In recent years, social media platforms have evolved from places for sharing updates and pictures into powerful search engines. More and more users are skipping traditional search engines such as Google and Bing, and instead turning to social media to find information, discover brands, and seek recommendations. This shift is changing the way digital marketing success is being measured and requires you to rethink how your brand is being discovered and where your biggest presence is. Are you on the top social media platforms? Are you active and pushing out high value, meaningful content that others could be searching for?
How Social Media Became a Search Engine
The shift toward using social media platforms as search engines isn’t entirely new—YouTube has been serving this purpose for years. The platform may be known to offer entertainment and escapism but this hasn’t stopped it from expanding to how-to videos and in-depth tutorials, allowing users to search for answers, product reviews, and detailed guides, making it an early example of social media as a search tool. From learning DIY projects to discovering workout routines, people have relied on YouTube’s powerful search functionality to find valuable information quickly.
As platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn have grown, they’ve adopted similar functions. Users, especially millennials and Gen Z, are now skipping traditional search engines like Google in favour of these platforms to find real-time, relevant content. Instagram has become a hub for discovering products, while TikTok’s algorithm serves users educational videos, brand discoveries, and trends based on their search and viewing history.
This change has fundamentally altered how businesses should approach their social media presence. Rather than being just a platform for social interaction, businesses now need to treat social media like a search engine—optimising profiles, posts, and videos to ensure they’re discoverable when potential customers search for their products or services.
Hashtags, Location Tags, and Keywords: The New SEO
Just like in traditional SEO, where keywords matter, social media has its own version of this through hashtags, location tags, and keywords embedded in captions. These elements act as signals that help your content surface in relevant search queries. For instance, a well-researched set of hashtags allows your posts to show up in specific category searches on Instagram or TikTok. Similarly, adding location tags on platforms like Instagram and Facebook can make your business visible to nearby users looking for services in your area.
However, this isn’t a simple “set and forget” strategy. Hashtag trends change and staying up-to-date with what’s relevant in your industry is crucial for visibility. Additionally, platform algorithms are becoming increasingly sophisticated, prioritising content that resonates with user searches based on engagement, relevance, and timeliness.
Optimising Your Social Media Presence
At Fresh Digital Media, we understand how to tailor your social media profiles and content for this new era of search. Our team will help you select the right hashtags, create location-specific content, and craft engaging posts that not only increase your visibility but also resonate with your audience. We stay ahead of trends, ensuring your business is always visible when potential customers search for services like yours.
With a data-driven approach, we analyse the performance of your social media accounts and continuously refine strategies to help your business rank higher in social media searches. Whether it’s optimizing Instagram profiles, enhancing video content on TikTok, or developing keyword-rich posts on Facebook and LinkedIn, we make sure your brand is at the top of the search results.
Get in Touch with Fresh Digital Media Today
Social media as a search engine isn’t just the future—it’s already here. If you’re ready to ensure your business is discoverable, visible, and thriving in this new landscape, contact Fresh Digital Media today. Let us optimise your social media presence and help you grow your business through cutting-edge digital marketing strategies.
Reach out now for a consultation and see how we can take your brand to the next level in this ever-evolving digital space.
