TikTok SEO: How to optimise your business account?

Many brands have embraced TikTok SEO to showcase products, services, and marketing messages. TikTok’s search ads feature also lets you reach people with high purchase intent based on their searches. Here’s how to start:

1. Create a TikTok business account

Although personal profiles can work, a business account is often more effective for branding. You’ll get tools like auto messaging and ad management. It’s straightforward:

• Sign up with your phone or email.

• Switch to a Business Account.

• Pick the category that reflects your brand.

2. Create a content strategy

TikTok differs from Facebook or Instagram, so a good plan will help you blend in—and stand out on this platform.

Get to know the platform

Spend time on your For You Page, testing filters, effects, and editing tools. Watch how emojis are used—for example, a skull can indicate “that’s hilarious. ”on TikTok, 

Understand the TikTok algorithm

Although it evolves, the main concept remains: the platform shows users videos based on their interests and previous interactions.

Identify your target audience

TikTok attracts teens and Gen Z in large numbers, but older groups browse it too. Find out which hashtags or topics your potential viewers follow.

Outperform your competitors

Check out similar brands or creators to see what clicks and what falls flat. Then explore your own twist to surpass them.

Set up goals and objectives

Consider what you’d like to achieve on TikTok. Are you aiming for more brand awareness, sales, or sign-ups? Keep your goals specific and reachable.

Plan out a content calendar

While random inspiration is great, having a schedule lets you post regularly without scrambling for ideas at the last minute.

3. Optimise your TikTok profile

Think of your profile as your digital storefront.

Keyword research

Many SEO tools still gather data from Google, not TikTok. So open TikTok, type in a potential keyword and check the related searches. This can help you refine your selection.

Set up your profile

Pick a display name, craft a short bio that captures your brand’s feel, and upload a profile photo. You can also slot in a link to your website or product page.

Get verified

A verified badge can give you extra credibility, signalling to viewers that your brand is official. It’s known to increase authority and give your profile a clear seal of trust.

4. Create high-quality content

Post videos that look good and provide value. TikTok suggests one to four posts a day—especially when you’re figuring out audience preferences.

Here are some tips you should consider for creating great videos.

• Keep the video around 21 to 34 seconds

• Edit video through TikTok editing features

• Use trending sound clips 

• Determine a subculture your brand and content fit into

• Try experimenting with different types of content

Jump on trends

Following the trends and creating videos on them can make your content go viral. TikTok was built on trends and brands are often rewarded if they stay on top of the trend. As these trends move fast, it becomes a race for marketers to stay consistent with relevant and innovative content.

However, a brand shouldn't follow every trend blindly but identify which one is right for its audience. It will be of no use to join a makeup trend if your audience doesn't care about makeup.

Include keywords and hashtags

Use relevant keywords with good search volumes and also incorporate hashtags in the description. Usually, hashtags with more views mean you will have to face more competition. If you want to use them, try making a mixture of niche-specific hashtags and use them in broader terms.

TikTok has its own Keyword Insights tool to track popularity changes and CTR.

Go live

You can go live on TikTok like other social media platforms to connect in real time with your audience. You can also engage with your followers by asking questions or asking them to share their feedback.

You can share a live tutorial, start an interview, or broadcast a conversation during a live broadcast.

5. Collaborate with other influencers

Team up with creators who already have a solid audience. Join their videos, let them feature your product, or try duets to reach new viewers.

6. Track progress with analytics

Analytics are your roadmap to see what’s working. TikTok’s built-in stats show your reach, engagement, and where you could improve. Check out your competitors’ performance, too, to spot any angles they might be missing.