Your Instagram just became searchable – time to rethink your strategy

Once upon a time, social media and SEO lived in totally different worlds. SEO was the quiet kid with spreadsheets. Social media was the life of the party, posting selfies and chasing hashtags. But now? They’re officially dating.

Why? Because Google and Bing just announced they’re going to start indexing Instagram posts.

That’s right. Your latest Instagram Reel about your team lunch? It might soon show up when someone Googles your business. Wild.

So… what does this mean for you? And how can you stop your content from working double shifts for half the results? Let’s dive in.

What’s actually happening?

In simple terms:

Search engines (Google and Bing) are now treating Instagram posts like proper, searchable web content.

Instead of your social media living in its own bubble, your posts can now:

• Show up in search results (yes, your selfies could rank on Google)
• Help your website’s visibility (more social = stronger digital footprint)
• Give your content a longer shelf life (because search traffic doesn’t disappear after 24 hours)

What should you do about it?

If you’re only focusing on SEO and ignoring social media, or vice versa, you’re basically tying one hand behind your marketing back.

Here’s how to get both working together, harmoniously:

1. Treat your Instagram like your website’s cool cousin
Your Instagram bio and captions? Time to sprinkle in those keywords. Search engines are paying attention now.

2. Double dip your content
Blog post? Share it on socials. Killer Insta post? Repurpose it for your blog. Let your content work overtime (without paying it overtime).

3. Hashtags are the new keywords
Think of hashtags like SEO keywords. Use them wisely. (we’ve actually written a blog on this very topic)

4. Encourage chatter
Likes, comments, shares – these aren’t just for bragging rights. Search engines love engagement. Make your posts too good not to interact with.

5. Don’t sleep on Reels
Short-form videos are still king. Optimise those captions and descriptions so they show up in search and social alike.

So, how can FI help?

Well, at First Internet, we’re not just good at SEO. Or just social. We’re a multi-service agency, and the SEO and socials teams not only sit side by side, but they’re already working together, which means we can help you build a strategy where everything aligns, perfectly, because we already are.

Want to rank higher and look cooler online? We’re your guys.

Let’s make your content famous
Whether you need SEO magic, social sparkle, or the full works, we can help your brand show up everywhere it matters.

Contact First Internet today and let’s get your content doing the hard work (so you don’t have to).