What Instagram’s New Features Mean for Small Businesses

taabvirtual
Sep 1
2 min read

Instagram has been busy rolling out some new updates lately, and if you’re a small business owner, they’re definitely worth paying attention to. Two of the big ones? Repost and being featured in Google searches.

1. Repost: Sharing Made Simple

You know when you spot a post you love on Instagram, and you want to share it without faffing around with screenshots and clunky apps? Well, now you can!

Instagram has finally added a Repost button, similar to retweets on Twitter (sorry, X!) or shares on Facebook. It means you can directly reshare other people’s posts to your feed while giving them proper credit.

Why it matters for small businesses:

Show love to your community. Repost customer photos, testimonials, or shout-outs to build stronger relationships.
Fill your feed with less stress. On those “I don’t know what to post today” days, resharing relevant content keeps your account active without you needing to create something from scratch.
Boost collaborations. Partnering with other businesses? Reposting their content is a quick win for both sides.

2. Instagram Content in Google Searches

This one’s a biggie. Instagram has confirmed that posts from public accounts can now appear in Google search results.

That means your Instagram content isn’t just for the app anymore; it can help you get discovered when people are searching online.

Why it matters for small businesses:

More visibility. Your posts, reels, and even profiles could pop up when someone Googles local services.
Free SEO boost. Without lifting a finger, your content can reach people who aren’t even on Instagram.
Consistency counts. Make sure your profile bio, posts, and hashtags are clear and relevant, because they could now appear beyond Insta.

A Few Other Handy Updates

While we’re here, Instagram has been sprinkling in a few extra updates recently:

Notes with Prompts: More ways to start conversations in DMs. Think of it like digital sticky notes to engage followers.
AI-powered editing tools: Making it easier to create polished posts and reels, even if you’re not a design whizz.
Close Friends Feed: A way to share more personal or exclusive content (could be interesting if you want to build a VIP vibe for loyal customers).

So, What Should You Do Next?

Start experimenting with Repost. Share a customer shout-out, or reshare a local business partner’s post.
Polish your Instagram profile. If it’s popping up on Google, you want it looking its best - bio clear, profile pic crisp, and posts consistent.
Think long-term. These updates are all about connection and discoverability. The more consistent and authentic you are, the better these tools will work for you.

We know Instagram can feel like another full-time job (and who’s got time for that?!). But with the right tweaks, these updates can work hard for your business without you needing to.