Did you know? 70% of Instagram users discover new brands through search and explore.
If your profile isn’t showing up in search, you’re missing free traffic. The good news? You can fix this with simple Instagram SEO tips.
This blog shares 10 practical Instagram SEO tips to increase your visibility, boost engagement, and attract the right audience. Let’s optimise your presence!
- Understanding Instagram SEO
- What People Do Now and Why It Falls Short
- A Smarter Way to Do Instagram SEO
- Benefits of the New Approach
- How to Use These Instagram SEO Tips
- A Real Example: Kerala Travel Brand
- Best Ways to Use Instagram SEO
- Solving Common Instagram SEO Problems
- Future of Instagram SEO
- FAQs on Instagram SEO
Understanding Instagram SEO
Instagram SEO means optimising your profile and posts so people can find you when they search for specific topics. Just like Google, Instagram’s algorithm uses keywords, hashtags, and engagement signals.
You want your name, bio, captions, and hashtags to include keywords your target audience is likely to search for.
Main Parts of Instagram SEO
-
Username and Name Field
-
Bio and Keywords
-
Hashtags
-
Captions
-
Alt Text
-
Location Tags
-
Engagement
-
Guides
-
Content Consistency
What People Do Now and Why It Falls Short
Many people focus only on aesthetics—pretty pictures, trendy reels, and filters. But they forget to make content discoverable.
If your profile doesn’t use the right keywords or tags, even your best reel won’t reach your ideal viewer.
✨ Important Point: Instagram only shows content that it understands. No keywords = no discovery.
Common Mistakes in Instagram SEO
-
Using generic usernames (e.g., @coolguy123)
-
No location or niche in bio
-
Using only trending hashtags without niche ones
-
Ignoring alt text
-
Not pinning best posts
-
Inconsistent posting
A Smarter Way to Do Instagram SEO
Good Instagram SEO starts with keyword clarity and niche focus. By making small tweaks to your profile and content strategy, your discoverability skyrockets.
Let Instagram’s algorithm know exactly what you’re about.
✨ Important Point: Treat your Instagram like a mini-website. Every word counts.
Main Ideas of the New Method
-
Optimise your username and name field with keywords
-
Write a keyword-rich, location-specific bio
-
Use niche, branded, and trending hashtags wisely
-
Include keywords in the first line of captions
-
Always tag location and add alt text
-
Pin your best content
-
Post consistently with a clear theme
-
Use Guides for grouped content
Benefits of the New Approach
You don’t just get more views; you get better views—from people who actually care about your content or business.
Whether you’re a Kerala tour guide, a baking coach, or a digital agency, your ideal audience can now find you.
✨ Important Point: Keyword-rich content brings you people who are searching for you.
Things That Get Better
-
More profile visits
-
Higher reel views
-
Better engagement
-
Faster follower growth
-
Increased local discovery
How to Use These Instagram SEO Tips
First Step: Optimise Username and Name Field
Add your niche and location. E.g., @malappuram_digitalagency, Name: Digital Marketing Kerala.
Second Step: Write a Keyword-Rich Bio
Mention what you do, for whom, and where. E.g., “Online English Classes for Kids | Chennai”
Third Step: Use All Other Elements
-
Add hashtags: #KeralaReels #DigitalIndia #KarikkuDrink
-
Add alt text via Advanced Settings
-
Use location tags and Guides
👉 Expert Advice: Post at the same time daily, interact within 1 hour, and keep a consistent aesthetic.
A Real Example: Kerala Travel Brand
The Problem
A travel page posted stunning content but had very low discovery.
What They Did
Changed handle to @kerala_backwaters_travel and added bio: “Alleppey Houseboat Tours | Local Expert”
What Happened
Discovery doubled in 3 weeks. Reel engagement improved 150% with better hashtags and alt text.
Best Ways to Use Instagram SEO
1: Keyword Planning
List 10 keywords your audience searches. Use in bio, captions, hashtags.
2: Hashtag Batching
Use a mix of trending, niche, and brand hashtags. Rotate batches weekly.
3: Pin Your Best Posts
Pin reels or posts with top keywords and views to show your niche fast.
✨ Important Point: Hashtags + captions + alt text = search power boost.
Solving Common Instagram SEO Problems
Problem 1: No Reach on Reels
Solution: Add niche hashtags and location tags.
Problem 2: Low Profile Visits
Solution: Fix your name field and add local keyword.
Problem 3: Low Post Engagement
Solution: Ask questions in captions and use polls.
👉 Expert Advice: Use CTA in captions like “Comment your city” or “Tag a friend who needs this.”
Future of Instagram SEO
New Trend 1: Voice Search and Spoken Keywords
Instagram may soon recognise spoken text in reels for SEO.
New Trend 2: AI-Powered Discovery
AI will better understand content context. Keywords will be key!
New Trend 3: Regional Language SEO
Using Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil in bios and captions will boost regional reach.
✨ Important Point: Stay ahead by using the right language and tools.
FAQs on Instagram SEO
Q: Should I change my Instagram username?
A: Yes, if it doesn’t show your niche or location. Make it SEO-friendly.
Q: What’s the best number of hashtags?
A: Use 20-30 hashtags mixing niche, trend, and brand terms.
Q: Does alt text help on Instagram?
A: Yes! It helps visually impaired users and boosts discovery.
Q: How often should I post?
A: 3-5 times a week is great. Keep it consistent.
