Instagram’s latest update brings an exciting change for small businesses: Google can now index your Instagram content if you’re using a business or creator account.
That means those Instagram photos, captions and reels you put so much effort into can now show up in Google’s search results, helping you reach people who might never have seen your business otherwise. Here’s how small business owners can make the most of Google indexing for Instagram content.
Instagram Is Now a Powerful SEO Tool
With Google indexing, your posts and reels continue working hard for you in Google’s search results, even after they’ve dropped off your followers’ feeds. This turns your Instagram account into an important part of your SEO toolkit. Every photo, caption and video you post is an opportunity to reach people who are actively searching for what you offer and to bring more people into your sales funnel.
How To Set Up Your Instagram For Google Indexing
To take advantage of Google indexing, you’ll need to make sure your account is Google-ready. Here’s how to get started.
Make Sure You’re Using a Professional Account
You must have either a business or a creator account on Instagram for Google to index your posts.
If you’ve been using a personal account, here’s how to switch:
- Tap on your profile
- Tap “edit profile”
- Select the “switch to a professional account” option
- Follow the prompts
Once you’ve made the switch, your account will automatically be made public.
Check That You Have Indexing Turned On
Your business or creator account should automatically be set to allow Google indexing, but it’s a good idea to check. Go to account privacy (under settings) and make sure “allow photos and videos to appear in search engine results” is toggled on.
And that’s it! Google will now be able to index your Instagram content.
Tips for Creating Search-Friendly Instagram Content
On Instagram, it’s always important to make sure your posts look good visually. But now you also want to make sure Google can easily understand your posts. Follow these pointers to optimize your content for search.
- Write clear, descriptive captions. Include keywords that people might use when they’re searching Google for your product or service.
- Add alt text to images and videos. Fill in the alt text field with a simple description of the image or video you’re posting.
- Use location tags on relevant posts. Adding location tags puts you in the running when a potential customer makes a “business near me” search.
- Be strategic with hashtags. Hashtags help your posts surface on Instagram’s search pages or the Explore page, making it easier for Google to find and index your content.
- Share content that answers questions. People turn to Google for answers, so sharing how-tos, tips, FAQs and tutorials helps your posts rank higher.
- Guide people to the link in your bio. Visitors from Google might not be familiar with how links work on Instagram, so be sure to direct them to the link in your bio.
Best Practices for a Search-Ready Instagram Account
These guidelines can help ensure the Instagram content people see from search results builds trust and credibility – and truly reflects your business today.
- Review and update older posts. Regularly review and update older content to make sure it’s still relevant (and remove posts that no longer serve your brand).
- Make your profile search friendly. Include clear, keyword-rich wording in your bio to describe what you do and where you’re located.
- Use highlights strategically. Use clear highlight titles (for example, “Menu,” “Services” or “Shop”) to help both Google and potential customers see what your business offers at a glance.
- Keep tabs on your Google results. Regularly search “site:instagram.com/yourusername” to check what’s showing up in Google and update any indexed content that needs a strategic refresh.
Google indexing can help grow your Instagram content’s reach, with posts that keep on working long after they leave your followers’ feeds.
