The TikTok Experiments, Volume 9: Using Trending Sounds on Every Video for a Week

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The TikTok Experiments, Volume 9: Using Trending Sounds on Every Video for a Week

In an effort to understand TikTok’s mysterious algorithm, I regularly conduct experiments to learn which tactics help videos gain traction. I’ve experimented with 3 minute videos, CapCut templates, an SEO hack, and more. In September, I experimented with a core component of TikTok videos: trending sounds. I don’t use trending sounds often; they’re not usually conducive to the kind of content I make. But trending sounds are supposed to be important in getting your videos seen, so for one week, I used trending sounds on every video I shared. To be frank, the results were surprising. 

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The TikTok Experiments, Vol. 7: Using an SEO Trick in All My Videos for a Week

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The TikTok Experiments, Vol. 7: Using an SEO Trick in All My Videos for a Week

Throughout 2023, I’ve been experimenting on TikTok with the goal of better understanding their mysterious algorithm. I’m hoping to determine which commonly-promoted tactics are worthwhile and which are overhyped. In June, I experimented with an SEO trick that I’ve seen circulating the platform: hiding keywords in your video so the TikTok algorithm knows what your video is about and who to serve it. The results of this experiment were mixed. Today I’m sharing exactly how to do this SEO trick for TikTok and what I learned from the experiment.

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How to Use Instagram Collab Posts

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How to Use Instagram Collab Posts

In their efforts to stay relevant and serve many audiences, Instagram keeps adapting quickly and adding new features. Instagram Collab posts were announced in late 2021, but I still see a lot of confusion surrounding this feature. This feature is particularly useful for brands and influencers, especially when partnering IRL and are looking to increase their reach online. Today, I’ll walk you through what exactly an Instagram Collab post is, when to use one, why they’re beneficial to your social media strategy, and how to create one. Let’s dive in!

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The TikTok Experiments, Vol. 5: Posting Only 15 Second Videos for a Week

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The TikTok Experiments, Vol. 5: Posting Only 15 Second Videos for a Week

I’m on a roll conducting TikTok experiments and recently completed my fifth. I’m hoping to learn a few tips and tricks for what the algorithm prioritizes so that I can share my knowledge with others. Is a higher posting frequency truly necessary? Do shorter videos perform better than longer videos? Those are just a few of the questions I’ve been trying to answer. In my latest experiment, I posted videos that were only 15 seconds or less to see what would happen.

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Here's the Scoop on Lemon8

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Here's the Scoop on Lemon8

I’ve worked in social media marketing for over ten years, but I’ve never been an early adopter of a new platform…until now. My disillusionment with Instagram is at an all-time high and a new app was the talk of TikTok, so last week I joined Lemon8. This newcomer to the social media scene is intriguing and has the potential to be extremely popular. I’m sure you have a lot of questions about where it came from, how Lemon8 works, and more, so let’s dive in!

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The TikTok Experiments, Vol. 4: Posting Only 60 Second Videos for a Week

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The TikTok Experiments, Vol. 4: Posting Only 60 Second Videos for a Week

For a few months now, I’ve been conducting experiments to learn about TikTok’s algorithm. I plan to continue these experiments for as long as I can, despite the looming threat of (another) potential TikTok ban. My goal is to learn how to create content that will be served to just the people you’re hoping will see it. I’m testing several different tactics and sharing my findings.

Lately I’ve seen competing theories about video length. Some folks claim that the algorithm is boosting longer form content and we should all pivot to that; others assert that video completion is the most important metric, so shorter videos work best. I tried posting only 60 second videos for a week to see what would happen.

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The TikTok Experiments, Vol. 1: I Posted on TikTok 3 Times per Day for 3 Months. Here's What I Learned.

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The TikTok Experiments, Vol. 1: I Posted on TikTok 3 Times per Day for 3 Months. Here's What I Learned.

After being an avid consumer of TikTok content for a few years, last December I started feeling the impulse to experiment with creating my own TikToks. I started making a handful here and there, and by January I felt ready to ramp things up. I challenged myself to post three times a day on TikTok for three months.

Many TikTokkers were claiming that posting three times a day would help you grow quickly–some even advocated for five times a day! I knew five wouldn’t be realistic for me, but thought I could manage three, so I dove in. I started on January 23rd and finished the experiment on April 23rd. I had about 140 followers when I started, and thrillingly, had 1,533 by the end. 580 of those followers I gained in the very last week of the experiment! Here’s what I learned along the way.

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A Conversation with Ellie Burke: Tips for Getting Started with Content Marketing

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A Conversation with Ellie Burke: Tips for Getting Started with Content Marketing

This is the 14th post in the “A Conversation With” series, where I interview smart humans about their experiences in marketing and social media. You can read past features here.

This month, I interviewed Ellie Burke, a content marketing professional who is the Content & SEO Manager at Campspot. In this blog post, we dive into keywords, SEO misconceptions, and much more.

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4 Reasons Why You Should Try "Good Enough" Marketing

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4 Reasons Why You Should Try "Good Enough" Marketing

Many small business owners struggle with marketing themselves. It can feel uncomfortable to be self-promotional, it’s time-consuming, and there’s a desire for your marketing efforts to be perfect. If you’re going to put in the time, you have to get it right…right? Well, not exactly. But what could be better than perfect? You may be wondering. Done. Done is better than perfect.

What is “good enough” marketing? Exactly what the name sounds like–marketing that you’ve gotten done. It may not be the most unique and memorable piece of content ever published, but it’s done. You published it. It’s good enough.

Here are 4 reasons why you should try good enough marketing.

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Is Blogging Still Relevant in 2022?

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Is Blogging Still Relevant in 2022?

As I sat down to plan out my blog posts for 2022 earlier this week, I started to wonder, ‘why do I even bother? Is blogging still useful?’ Despite the self doubt that creeps in sometimes, the answer is right in the data. Google Analytics doesn’t lie! People are discovering my business every day through organic search, primarily thanks to this blog. Blogging isn’t dead, despite what you may have heard. Let’s explore the benefits of blogging and how to create valuable blog content.

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