There has been a lot of discussion lately in the digital community about SEO (Search Engine Optimization), but have you ever heard that this technique for achieving better organic visibility can also be applied to the social network Instagram?

The truth is that it can – except, of course, the steps taken are adapted to a social platform rather than Google searches.

The primary goal of Instagram SEO is to make your profile more discoverable. This way, more people will have the opportunity to find your profile, potentially follow you, and then you create opportunities for further interaction.

Advertising on social media is a very effective way to increase profile traffic, but we have decided to show you a few methods you can use to improve visibility organically.

The Instagram algorithm works in a specific way, and the methods we suggest are aligned with its rules.

So, we invite you to keep reading!

Use keywords in visual titles

Until recently, the only way for users to reach your profile was by typing your username, first and last name, through hashtags, or by searching by location.

It seems that Instagram has evolved and decided to reward creative profile owners.

Today, you can boost your visibility by adding specific keywords to the titles of your posts. When users type in words that are in your post title, they will be able to find you.

If you use keywords in post titles, your chances of appearing on the Explore page increase.

Additionally, large, clear titles will attract users to click specifically on your post.

Keywords are not just for titles – it is also advised to include them in your profile name. Aligning your profile name with the business you are in, and ideally adding a relevant keyword, puts you on the right track to greater visibility.

In short, do not randomly add keywords – the closer the connection to who you are and what you do, the higher the relevance for users.

Include hashtags under posts on public profiles

Hashtags are a great way for users to discover new content. If you identify the right hashtags that are frequently used and apply them relevantly in your posts, your chances of visibility increase.

You need to determine which hashtags your target audience searches for. Some hashtags may not be overly popular, but they will be ideal for a specific group of users.

Here are a few tips for choosing the right hashtags:

• relevance;
• a combination of niche, popularity, and specificity;
• limit hashtags to 3 to 5 per post;
• avoid overly generic hashtags.

Try to create a selection that strikes the ideal balance between popularity and relevance to your profile.

The Insights option will show you how many users actually reached you via a particular hashtag. This makes it easy to assess its usefulness.

Add ALT text to photos

Adding ALT text to images on websites is a very useful activity from an SEO perspective – it provides text descriptions for visually impaired users.

Although adding ALT text was originally a function used to make Instagram more accessible, today it is also highly useful from the perspective of Instagram optimization.

Previously, you had to enter this text manually, while today it is inserted automatically, making posting easier. However, if you want your profile to be as visible as possible to users – and aligned with algorithm rules – take the time to optimize it!

Even though ALT text is generated automatically, you still have the opportunity to edit it. Manually enrich it with important keywords that are relevant to your profile and appropriate for the image, and you can look forward to improved organic traffic.

Keep content relevant for your followers

Another trick for greater organic traffic and better visibility in Instagram searches is keeping your content relevant to users. This is the only way you can be recognized as someone who provides the right answers to their queries.

The Instagram algorithm will recognize the useful content you create for your loyal audience. One shining example of this approach is niche-specific content hubs where people come to learn specific things of interest.

Not only will the Instagram algorithm recognize you as valuable for new followers, but by creating high-quality, useful content, you will also retain your existing fans more easily.

Define your business story, target audience, and niche, and start publishing content that is relevant to all of the above.

Finally, the question arises – how can you track the results of your Instagram SEO activities?

Nothing without measuring results!

You have decided to implement all the suggested methods, but you are logically wondering how to monitor the results of all these activities.

We will give you the answer – in fact, Instagram will.

Instagram Insights is a tool you gain access to when you create a business profile, and it will allow you to monitor your results based on pre-set indicators.

These indicators should be set before you implement improvements, and for example, they may include:

• total post views – impressions;
• number of people who saw the post – reach;
• number of profile visits;
• number of followers.

Instagram is a very interesting platform that offers many options for presenting yourself in the best light – you just need to know how to use them.