The Ultimate Guide to Social Media SEO: How to Attract More Clients & Reach in 2025
The Day I Discovered Social Media SEO While Sipping Cocktails in Madrid
A few weeks ago, I found myself in Madrid, enjoying a short getaway with a friend who’s about 10 years younger than me. As the sun began to set, we both had the same idea—let’s find a rooftop bar.
Naturally, I did what any millennial would do: I opened Google Maps, started typing “best rooftop bars near me”, and began scrolling through endless listings. I meticulously checked star ratings, read reviews, analyzed photos, and opened tabs like I was preparing a full research report.
Meanwhile, my friend casually opened TikTok, typed “top rooftops in Madrid” and began scrolling through short, vibrant videos showcasing the exact experience we were looking for—music, atmosphere, views, and yes, the cocktails. In just a couple of minutes, one video stood out. It was engaging, visually stunning, and felt authentic. That was it—we were sold.
Sure, I still checked Google Maps for directions and reviews (because habits die hard), but that moment hit me hard. Social media, especially for Gen Z, isn’t just about entertainment anymore—it’s the new search engine.
We’re entering a new phase in the customer journey. People are reading less and watching more. Visual search is becoming the norm. And in this blog, I’ll show you exactly how to take advantage of this shift and start using Social Media SEO to gain more visibility, more customers, and more revenue.
What is SEO in Social Media?
Social Media SEO focus on 2 source of traffic:
External SEO:
How your posts on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest can get indexed by Google and other search engines, allowing people to discover your content outside the app.Internal SEO (In-App Search):
How to optimize your social media posts to appear in in-app search results, especially in apps like TikTok, where millions of users search directly for places, products, or solutions inside the app.
If you’re not thinking about both, you’re missing a massive opportunity.
Why Social Media SEO Matters (Now More Than Ever)
Google & TikTok are Blurring Together: Social posts now show up on Google search, thanks to Instagram & TikTok allowing external indexing.
40% of Gen Z Prefer TikTok Over Google for Search:
They skip text-heavy search results and head straight to visually engaging videos.Visual-First Discovery:
Users want real, visual experiences—photos, videos, and recommendations they can see.
Search preference between Google, TikTok, Instagram, and other sites, by age group by FORBES.
How to Optimize for Social Media SEO (Step-by-step guide)
Here’s your step-by-step guide, inspired by some of the best practices from TikTok SEO experts, adapted for all social platforms.
1. Optimize Your Captions Like Mini Blog Posts
Forget short, fluffy captions. Instead:
Use Natural, Search-Friendly Language:
Describe exactly what your content is about, using words your audience might search.Front-Load Keywords:
Place your most important keywords or phrases in the first sentence.Be Descriptive & Specific:
For example:
"Discover the best boutique hotels in Lisbon with rooftop pools and stunning city views—perfect for your next getaway."
Examples:
Business:
A dentist in Frankfurt instead of posting “Smile big today!" should post something like:"Looking for expert teeth whitening in Frankfurt? Here’s everything you need to know before your first appointment."
eCom:
For a skincare brand instead of posting "Say goodbye to dry skin! should post something like:"This hydrating overnight mask locks in moisture for 24 hours—see how it transforms dry skin with real results."
2. Use Keywords On-Screen & In Speech (Especially for TikTok & Reels)
Platforms like TikTok scan on-screen text and even spoken words in your videos.
Best Practices:
Show your main keyword on-screen within the first 3-5 seconds.
Speak the keyword naturally in the video’s narration or dialogue.
Keep text clear, centered, and easy to read.
Example:
Restaurant Video:
Text: “Top Vegan Brunch Spots in Barcelona 🍳”
Voiceover: “Here are the best vegan brunch restaurants in Barcelona you have to try!”
3. Write Long Descriptions to Rank Higher
TikTok and Instagram reward detailed descriptions also help to get more retention in your videos.
Strategy:
IMPORTANT: Start with your main keyword.
Write naturally, don’t stuff keywords awkwardly.
Share extra details in the body of the caption.
