How to do SEO on TikTok so people can find your content for YEARS
One of my highest-performing TikToks (that brings me new followers and views every month) is a video that I posted in February 2021.
And, of course, the reason people are finding my content and bringing me consistent views (despite not posting for months on end) is because I know how to do SEO on TikTok.
Lemme show you how I do it!
What is TikTok SEO?
(like, really? explain it to me like I’m 5)
This is the simplest way I could think of to describe SEO in general.
TLDR;
SEO is when you type words into a search engine’s search bar (whether it’s on Google, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, and (kinda) Instagram) and content pops up!
The reason that specific content shows up—and not yours— is because that content has been Search Engine Optimized.
Those words you type in when you’re curious about something are called “keywords.”
Short keywords (like “cosplay” or “marketing”) are SUPER competitive and won’t help you reach people (at first; I explain this in depth inside SEO Storytellers)
Long keywords (like “what is cosplay” or “how to do TikTok SEO”) are SUPER specific, so they’ll get you in front of more of the right people.
SIDE QUEST! How many keywords should I use for SEO? The simple answer.
How to grow on TikTok with SEO
You can grow organically on TikTok, posting 1X PER WEEK by creating SEO content.
Here’s how it’s done (it’s super flippin’ 🍳 easy):
Know what you want to be known for (e.g., tiktok shop reviews)
Pick a natural keyword (e.g., [item your reviewing] review)
Use secondary keywords (e.g., Before and after [item your reviewing])
Pick 3 hashtags (and keep using at least 1 of them in every post like #tiktokreview… honestly, I believe you can use ALL the same ones in every post. People say it’s spam, but I have a few case studies inside my TikTok SEO class that prove otherwise.)
And if you want to know which keywords and hashtags to pick for YOUR specific niche, that’s what Social Search: TikTok Edition teaches you for $27 and a cookie. 🍪
(FINE, you can keep the cookie.)
SIDE QUEST! SEO for ChatGPT: How I rank websites in ChatGPT Search
Which keywords do I use on TikTok?
In order for SEO to work on TikTok, you have to use keywords.
(remember, those are the words/phrases you type into a search bar?)
The keywords you use all depends on your industry and what your content is about.
The easiest way to naturally use keywords in your videos?
Use a LONG keyword. Think of it in the form of a question someone might ask you, like “how to put on a duvet cover,” “are the lightsabers from TikTok shop worth it?,” “(where are the) best rooftop bars in New York City”
Use that LONG keyword as your “title”
Use it 1x in the caption
Use it 1x on the screen (bonus points if you also say it out loud as a voice-over or while talking to the camera)
Should you use more than one keyword? Yes.
This is called keyword clustering, and it helps you reach the most people possible.
I explain it briefly in this blog, but you’ll get examples and shiiiit in SEO Storytellers.
TikTok keywords vs hashtags
Think of TikTok keywords as the headliner and hashtags as the opening act.
Some people might show up for the opening band, but a BIG chunk of the audience is there for the headliner.
(for example, tonight I’m going to see Rise Against and Papa Roach. Like, yeah, I’m happy that RA is opening up for them, but I’m really there to see Papa Roach… for the 10 millionth time.)
Your hashtags (you can only use 5 MAX now, by the way) are like tiny clues to tell the algorithm what your content is all about.
For example, if I were to create a TikTok about the concert I was going to tonight, here’s the TikTok SEO strategy I would use to reach the most people:
Primary Keyword: Papa Roach concert
1st words on the screen: When you go to a Papa Roach concert in Tampa and THIS happens
Voice over: We went to see Papa Roach AND Rise Against tonight in Tampa, and you guys will NOT believe what happened (you always wanna use a Curiosity Hook, which I teach in SEO Storytellers)
Title and/or caption: Who else saw Papa Roach in Tampa last night?!
Hashtags:
#riseagainstsavior (48 uses)
#paparoach (113K uses)
#concertlife (42K uses)
Of course, if my video were about the outfit I wore or a specific song, then I would use hashtags like
#concertoutfitinspration or #paparoachscars
If you’re wondering why the “uses” are an important factor for hashtags, I explain this in the Social Media SEO portion of my membership, SEO Storytellers.
Are there TikTok SEO tools I should be using?
Most social media coaches will tell you to use the search bar to see what keywords pop up and to use those.
And that’s a good starting point.
But more than likely, it’s going to give you keywords that are SUPER competitive… which means you’re going to have a slim chance of reaching a bigger audience.
I’ve always used standard SEO tools to come up with my TikTok video ideas.
For example, the reason I filmed the “How to name your blog” TikTok in 2021 (that STILL brings me thousands of views every month) is because Ubersuggest told me that “blog name ideas” was a highly searched-for keyword.
SIDE QUEST! My favorite cheap SEO tools
Your new (easy AF) TikTok SEO Strategy
(“i’m sick of the “hacks.” just show me to MY people!” - you, probably)
I know you’re thinking, “UGH, another algorithm hack and hashtags and keywords blah blah bl—”
No. ☝️
SEO is NOT an algorithm hack. It’s actually a human-first approach… despite the name.
Basically, you’re creating content around the QUESTIONS people already have.
And it’s super easy.
I always say:
SEO is the 401K of your marketing plan. It compounds over time, so you can “retire” from social media. But you still need to add to it every month… even better if it’s once a week.
Here’s how you’re going to be consistent/here’s how you’re going to grow on TikTok organically without posting 3 times a day:
(Cause that’s toxic, honestly)
First, you think of a content idea. Let’s say you want to do TikTok shop reviews. Pick 1 product, like that Radiant Oil nail shit (just kidding, it’s actually pretty good!).
And uh… do the review? Just like literally post a carousel of your progress or create a video where you say: “Here’s my honest review of the radiant nail oil. Here’s what my nails looked like before… and here’s what they looked like after 30 days.”
Then use a super natural KEYWORD “radiant nail oil” in the caption and as a hashtag. Then, use other hashtags like #tiktokshopreview so TikTok and know that’s what to rank your account for.
Now, pick 51 other items from the TikTok Shop to review every… let’s say, Wednesday.
Now you have an entire YEAR with of SEO content planned to go out every week.
If you’re someone who just can’t seem to post every day— like you struggle with even posting ONE time per week— SEO is going to be a motha fuckin’ game changer for your content strategy, lol.
Ya don’t hafta post daily. You don’t have to use Creator Search insights or keyword stuff your posts like an imbecile.
You’ll grow your audience. Try it and tell me I’m wrong. ✋🏻
SIDE QUEST! SEO for Instagram: How I rank my IG Reels on Google’s front page
Wanna learn how to do SEO on TikTok for your specific niche? Sign up for Social Search waitlist!
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