Once upon a time, when people wanted to find something—a service, a how-to, or a recommendation—they went straight to Google. But today? They go to Instagram. TikTok. YouTube Shorts.
That’s right—social media isn’t just for scrolling anymore. It’s where people go to search, explore, and decide who they want to do business with—especially younger audiences.
So what does that mean for your business?
It means your content—those short videos, posts, and Reels—isn’t just for entertainment. It’s your handshake, your storefront, and your reputation all rolled into one.
Here’s the hard truth:
Being the best at what you do isn’t what wins anymore. The one who gets seen, remembered, and trusted—wins. And that only happens when you’re showing up and standing out online.
As Grant Cardone puts it:
“It is your duty, obligation and responsibility to get your product, your service, and your name out into the marketplace.”
If people don’t know you exist, they can’t choose you—no matter how good you are.
Visibility isn’t vanity—it’s survival. If your business isn’t showing up where people are searching, it’s being passed over by someone who is.
How to Make Social Media Work Like a Search Engine for Your Brand
You don’t have to go viral. But you do need to be visible. Here’s how to make the most of each platform:
Instagram: Maximize Your Profile & Posts
- Name field matters. Instead of just listing your business name, add what you do. For example: “Julie | Interior Design Tampa.”
- Your bio is searchable. Include keywords like your service, location, or specialty so people can find you.
- Alt text helps Instagram understand your post. Before publishing a photo, you can write a simple description of what’s in it. Use words people might search for.
- Captions should be clear and useful. Say what the post is about in the first few words. Keep it friendly and easy to understand.
TikTok: Be Helpful, Not Just Trendy
- Use real phrases in your video text and captions. Instead of something vague like “POV: Owning a biz,” try “3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Business.”
- Text on the screen counts. What you write in the video helps people find it later, so think like your customer. What would they type in the search bar?
- Trending sounds help, but they’re not everything. Use them if they fit, but focus on being clear and helpful first.
YouTube Shorts: Google’s Video Favorite
- Your title should be specific and search-friendly. Think: “How to Plan a 5-Minute Morning Routine” not “My AM Routine 🥱.”
- Descriptions and tags still matter. They help Google know what your video is about so it can show it to the right people.
- Keep it short and useful. These videos are meant to grab attention fast, so get to the point and give value.
The Big Picture: Repurpose and Repeat
You don’t need brand-new content for every platform. One short video can be reused across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts—even your blog or email—just tweak the caption or format a bit. The key is to show up often, with content that’s relevant and easy to consume.
Final Takeaway: Don’t Underestimate the Power of Your Content
Your short videos and social posts aren’t just “filler.” They’re your chance to show up in front of the right people.
Obscurity—not the algorithm—is the real enemy. It’s not about beating the system. It’s about making sure the right people can actually find you.
Because as Grant Cardone says:
“If they don’t know you, they can’t flow you.”
When you take the time to make your content easier to discover—whether that’s on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube—you stop sitting back and hoping people come to you. Instead, you actively create momentum. You give your business a chance to be seen, heard, and chosen.
If this feels overwhelming or you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help.
At Brand NV, we’ve been helping business owners show up online—and grow—for over 15 years. From strategy to content creation, we consider it an honor to lend our expertise to help your brand rise, stay visible, and keep up with trends that truly matter.
Click here to contact us and schedule a time to talk.
We’d love to help you turn your social media presence into something powerful.
