TikTok’s Yelp-Like Features Boost Local Discovery

TikTok’s Yelp-Like features are shaking up the social media landscape! Imagine reaching potential customers right where they’re scrolling. For marketers, this means new opportunities to engage with a younger, more dynamic audience.

This isn’t just a platform for dance challenges anymore—TikTok’s rolling out features that make finding local hotspots a breeze, with categorized videos for food, hotels, and shopping.

Why’s this such a big deal? It’s changing how we discover local gems. For Gen Z, TikTok has become their go-to search tool, with 62% of the 18 to 24 demographic preferring it over Google. Curious how TikTok’s latest feature could transform your local marketing strategy? Let’s roll!

via GIPHY

Unpacking TikTok’s Yelp-Like Features 

Alright, let’s dive into TikTok’s cool new tricks! These new Yelp-Like features are not just a flashy update—they offer marketers a powerful tool to enhance visibility and drive engagement. And they are not just about adding flair—they’re about enhancing user experience and discovery. Here’s a closer look:

• Categorized Location-Specific Videos: TikTok now sorts content into categories like food, drink, and shopping. This means no more endless scrolling to find the perfect spot. For instance, if a TikTok user is craving sushi, TikTok’s categorized videos let them preview the ambience and customer reviews without leaving the app.
• Explore More Places Button: This new feature opens a map showing businesses tagged in TikTok posts. Marketers can highlight their business’s location, pricing, and other key details directly on TikTok, helping potential customers make informed decisions and reducing the chances of missed opportunities due to unclear information.

This feature doesn’t just show where places are. It spills the beans on addresses and even gives them a heads-up on price ranges. 

TikTok is evolving into a comprehensive tool for local discovery, offering businesses the chance to serve up content directly to users looking for specific experiences.

[Must Read: Go Viral on TikTok in Just 7 Easy and Simple Steps]

What’s in It for Local Businesses?

With TikTok’s new Yelp-like features transforming the local discovery landscape, businesses of all sizes now have an opportunity to shine. These enhancements offer a powerful way for local joints to stand out and connect with potential customers. 

Local Businesses Step Into the TikTok Spotlight

TikTok’s new features are a goldmine for local businesses looking to make a splash. These features let local businesses showcase their unique vibe.

A local brewery could use TikTok to spotlight its unique craft beers, perhaps featuring the brewing process or behind-the-scenes footage of a tasting event. It’s not just about being seen—it’s about being discovered by those actively seeking their services.

Shift in Consumer Behavior

Gone are the days when people solely relied on boring review sites or clunky search engines. Now they’re turning to TikTok for quick, vibrant snippets of real experiences. This shift is a golden opportunity for businesses to attract younger customers. These digital natives trust visual content more than text reviews.

TikTok’s positioning itself as the go-to app for local discovery among the youth. For businesses, this means adapting their marketing strategy and creating engaging short-form videos that capture the essence of their brand.

By tapping into this trend, local businesses can build a loyal following of young customers who’ll not just visit but also spread the word through their own TikTok content. It’s a virtuous cycle of visibility, engagement, and growth.

TikTok vs the Giants in Local Search

Move over, Yelp! TikTok’s muscling into your turf. Folks are ditching traditional review sites and flocking to TikTok to scope out local eateries and travel hotspots. It’s like having a cool friend show you around town through 15-second video tours.

So why the shift? TikTok’s new features are shaking up the local search landscape. Unlike Yelp and Google, which rely on text reviews and static photos, TikTok offers a dynamic, immersive experience. Users get real-time, unfiltered glimpses of businesses, enhancing their search experience with live video tours and authentic user reviews.

How Can Marketers Utilize the New Features?

TikTok’s new features are a goldmine waiting to be tapped. First off, these Yelp-like features are your ticket to hyper-local targeting. You can now reach folks who are actively looking for businesses like yours in specific areas. It’s like having a billboard right where your potential customers are hanging out.

Create Authentic Content

TikTok thrives on genuine, unpolished content. Showcase the behind-the-scenes of your business or the making of your products. Authenticity builds trust and connection with viewers.

[Must Read: TikTok Videos Ultimate Guide: Tips, Examples, Tools, Etc.]

