Social SEO: How to Improve Visibility on Social Media
Ismirelda Forst
4/8/20258 min read
How to improve visibility on social media, in short
Social SEO is the practice of optimizing your social media profiles and content to improve visibility and engagement on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok. To enhance your visibility, focus on using relevant keywords, optimizing your profile, posting consistent and engaging content, using hashtags effectively, and interacting with your audience. These strategies can help increase your reach and grow your presence across social media platforms.
What Is Social SEO?
Spending hours crafting perfect Instagram posts or TikTok videos, only for them to get five likes and zero saves, is beyond frustrating. Many entrepreneurs face this challenge: low visibility, despite consistent effort. That’s where Social SEO comes in.
Social SEO is optimizing your social media content so it’s easier for people to find, right on the platform itself. Just like how Google uses keywords to rank websites, social platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn are now using search-friendly features to help users discover content.
In fact, according to Google’s data, close to 40% of Gen Z prefers using TikTok or Instagram over Google Search when looking for places to eat, shop, or learn something new. That’s a huge shift and a big opportunity for small business owners like you to grow your social media visibility without throwing money at ads.
So how does it work? By using keywords in your captions, bios, hashtags, and even in your video script, you're telling the algorithm, “This post is exactly what someone’s looking for.” If your dream client types in “branding tips for coaches” or “skincare for busy moms,” your optimized content can show up first.
In this post, we’ll break down practical Social SEO tips for four major platforms: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok so you can start getting found, followed, and booked by the right people.
Why Social SEO Matters in 2025
We’re no longer in a time where pretty visuals or trendy audios alone can carry your social media presence. In 2025, if you’re not showing up in search results, you're missing out on major growth potential. And that’s exactly where Social SEO comes in.
Especially younger audiences are using social platforms like search engines. They’re looking for service providers, tutorials, reviews, and recommendations. In fact, 76% of people say they’ve discovered a new product or service on social media.
For entrepreneurs, Social SEO is a simple but powerful way to increase visibility without relying on paid ads. When done right, it helps boost your social media visibility organically, meaning more eyes on your offers, more engagement, and more conversions.
Social SEO Tips for Facebook
Facebook might feel a little “been there, done that,” but it’s still a great platform. Especially for local businesses, service providers, and community-driven brands. Social SEO is just as important here as on any other platform.
Here’s how to boost your social media visibility and get found without paying for ads:
Customize your Facebook Page URL. Instead of a messy string of numbers, claim a clean, branded URL (like facebook.com/YourBusinessName). It looks more professional and helps with Social SEO on both Facebook and Google.
Write a keyword-rich About section. This is your chance to speak directly to your audience. Use clear, searchable phrases like “Health Coach for Busy Moms” or “Brand Photographer in Mérida.” This section shows up in search results, so don’t waste it with vague buzzwords.
Use keywords in your posts and event titles. Facebook indexes everything, from captions to event names. Be intentional with the language you use so your posts match what your ideal client might be typing into the search bar.
Optimize your Services or Info tabs. Fill these out completely and use keyword-rich descriptions. Think of them like mini landing pages for your offers.
Create SEO-friendly photo albums. Don’t name an album “Photoshoot 1”. Try “Summer Brand Photoshoot for Female Entrepreneurs.” These album names are searchable and improve your social media SEO without any extra effort.
Encourage client reviews. Reviews help with trust and search. Ask happy clients to leave a review that naturally mentions what you helped them with (e.g., “helped me plan my launch strategy”). These show up in both Facebook and Google searches.
Stay consistent with posting and engagement. Facebook rewards active pages. Even 2–3 posts per week, paired with regular comments and replies, can boost your reach and support your Social SEO game.
Social SEO Tips for LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a rich platform for service-based business owners and creatives who want to grow their brand and their bank account. The trick is to make your profile and content searchable with smart Social SEO strategies that increase your social media visibility and attract aligned clients.
Here’s how to make LinkedIn work for you:
Level up your headline and about section. Your headline shouldn't just say “Founder” or “Owner.” Instead, use clear, keyword-rich titles like “Social Media Strategist for Coaches & Creatives” or “Launch Consultant for Women-Led Startups.” This is one of the first things people (and search tools) see.
Use searchable keywords in your posts. Talk about your services, your client wins, and how you help, using language your audience uses. Think less “corporate speak” and more “real talk.” This helps LinkedIn surface your content in search results and makes it more relatable.
Add a few hashtags (yes, they matter here too). Stick with 3–5 per post, and choose them wisely. Niche hashtags like #MarketingForTherapists or #CreativeConsultant will get you in front of the right people without getting lost in a sea of #business.
Don’t skip the alt text. When uploading images, take a sec to add alt text. It boosts your content’s accessibility and gives you one more place to include those juicy keywords for better Social Media SEO.
Post native documents like PDFs or slide decks. These are excellent for engagement and visibility. LinkedIn treats them like premium content, and the algorithm loves them. Make sure your document titles are keyword-rich and relevant to your niche.
