What is Instagram SEO?
Why Instagram SEO Matters for Your Brand
Just like on Google, people use Instagram’s search bar to find accounts, content, and hashtags that interest them. If you’re not optimising your content for search, you’re missing out on a massive opportunity to be discovered by potential customers.
Instagram SEO also plays a crucial role in the “suggested posts” that show up in users’ feeds. By optimising your content, you have a higher chance of appearing in these recommendations and getting your brand in front of a wider, relevant audience.
Here’s How You Can Boost Your Instagram SEO
1. Write Descriptive Captions with Keywords
Instagram’s search algorithm now recognises more than just usernames and hashtags — it scans captions for keywords. Make sure your captions are detailed and relevant, using keywords that your audience is searching for. Think of it like writing a mini blog post for every image.
Pro Tip: Incorporate a mix of short-tail (e.g., “shoes”) and long-tail keywords (e.g., “vegan leather sneakers”) to increase your chances of appearing in more specific searches.
2. Add Keywords to Your Instagram Profile Name
Your profile name and username are searchable fields, so if you want to be found for specific terms, make sure to include them here. For example, if you run a vegan cafe, include keywords like “vegan” or “plant-based” in your username or name field.
3. Use Up to 30 Targeted Hashtags
Hashtags are still a powerful way to categorise and discover content on Instagram. Make sure you’re using relevant hashtags to increase your chances of being found by new users. You can add up to 30 hashtags per post, so take advantage of this to reach different segments of your audience.
4. Add Descriptive Alt Text to Your Instagram Posts
Alt text was originally designed for accessibility purposes, but it can also help with SEO. Instagram automatically generates alt text, but you can manually add it when you post to give a clearer description of what’s in the image. This helps Instagram categorize your content for search and Explore.
To add alt text, go to “Advanced Settings” when you’re creating a post, and write a custom description of your image. Just be careful not to keyword stuff — keep it natural and accurate.
5. Stay Consistent with Your Niche
The more consistent you are with the type of content you post, the easier it will be for Instagram to recognise your brand’s niche. By sticking to a theme, whether it’s the products you offer or the lifestyle your brand promotes, the algorithm will better understand where to place your posts and who to show them to.
6. Leverage Instagram Stories and Reels
While traditional posts are key for Instagram SEO, don’t forget about Stories and Reels. These features have their own search algorithms, and optimising your Stories and Reels with keywords, relevant hashtags, and location tags can also improve your visibility. These formats are highly engaging and often appear in the Explore feed, giving you more opportunities to be discovered.
Get More Out of Instagram with SEO
By following these steps, you’ll help Instagram’s algorithm understand your content better, and in return, your posts will show up for the people who are searching for what you offer. Whether you’re looking to build a loyal community, generate leads, or increase sales, SEO can play a significant role in your Instagram success.
If you’re ready to take your Instagram strategy to the next level, we can help. Our team specialises in optimising social media for growth, and we’d love to assist you in developing a tailored plan that works for your brand.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our Instagram growth strategies and how we can help you stand out in a crowded market.
