In 2024, social media is no longer just a platform for sharing photos and connecting with friends. It has evolved beyond a mere platform for socializing and networking and has transformed into a dynamic space where individuals turn to find answers, discover new products, and seek out recommendations. Recent research conducted by Hubspot sheds light on this shifting landscape, revealing that one in three people now prefer to use social media for queries, with 15% favoring it over traditional search engines. This trend is particularly pronounced among the younger demographics, with Gen Zs and millennials leading the charge, accounting for a combined total of 59% who prefer social apps over conventional internet browsers.
So, what does this mean for small businesses?
It signifies a pivotal moment where having a robust presence on social media is not just beneficial but crucial for success. The days of relying solely on search engines to drive traffic and engagement are fading, with social platforms emerging as key players in the discovery process. Whether it’s searching for the latest fashion trends on Instagram, discovering new recipes on Pinterest, or seeking out local businesses on Facebook, users are increasingly turning to social media as their go-to source for information.
To capitalize on this shift, businesses must adapt their strategies to ensure their content is optimized for social search. While the algorithms that govern social media search remain a closely guarded secret, there are several strategies you can employ to improve your visibility and reach.
Incorporating relevant keywords and hashtags into your captions, titles, and descriptions is essential.
These keywords should reflect the terms and phrases your target audience is likely to use when searching for content related to your industry. Additionally, utilizing alt-text to describe your visual content can improve accessibility and searchability, making it easier for users to discover your content.
Incorporating subtitles into your video content on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok can also enhance your content’s searchability.
By providing subtitles, you not only make your videos more accessible to a wider audience but also increase the likelihood of your content being surfaced in search results.
Tagging your location in your posts is another effective way to improve your visibility in social search.
By geotagging your posts, you increase the chances of your content being discovered by users searching for businesses or services in your area.
When creating video content for platforms like YouTube and TikTok, consider incorporating your main keyword into your script and saying it aloud.
This can help improve your content’s search visibility and make it more likely to be discovered by users searching for related topics.
It’s important to be mindful of how you manage your files.
Using keywords and key phrases in your video file names can improve your content’s search rankings and make it more likely to be discovered by users searching for relevant topics.
Using high-quality photo and video assets can also benefit your content’s visual search performance.
High-quality visuals not only improve the overall look and feel of your content but also increase the likelihood of it being shared and engaged with by users.
Avoid keyword stuffing.
Overusing keywords can have a negative impact on your content’s search rankings and can make it appear spammy to users.
As we navigate the era of “social search” in 2024, businesses must adapt their strategies to ensure their content is optimized for social media platforms. If you’re a small business looking to enhance your social media SEO strategy, we’re here to help. Contact us today, and let’s work together to elevate your digital presence in 2024 and beyond.