Real estate agents, listen up: Instagram just rolled out a game-changing update that could dramatically expand your reach.

As of July 10, 2025, Instagram content—including public photos and videos—can now appear on Google search results. That means your content can potentially rank when someone searches for terms like:

“Real estate agent in [City]”
“Things to do in [City]”
“[City] homes for sale”
“Restaurants in [Neighborhood]”

…and much more.

This isn’t just an algorithm tweak — it’s a major SEO opportunity that real estate agents who create local content can leverage immediately.

Why This Instagram Update Matters for Realtors

Historically, your Instagram posts only had reach within the platform itself. But now, your content has the potential to attract traffic from outside Instagram, making it an evergreen lead generator.

This update means that well-optimized reels, stories, and posts could show up in search engine results even weeks or months after you’ve posted — without spending a cent on ads.

It’s time to stop thinking of Instagram as just a social platform. With this change, it’s now part of your local SEO strategy.

How to Get Your Instagram Posts Found in Google Search

Here’s how to use this update to your advantage — no tech expertise required.

1. Use Common Search Terms in Your Captions and Text Overlays

If someone were to search “Top neighborhoods in [City]” — would your reel or carousel post come up?

It could… if you use those keywords directly in your content.

Examples:

Instead of: “Check out this home!”
Try: “Here’s what $800K gets you in East Austin”
Instead of: “Local tips!”
Try: “5 Things to Do in Scottsdale This Summer”

Use specific and searchable phrases that a buyer, seller, or local resident might actually type into Google.

2. Add Location Tags to Every Post

Don’t skip the location tag.

Instagram is prioritizing content with clear geographical relevance. Tagging your city or neighborhood helps both Instagram and search engines understand where your content belongs.

If you’re posting a reel about a home in Ballard, Seattle — tag Ballard. If it’s about a weekend in Napa, tag Napa Valley.

Bonus: Combine geo tags with keywords in the text overlay and caption for even more discoverability.

3. Write SEO-Friendly Captions

SEO is no longer just for blogs. With Instagram content now discoverable via search engines, your captions matter more than ever.

Instead of vague or cute one-liners, try writing helpful, descriptive captions that include:

Neighborhood names
City names
Keywords like “home for sale,” “moving to,” “best schools,” “things to do,” “housing market,” etc.

Example caption:

“Thinking of moving to Boise? This home in the North End offers walkability, charm, and quick access to downtown. Here's what $750K gets you in one of Boise’s most desirable neighborhoods.”

4. Optimize Your Instagram Bio for Search

Your Instagram bio is also fair game.

Make sure it includes:

The name of your city or metro area
What you do (“Realtor,” “real estate expert,” “buyer specialist”)
A hint of who you help (“first-time buyers,” “luxury sellers,” etc.)

Example:

Helping first-time buyers + sellers in Charleston, SC | DM for off-market homes 🏡

This helps Instagram (and now Google) better understand who you are and who your content is for.

5. Commit to Consistency

Search engine visibility doesn’t happen overnight — and that’s okay. The goal isn’t just to go viral once. It’s to build up a library of local content that performs for you 24/7.

Consistency is your best long-term SEO strategy:

Post at least 3–4x per week
Stick to a few content themes (e.g., listings, local guides, real estate FAQs)
Mix reels, carousels, and single-photo posts

What Type of Content Is Most Likely to Rank?

Instagram SEO works best when your content is local, clear, and valuable. Focus on these types of posts:

“Things to do in [City]” reels or carousels
“What $X gets you in [Neighborhood]” home spotlights
“Best schools in [City]” or “family-friendly neighborhoods” guides
“Moving to [City]?” reels with tips, walk-throughs, or city tours
Housing market updates or real estate FAQs (with searchable phrases)

The Agent Toolkit SEO Tip:

Before you hit publish on any reel, ask yourself:

“Would someone in [City] actually type this into Google?”

If yes — great. You’ve just created SEO-optimized Instagram content.

Turning Social Content Into a Searchable Lead Generator

You no longer need to rely solely on Instagram’s algorithm to get found.

Thanks to this update, your Instagram posts can now rank on Google, giving you new opportunities to connect with local clients, even when you’re offline. It’s like having a second website working for you — one where you can show up authentically and position yourself as the go-to agent in your area.

Now is the time to audit your past content, plan your next few posts with SEO in mind, and make small tweaks that will pay off big in the long run.

How to Make Your Instagram Content Show Up on Google