Instagram Posts Will Now Show Up in Google Searches. Here’s How You Can Stand Out.
Instagram just made a big move. Your posts now have the opportunity to be indexed by Google and other search engines. This means your content isn’t just for your followers anymore; it has the chance to show up when someone searches for your products or services. For small businesses, this is a huge opportunity, especially if your posts are optimized the right way.
5 tips to set your business up for success:
1. Write Search-Friendly Captions
Although cool, and even a little bit trendy… skip vague one-liners. Use clear, descriptive language that your ideal customer may actually be looking for in a search query.
For example, you’re a coffee shop in Calgary. Instead of “Summer vibes ☕️”, try “Calgary coffee shop serving iced lattes and homemade pastries.”
2. Use Keywords in Your Profile & Posts
If you’re working with 48th, we’ve probably already had you update your profile because this is already, SO IMPORTANT! Think about the words people would search to find you and sprinkle them into your bio, captions, and alt text.
Pro tip: Your Instagram bio is prime real estate for keywords. You’re a Custom Homebuilder in Calgary? Well, those are certainly key search terms, so definitely include them!
3. Add Alt Text to Your Images
Instagram lets you write custom alt text for accessibility. But did you know that search engines use it too? The purpose of alt text is to describe the content of your image for people using screen readers, while also giving search engines helpful context about what’s in the photo.
Takeaway: Describe what’s in the photo and naturally work in keywords.
4. Link with Purpose
Include a website link in your bio and also ensure your site is optimized for search engines and other AI tools. Search engines love a clear connection between your social profiles and your website.
Hot take: Increase your credibility with links to relevant, high-quality destinations your audience already trusts and visits.
5. Keep Your Website Optimized Too!
A dialled-in social strategy should work seamlessly with your website. What does that mean?
Fast load speeds - the right image files are key
Mobile-first, web design, always. With 64% of global web visits happening on mobile devices, a site that isn’t mobile-friendly could mean you're losing out on potential customers.
Keyword-rich page titles and descriptions, above the fold!
It’s Not Just SEO Anymore. Meet AIO.
AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are starting to pull content directly from websites and social channels. To show up in AI results, make your posts easy for machines to “understand” by being:
Descriptive (spell things out instead of using only slang or inside jokes)
Structured (use headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs on your site)
Consistent (post regularly so you’re seen as active and relevant)
At 48th Media Co., we’re baking SEO and AIO thinking into every organic social media post and every website we build. From keyword-rich captions to search-friendly web design, our goal is to help your business show up where your customers are looking. Whether that’s in Google, on Instagram, or inside the latest AI search tool.
Explore more about how our organic Social Media Management and Website Design services could support you.
