Google Indexing Instagram Posts: What NZ Business Owners Need to Know in 2025

If you're running a small business in New Zealand, there’s a major online visibility shift you need to know about. Starting July, 2025, Google can now index public Instagram posts—including photos, Reels, and captions—from business and creator accounts. This means your Instagram content can show up directly on Google Search, helping you reach more potential customers without paying for ads.

This guide explains what this change means for your business, how it affects your online marketing, and how to take advantage of it.

Why This Matters for New Zealand Businesses

For years, Instagram was a closed platform, your posts were only visible to people who followed you or searched inside the app. Now, that’s changed. Google can crawl your Instagram posts and show them in search results, just like it does with your website or blog.

This is a game-changer for:

  • Small business owners in New Zealand

  • Startups without a website

  • Creatives like photographers, stylists, and event planners

  • Local businesses targeting nearby suburbs or towns

It means more free exposure, higher organic traffic, and a longer shelf life for your posts beyond the typical Instagram feed.

Who Is Eligible for Google Indexing?

Your Instagram posts can appear on Google if:

  • You have a Business or Creator account (not Personal)

  • Your profile is public

  • You are 18 years or older

  • The post was made after January 1, 2020

Private accounts and Stories are not indexed. Only public posts, carousels, Reels, captions, and descriptions are eligible.

Real Examples for New Zealand Businesses

Here’s how this can work for Kiwi businesses:

  • A wedding photographer in Auckland can rank on Google simply by writing photo captions like “Best wedding shots at Cornwall Park, Auckland.”

  • A builder in Christchurch can show up for “modern home renovations in Canterbury” just by adding these phrases to post captions.

  • A florist in Dunedin can appear on Google when people search for “affordable wedding flowers in Otago.”

This isn’t theory—it’s already happening globally and will be increasingly relevant for local search in New Zealand.

5 Steps to Optimise Your Instagram for Google Search

1. Switch to a Business or Creator Account

Go to your Instagram settings → Account type → Switch to Business or Creator. This unlocks Google indexing and professional features.

2. Keep Your Profile Public

Google cannot index private accounts. Go to Settings → Privacy → Account Privacy and make sure the private toggle is turned off.

3. Enable Google Indexing

Inside Instagram’s settings, enable “Allow public posts to appear in search engine results”. Without this, your posts won’t show on Google.

4. Use Local Keywords in Captions

Think about how people search on Google. Use simple phrases like:

  • “House painter in North Shore Auckland”

  • “Best gluten-free bakery in Wellington”
    This helps your posts get discovered by local customers.

5. Add Alt Text and Location Tags

  • Alt Text: Every photo and video can have alt text, which Google reads. Write short, clear descriptions.

  • Location Tags: Always add your location—this boosts your chances of showing up for location-based searches in New Zealand towns and cities.

Simple Content Clean-up Tip

Go back through your last 6 to 12 months of Instagram posts. Archive anything off-brand, like old promotions or irrelevant memes. Tidy up captions by making them clearer, especially for posts you want to rank.

Example: Instead of “Love this build 😍”, write “Modern kitchen renovation in Mount Eden, Auckland”.

What Are the Risks?

Once Google indexes your post, it could remain in search results even after you delete it from Instagram. Posts might appear out of context because Google doesn’t read tone or sarcasm. Tip: if a post wouldn’t make sense to someone who doesn’t know you, it’s safer to keep it off your main feed.

Can You Opt Out of Google Indexing?

Yes. You can easily turn off Google indexing:

  • Go to Settings → Privacy → Search Engine Indexing

  • Turn off “Allow public photos and videos to appear in search engines”
    Alternatively, you can switch back to a Personal account.

Final Thoughts: Instagram SEO is Here to Stay

This shift is not temporary—it’s the new direction of digital marketing. If you’re a New Zealand small business owner, your Instagram feed is now part of your Google SEO strategy. You don’t need to overhaul your content, but you must be intentional with what you post.

If you don’t have a website yet, Instagram indexing is a quick win to improve visibility. But if you want full control over your brand online, a simple, SEO-friendly website is still the best foundation.

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At Website Rental, we build your entire website, with no contracts and a rent-to-own option. Use your website together with your Instagram profile to dominate Google search results in New Zealand. Book a free consultation with us today.