Skip hashtags—they’re losing relevance in SEO.
Examples:
Hotel Post:
“Barcelona boutique hotel with rooftop bar and historic charm—our hidden gem in the heart of the Gothic Quarter offers everything you need for an unforgettable stay. Travelers love our panoramic rooftop terrace, where you can sip handcrafted cocktails while soaking in sunset views over the city skyline.
Inside, our luxury suites blend historic architecture with modern comforts, including plush bedding, rain showers, and thoughtful amenities designed for ultimate relaxation. Whether you’re exploring nearby landmarks like the Barcelona Cathedral or enjoying a quiet evening by the rooftop pool, you’ll feel right at home. Book your stay today and experience why we’re rated one of the top boutique hotels in Barcelona for couples, solo adventurers, and culture lovers alike.”
Product Post:
“Weighted blanket for better sleep and stress relief—discover why this cozy essential is transforming nighttime routines everywhere. Our premium weighted blanket is crafted to help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and promote calm through gentle deep pressure stimulation.
Made with soft, breathable fabrics and filled with micro glass beads for even weight distribution, it’s perfect for year-round comfort. Whether you’re dealing with insomnia, high stress, or simply looking to improve your rest, this blanket can help you relax faster and sleep deeper. Thousands of happy customers swear by it for nightly relaxation and long
4- Collaborate with Creators for Authentic SEO Boosts
People trust recommendations from others far more than from brands directly.
✅ Examples:
A local restaurant invites a popular foodie creator to feature their dishes.
A boutique hotel hosts a travel influencer for a weekend stay.
A skincare brand sends products to wellness creators for honest reviews.
This not only helps you rank in searches, but it also makes your brand feel more relatable and authentic.
Quick Recap: Social Media SEO Checklist
📊 Content Strategy Guide
| ✅ Strategy | 📝 Purpose | 📋 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Keyword-Rich Captions | In-App & External SEO | Avoid fluff; speak like your customer |
| On-Screen Text & Spoken Keywords | In-App SEO | First 5 seconds = key moment |
| Long Descriptions (No Hashtags) | In-App & External SEO | Include long-tail keywords naturally |
| Alt Text & Metadata | External SEO | Helps Google index your posts |
| Creator Partnerships | In-App SEO + Authentic Exposure | Increases reach & trust simultaneously |
🚨 Big News: Instagram’s New SEO Feature (Starting July 2025)
Here’s something that’s going to reshape social media SEO dramatically.
Starting July 10, 2025, Instagram will automatically let Google index public posts from professional accounts.
That means your Reels, photos, and carousel posts could start appearing in Google search results—without users even needing to log into Instagram.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Social Search is Visual & Personal
That night in Madrid, watching my friend discover rooftop bars through TikTok, was more than just a fun story—it was a glimpse into the future of search and business marketing.
We’re shifting away from plain text results toward immersive, visual discovery. Whether you run a café, hotel, e-commerce shop, or dental office, Social Media SEO is your chance to ride that wave—and do it before your competitors catch on.
Focus on valuable, visual content that speaks your audience’s language, optimize it using these simple tactics, and collaborate with creators to expand your reach.
Remember: the next customer who discovers your business may not come from Google—but from a TikTok video or Instagram Reel.
Start optimizing now—and watch your visibility grow.
🚀 Don’t Have Time to Do All This Yourself? We’ve Got You Covered!
Let’s be honest—optimizing every post, writing long SEO-friendly captions, editing videos, collaborating with creators… it’s a lot. And if you’re running a business, your time is already stretched thin.
That’s where we come in.
At Avocados Media, we help businesses like yours:
Build smart, effective social media strategies.
Handle the full execution—from content creation to optimization and post scheduling.
Grow your visibility and attract new customers.
✅ No fluff, just results.
If you want to start getting real reach from Instagram, TikTok, and beyond—but don’t have the time or expertise to do it yourself—let us help.
👉 Book your FREE strategy call today and let’s explore how this approach could drive more clients and revenue for your business:
