Hello, my name is Grey Prnce, I’m 26, and I proudly identify as a queer afroindigenous content creator. I’ve been making content for the last 2 years on TikTok and IG, and I’ve learned a couple things along the way. Let’s talk about how SEO is revolutionizing the creative process for creators.
Let's start with the basics: what does SEO stand for? SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It's precisely what it sounds like—it's how we, as creators, are organically discovered on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and search engines like Google. Understanding the impact of SEO on your engagement and discoverability as a creator is incredibly valuable. Creating content is the exciting first step, but the real challenge arises when we must figure out how to get our creations seen, especially if we belong to marginalized communities or are just starting out.
Every platform has its own set of popular search words, questions, and hashtags. As creators, it's our responsibility to stay up to date on what those top searches are for each platform we utilize. Discovering these top searches is pretty straightforward simply go to the search box on any platform and enter a broad description of the content you create. For instance, if you're making a cooking video, before you hit that post button, type in keywords like "cooking," "food," and so on, and see what the top search results are. By incorporating these popular search terms organically into your content, the platform will recognize, categorize, and boost your content in its algorithm.
Luckily, there are three easy ways to achieve this.
1. You can add these top search words into your caption, either as a text overlay or in the caption area itself
2. Additionally, you can use them as hashtags or even mention them audibly in your video content!
3. Another valuable tip to keep in mind is to maintain a balance when it comes to the number of keywords or search terms you incorporate into your content. It's crucial not to overstuff your creations with SEO keywords. Instead, focus on selecting the top 3-5 keywords or search terms that align well with your content and remain consistent in using them. By choosing a handful of targeted keywords, you ensure that your content remains relevant and doesn't feel forced or overloaded with excessive optimization. This approach allows you to maintain a natural flow while still benefiting from the power of SEO.
Remember, quality always trumps quantity. So, be strategic, stay true to your content's essence, and let those carefully selected keywords work their magic in elevating your discoverability and engagement. Now, with all that said, let's be real—content creation requires patience. Creators don't usually see instant results. However, by optimizing our SEO game, we have witnessed engagement beyond our wildest imagination. So, keep at it, stay informed, and watch your creations soar to new heights! Remember, my fellow creators, SEO isn't just a buzzword—it's our ticket to reaching a wider audience and making a lasting impact. Embrace it, have fun with it, and let your creativity shine through the magic of optimization!