Google SEO vs TikTok Shop SEO: What Hong Kong Sellers Need to Know
If you’re running an online business in Hong Kong, you’ve probably already invested time in Google SEO. Ranking high on search engines can bring long-term traffic and help users find you when they’re actively searching for products or services. But with the rise of TikTok Shop, there’s a new type of SEO in town—one that’s driven by content, trends, and algorithms instead of keywords alone.
So, how does TikTok Shop SEO compare to traditional Google SEO? And should you approach them differently? Let’s break down the key differences, and explore how a TikTok Shop agency or an SEO consultant can help you succeed in both.
1. User Intent: Search vs Discovery
Google SEO focuses on satisfying search intent. People use Google when they’re looking for answers, comparing products, or ready to buy. Keywords matter a lot—users type specific terms, and your job is to show up with the most relevant result.
TikTok Shop SEO, on the other hand, is driven by discovery. Users aren’t actively searching for your product. They’re scrolling through videos, and the TikTok algorithm decides which content to push based on engagement, watch time, and user behavior. You win by being interesting, not just relevant.
Key takeaway: On Google, you win by showing up. On TikTok, you win by standing out.
2. Content Format
Google SEO is text-based. Optimizing your blog posts, product pages, and metadata is essential. You’ll need to research keywords, build backlinks, and ensure technical SEO is in place.
TikTok Shop SEO is video-first. You’ll need to optimize your content using in-video captions, product tags, relevant hashtags, and eye-catching visuals. Instead of long-form articles, your success depends on the first 3 seconds of your video.
That’s why many sellers work with a TikTok Shop agency to handle video production and trend tracking.
3. Algorithm Signals
Google ranks pages based on authority, relevance, and trustworthiness. It looks at backlinks, domain history, and on-page content.
TikTok ranks videos based on engagement metrics like likes, shares, watch time, and comments. The content that performs well spreads faster, even if your account is brand new.
Key takeaway: Google rewards expertise and structure. TikTok rewards creativity and attention-grabbing content.
4. SEO Lifecycle
Google SEO is slow but stable. You might wait months to rank, but the results last if you maintain your site.
TikTok Shop SEO moves fast. Trends can change weekly, and a viral video might drive thousands of sales in a few hours. But the momentum fades quickly if you don’t keep creating.
An SEO consultant can help you maintain long-term traffic from Google, while a TikTok agency helps you ride the short-term waves of social commerce.
Final Thoughts
For Hong Kong sellers, the best strategy is not choosing between Google SEO and TikTok Shop SEO—it’s knowing how to use both. Invest in high-quality content and keyword strategy for Google, while building a creative video presence on TikTok.
Whether you need help with ranking on search engines or optimizing your TikTok Shop content, partnering with an SEO consultant or TikTok Shop agency can save you time and drive faster results. Each platform requires a unique strategy, but both are essential to building a modern, resilient eCommerce brand.