TikTok’s Plans for the Search Ads Market and How Your Business Can Get Ahead

Rochella Providence
“We are in the very early stages of testing search ads in select regions. For clarification – at this stage, advertisers do not have the ability to bid on specific keywords for advertising purposes. This part of our testing is managed by TikTok based on keywords that would be most relevant and impactful to the advertiser and their specific ad.”

This was the latest quote by a TikTok representative given to Search Engine Land this month.

The search ads market has long been dominated by Google and Microsoft.

TikTok is ready to share a piece of the pie, and for good reason.

They’ve made it very clear in the past that the app is solely an entertainment platform. But with increasing popularity among GenZ and millennial users, the platform quickly but surely transformed into the go-to search engine for these groups.

As one of the leading social media platforms in the world, entering the search ads landscape will give TikTok unprecedented reach and dominance in the market, while helping businesses grow.

But they have a long way to go before they can provide the same offers and security as the current major players.

In this post, we’ll break down their plans and some tips that should help your business get more exposure on the platform while TikTok optimizes its search ads strategy.

Search ads and why they matter

The search ads market is a rapidly expanding advertising landscape in which companies are leveraging digital search platforms to promote their products and services.

Platforms such as Google Ads and Microsoft Ads enable businesses to target potential customers by purchasing keywords, phrases, or entire campaigns with the aim of increasing brand awareness and driving website traffic.

By using these platforms, businesses can gain access to sophisticated analytics tools that will help them understand consumer behavior and optimize their ad campaigns for maximum success.

TikTok search ads: the initial buzz till now

Tweet from David Herrmann, president of Herrmann Digital, a paid social advertising company.

The buzz about TikTok search ads surfaced about a year ago with tweets here and there from digital marketers and ad creatives. David Herrmann was the first to spot the beta rollout with video ads that have a ‘sponsored’ label.

Tweet from David Herrmann about TikTok search ads beta

Fast forward one year later and TikTok has made it clear that they'll be expanding their search ads offerings, but they're not yet ready for the official launch.  

The representative mentioned that “this part of our testing is managed by TikTok based on keywords that would be most relevant and impactful to the advertiser and their specific ad.”

So what does this tell us?

The one thing holding back TikTok from officially launching search ads on the platform is the complete optimization of keyword data and usage.

Giving brands the ability to bid on specific keywords within their niche can provide businesses with growth that exceeds their wildest expectations.

Let’s get into why keywords are such a crucial step for brand visibility and success.

The power of keyword research for TikTok SEO

Google search keyword research for TikTok SEO

Keyword data is essential for any successful search engine optimization (SEO) strategy.

It helps determine which terms users are searching for when looking for information. By having access to this data, your business can target its desired audience and optimize content accordingly, creating more relevant and useful content that will increase visibility in search engine rankings.

This information can help figure out what topics customers are interested in and drive organic traffic to your website. This is the ultimate goal of traditional SEO. With TikTok, these SEO practices apply all the more, but with unique considerations that allow it to work in conjunction with the platform’s algorithm.

With TikTok emerging as a search engine and the company’s plans to offer search ads with keyword bidding, it’s safe to say that TikTok SEO is a real and powerful thing that will give businesses the boost that they need.

How to target your audience on TikTok right now

Fingers gripping white bullhorn to target audience

As TikTok tweaks its search ad offerings, your business should get a head start with targeting the right audience. This post will give you helpful tips on how to optimize your content to rank via TikTok search.

Once you’ve covered the basics, you’re gonna need the right tools to enhance your ultimate TikTok SEO strategy.

Optimatik.ai is currently the only software available specifically designed for organic business growth via TikTok. You’ll have all-in-one access to a keyword research tool, rank tracker tool, and performance analytics for your account.

The most popular keyword research tools on the market right now are Google Ads Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and AHrefs.

Whatever tools you decide to use, the sooner you start optimizing your content to rank within your niche, the better it will be for your brand.

So, what's next?

We know that TikTok is working on becoming a worthy competitor in the search ads market.

They plan on harnessing the power of SEO to give brands the ability to bid on specific keywords within their niche.

In the meantime, your business can take advantage of available TikTok SEO tools and tips to efficiently target your audience, maximize visibility, and increase revenue.