If you’ve ever felt like Instagram updates faster than you can keep up, you’re not alone. But this latest change? The Instagram SEO update? It’s one worth paying attention to—especially if you’re a home stager or interior designer who wants more clients to find you without spending every waking hour online.
Instagram SEO for home stagers is now a thing. Yes, SEO—as in Search Engine Optimization—is no longer just for your website or blog. Instagram has officially stepped into the search engine arena, and if you know how to use it, you can get your content found not only inside the app, but also on Google.
And here’s the best part: with a few simple tweaks, you can start showing up where your dream clients are searching—without chasing every new trend or listing a million hashtags on every post just to get your content found.
From Hashtags to Keywords: What’s Really Changed
For years, hashtags have been the main way to get your content in front of new people. But now, Instagram is prioritizing keywords over hashtags. This is a big shift (and an exciting one).
Instead of searching “#torontostaging,” someone might type in “vacant staging tips Toronto” or “how to sell a slow-moving listing.” If those keywords appear in your bio, caption, or even your on-screen text in a Reel, your content has a much better chance of showing up, whether or not you used a hashtag.
This change also means your posts can appear in Google search results if your account is public and optimized. It’s a powerful shift that blends social media with traditional search engine marketing, and it’s something every stager can take advantage of.
We all know that just posting on social media isn’t enough (yes, I talk about that a lot), and this shift is just another reason to get more intentional with your content. Because you deserve to get more out of social media than just a few likes or comments.
Optimize Your Instagram Bio Like a Mini Website
Think of your Instagram bio as prime SEO real estate. It’s one of the first things Instagram (and now Google) looks at when deciding who should see your content.
Instead of a vague line like “Helping homes shine”, go for something specific and keyword-rich, such as:
“Dallas Home Stager | Vacant Staging Specialist
Helping realtors sell homes faster & for more money”
That second version is packed with relevant search terms: home stager, Dallas, vacant staging, and realtors. It’s clear, searchable, and tells potential clients exactly what you do.
If you want to get strategic, include:
- 1–2 service-based keywords (e.g., vacant staging, occupied staging, color consultations)
- Your location (city, region, or service area)
- The audience you serve (realtors, homeowners, investors)
This is where a social media strategy for home stagers becomes more than just posting pretty photos—it’s about making sure your profile is findable and client-focused.
Instagram SEO for Home Stagers
Your captions are now a huge part of Instagram SEO. The algorithm scans them to understand what your post is about, so vague one-liners aren’t doing you any favors.
Instead of: “Another amazing transformation!”
Try: “This vacant home in Oakville was staged to highlight its natural light and open floor plan. It sold in just 7 days! Staging helped buyers connect emotionally and visualize the space.”
The second example tells a story, includes relevant keywords (vacant home, Oakville, staging), and provides potential clients with a clear sense of the results you can deliver.
I know this can feel overwhelming. It’s one of the reasons why, in our brand and content audits, we help home stagers by providing some recommended keywords and keyword phrases to help them get started. This will help your content go from disappearing from people’s feeds in a few days to helping new people discover you (and your business) when they’re searching online. Instagram SEO for home stagers is something that you can and should take advantage of for your social media marketing.
Quick tip: Aim to include one location keyword, one service keyword, and one results-based phrase in each caption. It’s not about stuffing keywords—it’s about weaving them naturally into your storytelling.
Instagram SEO Tips: Other Ways to Boost Your SEO
Instagram SEO goes beyond just your bio and captions. A few extra steps can make your content even easier to find:
- Label your image files before uploading them (e.g., vacant-staging-toronto.jpg).
- Add alt text with relevant keywords—great for accessibility and searchability.
- Use on-screen text in Reels that includes your keywords (Instagram can read it).
- Stay consistent with the way you describe your services so both your audience and search engines know exactly what you offer.
We are all looking for more inspiration and ways to grow quickly on social media. This new shift gives you an opportunity to optimize every post and grow your audience quickly.
I know that there’s a ton of gurus out there sharing Instagram marketing tips, but this is one you should pay attention to. I’m all about helping stagers market smarter, not harder, and this new shift is a game-changer for your marketing.
Make SEO Part of Your Bigger Marketing Picture
Think of Instagram SEO as one piece of a bigger puzzle. Optimizing your profile and posts will help you get found, but you also need a plan for what people see once they click through.
That’s why it’s essential to combine SEO with consistent, on-brand content that builds trust and positions you as the go-to expert in your market. If you’re unclear about your marketing or messaging, it may be time to reassess what you’re trying to say and who you’re trying to reach. In my free 5-Day Social Media Clarity Reset, I guide you through this process and help you emerge feeling more aligned with your brand and confident about your messaging.
When you put SEO into action as part of your larger marketing system, you’re not just chasing visibility—you’re creating opportunities for real, lasting client relationships.
Ready to Show Up Where Your Clients Are Searching?
Instagram’s new search update isn’t about making your life harder. It’s about giving you more ways to connect with the people who need your services most.
Start small. Update your bio, tweak your captions, and think about the keywords your dream clients would actually type into a search bar. Then use them consistently—in your profile, your posts, and your stories.
With these changes, you’re not just posting for the sake of it. You’re creating content that’s discoverable, valuable, and designed to bring the right people straight to you.
And if you’re ready to accelerate that process, my brand and content audit can help you refine your message, sharpen your strategy, and ensure you’re showing up exactly where you need to be.
