Do you want to skyrocket your following and reach a wider audience on TikTok?
In just three weeks, I cracked the TikTok SEO code and went from zero to 3,000 followers and over 100,000 views on my videos.
And the best part?
It was all thanks to simple yet effective techniques that anyone can implement.
Are you ready to discover the secrets behind my success and learn how to apply them to your own TikTok strategy?
Let's go!
What is TikTok SEO?
TikTok SEO is the process of optimizing your TikTok content to increase visibility and reach on the platform.
TikTok SEO includes using relevant keywords, hashtags, and engaging content to improve your video's chances of appearing on the "For You" page and gaining more views and followers.
Why TikTok is essential for your business in 2023
You're missing out on a massive audience if you're not using TikTok to promote your business.
According to Statista, TikTok has grown to become one of the world's most popular social media platforms, with over 1.1 billion active users in 2022.
Not only that, but TikTok has also become a hub for businesses looking to connect with younger audiences. The platform boasts a user base predominantly under 30, making it an ideal place to promote youth-oriented products and services.
🌟 Helpful Hint 1;
TikTok isn't just about marketing to a young audience. TikTok's algorithm means businesses can get their content to a much larger audience than on other social media platforms.
TikTok's popularity continues to grow, with the platform seeing a 23% increase in downloads in the first half of 2022 alone.
It's also become a significant player in influencer marketing, with some of the most popular users earning millions of dollars in endorsements and sponsorships.
With the right TikTok SEO strategy, your business can reach new customers and build brand awareness quickly and effectively.
Stats from the The SEO AI Whiz, 3 weeks in 2023
12 TikTok SEO Secrets Revealed
Here are the steps I used to grow my audience:
1. Learn basic video editing and personalization
Learning basic video editing and personalization is key to creating engaging TikTok content.
Use the built-in tools to add filters, music, text, and effects that reflect your personality and brand.
🌟 TikTok SEO Tip
If you're new to video editing, don't worry! TikTok has a variety of built-in tools to help you get started.
You can also check out third-party apps like my favorite choice CapCut to help you create professional-looking videos in no time.
ProTip: When starting out on TikTok, I got a lot of super brilliant editing tips like this from Aron Sōgi:
2. Use AI to help you find a catchy TikTok name
I found my TikTok name, "The SEO AI Whiz" with help from Artificial Intelligence:
You can use AI tools like ChatGPT or our GPT-4 powered platform SEO.ai to generate a unique and catchy TikTok name that aligns with your brand.
A good TikTok name should be short, easy to remember, and reflect your personality and business.
3. Craft creative concepts for your debut videos
Before creating content on TikTok, brainstorm ideas that align with your business.
Consider what your audience wants to see and what message you want to convey.
🌟 TikTok SEO Tip
Ask yourself, "What are some pain points my customers have, and how can I address them through my videos?"
10 small TikTok video ideas to help you get started:
- Office Tour - showcase your office space and let your audience take a look at where the magic happens.
- Product Demo - demonstrate your latest product or service and show how it solves a common problem in your industry.
- Client Testimonials - highlight some satisfied clients and let them share their experience working with you.
- Expert Advice - share some valuable tips and insights from industry experts to position yourself as a thought leader in your field.
- Company Culture - give your audience a glimpse into your company culture by sharing fun team activities or events.
- Behind-the-Scenes - give your audience an exclusive look at how your products are made or a day in the life of your team.
- Product Reviews - showcase your latest products and share honest reviews from customers.
- How-to Tutorials - create short tutorials demonstrating how to use your products or services.
- Lifestyle Tips - share tips and hacks that align with your brand values and target audience.
- Customer Stories - feature customers who have had a positive experience with your brand and let them share their stories.
4. The irresistible TikTok hook
In my TikTok videos, I try to deliver a hook within the first few seconds that capture my audience's attention and encourages them to watch the entire video:
A good hook can be a dramatic gesture, a humorous anecdote, or a surprising fact that makes people want to learn more.
Here is the hook that I use in most of my TikTok's:
The irresistible TikTok hook formula;
"Here is [value] that will [benefit] you"
Here are six simple TikTok hook examples based on the formula I used:
- Here is my favorite ChatGPT SEO trick that will help you become a rock star in Google
- Here is a simple skincare routine that will give you glowing skin in just 5 minutes a day.
- Here is a budget-friendly travel hack that will help you save money on your next vacation.
