Instagram SEO: How Kiwi Businesses Can Optimise Posts for Search


Instagram SEO: How Kiwi Businesses Can Optimise Posts for Search

Instagram isn’t just about pretty pictures anymore—it’s a powerful search engine where Kiwis look for everything from "best coffee Auckland" to "affordable plumber Wellington." If you’re not optimising your posts for search, you’re missing out on free, targeted traffic.

Why Instagram SEO Matters for NZ Businesses

✔ 50% of Instagram users discover new brands via search (Meta)

✔ Local searches (e.g., "hairdresser Christchurch") are growing fast

✔ SEO-friendly posts appear in both hashtag feeds and keyword searches

5 Ways to Optimise Instagram Posts for NZ Searches

1. Keyword Research (The Kiwi Way)

Instagram now ranks posts based on keywords in captions, alt text, and hashtags.

✅ How to Find NZ-Relevant Keywords:

  1. Check Instagram’s search suggestions (start typing in the search bar)
  2. Use AnswerThePublic for local questions (e.g., "Where to buy ___ in NZ?")
  3. Spy on competitors’ high-ranking captions

2. Write SEO-Friendly Captions

Instagram scans the first 125 characters most closely.

✅ Formula for High-Ranking Captions:

  • [Keyword] + [Engagement Hook] + [Value] + [CTA]

Example for a café:

"Best flat white Auckland! ☕️ We’ve been perfecting ours since 2012. Swipe for our secret brewing method → Tag your coffee buddy!"

3. Optimise Alt Text for Images/Videos

Alt text helps Instagram "read" your visuals.

✅ How to Add It:

  1. When posting, go to Advanced Settings > Alt Text
  2. Write a natural description with keywords

Bad: "Coffee"

Good: "Flat white coffee at [Café Name] in Ponsonby, Auckland - creamy texture with latte art"

Remember: Visually impaired people use this feature to know what the post is about, be clear and don't fill with jargon so they aren't effected.

4. Use Hashtags Strategically

Mix niche, local, and branded hashtags (about 5 per post).

✅ NZ Hashtag Formula:

  • 1-2 location tags (#AucklandEats #WellingtonNZ)
  • 2-3 industry tags (#NZSmallBusiness #Kiwimade)
  • 1-2 branded tags (#YourCafeName)

🚫 Avoid:

  1. Overused tags (#love #instagood)
  2. Irrelevant tags (#fashionpost on a plumbing photo)

5. Encourage Saves & Shares

Instagram prioritises content that gets saved.

✅ How to Boost Saves:

  1. Share how-tos, checklists, or recipes
  2. Use carousels for step-by-step guides
  3. Add "Save this for later!" in captions

Need Help with Instagram SEO?

We help Kiwi businesses:

✅ Find high-traffic local keywords

✅ Optimise existing posts

✅ Grow organic reach

Final Tip:

Instagram SEO isn’t about tricking the algorithm—it’s about clearly describing your content so the right Kiwis can find you. Start small, track what works, and watch your discoverability grow.


*Data sources: Meta 2024 trends, analysis of 500+ NZ business accounts*

Location: New Zealand

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