How to Get Your Instagram Posts to Show Up on Google (What Small Business Owners Need to Know)

Wondering how to get your Instagram posts to show up on Google?

You’re not the only one. This question has been popping off since Instagram quietly rolled out a major SEO update on July 10th.

Here’s the headline: Instagram posts are now appearing in Google searches.

Yep. Your Instagram feed posts can now show up when someone Googles something relevant like “handmade candles UK” or “baby sleep coach Glasgow”

Let’s unpack what’s changed, why it matters for your business, and how to make your Instagram posts show in Google searches without feeling like you’re doing a full SEO course.

The Update: What Changed on Instagram on July 10th?

In short: Instagram is now allowing feed posts to be indexed by search engines like Google and Bing.

That means, when someone searches online for a topic you’ve posted about, your Instagram post could appear on the first page of results, right alongside websites, blogs, and Pinterest pins.

Here’s what makes it different from before:

• Captions and alt text are now being crawled by Google (yep, your words matter!)

• Posts are being treated more like mini blog entries by search engines

• Instagram is actively rolling this out in phases, so we’re still early to the party

  
  

So if you’ve been wondering how to make an Instagram post appear on Google, your words are where to start.

Why This Matters for Small Business Owners

This is a massive opportunity, especially if you don’t have a website yet or your site isn’t ranking on page 1.

Instagram has always been a powerful place to get seen on the app, but now your posts can get found off the app too on Google, where your ideal client might actually be searching for the exact thing you offer.

Imagine someone searching:🛍 “personalised teacher gifts Scotland”🧘🏼‍♀️ “online pilates classes for mums”📸 “branding photographer North Ayrshire”

And instead of a bunch of directories or big names showing up… it’s you.

If you know how to optimise your post the right way.

What Won’t Work Anymore

This isn’t a case of “post anything and hope for the best.” Google is smart.

If your post is just:

• One emoji and a vague caption

• Packed with hashtags but no context

• Missing alt text completely

…then it's unlikely to show up anywhere.

In fact, Google will likely skip over it completely. This update is about quality content that answers a question, offers value, and is clear about what your business does.

How to Make Your Instagram Posts Show in Google Searches

Here’s the quick-start version ( I go way deeper in the guide linked below 👇):

1. Write keyword-rich captions: Think about what your ideal client might be typing into Google and make sure your caption reflects that, naturally. e.g. “I’m a newborn photographer in Glasgow” instead of “Another cutie from last week’s shoot!”

2. Use alt text properly: This isn’t just for accessibility (though it’s important for that too). Alt text is prime SEO real estate. Use it to describe your image using keywords related to your business.

3. Be specific, not vague: Instead of “Can’t wait to share this one…” try “Here’s a personalised bridesmaid gift I created for a wedding in Manchester.”

4. Optimise your profile too: Your username, name field, and bio all help search engines understand who you are. It’s all connected.

5. Don’t forget consistency: It’s not a one-and-done. Google loves consistency and relevance. That means regular posting with clarity over time will boost your chances of being found.

Want Help Getting This Right?

This update is a game-changer, but only if you know how to use it properly.

That’s why I created:

👉 Get Found on Google via Instagram: A Small Business Owner’s Guide

An easy-to-follow digital guide that walks you through:

• Exactly how to write Instagram captions that Google loves

• Where and how to add keywords (without it sounding awkward)

• Real small business examples of what works

• How to tweak your profile + content so your posts actually rank

• A checklist you can use every time you post

  
  

No jargon. No overwhelm. Just some support and a plan.

Over to You

Your ideal client is searching. Is your content ready to be found?

✨ Grab the guide here

About Me  

Hey, I’m Amanda! Award Winning Social Media Mentor, Apple Top 30 Podcaster & Amazon #1 Bestselling Author.

I mentor small business owners to get seen & get sales on social media without the overwhelm.

With 10+ years of experience running small businesses, I understand what it’s like to juggle marketing, sales, and all the things. That’s why I’m obsessed with making social media easy, fun, and profitable for business owners.

📩 Grab my FREE 30 Content Prompts here for instant content ideas!📲

@amandahughes.uk