Instagram SEO: How to Optimise Your Posts for Google Search

Up until now, Instagram has mostly been a platform where content lives and dies quickly. You post something, maybe get a little boost from the algorithm or hashtags, and then... it disappears.

But now that Google is indexing Instagram posts, your content has the potential to reach people outside of Instagram. Think of it like turning your IG feed into mini blog posts that can show up in Google search results.

More visibility.

More traffic.

Less pressure to be constantly online.

Sounds like a win, right?

Here’s a simple Instagram SEO checklist to help your posts show up in search:

Before you post, ask yourself: What would someone search for on Google to find this content?

Use tools like Google autocomplete, Answer the Public, or Ubersuggest to find keyword phrases your audience is actively searching for.

If you’re repurposing blog content or Pinterest pins, you probably already have these keywords, just make sure they’re showing up on Instagram too.

Google can “read” the text on images, so if your first slide or Reel cover includes your keyword phrase, you’re giving yourself a better chance of ranking.

Think like a blog post title: Clear, direct, and easy to understand at a glance.

This is good Instagram strategy and good SEO.

The first line of your caption should include your main keyword in a natural, readable way.

Not only does this help Google understand your content, it can also help your audience decide whether to keep reading.

Alt Text is often overlooked on Instagram, but it's an important piece of Instagram SEO.

Use the Alt Text field to describe what’s in the image or video, and include your keyword if it fits naturally. Don’t keyword-stuff just keep it helpful and accurate.

You can add or edit Alt Text by going to "Advanced Settings" when you create or edit a post.

Instagram hashtags used to be the main way people found content, but that’s changing.

Adam Mosseri has said hashtags aren’t as important anymore, but many creators still find they help with reach. From an SEO perspective, adding one or two hashtags that support your keyword won’t hurt and might still help signal relevance.

If you’re repurposing content between your blog, Pinterest, and Instagram (which I highly recommend), this is a great time to check your keyword consistency.

Use the same keyword phrase across:

• Your blog post title

• Your Pinterest Pin text and description

• Your Instagram slide and caption

This helps reinforce what your content is about across multiple platforms and boosts your chances of showing up in search.

This update is still rolling out, so we’re learning more as it happens, but the shift is clear:

If you want your Instagram content to go further, Instagram SEO is key.

By using clear keywords, adding helpful Alt Text, and repurposing strategically, you can turn your Instagram account into a powerful piece of your evergreen marketing strategy.

So if you’re ready to ditch the short-lived content treadmill and build something that lasts?
Start with your next Instagram post.

And if you want support with keyword strategy across Pinterest and Instagram, come join me inside the PinPower Growth Academy where I help business owners create content that gets found, gets clicked, and keeps working for you.