How To: Using SEO On Instagram To Expand Your Reach

In the digital marketing world, we all know to use SEO on our websites. But did you know you can use it on your business’s Instagram, as well? These days, Instagram is often used as a research tool, like Google or any other search engine. It’s important to utilize SEO on your Instagram account to connect with those looking for content in your niche. Here’s how: 

1. Be Detailed In Your Captions 
   Captions DO matter, get descriptive! Incorporate keywords that are relevant to your brand. Keywords will help the algorithm determine what topics are aligned with your account, leading more accounts to discover you if they’re looking for related subjects. This doesn’t mean your captions need to be 2 paragraphs long and stuffed with every word you can think of. Just be sure to describe what the actual content in the post is! 

2. Utilize Your Instagram Profile
   When creating your profile, try to choose a username that will incorporate a keyword. Yes, your business name may look good for branding, but it can be hard for people to find your account when looking for different options in your area. For example, if you’re a hair salon…try adding “hair salon” or “hair stylist” in your username. If you have already chosen a username you can’t part ways with, your name and your bio are great places to add keywords! 

3. Take Advantage Of The “Alt Text” Feature 
   The Alt Text feature on Instagram is great for reaching users who are visually impaired and also allows for better optimization. Instagram does create its own alt text for your posts, however it is more beneficial to create your own because they occasionally leave out vital parts of your content. You can find this feature by creating an Instagram post then going to advanced settings > accessibility > write alt text. 

4. Hashtags!
   Hashtags may seem like old news, but they are beneficial to your Instagram SEO routine. Instagram allows for up to 30 tags on each post. The “right” hashtag strategy varies depending on your business, everyones different! We recommend trying out different numbers of hashtags on different posts, to see what amount of hashtags work best for you. Some brands are successful using all 30, others are successful using just 5! 

Start creating an Instagram SEO strategy today to gain new followers and boost engagement rates. If you need help with your business’s digital marketing, contact us today! Let’s get you discovered!