How To Use Instagram Keyword Research To Boost Your IG SEO

Today, your favorite social media platforms are more than just apps to consume cool content on. They also serve as search engines that make looking for that content easier. You type your fave topic in the app’s search box, and you can scroll through awesome content related to that. That means for creators, Instagram keyword research and SEO strategies are non-negotiable.

Users can look for basically whatever kind of content they want using Instagram’s search tool. Looking for dessert recipes? Maximalist-style outfits? Ideas for interior design? They’re all just a search away. So, to get more potential followers to your page, it’s important to use your niche’s top SEO keywords. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to do the research to find them.

Instagram SEO: The Next Big Thing for Boosting Reach on IG

Anybody who is at least a little familiar with the digital marketing world knows what Google SEO is. It’s the practice of using relevant keywords in your website so you appear on the search engine’s top results. It’s an industry every business is clamoring to get into to elevate their marketing strategy and get more online visibility.

But did you know that you could do the same to boost online traffic to your fave social media platforms? Data from Browser Media shows that a quarter of people online use social media as a search engine. It’s especially rampant among younger users. They say 46% and 35% of Gen Z and Millennials, respectively, are more likely to search on socials than Google. Crazy, right?

That’s where Instagram SEO comes in for creators and brands who want to make it big on the platform. This strategy refers to incorporating relevant keywords and popular hashtags related to your niche into your profile and content. That way, if Instagram users search these terms, your page will be more likely to appear in the results.

For example, let’s say you’re a solo travel influencer exploring European cities. You want your account to show up whenever your target audience searches for anything about your travel niche. So, you should include terms like “solo female travel” and “Europe” in your bio. And in your posts, you should add popular hashtags like #wanderlust, #travelbug, and #womentravel.

Adding these keywords to your profile and posts makes it easier for potential followers to find your page. It’s an excellent strategy for boosting your reach and leading people to content that is relevant to their interests. That way, you can ensure that the Instagram algorithm serves your content to people with whom it will resonate 100%.

Nail Your SEO With Stellar Instagram Keyword Research

SEO optimization on Instagram is an amazing marketing strategy for any creator who wants more eyes on their posts. But guesswork is a huge no-no in the world of SEO. You can’t just include phrases you like or trendy hashtags just because they’re popular. To really do it right, you need to get down and dirty with proper, data-driven keyword research.

Basically, you have to find exactly what phrases your target audience is searching for on the platform. That way, you can hit your marks and appear in the search results of a real, relevant audience.

For example, let’s say you’re a fitness influencer who wants to reach more gym lovers. You might assume that an Instagram keyword search for words like “gym” and “workout” are best since they’re probably the most popular fitness-related words. But after researching, you find that your target market searches more for specific fitness topics, like yoga or HIIT. Those are the words you want in your profile.

Sure, SEO keyword research is another tedious step to consider when setting up your Instagram page. But the effects are always worth it. You boost visibility for your page on search, drive more potential followers to your content, and get higher engagement. And what creator doesn’t want that?

How To Do Keyword Research for Instagram: Our Top 5 Tips

But how exactly do you conduct keyword research to optimize your Instagram profile and content? There are plenty of ways to do it, from utilizing the in-app search bar to relying on third-party keyword tools. Your goal is to dig deeper into what your target audience looks up on search.

Not sure which relevant keywords to use for your niche? All it takes is a little thorough research to know which key phrases and terms to include in your profile. Here are some of our hottest tips on how to do keyword research for Instagram.

1. Type a Keyword Into the Instagram Search Bar

The easiest way to find keywords on Instagram is through the in-app search bar. On the Explore page’s search box, type a keyword you think is relevant to your page.

There, you’ll see all the top accounts that contain that word somewhere in their profile. You’ll also see all the top-performing posts and Reels with that word in the caption. These are the posts and profiles you’ll have to compete with.

But the key here is to check the “Tags” tab in the search results. This will show you the most popular hashtags and topics related to your main keyword. It’s kind of like Google’s auto-complete feature, but for Instagram. Take note of them and add them to your page later on.

2. Look at Google Trends To See Trending Searches

You can also go out of Instagram to look at what your target audience has been searching online. And there’s no better search engine out there than Google. If you want to see how popular certain search queries are online, look them up on Google Trends.

