Imagine you are playing a savvy game of hide and seek. The difference is you have to make sure that you can be found easily. It’s all about using the right tricks so that when people search for specific content like yours, your Instagram pops up first. And now, we are going to share some secrets of how you can ace it!
Optimise Your Username and Bio Profile
Optimising your username and bio on Instagram is like setting up the perfect storefront sign. Making it clear, attractive, and easy for people (and Instagram’s search algorithm) to know what your profile is all about.
Username
Keep it clear and recognisable. Choose a username closely related to your business or brand. If you’re a baker named Jess, something like “@BakerJess” is straightforward. Avoid complicated spellings! You want people to find you easily when they type your name in the search bar.
Do thorough keyword research about your business and keep an eye out for related terms that can also describe your business. Use the most searched keyword with the lowest competition level that you can find.
Bio
Imagine this is your mini billboard. Focus-on-keywords. Include keywords that people might use to search for your business. For Baker Jess, keywords could be “artisanal bread,” “custom cakes,” or “baking classes”. You can also make your bio more than just informative. Add a bit of personality or a catchy phrase that reflects your brand’s vibe!
Using hashtags and emojis is fun! If there’s a hashtag closely associated with your brand, include it. Emojis can also break up the text and make your bio more eye-catching.
If you are a local business, you can include a CTA (Call To Action) to encourage visitors to take action, like clicking on a link to your shop or using a specific hashtag to share their purchases. If you have a physical location, include that too. Geotags are also very handy. Use it in your posts to say “We’re here!”
Profile Picture
To create a very good first impression, use a sharp, recognisable profile picture. For personal brands, a headshot in good lighting is ideal. Try your best to have it cropped with the perfect size and incorporate an eye-catching pop of colour! The best resolution is 110 x 110 pixels with an aspect ratio of 1:1. Try to not go too high on resolutions as Instagram will compress your image. For businesses, a logo works well with the same rules applied.
Highlights and Story Covers
Use your story highlights to showcase important aspects of your branding. Make sure the covers for these highlights match your overall aesthetic.
It would be superb if you could make it super easy for both Instagram’s algorithm and people to understand who you are, what you offer, and why they should care. A well-optimised username and bio set the stage for this, creating a strong first impression that can lead to more followers and engagement.
Use Relevant Hashtags
Make your GPS for your posts! Use popular and relevant hashtags that describe your post or your brand. It helps your posts get discovered by more people, even those who don’t follow you yet. They’re like keywords; when someone searches for a hashtag you’ve used, your post can pop up in their feed. You have a magic portal to new audiences in your hands!
Here’s how to rock hashtags on Instagram:
- You can mix it up with a blend of popular, niche, and branded hashtags. You can have some chart toppers, indie and personal favourites as always.
- Only use hashtags that are relevant and make sense for your post. If you’re posting a picture of your homemade pizza, using #PizzaLovers makes sense, but #BeachLife, hmm… Not so much.
- Research is the key! Always check out what hashtags your audience, competitors, and industry leaders are using. It’s fun to find out what’s trending in your neighbourhood.
- Come up with your own hashtag. Create a unique branded hashtag for your followers to use. Leave your personal graffiti tag on the Instagram wall, but remember to not overdo it! Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but you don’t need to use them all. Don’t overcrowd all your hashtags with made-up terms. Blend them in nicely along with popular hashtags.
- Change up your hashtags regularly to keep them fresh. Using the same ones over and over can make Instagram think you’re spammy.
- If you’re a local business, use location-based hashtags to get seen more by the neighbourhood through your post.
- Don’t be spammy on your hashtags. Use about 5 – 11 hashtags per post.
Check hashtag pages regularly. Before using a hashtag, look at its page to ensure it’s not overrun with irrelevant or inappropriate content. You don’t want to end up in the wrong crowd. Keep in mind that hashtags are a powerful tool to get your content seen by more eyeballs. Use them wisely, and they can amp up your Instagram game!
Engaging Captions with Keywords
Engaging captions with keywords on Instagram is super important for your Instagram SEO because it helps to make your posts more discoverable, engaging, and relatable. It’s not just about what your photo shows, but also the story you tell in the caption.
It’s also a conversation starter. A great caption can spark comments and interaction. This post you share helps in building a connection with your audience, kind of like sharing fun anecdotes at a party.
But how to do it? Here are some tips to go along naturally with your captions:
- Be You: Write as you talk. If you’re funny, be funny. If you’re thoughtful, dive deep. Authenticity wins.
- Use Keywords Naturally: If you’re a yoga instructor, weave in words like #YogaLife, #Mindfulness, etc., but in a way that feels natural, not forced.
- Ask Questions: This can be a direct question to your followers, like “What’s your favourite yoga pose?” It’s an invitation for them to engage.
- Include a Call-to-Action (CTA): Encourage followers to click the link in your bio, check out your latest post, or share their thoughts.
- Keep It Relevant: Your caption should match your photo or video. Off-topic captions can be confusing.
- Emoji Fun: Emojis add personality. But don’t overdo it. Be creative with your emoji uses. This is especially helpful if you are trying to engage with younger audiences.
