In the evolving landscape of digital marketing, the tides are turning, and social search is on the rise. In the blog below we explore the growing influence of social search and its potential to reshape the SEO landscape in 2024.

The Shifting Power Dynamics

While Google remains a formidable giant in the search engine realm, the rise of searches on platforms like TikTok and Instagram is undeniable. A shift may be on the horizon as Gen Zs and millennials increasingly turn to social media for news, events, and everyday queries.

The Hottest Trend: Social Search in 2024

Recent research reinforces the momentum behind social search, revealing that one in three users prefer social media over search engines when seeking answers. For Gen Zs and millennials, the preference for social apps over internet browsers is even more pronounced, with a combined 59% favouring these platforms.

Crafting Fool-Proof Plans

Social platforms leverage powerful AI tools to understand user behaviour and preferences, shaping algorithms that curate content tailored to individual interests. Fine-tuning captions and video content can help you stand out amidst the digital noise.

SEO keywords for Instagram

Using SEO keywords on Instagram involves strategically incorporating specific words or phrases into captions, comments, profiles, and content to enhance discoverability and engagement. This includes optimising your profile with keywords related to your niche, incorporating keywords seamlessly into captions, utilising alt text with keywords for image descriptions, and employing hashtags effectively by researching relevant keywords, combining niche and popular hashtags, and utilising industry-specific or long-tail hashtags.

The Onward Evolution of Search

The way we seek information has evolved over time, with smartphones becoming the go-to device for browsing. The ease of accessing social apps on mobile devices poses a threat to traditional internet search engines. With 94% of 18 to 29-year-olds owning smartphones, the trend towards social searches is likely to persist.

2024 is said to be a defining year for social search. As the landscape continues to evolve, marketers must adapt, embracing ‘Social SEO’ to stay ahead of the curve. The era of Social SEO is here, and those who master it will undoubtedly set themselves apart in the dynamic world of digital marketing.