Search engine optimization is simply a process of making your blog more visible to search engines for particular targeted keywords or phrases. In other words, SEO is just a popularity contest among websites. The question is always which website is the most popular and relevant for specific keywords or phrases, according to a particular search engine? If the question is placed in this way and not in terms of SEO strategies and techniques, you will realize that SEO goes beyond quality content and link building.

It is not surprising that with the growth in social media networks, many people are utilizing these social media websites to reinforce their SEO efforts. The good news is that you do not need SEO training to make use of these social media websites because it takes very little to get the hang of these sites. Although some big companies hire an SEO company to manage their social media pages, there is no reason why you cannot do it to increase the popularity of your own website.

One particular social media site that has grown in popularity since it made its debut in 2010 is Instagram, a photo sharing social media website. Instagram started out as a mobile application for Apple users but then support was added in 2012 so that Android users can use it as well. Although the effect of Instagram on actual search engine rankings is debatable, it is a great tool for promoting your website, products, services, and basically, increasing your website’s popularity and generating organic traffic. Below are some tips to help you use Instagram in promoting your website.

• Create a focused theme. If your Instagram account is for your website or business then make it evident from the get-go. Make sure that another Instagram user visiting your profile page will have no doubt in his or her mind what your account is all about. This means limiting your non-website related posts.

• Describe your images. Since Instagram is a photo sharing service, the only way to put content is to accurately describe your images or photos. Never post a picture that has no description. Even a single-word description is much better than none.

• Make proper use of hash tags. Hash tags are popularly used to associate your image to a particular topic or subject. You can think of these hash tags as keywords in the usual way you would promote your website.

• Engage with other users. Go beyond just posting images. Connect with other users by commenting on images of others and by responding to comments on your images.