- Here is a delicious and healthy recipe that will help you get in shape and boost your energy levels.
- Here is a productivity tip that will help you get more done in less time and reduce stress.
- Here is a meditation technique that will help you relax, reduce anxiety, and improve your mental clarity.
5. Captivate your audience with contrasting
I took this class on rhetoric in high school and learned this crazy cool thing about using contrast to make your point more persuasive.
And get this; I recently realized that this technique would be perfect for making my TikTok videos more engaging!
Contrast points out the differences between two things to create tension or surprise.
It's pretty awesome, right?
Examples of effective contrasting:
- Good or bad: The difference between a good and a bad SEO strategy
- Before and after: The transformation of a website's traffic after implementing SEO tactics.
- Cheap or expensive: The cost difference between paid advertising and organic SEO.
- Old or new: The benefits of keeping up with the latest SEO trends and technologies.
- Success or failure: The consequences of neglecting or ignoring TikTOk SEO for a business.
- Traditional or modern: The shift from traditional marketing methods to digital marketing.
In Greek, the word for contrast is αντίθεση, pronounced "anthíthesi."
The concept of contrast was first introduced by ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle in his work "Rhetoric," where he described how contrasting elements can create a more persuasive argument.
I try to use a lot of contrast in my TikTok videos to emphasize the benefits of my SEO tips and tricks.
Here are some practical rhetorical examples of contrast:
Use contrast in your voice:
- Start your video by whispering to create a sense of intimacy, then switch to a louder, more energetic tone to emphasize your main point.
- Play around with different accents or speaking styles to keep your audience entertained and guessing what's coming next.
Use the contrast between clips:
- Show a fast-paced, chaotic scene followed by a calm and serene one to emphasize the difference between two situations or emotions.
- Combine clips from different contexts – such as a crowded urban environment and a peaceful natural setting – to highlight the contrast and create a visually striking experience.
Use contrast in your hooks:
- Begin your video with a bold statement or question that grabs the viewer's attention, then transition to a quieter, more contemplative moment to create contrast and build anticipation for the rest of the content.
- Use opposing ideas or opinions as hooks to spark curiosity and encourage viewers to watch until the end to see how you reconcile the contrast.
Use contrast in your visuals:
- Play with lighting and colors – for example, use bright, saturated colors in one scene and switch to a monochromatic or desaturated palette in the next to create a strong visual impact.
- Experiment with camera angles and focal lengths to alternate between close-ups and wide shots, highlighting the contrast between personal and grand perspectives.
6. Use 'The Triple-Act TikTok Formula'
In addition to using contrast, I learned another rhetorical formula in high school:
The Triple Act.
This effective formula divides your content into three parts, each building upon the previous one to create a cohesive and persuasive message.
I've found that this formula works particularly well for TikTok videos, as it allows me to structure my ideas concisely and engagingly.
🌟 TikTok SEO Tip
It can be frustrating to see a video go viral on TikTok, only to realize that you missed out on potential business opportunities because you didn't give your viewers a next step to take.
Don't let your viral videos go to waste – always include a call to action that encourages your viewers to engage with your brand.
Here's how to use The Triple-Act TikTok Formula:
- Introduction: Grab your viewers' attention right away with an eye-catching hook. See step 4 above for more tips on nailing an irresistible TikTok hook!
- Body: In the central part of your video, share your key message or content. Use easy-to-understand steps in your storyline. Use eye-catching visuals and cool sounds to make it even better.
- Conclusion: Finish your video with a clear call to action. Ask viewers to like and share your video, follow your account, check out your website, or follow a link you placed in your profile or the video's comments.
7. Shoot ultra-short, engaging videos with your phone
I was told that it's essential to have a clear concept in mind before filming, whether it's showcasing a specific skill or sharing something personal.
It's good to be strategic.
But the reality was that I didn't put much thought into it before filming.
Instead, I had a lot of playing and fun with my iPhone and let my creativity flow naturally.
The key is to keep your videos simple and authentic.
🌟 TikTok SEO Tip
The real SEO secret to creating engaging TikTok videos is to have something on your mind and show it in a simple way. Don't overthink it or try to be too polished.
Just be authentic and let your creativity flow naturally. Your viewers will appreciate the honesty and realness, and you'll likely see an increase in engagement and followers.