Create Engaging Location-Specific Content

Produce short, visually appealing videos that highlight your business’s unique features, atmosphere, and offerings. Use geotags and local hashtags to increase visibility.

For example, a cafe could create a series of videos showcasing their signature drinks, cozy interior, or barista skills. Include text overlays with your business name and address to make it easily identifiable.

Utilize User-Generated Content

Encourage your customers to create and share their own TikTok videos featuring your business. You might even run contests to incentivize participation. This not only boosts your reach but also builds credibility through authentic user experiences.

Partner with Local Influencers

Collaborate with TikTok creators who have a strong local following. Have them create content that showcases your business in action – for example, a local fashion influencer could do a “shop with me” video at your boutique, highlighting specific items and the store layout. This not only creates authentic content but also leverages the influencer’s audience to increase your visibility.

Utilize TikTok’s New Features Strategically

Take advantage of TikTok’s “explore more places” button by ensuring your business information is up-to-date and comprehensive. Create a series of videos that align with TikTok’s categorized location-specific videos (food, drink, hotels, shopping).

For example, a hotel could create separate videos showcasing their rooms, dining options, and nearby attractions, making it easier for users to find relevant content about your business.

Understand and Optimize for TikTok’s Algorithm

TikTok’s algorithm favors content that keeps users engaged. Create videos that capture attention quickly, encourage interaction, and use trending sounds or hashtags. The more engaging your content, the more likely it is to be promoted by the algorithm.

[Must Read: TikTok Algorithm 2024 Explained: How It Works + Tips to Go Viral]

Remember, on TikTok, you’re not just a marketer – you’re a content creator. So put on your creative hat, grab your phone, and start filming. Your next customer might be just a swipe away!

The Hurdles and Considerations on the New Feature

As exciting as TikTok’s new Yelp-like features are, they come with their own set of challenges. Before diving into this new local search phenomenon, it’s important to consider a few key hurdles.

The Trust Tango of TikTok Reviews

While it’s buzzing with potential, there’s a fly in the ointment we need to address—the trustworthiness of user-generated content. Sure, those flashy influencer videos make that new sushi joint look like heaven on earth. But let’s keep it real—not everything that glitters is gold. 

Unlike traditional review sites, there’s no vetting process, so anyone with a phone can claim they’re a food critic or travel guru. Some content creators might be more interested in snagging free meals than giving honest reviews. 

TikTok’s Search Can Hit a Rock

Now, let’s talk about TikTok’s search mojo. While it’s great for finding that trendy avocado toast spot, it might leave users high and dry for more complex queries.

TikTok’s search function excels at simple, location-based searches but struggles with more nuanced queries. For example, searching for “gluten-free vegan restaurants with outdoor seating that allow dogs” on Google gets a neat list. On TikTok, users would be sifting through videos for hours, with less structured information.

To expand on the limitations, business owners can do the following:

• Supplement with SEO: Businesses should complement their TikTok presence with strong SEO strategies on other platforms to ensure comprehensive visibility.
• Detail Accessibility: TikTok isn’t the best at providing detailed info like operating hours or reservations. Consider using other platforms for this kind of information.

TikTok’s short attention span also means that content moves fast. That hot new café posted last week might be buried under a mountain of new videos by now. While TikTok’s shaking things up in local search, it’s not about to dethrone Google anytime soon. It’s more of a sidekick—great for inspiration and quick finds, but not a go-to for serious research.

Boost Your Local Discovery Through TikTok

We’ve explored TikTok’s bold move into local search—a game-changer with a mix of excitement and unpredictability. By rolling out Yelp-Like features, TikTok offers a visual feast that transforms mindless scrolling into a treasure hunt for local gems.

For marketers and local businesses, TikTok is a fresh ball game. With its younger audience and unique features, it’s crucial to be on TikTok to tap into this new wave of potential customers. However, it’s not without flaws. Content reliability can be shaky, and complex searches remain a challenge.

TikTok’s Yelp-like features are a valuable addition to your marketing toolkit but shouldn’t replace traditional strategies. Use it alongside other platforms to create a robust, multi-faceted approach. 

Embrace TikTok’s potential, but balance it with tried-and-true methods. It’s about blending innovation with reliability to make your business stand out. So dive in and see how TikTok can spice up your local discovery game. Happy TikToking!

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