What’s the difference between SEO and algorithm-based social media?

Understanding the difference between SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and social media algorithms can significantly impact your online presence. Whether you're a blogger, a small business owner, or a digital marketer, you most likely need to navigate these aspects to properly market your business online. Here’s me spilling the tea:

What is SEO and where does it matter?

Search Engine Optimization is the practice of optimizing your online content so that a search engine likes shows it as a top result for searches of a certain keyword. This involves using specific keywords in your content, ensuring your titles and descriptions are relevant, and also considering the relevance of image alt text. SEO can help improve your visibility on search-based platforms.

Pinterest is a search-based platform, so SEO is fundamental here. Use keywords when posting on Pinterest. Your titles, descriptions, and image alt text should be relevant to the topic in the post. Regular posting and staying on topic can also help your content get noticed.

A strong SEO strategy is also crucial for your website or blog. This includes using relevant keywords in your content, meta descriptions, and image alt texts. A well-optimized website can rank higher in search engine results and attract more organic traffic.

YouTube combines both SEO and algorithm. It's important to use relevant keywords in your video titles, descriptions, and tags for SEO purposes. However, creating content that encourages viewer engagement will help you fare better with YouTube's algorithm.

What is an algorithm and where is it used?

On the other hand, an algorithm is a set of rules or procedures that a platform’s system follows to decide what content to show, when, and to whom. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok use algorithms to personalize user feeds, showing content that the the user will most likely engage with. A feature of many algorithms is that they favor a history of interaction between the user and your content. The more someone interacts with your existing content, the more likely they are to see your new content.

Instagram's algorithm favors posts from accounts that users interact with frequently. This means you should aim to create engaging content that encourages users to like, comment, share or save. Post consistently to maintain a presence in your followers' feeds.

Likewise, TikTok's algorithm values user interaction. The more a user engages with your content, the more your future content will appear in their feed. Create engaging videos that resonate with your audience to encourage more interactions.

Are you team SEO or algorithm?