How I Rank #1 For Very Competitive Keywords on Instagram

Updated October 6, 2023
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Several people search this particular question on Google, “How to rank #1 for very competitive keywords on Instagram?”

We are all familiar with SEO for Google, however, we must remember that Instagram and other social media platforms have widely used search functions too. With this expanded search function, optimizing your posts and profile for Insta search is a brilliant way to grow your reach and get a leg up on your competition. To increase followers on Instagram, you must know about Instagram SEO.

Instagram SEO is the process of optimizing your content to rank your profile higher in the Instagram search results. Though it might not have the same appeal as carousel ads or live streams, it is as worthy of your time as anything else. By following Instagram SEO best practices which we will discuss in this article, you can obtain several benefits. You can improve your chances of being discovered by people who are searching keywords related to your business. This means more views, likes, and followers.

Finding keywords is the first step of Search Engine Optimization, whether it is for Google or any social media platform including Instagram.

Which keywords do you wish to rank for? An answer to this question is extremely necessary before you make even a single change to your Instagram profile or content.

You can find apt keywords for your Instagram posts and profile using several keyword research tools. For example- WordStream’s Free keyword tool, SEMRush, Ahrefs

As you are brainstorming, make sure to understand the difference between relatively broad keywords or head terms and relatively specific keywords or long-tail keywords.

Broad keywords are searched frequently, and they indicate low commercial intent in the minds of users. Whereas long-tail keywords are searched infrequently, and they indicate high commercial intent in the mind of the user.

  • Establish KPIs to measure the impact

Before you start optimizing, you need to find the answer to this question- “How will you measure the impact of your Instagram SEO efforts”? Measuring impact is an essential part to rank on #1 on Instagram, as it allows you to conclude which optimizations are successful or unsuccessful.

To set yourself up for success, make sure to organize a few Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). With Instagram Insights, you can track KPIs both at the profile level as well as the individual post level such as

  • Impressions
  • Reach
  • Profile visits
  • Followers
  • Website clicks

Once you know which KPIs you are going to track, you will be able to measure the impact generated by your optimizations.

  • Optimize your profile (username and bio)

Now, let’s begin with optimizing your Instagram profile including your username and bio.

Your username or Instagram handle is the first thing that a user searches for while looking for you on Instagram. If your brand is already established, you can incorporate your brand name with your focus keyword. If you are registering yourself as a new business on Instagram, inculcate your keyword with your brand name and keep it as simple as possible.

Your business name appears under your profile picture when someone opens your Instagram profile. Here too, you need to use a relevant keyword to describe yourself.

Optimizing your Instagram bio is equally important. This is your opportunity to target high-value keywords that did not quite cut your username. Describe your brand, tell users what you’re doing on the platform, using relevant keywords. Hashtags also act as keywords, so make sure to add a few relevant hashtags to your bio. Add your website link to your Instagram bio, so that a potential customer goes to your website to buy from you. You can also add your contact information such as your business address, phone number, and email address.

  • Optimize your individual posts

Optimizing your individual Instagram posts is also a major part of Instagram SEO. What should you do to optimize your posts? Well, let’s find the best tips below:

  • Use hashtags to strengthen that keyword and target ancillary keywords

Using hashtags doesn’t mean that you use any hashtag and as many as you want. You should use hashtags relevant to your brand niche and the content of the post. Though Instagram allows 30 hashtags per post, you should keep the count below 11. Several studies have shown that posts with only a few hashtags rank better than with more number of hashtags.

The more descriptive your caption is, the more optimized your post is for Instagram SEO. While the algorithm only supports general terms right now, there is no doubt that it will become more advanced over time.

Conclusion

So, using these Instagram SEO tips, I rank #1 for very competitive keywords on Instagram. It is a no-cost, high-impact hack for anyone who wants to widen their reach, increase traffic to their Instagram profile or website, and drive more conversions. It may not generate the same volume of results as paid advertising, however, the potential ROI is staggering.

Instagram is one of the best social media platforms for gaining new instagram followers and engaging with your target audience. However, this is not the only benefit it provides. If you are able to do it right, Instagram will also provide a massive increase of users who know about your brand.

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