Podcast Summary: Build Your Tribe | Grow Your Business with Social Media
Episode: Instagram SEO Secrets | 10X Your Followers in 30 Days - 841
Release Date: July 10, 2025
Hosts: Chalene Johnson & Brock Johnson
1. Introduction to Instagram's Enhanced SEO Capabilities
In this episode, Brock Johnson delves into the transformative changes Instagram has implemented to enhance its searchability. Released on July 10, 2025, Instagram has upgraded its platform to make posts, captions, reels, and profiles fully searchable on major search engines like Google.
Key Points:
- Search Engine Integration: Instagram content now appears in search results on platforms like Google, increasing visibility and potential follower growth.
- Shift in User Behavior: More users are leveraging social media for searches instead of traditional search engines.
Notable Quote:
"Instagram is essentially making the entire platform searchable. This means that your posts, your captions, your reels, and pretty soon your entire profile are going to be able to show up in search results on Google and other top search engines."
— Brock Johnson [00:00]
2. Moving Beyond Hashtags: The Rise of Advanced Algorithms
Brock emphasizes the diminishing effectiveness of hashtags in boosting reach due to advancements in Instagram's algorithm, powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Key Points:
- Hashtag Decline: Hashtags are becoming less reliable for increasing post visibility.
- Algorithmic Sophistication: The algorithm can now interpret image and video content without relying solely on hashtags.
- Real-World Example: Brock shares an incident where his post was miscategorized by the algorithm based on his T-shirt, highlighting the need for refined SEO strategies.
Notable Quote:
"Hashtags are no longer an essential tool for growth on Instagram. But the algorithm still needs help. It's not perfect. And so that's where SEO or search engine optimization comes into play."
— Brock Johnson [02:27]
3. Three Key Strategies to Maximize Instagram SEO
Brock outlines three pivotal strategies to leverage Instagram's new SEO features effectively.
3.1 Empathize with Your Target Market
Understanding and niching down to your specific audience is foundational for effective SEO.
Key Points:
- Clear Demographics: Define your target audience based on age, profession, interests, etc., to tailor content that resonates deeply.
- Customized Language: Use terminology and phrases that your specific audience uses, avoiding jargon that might alienate them.
Notable Quote:
"The more specific you get with your target audience, the faster you will grow and the more of a loyal, engaged superfan community you will build."
— Brock Johnson [06:15]
3.2 Utilize Online Keyword Tools
Effective keyword research is essential for optimizing your posts to appear in search results.
Key Points:
- Top Tools Recommended:
- ChatGPT-4: Use tailored prompts to generate relevant keywords.
- Answer the Public: Discover popular search terms and questions.
- KeywordTool.io: Refine keyword searches by geographic regions and languages.
- Google Trends: Compare the popularity of different search terms to choose the most effective ones.
Notable Quote:
"When I'm coming up with a post, when I have an idea for a script or a topic that I want to cover, I will oftentimes go to one of these four tools first and then figure out what specific words or phrases I need to include in that post."
— Brock Johnson [12:45]
3.3 Optimize Your Instagram Profile for SEO
Enhancing your profile's searchability can significantly impact your visibility on search engines.
Key Points:
- Username and Name Fields: Ensure both the username and the Instagram name line contain relevant keywords. While the username is searchable, the name line is often overlooked but equally important.
- Avoid Keyword Stuffing: Integrate keywords naturally into your captions, spoken audio, visuals, and comments to prevent being flagged as spam.
- Future Enhancements: Instagram plans to make the entire bio searchable, so proactive keyword integration is crucial.
Notable Quote:
"The Instagram name is that bold text that's right below your username. ... it's most important that you have some SEO friendly keywords and phrases on that line so that you show up in popular search engine results."
— Brock Johnson [18:30]
4. Avoiding Common SEO Pitfalls
Brock warns against outdated and spammy SEO tactics that can harm your visibility.
Key Points:
- Keyword Stuffing: Avoid placing long lists of keywords in captions or hiding them in visuals. Such practices are recognized as spammy by Instagram's algorithms and can lead to downranking.
- Organic Integration: Instead of stacking keywords, weave them seamlessly into your content to maintain authenticity and effectiveness.
Notable Quote:
"Do not write a long list of keywords at the bottom of your caption. ... that is also considered keyword stuffing, and that will also negatively impact your post's performance."
— Brock Johnson [19:50]
5. Conclusion and Actionable Steps
Brock wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to implement the discussed SEO strategies to stay ahead in the competitive Instagram landscape.
Key Points:
- Start Early: Utilize the recommended tools and strategies now to prepare for future updates.
- Stay Authentic: Focus on integrating keywords naturally to enhance both searchability and audience engagement.
- Continuous Learning: As Instagram evolves, stay informed about new features and algorithm changes to adapt your strategies accordingly.
Call to Action:
- Free SEO Guide: Brock offers a free guide on SEO keywords and hashtags available in the show notes.
- Subscribe: Encourages listeners to subscribe for more actionable insights.
Notable Quote:
"If you can do even half of what I have outlined in today's episode, you will put yourself ahead of most other brands and business owners on Instagram."
— Brock Johnson [21:10]
6. Skipped Sections
- Advertisements: The episode includes a promotion for ShipStation, which has been omitted from this summary as per instructions.
- Intros and Outros: Any introductory or concluding remarks unrelated to the core content have been excluded to maintain focus on actionable insights.
Final Thoughts:
This episode provides a comprehensive roadmap for leveraging Instagram's enhanced SEO capabilities to exponentially grow your followers and business. By understanding your audience, utilizing the right tools, and optimizing your profile authentically, you can navigate the evolving landscape of social media searchability effectively.
