As the fifth most popular social media platform in the world, TikTok is becoming a major player in the e-commerce space and Shopify merchants are taking advantage of this by tapping into its vast user base to drive traffic and increase sales. As a Shopify store owner, leveraging TikTok's SEO strategies can be a game changer for your business and help you achieve organic growth without relying heavily on paid advertising. When it comes to TikTok SEO, it is important to understand TikTok’s algorithm and the type of content that the platform promotes.
In this guide we will be giving you the ultimate guide on how to do SEO on TikTok and the best ways to optimise it for Shopify.
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We are one of the world’s most trusted and experienced Shopify Plus Partners.
What Is TikTok SEO?
Although SEO is traditionally used as a marketing tactic for improving your rankings in Google’s search engine results, it can also be applied to your TikTok strategy. TikTok SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) refers to the optimisation of your video content on TikTok to help improve its visibility in searches and increase its chances of appearing on users’ For You Page (FYP). The goal is to help your videos appear higher in the search results for TikTok and Google. Using relevant keywords in your TikTok content is just one of the effective tactics involved that can boost your organic engagement and views. If you would like to know more about how to get the most out of your TikTok SEO strategy, you should consider these following practices:
We are one of the world’s most trusted and experienced Shopify Plus Partners.
We are one of the world’s most trusted and experienced Shopify Plus Partners.
Best TikTok SEO Practices & Ranking Factors
1. Keyword Research
Before posting your TikTok content, you should conduct keyword research to identify the most popular and relevant search queries in your niche that you can target. Focus on the keywords which have the highest search volume and are currently trending. You should have at least 2-4 target keywords that are related to the topic of your content. These keywords should be used in your video captions, descriptions, hashtags and even in the spoken audio in the video if possible. TikTok will scan this content to match videos with user search queries.
If you need some help in carrying out your keyword research, here are two techniques we recommend that you try:
Use the TikTok Keyword Insights Tool. This can help you find certain phrases and queries.
Use the TikTok search engine by conducting keyword research on the TikTok app. Simply go to the search bar and try searching for a specific topic such as ‘Plant Care’ and you will see TikTok provides a list of auto-populated keyword results that other users are searching for. These terms will be great ideas to target in your content.
Of course, if you still require any additional support or guidance with your TikTok keyword research, our team of SEO experts will be more than happy to help.
2. Use Optimised Hashtags
TikTok uses hashtags to categorise content and make it searchable, making hashtags a critical part for your SEO strategy. By using relevant and trending hashtags, you can boost your content’s visibility and increase its ranking. You should incorporate trending and niche-specific hashtags that are relevant to your video to help reach both large and targeted audiences.As well as focus on using keyword rich hashtags to emphasise to TikTok what your post is trying to target.
3. Leverage TikTok Challenges
Another way to improve your performance on TikTok is to get involved with the latest TikTok challenges. A TikTok challenge is a trend or campaign that asks users to create and share videos of themselves performing a specific task. The tasks can include:
- Dancing
- Lip-syncing
- Using a filter
- Doing a push-up
- Showing off a talent
- Using a product
- Completing a skit
Most famous TikTok influencers earn their views and engagement by participating in challenges as it is a great way to engage with their community. You can either create your own challenge or give an existing challenge a go.
4. Character Limits For Description & Captions
Be mindful of TikTok’s 4,000 character limit for video description and caption. This limit has been increased from 2,000 characters which was originally set in September 2022. TikTok creators should leverage on this opportunity and make use of this space to create more lengthy, optimised video descriptions and captions. It is important that you include relevant keywords and quality content to make your content more visible.
5. Engaging & Relevant Content
Creating videos that generate high-engagement (likes, comments, shares), which TikTok’s algorithm prioritises. This means sharing content that is relevant to what your audience is searching for and jumping on current trends related to your niche. Including sounds, memes, challenges and hashtags. This can help build a loyal following and brand awareness.
6. High-quality Content
You should focus on creating high-quality and consistent TikTok video content that is engaging to your audience. Before you post it live, make sure it includes the key SEO elements, such as video description, caption, and relevant hashtags. It is also important to consider your target audience interests and provide them with content that they will be interested in. To improve the quality of your TikTok videos, consider the following ideas:
- Start your video with a catchy visual, text or audio sound to grab their attention
- Keep your videos concise and to the point
- Ensure your video content has good lighting, sound and smooth transitions
- Use trending sounds and effects
- Determine the purpose of your video e.g. educational, entertainment or inspirational
- Relatable content
- Add text overlays to highlight key points or add humour
- Be authentic
- Include call to action to boost engagement (prompt viewers to like, share, comment)
7. Trending Sounds
Using trending sounds on TikTok is an effective strategy to increase the visibility and engagement of your content. TikTok’s algorithm often favours videos that use popular sounds, giving them a higher chance of appearing on the "For You" page (FYP) and reaching a broader audience.