Whether you're looking to book new clients, land collaborations, or just grow your credibility, LinkedIn + Social SEO is an underrated combo. Show up with strategy, and you'll stand out in all the right ways.
Social SEO Tips for TikTok
TikTok isn’t just for Gen Z dance trends; it’s where real people are searching for tips, services, and solutions. Whether you’re a coach, designer, or VA, TikTok can seriously level up your social media visibility with the right Social SEO strategy.
Use keywords in your captions and on-screen text. When creating content, think about what your ideal client would search for. If you’re a mindset coach, include terms like “confidence tips for entrepreneurs” or “mindset blocks in business.” Write those keywords in your captions and add them to your on-screen text.
Say your keywords out loud. TikTok actually listens, literally. Its algorithm scans spoken words in your video, so talk through your topic and naturally mention your keywords. It boosts both engagement and Social SEO at the same time.
Use a mix of niche + trending hashtags. Go beyond #foryoupage and use hashtags specific to your niche like #ProductivityCoach or #BrandingForMoms. These help boost your Social Media SEO and get your content in front of the right people, not just more people.
Post regularly (like, multiple times per day). Posting that often can feel like a lot. But consistency is key on TikTok. Aim for 1–3 short videos daily. They don’t all need to be polished; behind-the-scenes clips, quick tips, or talking-head videos all do the trick and help fuel your Social SEO efforts.
Use trending sounds and effects. TikTok’s algorithm favors content that taps into what’s hot. You don’t need to dance or be cringey, just pair your message with a trending sound to increase your reach and help the platform serve your video to new audiences. According to Vidico, posts that use trending sounds can increase engagement by up to 47%.
Optimize your profile with keywords. Your bio should be short, clear, and searchable. Phrases like “Virtual Assistant for Coaches” or “Social Media Tips for Creatives” help boost your discoverability both on TikTok and via Google.
Bonus: Choosing the Right Platform for Your Audience
Not all platforms are created equal for every business. Choose the one(s) that match your goals and where your audience is most active:
Instagram: Best for product-based businesses, coaches, creatives, and visual brands.
Facebook: Good for local businesses, service providers, and communities.
LinkedIn: Ideal for B2B, consultants, and professionals targeting other business owners.
TikTok: Great for educators, creatives, and anyone willing to show up with short-form videos.
Start with one platform and focus your Social Media SEO efforts there before branching out. That’s the most efficient way to build momentum and see results.
Social SEO is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to boost your online visibility without paid ads. By making small changes to your profiles and content, you can increase your reach and attract more of the right people.
Choose one platform today and do a quick audit:
Does your bio include searchable keywords?
Are your posts using natural, audience-friendly language?
Have you optimized your content with hashtags and alt text?
Need help getting started?
📅 Book a free 30-minute visibility audit call with me
Visibility doesn’t have to be hard when you know what to look for.
Connect
Helping online businesses grow their organic traffic and sales through personalized SEO strategies.
Where Vision Meets Visibility—SEO for Online Brands
Support
Grow with us - sign up for our newsletter
© 2025. All rights reserved.
Social SEO Tips for Instagram
Instagram might be one of the best platforms for growing your brand, but if your posts aren’t getting seen, it’s probably not because the algorithm hates you; it’s likely a Social SEO issue. With a few small tweaks, you can seriously level up your social media visibility.
Your captions and keywords. Think of your caption as your SEO headline. Instead of just saying “New post!” or dropping an emoji, talk about what your post is actually about. Use phrases your audience is searching for, like “DIY branding tips” or “content ideas for service providers.” According to Instagram’s own data, more users are using the app’s keyword search feature every year, so your words do matter.
Strategic hashtags. Don’t use 30 super broad hashtags like #girlboss or #entrepreneur. Instead, focus on low-hanging fruit hashtags. These are niche, less competitive tags that your ideal audience follows. For example, instead of #marketing, try #marketingcoachforcreatives or #smallbizbranding.
Bonus tip: Save your go-to hashtags in Notes or a scheduling tool so you can drop them in quickly without overthinking.
Optimize your bio. Include searchable keywords that explain exactly who you help and what you do. Example: “Marketing coach for creative entrepreneurs.” This tiny section is very important when it comes to boosting your Social SEO.
Don’t sleep on alt text! Instagram lets you add image descriptions. This not only makes your content more accessible but also gives you another chance to include important keywords. Just keep it natural and relevant.
But here’s where many entrepreneurs fall short: stories and reels. Instagram is heavily pushing Reels and Stories in its algorithm now. Try to post Stories daily. Even quick behind-the-scenes moments or polls work. Aim to create multiple Reels weekly using popular audio or trending topics in your niche.
Not sure it’s worth the effort? Think again. A recent study by Later found that Reels generate 22% more engagement than traditional Instagram videos. That’s a major opportunity to boost your social media SEO and connect with more dream clients.