Balefire Sparks #20
Major Instagram update... "You're joking - not another one!"
Welcome to the latest edition of Balefire Sparks 🔥
This time, we're looking at a recent shift that’s putting Instagram posts on the map.
With Google now indexing public content on Instagram, the line between search and social just got thinner.
We’ve got a feature on how to optimise your Instagram content for SEO, plus five sharp Sparks covering a range of topics to help you build your business.
A special thank you to this edition’s sponsor: Ad Catalyst
Join 11,000+ subscribers getting breakdowns of real ads delivered straight to your inbox. With Ad Catalyst, you’ll know what’s working and why it matters.
In this issue:
🔥 [Feature] SEO + Instagram: How to make your posts show up in Google
🔥 [Sparks] Instagram strategy, LinkedIn stats, Facebook rules, and more
🔥 [Tips] What an old proverb teaches us about getting the details right
Let’s get into it and make your marketing work harder. 🔥
Instagram Posts Are Now Searchable on Google
Instagram just got a major SEO upgrade. Google is now indexing public posts, meaning your content can show up in search results. Even outside the app.
For small businesses, this provides you with more chances to get found online. But it only works if you know how to play the game. From keyword-friendly captions to proper alt text, here’s how to get your posts seen
👉 Read the full article on Balefire Digital
Need help with your social media marketing? Leave a comment or book a free consultation to get personalised advice.
Quick Sparks to Sharpen Your Marketing
I’ve picked out five smart reads to help you stay ahead of the curve—packed with useful ideas, practical tools, and things you can apply straight away.
🔥 Google Tightens Control Over Local Ads and Reviews
Google is testing a shift where Local Service Ads pull reviews only from managed Google Business Profiles. It’s time to double-check how your reviews are handled.
👉 Read more on SERoundtable
🔥 Facebook Declares War on Low-Effort AI Content
Huzzah! Facebook is downgrading “unoriginal” content, especially that pumped out by AI tools without meaning. If your posts feel too generic, your reach could take a hit.
👉 Read more on Social Media Today
🔥 LinkedIn Stats You Actually Need
Buffer shares the latest usage stats, from post reach to best times to publish. Worth a look if LinkedIn is part of your marketing strategy (and it probably should be).
👉 Read more on Buffer
🔥 Starting a Craft Business? Read This First
Fit Small Business lays out the must-haves for getting a craft-based business off the ground. Solid checklist material for turning a hobby into income.
👉 Read more on Fit Small Business
🔥 What’s Working on Instagram in 2025
Buffer’s updated Instagram marketing guide covers current best practices, feature updates, and how to stay visible in a crowded feed.
👉 Read more on Buffer
Quick Tip: Get the foundations right.
“For the want of a nail, the shoe was lost…” – the old proverb still rings true.
In marketing, it’s not the big flashy campaign that sinks you, it’s the basics done badly. A slow website. A missing CTA. A confusing checkout. These little cracks cost you customers.
Get the foundations right. Obsess over quality. Pay attention to the details.
Fancy a free, action-packed challenge designed to help you sharpen you marketing and grow your business in just five days. Take my Five-Day Marketing Challenge.
Thirsty for more? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn for regular updates, insights, and news on my upcoming book release!!!
LinkedIn Guides coming soon! Gain lifetime access to a forever evolving library of helpful marketing assets and guides. Subscribe for updates on GumRoad.
Want to continue your learning journey? Pre-register for my upcoming ‘Small Business & Start-up Accelerator’ course presented twice every year.
Need help with your digital marketing strategy? You can reach me at magic@balefiredigital.co.uk or visit www.balefiredigital.co.uk