Welcome to Workshop Friday!
If you caught our Weekly Wins celebration on Wednesday, you know how powerful it feels when your content actually reaches the readers who need it. Today, we're diving into the strategy that's making that happen more consistently: Instagram SEO optimization.
Here's the thing: if you've been frustrated by Instagram lately—posting consistently but not reaching new readers, using all the "right" hashtags but seeing minimal growth—you're not alone. The platform has fundamentally shifted how content gets discovered, and most authors are still playing by the old rules.
This week's workshop is all about keyword research for your specific author niche and creating a template system for SEO-optimized captions that still sound authentically like you. No robot-speak, no keyword stuffing—just strategic optimization that helps the right readers find your content.
Why Instagram SEO Matters More Than Hashtags Now
Instagram is changing. Users aren't just scrolling aimlessly anymore—they're actively searching for specific content. When someone types "cozy mystery recommendations" or "enemies to lovers romance" into Instagram's search bar, they want helpful, relevant content from people who actually know what they're talking about.
This shift creates an incredible opportunity for authors. Instead of competing with millions of posts using generic hashtags like #author or #bookstagram, you can position your content to be discovered by readers who are actively seeking your expertise.
The difference is intent. When someone searches for "historical fiction set in Medieval times," they're not just browsing—they're actively looking for book recommendations. If you write historical fiction, you're exactly who they need to find.
But here's where the magic happens: Instagram's algorithm now prioritizes content that matches these specific searches over content that simply uses popular hashtags. Quality, targeted keywords naturally woven into valuable content are outperforming hashtag strategies every single time.
Listen to this episode with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to The Austen Pathway to listen to this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.
