Your Google Results and Instagram

Last week, Instagram content began appearing alongside Google search data for content shared by professional accounts. Why do your Google results and Instagram matter? It matters because if you’re sharing good content on Instagram, it could now enhance your search engine optimization (SEO), as well as Google’s AI search results (AEO).

What if you’re not? Then now may be the time to start. For years, we’ve suggested to our clients that Instagram is a platform to build on for the future. Most have, and some have felt that their target audience isn’t on IG, and as such, did not post there. But the content world has changed, and your target audience is everywhere at once. Sure, there are nuances to that - but if you’re building for SEO and AEO - then you need to be on IG, too.

In fact, if you’re a B2B in a metro area, I’d even go so far as to rank IG in the Top 5 at this point, ahead of Facebook. That list probably now looks like:

1. Google Business

2. LinkedIn

3. YouTube

4. Instagram

5. Facebook

But they’re all still critical for SEO and AEO. Where else should you be? The rest of the list is audience dependent. There is likely value in Reddit for some and TikTok for some. Betting on a Threads or BlueSky might be worth it at this point. But for Twitter/X, we don’t see the value for businesses that aren’t in the sectors of entertainment, sports, politics, or news.

Where should you start if your business isn’t on IG? Here’s a quick way to spin it up:

1. Claim a branded account handle

2. Add 2-3 photo posts of your team, people, and/or community

3. Follow a handful of client and/or prospect accounts

4. Then go from there

It doesn’t mean you have to start a full strategy now, but it is time to at least get the ball rolling.

Are You on Instagram?

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