Social Media SEO: 7 Proven Strategies To Get More Views

More people are turning to sites like TikTok and Instagram instead of Google when looking for a new lunch spot or a product review. Each social media platform is now both a content channel and a search engine, with algorithms deciding whether your content thrives or disappears. If you don’t consider how people search on these platforms, you’re missing out on valuable visibility.

This guide breaks down top social media SEO strategies with practical tips to improve your content’s reach.

What’s Social Media SEO?

SEO stands for search engine optimization, which refers to a series of techniques creators can use to boost their visibility on sites like Google and Bing. Social media SEO brings these methods to platforms like YouTube and TikTok, helping content perform well on each algorithm.

Internet users are increasingly searching for keywords on social media instead of Google. So, optimizing content for search is mandatory for creators who want to grow their audience as much as possible.

Thankfully, traditional SEO and social media can work together. Well-optimized social posts can appear in traditional search results. Meanwhile, links from your social profiles can drive traffic to your website, creating a positive feedback loop between your social media presence and website SEO.

Here's how today’s social media platforms function as search engines in their own right:

• YouTube is the second-most-visited website in the world. It processes more searches than any platform except Google itself.
• TikTok has become a go-to search destination for Gen Z looking for authentic recommendations and how-to content.
• LinkedIn is a powerful search tool for professional information and industry insights.

Understanding how to optimize for both social media and traditional search engines can dramatically increase your content’s visibility.

Benefits of Social Media SEO

Using social media for SEO positively impacts your search ranking performance in several key ways.

Improves Brand Visibility in Search Results

When someone gets on Google to search for your brand, they'll typically see your website alongside your Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn profiles. This expanded search engine real estate strengthens your online presence and gives viewers more opportunities to interact with your brand.

Drives Organic Traffic to Your Website

Including clear calls to action and well-placed links in your content is a key social media marketing SEO tactic. This drives targeted traffic to your website from users who are already engaged with your posts because they’re interested in your niche. As a result, these viewers may be more likely to take action, like purchasing products or signing up for newsletters.

Creates Valuable Backlink Opportunities

When other websites link to your blog articles or social media posts, those are considered backlinks. Earning backlinks from reputable websites within your niche tells Google and other sites that your page is more authoritative, which boosts search rankings. 

Following SEO best practices, like optimizing your profile across channels and publishing helpful content, can earn you more backlinks. This makes your social media strategy an indirect but powerful link-building tool.

Enhances Content Discovery and Audience Insights

Social media platforms track valuable metrics about which content your target audience responds to most. When you carefully audit the posts that generate the most engagement, you can find out which topics and keywords your followers care about most. Using that information, create relevant website content that's more likely to resonate with your ideal viewers.

7 Social Media SEO Strategies for Creators

Here's how to improve your SEO with social media strategies and increase your visibility across channels.

1. Optimize Your Profile and Bio

Use consistent information across your social media profiles so viewers can find you easily on any site. Complete every section of your profile, use the same name and profile photo, and include a link to your website. This helps both users and search engines discover your posts and understand what you offer.

2. Use Keywords in Your Posts and Hashtags

Just like traditional SEO, keywords matter on social media. Do keyword research for the specific terms your target audience uses, then naturally incorporate them into your captions, video descriptions, and hashtags. You can also use these terms as a springboard for new content ideas.

3. Post Consistently at Strategic Times

Posting regularly shows the algorithms that your account is active and relevant, encouraging them to continue promoting your page. Every social media platform has different times when users will most likely see your content. To find the best time to post, check your audience demographics to see which time zone they’re in and when they spend the most time online.

4. Create High-Quality, Shareable Posts

The ultimate goal of following SEO best practices is to expand your reach. Creating valuable posts that entertain or solve problems for your target audience is key to improving visibility. Viewers who find your content useful are more likely to share it with family and friends, helping each post reach a wider audience and potentially grow your following.

5. Take Advantage of Video

Videos often rank well in both social media and traditional search results, so adding video content to your strategy can significantly increase your visibility.

If you want to create videos that rank without spending hours manually adjusting footage, try Captions' Online Video Editor. You'll make professional-quality videos with AI tools that trim, translate, and enhance your content in just a few clicks.

6. Build Relationships and Engage

Other influencers in your niche mentioning or featuring your posts on their websites can increase your content’s reach. To encourage this interaction, follow similar creators, comment on their posts, and support their endeavors. 

Don't forget about your followers, either: Regularly respond to comments and participate in community discussions. This shows you care about their opinions and can lead to a more loyal audience.

7. Use Social Sharing Buttons on Your Website

Make it easy for your website visitors to share your content by putting sharing options just one click away. The less effort they have to put in, the more likely they are to repost. This benefits you in two ways: Shares tell algorithms that your posts are valuable and spread the word to a larger audience.

3 Social Media SEO Examples

Below are a few examples of successful social media SEO strategies in action.

1. Adobe: Combining Influencer Reach With Strategic Links

Adobe cleverly combines website links with influencer partnerships in their social media strategy toolkit. In one effective instance, they featured content created by popular creator Justice Shepard, who has 1.7 million TikTok followers. This video naturally promotes Adobe's website link, driving traffic through Justice’s highly engaged audience.

2. The Beauty Industry: Leveraging Hashtags for Discoverability

Savvy beauty brands have learned that consistent hashtag use on TikTok generates higher engagement rates. Targeting specific hashtags related to real customer problems, like #dryskin with its 4.7 billion views, means content will show up in front of the users most likely to be interested in related products.

3. American Express: Branded Hashtag Campaign Success

American Express created the #AmexTravel hashtag to showcase cardholder travel benefits. This simple but effective social media SEO tactic has generated millions of Instagram posts as travelers share their experiences.

Create High-Performing Social Media Content With Captions

Producing successful social media videos takes time. Doing keyword research, writing descriptions, and making your content accessible can pull you away from the real creative work you want to focus on.

Speed up the content creation process with Captions, an all-in-one creative studio. For example, the Add Subtitles tool makes optimization easier than ever with smart AI technology. Upload your video and let the software add accurate captions that make your content more accessible while including helpful keywords.

Take it a step further with the AI Video Translator, which can convert your existing videos into multiple languages with no reshoots or professional translators required.

Make content that gets results with Captions.