Users are also more likely to engage with content they recognise. Trending sounds often come with familiar challenges, memes, or formats, making your content more relatable and engaging.
There are many ways to find TikTok’s trending sounds. Here are some of the best options:
How To Find Trending TikTok Sounds
- Explore the ‘For You’ page and spend time scrolling through to identify which sounds are most frequently used.
- Go to the sound library by tapping on ‘Add Sound’ when creating a video. This shows you popular and trending sounds.
- Search for specific sounds or types of audio in the search bar yourself
- Check hashtags
- Follow popular creators to monitor the sounds they use
How To Use Trending TikTok Sounds
- Incorporate the sound naturally
- Engage with trends or challenges
- Create original content with the sound as a backdrop
- Use edits and effects of the sound to make your video more engaging
- Ensure your content timing by syncing your video cuts to the beat or rhythm
8. Engagement
It is important that you engage with viewers through comments and collaborations to increase the chances of your videos being shared and recommended. You should always reply back to followers who comment on your posts and interact with them on a regular basis. As well as engage on others posts to help promote your own profile.
9. Time Sensitivity (Trends)
The timing of your TikTok posts is crucial in maximising its visibility and engagement. This is because TikTok’s algorithm values fresh content. It is recommended to post on TikTok right before your audience checks the app. If your target audience is based in the same time zone, you can should consider creating a posting schedule to streamline your workload.The best times to post on TikTok vary by day of the week and industry, but here are some general recommendations:
Monday: 7 AM, 10 AM, 9 PM Tuesday: 2 AM, 4 AM, 10 AM Wednesday: 8 AM, 9 AM, 11 PM Thursday: 9 AM, 12 PM, 7 PM Friday: 6 AM, 1 PM, 4 PM Saturday: 11 AM, 7 PM, 8 PM Sunday: 7 AM, 9 AM, 3 PM
BONUS TIP: If you go to ‘View Analytics’ in your TikTok account, you can view follower activity in your local time zone which will give you the most accurate data for best posting times.
10. User Interactions
One of TikTok’s most important ranking signals is user interaction. The level of engagement your content has will directly impact how TikTok ranks and promotes your content.
Likes, Comments & Shares
The higher the number of likes, comments and shares your video has, the higher you will rank in TikTok and be favoured by the algorithm. If a post keeps viewers engaged, this signals to TikTok that the content resonates with users and is appealing to your audience.
Watch Time & Replays
TikTok also focuses on the total watch time your video has. Longer average watch time (especially full video views) significantly boosts rankings. Videos that keep viewers engaged throughout are valued by the algorithm.Also if your videos are watched more than once by users, this indicates high interest and can boost their ranking.
We are one of the world’s most trusted and experienced Shopify Plus Partners.
We are one of the world’s most trusted and experienced Shopify Plus Partners.
Is TikTok A Search Engine?
TikTok is not a traditional search engine like Google or Bing, but it does have its own search bar and an auto suggest feature which provides a list of suggested search terms that are currently trending. This means that SEO should be considered an essential part of your TikTok strategy as it will allow you to reach your target audience and make your content more discoverable.
Another key point to mention is that Google has also started to display TikTok short videos in the SERPs and TikTok now shows featured snippets for certain search queries. This provides TikTok creators, influencers and brands the opportunity to grow their reach even further.
Users often use TikTok's search bar feature to find content on specific topics, trends, or hashtags. TikTok's algorithm tailors content to user preferences based on search behavior, watch history, and interactions. This shows how important it is that you understand the specific queries that your audience is searching for so that you can optimise your content effectively.
We are one of the world’s most trusted and experienced Shopify Plus Partners.
We are one of the world’s most trusted and experienced Shopify Plus Partners.
How Does TikTok’s Algorithm Work?
TikTok’s algorithm works by analysing a combination of user behaviour, video metadata, and content interaction to deliver personalised search results.Its main focus is providing the most helpful content that resonates with users.
