You’ve likely heard of search engine optimization (SEO) regarding websites but might not realize it’s important on Instagram. The right SEO strategy will help you show up in more places on the app, meaning you’ll expand your reach. With that in mind, let’s go over some SEO tips so the algorithm will show your posts in feeds, search results, and as suggested content for users that don’t currently follow your account. Once you reach a new audience, you can convert the prospects and make sales. Thus, let’s dive in so you can expand your reach.
Make Your Profile SEO Friendly
A solid Instagram SEO strategy should begin with optimizing your profile. First, brainstorm for keywords that represent you as a creator or a brand. Then add a keyword to your username or name on your profile. It’s often easier to add a keyword to your name. You can start with your actual name or the name of your brand and follow that with a keyword. For instance, you might choose “Company X: Twitter Marketing.”
You also need to add some keywords to your bio but avoid keyword stuffing. Make sure to include them naturally so your profile doesn’t look spammy.
Add Descriptive Keywords to Your Caption
People often use the search tool to look for specific keywords, such as “Instagram SEO tips” or “cooking videos.” You can reach a whole new audience by adding descriptive keywords when creating Instagram captions.
If you want to get the most out of this strategy, use different keywords for each caption. That way, you can open yourself up to more users. You can make this easier by writing out your captions in advance. Then input different keywords and load them into a scheduler to be posted later. This will allow you to expand your reach and grow your following steadily.
Include Hashtags Before Publishing
In the past, people searched for hashtags on Instagram. Now, they can find posts by searching for keywords, hashtags, usernames, and more. Still, hashtags are just as important as they ever were, so include them in all of your posts.
While you can use up to 30 hashtags, it’s a good idea to include 3-5. That way, you won’t appear spammy to users or Instagram’s algorithm.
If you have trouble coming up with a new list of hashtags, you can use a hashtag suggestion tool. Just remember to research and find new hashtags from time to time. This will allow you to stay on top of what your audience is searching for on the app.
Edit the Alt Text on Images
Instagram automatically adds alt text to images so those with visual impairments can enjoy the content. This also comes in handy if the content fails to load for some reason or another. Additionally, the alt text is used for SEO purposes when choosing which posts to display. Unfortunately, the automatic alt text doesn’t always accurately reflect the content, so it could hurt you as far as SEO goes. While that’s the bad news, the good news is that you can change it.
You’ll need to navigate to “Advanced Settings” when uploading an image. You’ll find this at the bottom of the screen, under the caption. Then click “Write Alt Text” and add your description, including keywords.
You can also go back and edit the photos you’ve already posted. You’ll need to click the three dots at the top of the photo, and then you’ll be able to edit the alt text.
Ensure Your Contact Information Is Correct
You have to make sure your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) are the same across all channels, including Instagram. If there’s even a slight variation, Google and other search engines will penalize your site across the board. That means your listing might not show up on Google Business, and people might not find your Instagram account. Thus, check your business information to ensure it matches with the info you have on other sites. If it doesn’t match, edit it now so your NAP is the same across all networks and channels.
Keep Your Account in Good Standing
Your SEO strategies will be for naught if you don’t keep your account in good standing. Thus, you need to avoid black hat SEO techniques that can cause Instagram to bury your account.
First, avoid using bots on Instagram. For example, if you decide to buy Instagram likes, don’t use a bot for it. Instead, purchase real likes from people so you can get the results you want without being penalized.
You also need to avoid keyword stuffing on your account. Thus, don’t use irrelevant keywords to reach more people. Instead, every keyword should fit the photo or video you’ve uploaded.
Additionally, don’t use too many keywords when uploading photos and videos. If you stuff your posts with 30 keywords, Instagram will view your account as spammy and won’t show it to as many people.
Finally, avoid following too many accounts at once. You do need to follow other users as part of your strategy, but following too many at once will make Instagram think you’re using a bot. Then it will decrease your reach and visibility.
As a general rule, don’t follow more than 10 accounts in an hour. If you follow any more than that, you’ll get on Instagram’s radar for the wrong reasons.
Start Using These Instagram SEO Tips Today
It takes a while for an SEO strategy to take root, so get started today. By implementing your strategy now, you can begin to enjoy the results in a few weeks. Then those results will continue to improve over the course of several months.
Remember to buy real Instagram likes to get your strategy off the ground. Then you’ll begin reaching more people, so you can build a following while expanding your reach. This is the key to reaching your goals on Instagram.
