Instagram adds new business search tools within IG maps

Instagram is constantly evolving and launching new features to its app. Instagram’s new features always generate conversation over social media as they are usually the first to announce significant updates for businesses and creators. So, what’s new with Instagram Maps and how will it make the user journey better? 

Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, announced on his Instagram Stories that they are introducing a new searchable map feature. This new feature is set to provide an alternate way to discover local businesses and gain more information about what they do and what they provide, all within the app’s tool. 

Why add the Business Search Feature? 

Instagram won’t be short of ideas when it comes to releasing new features to its app. So why this update and what’s the meaning behind it?  

Google’s Senior Vice President Prabhakar Raghavan noted that younger users are now often turning to apps like Instagram and TikTok instead of Google Search or Google Maps. He noted that young users don’t tend to type in keywords, but rather look to discover content in new and immersive ways. In comparison to even just 5 years ago, we are now far more interested in visual forms of search, text alone just doesn’t cut it anymore. 

How will the Instagram Maps feature work? 

This new feature will massively impact smaller businesses that get overshadowed by their big competitors. A great addition to IG maps is the business search tool. This gives you the ability to filter the locations by specific categories. Specifications such as restaurants, cafes, hairdressers etc. are all included in the filter section. 

The new feature will become especially useful when you’re travelling to new locations. It will help you discover popular destinations within arm’s reach of where you are. 

How should you use the Instagram Maps business search? 

IG maps are very easy to use. Simply search your destination in the search bar of your explore page. For example, if you are in Stockport centre, search for ‘Stockport’. From there, you can then filter for the place you are after. Whether you’re in need of a bite to eat, a hotel to stay at or a nice park, you can filter your search to only see locations useful to you. 

Your search will bring up user-generated content (UGC) from that location, how far it is from your original search, an average cost, if applicable, and its opening times. This is the next step in improving the user experience on Instagram. 

What does this mean for your business? 

This is great news for businesses as this concept is going to increase their exposure significantly. Many already use Instagram as a crucial part of their marketing strategy. Therefore, enhancing the maps feature with the business search tool is going to help increase your discoverability on the platform.  

As we mentioned earlier, this is also going to help with the exposure of smaller businesses. The feature will allow users to browse recent stories and the top posts of tagged locations. You will be able to save your favourite locations and share places with your friends via direct messages (DMs).

58% of Instagram users state they find themselves more attracted to a brand after seeing a post or story about it. This new feature could quite possibly change the game for small businesses, so get tagging, sharing and searching! 

The size of your business is now less significant with this new feature. It is designed to increase the exposure of local businesses. Whether you’re a small café on the corner or Costa Coffee on the high street, it doesn’t matter as your discoverability will be the same.  

How can Platform81 help? 

Struggling to keep up with the weekly updates within the fast-paced social media landscape? Let our expert team help you. We are constantly on top of the latest feature releases so we can make sure we are using each update to reach your business goals. 

Our Social Media team can implement new features into your marketing strategy to fit your business needs and reach your objectives. Contact us today if your marketing strategy needs a revamp and let’s discuss your needs.