Here are the main functions of TikTok’s algorithm:
User Behaviour
TikTok’s algorithm closely monitors your watch history and searches history. In particular, the videos you have previously watched, liked and commented on, and shared as this helps the platform to prioritise similar content in your search results (FYP). Your past searches also influence what content is recommended to you when you type a query in the search bar. This allows TikTok to suggest similar topics or trending videos that you might be interested in.
Content Relevance
TikTok also scans video captions, descriptions and hashtags to match relevant content with search queries. Using specific keywords in your content can help you improve your content’s search rankings.
Engagement
The algorithm prioritises content with high engagement, assuming it is more valuable or relevant. The more likes, comments and shares a post has, the more potential it has to rank higher in TikTok. Also if a video is watched in full or multiple times, this indicates strong viewer interest and is more likely to be recommended by TikTok to users.
User Interaction Patterns
TikTok also takes into account the types of content you engage with, the accounts that you follow and your viewing habits to prioritise content that you are most interested in. Depending on the posts you have interacted with previously will influence the type of content TikTok provides on your ‘For You Page’.
Content Freshness
New, fresh content that is trending is typically favoured in the TikTok search results, especially if it is gaining high levels of engagement.
We are one of the world’s most trusted and experienced Shopify Plus Partners.
We are one of the world’s most trusted and experienced Shopify Plus Partners.
Benefits Of TikTok SEO For Shopify
- Attract a larger audience
- Drive new traffic to your online store
- Increase brand awareness and engagement
- Gain more followers
- Grow sales and conversions
- Promote your products and services
We are one of the world’s most trusted and experienced Shopify Plus Partners.
We are one of the world’s most trusted and experienced Shopify Plus Partners.
How To Use TikTok For Shopify
If you would like to start using TikTok to grow your Shopify business, there are many ways you can use the platform as part of your marketing strategy.. Using TikTok for Shopify can effectively drive increased traffic and sales for your online store.
Here are some of the ways you can integrate TikTok into your Shopify strategy:
1. Install The TikTok For Shopify App
If you go to the Shopify App Store and install the TikTok for Shopify app, this integration will allow you to create, track and manage TikTok ads directly from Shopify. The app was developed by TikTok and allows you to connect to TikTok shop to sync your products, fulfilment and orders between Shopify and TikTok shop.
Note: Unfortunately TikTok on Shopify is not available in all markets. Check the Shopify App store for availability.
2. Create TikTok Ads
You can use TikTok Paid Advertising tactics to help increase your sales. To set up your TikTok ads, you need to set up a TikTok For Business account to gain access to your TikTok Ads Manager. This is where you can create TikTok Ad Campaigns such as In-Feed Ads to engage with users. You can set your target audience based on interests, behaviours, or lookalike audiences from your Shopify data. The TikTok targeting tools also allow you to select the age limit and gender of your audience. You can also use the video generator tool to create a video from existing images or videos.
3. Leverage TikTok Shopping
TikTok Shopping for Shopify allows businesses to integrate their Shopify store with TikTok, creating a seamless shopping experience directly within the TikTok app. This feature helps brands reach a broader audience and drive sales by connecting with TikTok users where they spend a lot of their time. You can enable this feature by linking your Shopify product catalogue, allowing TikTok users to shop directly from your TikTok profile or videos.Set up your TikTok Shop account today.
4. Organic Reach
TikTok is the perfect platform for growing your organic reach by sharing engaging, shareable content related to your products or services. By creating high-quality content, using trending hashtags, participating in challenges or collaborating with influencers, your Shopify business can target wider audiences and drive more traffic to your online store. The key to achieving organic growth on TikTok is regularly posting content that is consistent and keyword rich. This will improve the chances of your videos being seen.
5. Share Links To Your Shopify Store
You can drive increased traffic to your website through sharing your Shopify store links in your TikTok bio. When you have a TikTok business account, you can use the ‘Link In Bio’ feature. This will show as a clickable link on your business profile so that users can easily access your Shopify store. Or you can directly integrate product links into your video descriptions or use text overlays in your videos where you can call-to-actions.
We are one of the world’s most trusted and experienced Shopify Plus Partners.
We are one of the world’s most trusted and experienced Shopify Plus Partners.
Discover More Shopify Marketing Tactics
As Shopify experts we can provide you with professional support in creating your TikTok strategy and offer you a whole other range of ecommerce services. Including SEO, Paid Social, Email Marketing, PPC and more. Get in touch today and let us help grow your Shopify business.
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