Why Social Media is the New Google (and How to Use It)

Say goodbye to the age of Wikipedia and Google and hello to the age of the social media search engine.📱Advancements in technology allow programs like ChatGPT, Meta AI, and other AI tools to take over the way we search and find information. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest use these technologies to make searching easier for their users. If you are a brand, creator, or business owner, it’s time to rethink how people find you.

✨Here is everything you need to know about this cultural shift and how you can use social media to your advantage:

Social Media Is the New Search Engine 

Generational Change in Search Behavior

Gen Z and Millennials start this shift in search behavior, going straight to TikTok to figure out how to live life in their 20s, Instagram to see what’s trending for spring, and Pinterest to find their perfect home aesthetic. Our culture becomes more reliant on visual learning, discovery, and sentiment. These apps are no longer just for leisurely scrolling to pass time; they are integral to our learning, discovery, and decisions.

AI Search Power 🔌

Social media platforms use AI-powered algorithms to curate users' feeds. These algorithms analyze what posts users watch, like, comment on, and share. Essentially, algorithms work to show you more content similar to what you engage with. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts use AI to analyze trending sounds, hashtags, topics, and challenges. Brands that tap into these trends stay at the forefront of the For You Pages of their target audience.

Trust in Real People Over Brands 🤍

People don’t want ads and press releases to stay in the know; they want to see real people reviewing, speaking on, and sharing their experiences and opinions. AI technology works to sift through your scrolling data and shows you the most relevant content from real people, not just SEO-optimized ads, meaning brands need to tap into the humanistic side of marketing to connect with their audience. Authenticity is key in a world full of paid promotions and ads.

How to be Discovered 🔍

Use Search-Friendly Phrases

Simplicity is key. Consider what your audience searches and use those keywords in captions and hashtags. Searchable phrases power the algorithms; just remember to make it sound like something a real person wants to know.

Create Content That’s Relevant to the Platform🤍

On TikTok, for example, use trending sounds & keep videos concise with engaging visuals. On Instagram, use filters or trending music for your posts. Make your content easy to digest, and remember to think about the searchability of your content.  

Real People = Credibility

Use user-generated content (UGC) to build trust between your audience and your brand. Bring the product or service to life by incorporating customer reviews, influencer collaborations, and even your own team members. 

Think Like a Consumer (because you also are one!)

Before you post, ask yourself: 

🤍 Would I search for this?

🤍 Would I engage with this content?

🤍 Would I trust this person/brand?

If you answer yes to these, you are on the right track! 

Today, it’s not about the number of posts you create or followers you have, it's about being discovered. When people need inspiration for an outfit, ideas for date nights, or want to just find a new product, Instagram and TikTok are the platforms they flock to to find just that. How are you going to make your brand search-worthy?