Instagram Maps Local Search

Background: Instagram is a visual-centric social media platform where local businesses showcase their products and services to attract customers. Many local businesses, such as coffee shops, hair salons, pet groomers, and fitness studios, use Instagram to build their brand and engage with their audience. By having a strong Instagram presence, local businesses can increase their online visibility and attract more customers.

What changed: Instagram's new local map search feature allows users to search for businesses in a specific location, making it easier for customers to find local businesses near them. This feature is currently being tested and is expected to roll out to all users soon. With this update, businesses can now appear on a map when users search for a specific location, increasing their visibility and reach.

Why it matters: This update can significantly impact local businesses' ad spend, reach, and bookings. By appearing on the local map search, businesses can increase their visibility, drive more foot traffic to their stores, and ultimately boost their revenue. Additionally, this feature can also help businesses to better target their ads and promotions to customers who are more likely to visit their store.

Niche breakdown: For a hair salon, this feature can help attract more customers looking for a salon near their location. A coffee shop can use this feature to promote their store and attract more customers who are looking for a coffee shop in the area. A pet groomer can use this feature to showcase their services and attract more pet owners in the area. A fitness studio can use this feature to promote their classes and attract more fitness enthusiasts in the area. Each of these businesses can benefit from this feature in different ways, but all can increase their visibility and reach new customers.

What to do: To take advantage of this new feature, local businesses should ensure their Instagram profile is complete and up-to-date, including their business address and contact information. They should also use relevant keywords and hashtags in their posts to increase their visibility in search results. Additionally, businesses can use Instagram's built-in features such as Instagram Stories and Reels to promote their business and attract more customers.