8. Eliminate the silences
There is a simple TikTok hack that works for many creators:
Cutting out the pauses in between the sentences you say in your videos.
This style is an effective strategy that creates a sense of urgency and keeps your audience engaged throughout the entire video.
Of course, many other video formats and concepts can work, but cutting out the silences quickly and easily kept my viewers' attention.
All you have to do is record your video in small segments and edit out the pauses so there is just a millisecond between your spoken-out sentences.
🤓 Fun fact;
Eliminating the selience is efffective, but did you know that Khaby Lame, a popular TikToker with over 155 million followers, became famous for his deadpan reactions to exaggerated lifehack videos?
He keeps a straight face and adds his own comedic spin to the videos, making them even funnier with just his expressions.
Step 9: Use trending audio
One exciting aspect of creating engaging content on TikTok is leveraging trending audio. With 88% of TikTok users saying that sound is essential to the TikTok experience, it's clear that audio can make or break your content.
Fortunately, TikTok's Creative Center makes it easy to find out which sounds are trending each day, and you can even filter the results by region. This is especially helpful if your audience is in a different location from yours.
To leverage trending audio, start by browsing through the Creative Center to find a sound that fits your content. Once you've found a sound that resonates with you, you can either record your own video using that sound or use the "Duet" feature to create a video alongside someone else's.
Remember, the key to leveraging trending audio is to make it your own.
Don't just copy what everyone else is doing – put your own spin on it to make it unique and engaging.
With a little bit of creativity, you can use trending audio to grab people's attention and add some flavor to your content.
10. Use text and overlays for impactful videos
Consider adding text and overlays to make your TikTok videos even more engaging.
This technique can help emphasize key points or highlight important information.
For example, if you're sharing a recipe, you can add text to show the ingredients and the steps.
Or, if you're showcasing a new product, you can add an overlay with the price and the name.
🌟 TikTok SEO Tip
The simplest way to add text and overlays to your TikTok videos is to use the app's built-in features.
Just select the text or sticker option from the editing menu, choose a style and color, and type in your message. It's easy and quick, and you can customize the look to fit your video's style.
Make sure the text and overlays are easy to read and not too distracting from the main content.
11. Optimize video content for searchability
As an SEO professional for the past 20 years, thinking in "keywords" is second nature to me.
Using great tools and SEO principles, I researched relevant keywords to include in my videos, which helped increase their visibility on TikTok.
TikTok SEO principles for using keywords:
Here is how I use keywords:
- Focus on a primary target keyword + 2 to 3 relevant secondary keywords for each video: Include them in captions, titles, descriptions, and hashtags in your video.
- Use trending hashtags: Keep an eye on new trends and include one trending hashtag for each video you publish. For example, I used the hashtag #ChatGPT to benefit from this new exploding trend.
- Be strategic with your keywords: Don't just use any keywords that come to mind. Do keyword research with tools like Google Trends, Ahrefs, or SEO.ai to see if demand exists.
See the guide: TikTok Keyword Research: 5 SEO Hacks for Unstoppable Growth.
12. Smash that post button!
My first videos only got a few views.
That was genuinely frustrating!
I struggled to figure out the platform and how to make my content stand out.
But with a little bit of experimentation and some SEO knowledge, I was able to turn things around.
So keep smashing that post button!
🌟 TikTok SEO Tip
Ignore the myth that only TikTok-edited videos go viral. Your video's editing app doesn't matter—focus on high-quality, engaging content. I've gained views and followers using CapCut.
Experiment with different tools to find what suits your content best and boost your TikTok growth.
13. Engage with your audiences
When someone takes the time to comment on your TikTok video, responding in a way that shows you appreciate their engagement is essential.
This builds a connection with your audience and sends positive signals to TikTok's algorithm, which can help increase your visibility.
Pro tip: Respond to comments with a video
And what better way to do that than by replying with a video?
Not only does this show your audience that you're actively engaged with them, but it also adds another layer of personality to your brand.
🌟 TikTok SEO Tip
To reply with a video, simply tap on the comment you want to respond to and then click on the "Reply" button.
From there, you can either record a video directly within the app or upload a pre-existing video from your camera roll.
Personalize your video response to the commenter's question or comment when recording it. Videos will make them feel seen and heard and may encourage them to continue engaging with your content.
Plus, when other users see your personalized video responses, they may be more likely to engage with your content in the future.
So don't underestimate the power of responding with a video on TikTok!
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