it interesting, meaning a better engagement rate for your views.
3. The Power of Keywords
Although captions can be a great way to describe your video to TikTok, you should try to always add a title at the start of your video and use some keywords.
To find the best keywords for your topic, use a similar method for finding the right hashtags.
So go to the search bar and type in your content’s topic. Now scroll down and you will see a list similar to this:
These are the keywords you want to include in your caption and onscreen as a title for a video.
Top Tip: to include all of these keywords, copy and paste them as text on top of your video when editing in TikTok, and then move them off the screen. This way you can keep one as the video’s title and have the others there for algorithm purposes but not have your audience see them.
4. Creating High-Quality Content
Content quality is king on TikTok. There is no point in optimising your content if the quality isn’t enjoyable for the viewers.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Hook Viewers Early: Capture attention within the first few seconds to prevent viewers from scrolling past your video.
- Keep It Short and Sweet: While TikTok allows up to 10-minute videos, shorter content (15-60 seconds) tends to perform better.
- Good Lighting and Sound: High-quality visuals and clear audio are essential for keeping viewers engaged.
5. Capitalising on Trends
Trends are a big deal on TikTok. Here’s how to leverage them:
- Stay Updated: Regularly check the Discover page to stay on top of the latest trends and challenges.
- Be Quick: Trends on TikTok can be fleeting. Jump on them quickly to maximise their impact.
- Add Your Twist: While participating in trends, put your unique spin on them to stand out from the crowd.
6. Analysing Performance
Regularly reviewing your analytics is crucial for ongoing optimisation so you know what works well and what to not do next time. Here’s what to look at:
- View Count: Indicates how many times your video has been watched.
- Engagement Metrics: Likes, comments, shares, and watch time provide insight into how engaging your content is.
- Follower Growth: Track how your content is impacting your overall follower count.
You’re in the Know, now Give it a go!
Optimising your content for TikTok SEO involves a combination of understanding the algorithm, using relevant hashtags and keywords, creating engaging content, and staying on top of trends. By implementing these strategies, you can increase your visibility, grow your audience, and make the most of what TikTok has to offer. Remember, consistency is key – keep experimenting, learning, and refining your approach to stay ahead of the competition.
Happy TikToking!
Are you ready to take your TikTok game to the next level?
At Piece of Cake, we help business owners to gain greater visibility and sell more stuff! Whether you’re brand new to TikTok or looking to optimise your existing content, our team can help you achieve visibility and sustained growth.
Get in touch with us today!
Let’s collaborate to craft a winning TikTok strategy that captures attention, drives engagement, and turns viewers into loyal followers.