A killer caption with the right keywords can turn a regular post into an engagement magnet. It’s about blending the right ingredients of personality, relevance, and strategic keywords to cook up the perfect Instagram post!
Alt Text on Images
Alt text on images is super important for SEO because it helps Instagram understand exactly what’s in your photo. This can make your posts more discoverable to people searching for content like yours. Plus, it’s really helpful for visually impaired users who use screen readers to ‘see’ your photos.
It can beat the Instagram algorithm because sometimes Instagram can’t fully understand what’s in an image. By adding alt text, you’re giving them a helping hand to categorise your photos better. Also, it’s a backup for image loading issues. If the image doesn’t load for some reason, the alt text will show up instead.
How to Add Alt Text on Instagram:
1. When You Post a New Photo:
- After you select a photo and edit it, go to the final sharing screen.
- Right under the caption field, you’ll see “Advanced Settings.” Tap that.
- Find the “Write Alt Text” option.
- Write a brief, descriptive text about what’s in the image. For example, “A golden retriever puppy playing in the park.”
To Add Alt Text to Existing Photos:
- Go to your photo and tap the three dots in the top right corner.
- Choose “Edit.”
- Tap “Edit Alt Text” in the bottom right of the photo.
- Add your description and tap “Done.”
Keep your alt text short but descriptive. You’re painting a picture with words. So next time you post, give your photos that extra edge with some helpful alt text!
Trending Sounds
Adding trending Instagram reel audio can also make your posts much more engaging and entertaining. You can start by making a simple short clip and matching the audio to make it pop and catchy. Another tip, use viral sounds. When you use a sound that’s going viral, your post is more likely to be seen by folks scrolling through their feeds or exploring that sound.
How to find trending audio for Instagram Reels?
- Explore and Observe. Regularly scroll the Reels tab on Instagram! Find the audio track used in the bottom left corner of the post. Divine the trending audio tracks, it usually has an upward arrow. See what sounds are being used in popular videos, especially those getting lots of likes and comments.
- Keep an eye on influencers and popular content creators in your niche. They often jump on trends early. It’s always good to follow trendsetters and modify it to your vibe!
- Take your time to do a little browsing on Instagram’s music library when creating Reels. Keep an eye out for trending audio labels. Sometimes, Instagram will label a track as “Trending” in the audio selection tool. That’s a big, flashing sign saying, “Use me for more views!”
- Keep an ear on other social media. Often, trends start on platforms like TikTok and migrate over to Instagram. If a sound is big on TikTok, it will likely be big on Instagram soon.
In-Frame Texts Reels
In-frame texts on Instagram Reels can grab viewers’ attention and keep their eyes glued to your content. It also makes your Reel accessible to more people, especially those who watch without sound (especially in public places) or have hearing impairments. It can boost the understanding of your post, kind of like a narrator in a documentary. If your text is engaging, viewers will stick around to read it all. This longer watch time tells Instagram your content is worth showing to more people.
How to use In-Frame texts effectively:
- Use simple, easy-to-read fonts. Fancy fonts might look cool, but if they’re hard to read, they’re not helping. Keep it clear.
- Make it Pop! Contrast your text colour with the background. If your video is mostly dark, use light-coloured text, and vice versa.
- Sync your text with what’s happening in the video. If you’re giving important tips, make sure the text for each tip appears right when you’re talking about it. Remember, timing matters.
- Don’t overcrowd. Too much text can be overwhelming. Stick to key points or catchy phrases.
- Crack up some humour or emotion! Text that makes someone laugh or feel something is always a hit. It adds personality to your Reel.
- Include a Call to Action. Sometimes, a simple “Swipe up” or “Check the link in bio” can work wonders for engagement.
Microblogging
Microblogging on Instagram is like having a mini blog right in your posts. It keeps people engaged with your content longer, and that’s music to Instagram’s algorithm ears. When you share valuable, interesting info right there in your posts, people spend more time on your page, which tells Instagram that your page is reliable. And the more Instagram thinks your content is reliable, the more it shows it to other people.
You can start by sharing valuable content. Think of each post as a short blog article. Share tips, stories, insights, or any info that your followers will find helpful or interesting. Spice it up with a catchy first line to grab attention. Then dive into your topic. Make it engaging, informative, and personal. Use emojis or line breaks to space out your content. It makes it easier to read and more visually appealing.
By doing microblogging, you’re not just sharing content; you’re building a community around your brand and establishing yourself as a go-to source in your niche. Plus, you’re giving the Instagram algorithm exactly what it wants – engaging, valuable content that keeps users on the platform longer. It’s a win-win!
Last but not least, do consistent posting. Regular posts keep your audience engaged and tell Instagram you’re an active, relevant account. Instagram SEO isn’t rocket science. It’s about making your account as discoverable as possible using keywords, hashtags, and smart bio and post strategies.
We get it, this can be a bit much to juggle, especially when you’re busy running your show. That’s where The Digital Cellar slides in. We’re a bunch of digital marketing ninjas who live and breathe this stuff. Think of us as your behind-the-scenes crew, here to amp up your Instagram game. We’re all about making sure your brand shines bright on the ‘gram, without you having to sweat the small stuff. So, if you’re keen on making your Instagram pop and sparkle, give us a shout. Let’s make some Insta-magic together!
