Your Instagram 'name line'—not your @handle—is fully searchable on Instagram and external search engines like Google. Using descriptive keywords here (e.g., 'San Francisco Videographer') is far more effective for discovery than a simple branded name.
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Personal branding isn't just about being seen; it's about being found when potential clients are looking. The speaker presents a clear progression: a strong brand creates visibility, which in turn leads to findability online. In today's market, if you are not findable, you are forfeiting opportunities.
A SocialPilot study analyzing millions of Instagram posts found a surprising inverse relationship between hashtag use and reach. Posts with zero hashtags performed 23% better on average, and using more hashtags correlated with receiving fewer views.
When a potential follower lands on your profile, they make a split-second decision. 'Thin content'—like memes, one-line insights, or simple tips—acts as a low-friction entry point. It's easily consumed, quickly communicates your brand's personality, and reduces the barrier to hitting 'follow'.
Instagram's algorithm favors on-platform actions like DMs over off-platform link clicks. Asking users to reply to a Story to receive a link, rather than using a link sticker, signals high engagement to the algorithm, which can dramatically increase the story's overall views and reach.
Instead of a simple link, use Instagram Stories to ask followers to DM you a specific keyword to get access to something (like an event). This increases replies, which boosts your Story's visibility in the algorithm. You can then automate the follow-up with tools like ManyChat.
Contrary to some growth-hacking advice, stuffing captions with keywords or hiding them in videos is considered spammy behavior by Instagram's algorithm. This practice will result in your content being actively penalized and shown to fewer people.
Instead of using link stickers, prompt viewers to reply to an Instagram Story with a specific word via DM. This direct engagement signals relevance to the algorithm, increasing story visibility, while also creating a direct, conversational path to conversion.
As feeds become saturated, relying on shares for discovery is insufficient. Your ideal followers are actively searching for solutions. Optimizing profiles and posts with keywords to answer their questions is a more reliable and underrated path to being discovered.
Instead of reactively trying to please algorithms, proactively identify the best 'doorways'—specific platforms and content formats—to reach your ideal audience. This shifts the focus from chasing reach to strategically choosing where you appear and how you present your brand.
Instagram content is increasingly discoverable on external platforms like Google and in chatbots. Marketers must shift their mindset and craft captions with search engine optimization (SEO) in mind. Use relevant keywords to ensure your posts can be found by users searching for your topic outside of Instagram itself.