Social Posts That Rank on Google? Yep, That’s Now a Thing.
Social just became a search engine tool.
With Meta’s July 2025 update, public Facebook and Instagram posts from Business or Creator accounts can now be indexed and displayed in Google Search results.
That means your clients’ organic posts (Reels, photos, videos) now have the potential to reach in-market shoppers outside the feed, driving free traffic and increasing visibility in local search results.
While BuyerBridge does not currently support this within our ad platform (since it applies only to organic content), we’re still here to help you navigate this opportunity.
What Changed in July 2025
Meta announced that public Instagram and Facebook content—including Reels, photos, and videos—from professional accounts is now indexable by search engines like Google.
This means optimized captions and alt text now matter beyond the feed. It's a new layer of visibility for organic content.
What Agencies Need to Know
This change does not impact paid ads launched via BuyerBridge. Paid ads are not indexed by Google, and SEO practices like captions or alt text do not influence ad visibility.
However, this is a major opportunity for you to:
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Offer “Social SEO Optimization” as a new value-add service
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Train your content team to post SEO-optimized content
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Position your agency as a go-to expert in the social + search space
SEO Optimization Checklist for Organic Posts
Here’s a basic checklist your team can follow when helping clients optimize their social posts for search:
Account Setup
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Facebook Page is public
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Instagram is a Business or Creator account
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Facebook and Instagram are linked via the Meta Business Suite
Content Optimization
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Captions include:
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Year, Make, Model
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Local modifiers (e.g., for sale in Orlando)
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Common phrases: certified pre-owned, truck specials
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Alt text added to each image/video
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Used 2022 Nissan Rogue in Tampa – low mileage, AWD SUV
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Use 3–5 relevant hashtags per post (optional) #usedcars #tampadeals #jeepforsale
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Cadence & Content Mix
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Post 3–5x per week
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Mix of:
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Reels with SEO captions
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Vehicle photos or carousels
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Service content with local relevance
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Tracking
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Add UTM links or Bit.ly tracking to organic post CTAs
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Use Google Search Console to monitor traffic (if connected to the site)
FAQs:
Does this change apply to old posts or only new content?
As of now, only new public content posted after the update (July 10, 2025) is eligible for indexing. While some older posts may eventually be crawled, there’s no guarantee they’ll appear in search unless they follow new SEO best practices (e.g., public visibility, captions with keywords).
What types of posts are eligible to appear in Google search?
Publicly posted photos, videos, and Reels from Business or Creator accounts on Facebook and Instagram. Stories, private group posts, and non-public content are excluded.
Do we need to manually do anything to get posts indexed by Google?
Yes—optimization matters. Make sure posts are:
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Set to public
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Include keywords (like vehicle make/model + city)
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Have alt text when possible
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Are engaging and relevant (Google favors quality)
Can I track how many of my posts show up in Google?
There’s no direct Meta dashboard for this, but you can:
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Use Google Search Console (for pages linked in posts)
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Use UTM links in your CTAs to track traffic
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Google your dealership name + post keyword to see indexed examples
How long does it take for a post to appear in search?
Indexing is not instant. Google typically takes several days to a few weeks to crawl and index public social posts. Consistency helps.
Does this mean we don’t need ads anymore?
Not quite. This update boosts organic reach, but paid ads still dominate visibility in competitive searches and drive targeted results. Think of this update as a free visibility boost—especially for dealerships with limited ad budgets.
Does this update apply to paid ads?
No. This update only applies to public organic posts on Facebook and Instagram. SEO elements like captions and alt text do not impact paid ad visibility in search engines.
Should I optimize every post, even if it’s not about inventory?
Yes. Every post is now an opportunity to rank for local keywords, branding, or services. Even community posts or service promos can be SEO-friendly with the right captions.
What are the best practices for writing SEO-friendly captions?
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Include year + make + model (ex: 2025 Chevy Tahoe LT)
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Add location keywords (ex: in Sarasota, FL)
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Use natural phrases people might search (ex: “used trucks for sale near me”)
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Link to inventory or website (with a UTM if possible)
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Add alt text that matches the vehicle or offer
Does this affect my ads inside BuyerBridge?
No. Paid ads run through BuyerBridge are not indexable by Google. This only applies to organic social content.
How can I track if my client’s posts are showing in Google?
You can use Google Search Console (if you manage their site), or perform Google searches with keywords like “used [make/model] [city] Facebook” and look for indexed links.