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5 Instagram SEO tips to help your audience reach

Instagram is more than just a platform for beautiful photos and trending Reels. It is now one of the most powerful search engines for connecting with your ideal audience. With Instagram SEO, you can increase how often your profile and content are discovered by the right people.

In this guide, we will cover 5 effective Instagram SEO tips you can start using today to help your audience reach.

1. Optimise your profile for search

Your profile is your shop window. A well-optimised Instagram profile makes it easier for potential customers to find you both within Instagram’s search and through search engines like Google and Bing.

Here are a few essentials:

• Use a clear, on-brand profile photo.
• Ensure your display name and username reflect what you do.
• Make your profile public so all content can be indexed.
• Add your location if you work with local clients.

2. Incorporate Instagram SEO keywords into your content

Keywords are not just for your website. By adding the right words and phrases to your Instagram profile and captions, you can make it easier for the algorithm to understand your content and show it to the right people.

A practical tip is to include keywords in:

• Your bio description.
• Captions for posts and Reels.
• Alt text (more on that below).
• Your Instagram Highlights.

3. Use hashtags strategically

Hashtags are like signposts for Instagram’s algorithm. When used correctly, they can help your posts appear in searches from people who do not yet follow you.

Rather than filling your caption with dozens of random tags, focus on 3–5 highly relevant hashtags.

4. Add subtitles to your videos and Reels

Video content has exploded on Instagram, but here is an important statistic: many users watch with the sound off. Subtitles make your content accessible and also give you another opportunity to add keywords.

5. Use Instagram alt text for better accessibility and discoverability

Alt text is often overlooked, but it is a key part of Instagram SEO. By describing your image and including relevant keywords, you help both visually impaired users and Instagram’s search algorithms understand your content.

To add alt text:

1. When creating a post, go to Advanced Settings.
2. Scroll to Accessibility.
3. Write a descriptive alt text, including your keywords.

Instagram SEO is about making your content discoverable to the right audience at the right time. By optimising your profile, using keywords, choosing hashtags strategically, adding subtitles, and writing effective alt text, you increase the chances of your posts being found by potential customers.

If you are feeling unsure where to start, working with a marketing agency or digital marketing agency such as Plenty of Stuff Studio can help you avoid trial and error.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help with your social media for your company.

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Written by Tim Holt

Written on Friday, 15 August 2025

Tim Holt

Author/ Director, Plenty of Stuff Studio

Tim brings years of marketing expertise, specialising in SEO and website design. His leadership drives our innovative approach to enhancing online presence for our clients. Outside of work, Tim enjoys art and hiking, having conquered the South Downs Way, and North Downs Way.

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