How To Leverage Instagram's New SEO Update Through Your Social Media Strategy

Have You Heard About Instagram's Major July 2025 Update?

If not, you're already two steps behind - but don't worry, we're about to catch you up.

Instagram is about to roll out one of the biggest updates we've seen in a long time. Starting July 10, 2025, Google Search will begin indexing public Instagram and Facebook content, including Reels, captions, images, and even bios.

That means your Instagram content isn't just for your followers anymore. It's for everyone searching on Google.

If you missed our breakdown of the update itself, read the full blog here: Instagram & Facebook SEO Update: Why It Matters for Your Brand

So What Should You Actually Do About It?

Great question. Here's your detailed guide on how to strategically leverage this SEO opportunity through your social media posts, bios, and content plan.

This isn’t just about making a few tweaks - this is a full shift in how we approach Instagram content.

Step 1: Update Your Instagram Bio for SEO

Your bio is now searchable. That means you need to treat it like metadata:

What to include:

• Your business type (e.g. “Social Media Agency” or “Holistic Wellness Coach”)

• Your niche keywords (e.g. “gluten-free recipes,” “Toronto real estate,” “women’s retreats”)

• Your location (if relevant for local SEO)

• A strong CTA (like “Book a discovery call” or “View packages below”)

  
  

Tip: Avoid using vague phrases that sound nice but mean nothing (ex: “Spreading good vibes”). Use language your ideal client would actually search.

Step 2: Treat Captions Like Mini Blog Posts

Google reads your captions. So now, you should be writing for both humans and search engines.

How to write SEO-friendly captions:

• Lead with a strong, keyword-based hook

• Naturally integrate target keywords (no stuffing!)

• Use formatting like bullet points or short paragraphs to keep it scannable

• End with a CTA that encourages engagement or clicks

Example:

“In a small city like Sudbury, standing out is everything. Here’s how to tell if your branding’s blending in — and what to do next.”

Relevant keyword targets: Branding in Sudbury, Sudbury small business branding, branding services.

Step 3: Reels Need Real Titles Now

This update includes Reels indexing — meaning your Reels have the potential to rank on Google.

What to do:

• Add keyword-rich titles to your Reels

• Use relevant hashtags that reflect your niche and location

• Include your target keyword in the first sentence of the caption (without making it sound keyword-stuffed)

  
  

Think of your Reel like a YouTube video. The title should communicate value, problem-solving, or curiosity.

Step 4: Optimize Alt Text for Search & Accessibility

Alt text isn’t just for screen readers anymore — it’s another spot for Google (or other search engines) to understand your content.

Best practices for alt text:

• Describe what’s visually in the image

• Use 1–2 niche keywords naturally

• Avoid keyword stuffing or vague phrases like “cool photo”

Example:

“A custom brand identity designed by Haus of Dawn to elevate visibility and connection for small businesses in Northern Ontario.”

Step 5: Use Google-Friendly Language in Your Posts

Don’t write captions that only make sense inside your community bubble. Write with the searcher in mind:

• Use terms people actually search for — not just brand lingo

• Answer questions your audience might Google

• Focus on clarity, not cleverness

  
  

Examples of good phrases to include:

• “Social Media Agency in Sudbury”

• “Best social media tools for small business”

• “Branding in Sudbury”

  
  

Step 6: Keep Everything Public (If You Can)

Google will not index:

• Private profiles

• Stories

• DMs

• Archived content

  
  

Only public-facing, feed-based content gets picked up. If you’re building a brand, make your content public wherever possible.

Why This Is a Huge Opportunity for Small Businesses

For years, small brands have fought against big ad budgets and algorithm fatigue. This update levels the playing field by giving organic content another powerful discovery channel.

If you:

• Don’t have the time or money to run ads

• Rely heavily on Instagram to drive leads

• Want to increase reach without constant hustle

Then Instagram SEO is now your best friend.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Instagram Is Searchable

Social platforms are no longer just for scrolling — they’re part of your content marketing ecosystem.

The brands that win in this new era will be the ones who:

• Write with intention

• Know what their audience is searching for

• Use every character and caption to build visibility

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So yes, the algorithm still matters — but now, so do Search Engines.

Want help building a search-optimized content plan that works on and off the feed? Let us do the heavy lifting.

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