Google Trends shows you the total search volume for any keyword online. It also shows you the most popular search keywords related to any topic of your choice in a specific period. But the tool’s best feature is that it shows you the trending keywords at any moment.

This tool is perfect for finding keywords to include on your social media platforms, including Instagram. It also shows niche topics within your industry to help you curate more pointed, relevant content your fans will love.

3. Invest in Social Listening Tools To See Hot Topics Related to Your Niche

You can also turn to social listening tools to see what people are talking about about on social media. See the hottest topics, trends, and keywords your target audience uses online in their daily conversations. Then, incorporate those terms in your Instagram profile.

One awesome social listening tool you can use is Brandwatch. It monitors millions of online sources, from public forums to conversations on social media apps. From there, you can see what your target market is interested in and is talking about with others online. It’s an awesome blueprint to help you build not just your SEO strategy but also your content plans.

4. Use a Free Keyword Research Tool for Instagram

Don’t have a big social media marketing budget? Check out a free keyword research tool for Instagram. These websites are a dime a dozen—a quick Google search can help you find one.

These keyword tools are super easy to use. You just type in your main keyword, and it shows you all the trending hashtags and topics related to it. This gives you an idea of which keywords to use in your profile and content for better visibility.

5. See the Questions People Are Asking on Answer the Public

People often use search to answer their most pressing questions. Find what questions people usually ask about your niche through Answer the Public. This website uses Google search data to show you the most asked questions about any given topic. It’s a goldmine of insights and potential keywords that can help enrich your Instagram content strategy!

Note that with a free plan on the site, you can run up to three searches per day only. So, strategize which niche topics you want to look up each day to maximize your searches!

Where You Can Apply Your Instagram Keywords Research

So, let’s say you’re done doing the research and know which trending keywords and terms to add to your Instagram. Now, you face a more pressing and crucial question—where exactly do you put these words? Well, you can place them anywhere you can add text on the platform. Here are some different parts of your profile (and content) to add IG keywords.

Username and Display Name

The first thing that comes up on Instagram search is a list of accounts related to your search term. Instagram generates these results based on which usernames and display names contain your keyword. So, it’s important to add your keywords to your Instagram name.

For example, if you’re a personal trainer named Jim, you might want to use the username @FitnessCoachJim. Pair it with a display name like “Jim | New York Personal Fitness Trainer,” and you’ll be golden on Search!

Buzzwords in Your Bio

Your Instagram bio gives you even more space to add relevant keywords and boost visibility on search. Use terms that your target audience is likely to search but also reflect your content.

Let’s say you run an art account. You can add your specialization in a creative way in your bio. Add words like “gouache,” “digital art,” “impressionist,” “doodles,” and more. That way, people interested in those specific types of art can find you more easily.

Post Captions (Including Hashtags)

Make sure to incorporate those keywords into your posts’  IG captions, too. You can either insert them in your sentences or add popular Instagram hashtags (also considered trending keywords) related to your topic.

Just remember not to spam your caption with too many hashtags. The maximum is 30 tags per post, but 3-5 is the sweet spot that won’t make your post look cramped!

Alt Text on Photos

Lastly, don’t forget to use trending keywords in your photos’ alt texts. These alt texts are available for people who use a digital screen reader to access Instagram.

Adding alt text helps those who are visually impaired but love Instagram, making the experience more enjoyable for them. Boosting post visibility by incorporating keywords for your niche in these alt texts is just the cherry on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Complement Your IG SEO Strategy With the Organic Growth Care of Path Social!

Even with the right keywords to elevate your Instagram page, the competition on the platform is fierce. Sure, you’ll stand out with relevant keywords in your bio or popular hashtags incorporated into your posts. But you’ll have to work harder than adding a few phrases in your profile for steady, consistent growth.

If you want sustainable success, complement your Instagram keyword research and SEO strategies with Path Social’s organic growth methods. Our expert team tailors a promotion strategy for your page to ensure your niche audience sees your content. This helps attract more followers to your page, giving you the edge you need to knock out the competition!

Creators and business owners like Sergio of Pushing the Project have seen thousands of followers roll in with our help. And we can do the same for your page! Get more Instagram followers and engagement with Path Social’s expert strategies today.