New Instagram Features: A Strategic Chance to Boost Your Brand’s eCommerce Growth

Instagram’s latest update introduces reposts, a location sharing map, and a “Friends” tab in Reels. These new Instagram features enhance connection, amplify reach, and strengthen SEO, all while aligning with Google’s EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) principles. 

At Blue Wheel, we empower brands to navigate the dynamic digital landscape with data-driven strategies. Backed by our expertise in eCommerce and social media strategy, this blog explores how these tools can drive measurable results for your brand.

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Understanding Instagram’s New Features 

1. Reposts: Expand Your Content’s Reach 

You can now repost public reels and posts to your feed, with credit automatically given to the original creator. Reposts appear in a dedicated profile tab and may be recommended to non-followers, creating opportunities to reach new audiences. Adding a personal note to reposts fosters engagement, making your content more relatable and shareable. For creators, this feature amplifies visibility as reposts can reach audiences beyond your immediate followers. 

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2. Instagram Map: Strengthen Local Connections 

The opt-in location-sharing map allows users to share their last active location with selected friends (e.g., Close Friends or custom lists) and explore geo-tagged content, including reels, posts, stories, and notes, available for 24 hours. For eCommerce brands, this feature enhances local discoverability, helping nearby customers find your products or storefronts and driving foot traffic. 

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3. Friends Tab in Reels: Boost Engagement 

The “Friends” tab in Reels showcases public content your friends have liked, commented on, or reposted, along with recommendations from Blends. This social-driven feature fuels engagement—a key factor in Instagram’s algorithm. With privacy controls to hide your activity or mute others, this globally available tool helps brands stay relevant by engaging with trending content.

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Why These Features Matter for SEO (EEAT-Aligned Insights) 

Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes discoverability and engagement, aligning with EEAT principles by rewarding content that demonstrates expertise, builds trust, and engages audiences authentically. Here’s how each feature contributes: 

Reposts Drive Broader Reach (Experience & Trustworthiness)

Reposts amplify your content to new audiences, increasing profile visits and follower growth. By crediting original creators, Instagram ensures transparency, fostering trust. This organic exposure signals relevance to the algorithm, improving content ranking in feeds and explore pages. 

Location Tags Enhance Local SEO (Expertise & Authoritativeness)

Geo-tagged content connects your brand to local audiences, showcasing your expertise in serving specific markets. For eCommerce brands, this feature enhances discoverability for nearby customers, driving conversions and reinforcing your authority in local search. 

Friends Tab Fuels Engagement (Experience & Engagement) 

Higher engagement from likes, comments, and reposts signals to Instagram that your content resonates, boosting its ranking. This feature encourages authentic interactions, aligning with EEAT’s emphasis on user experience.

Why This Is Important for Our Clients and the Broader eCommerce Space 

These features are a game-changer for eCommerce brands, offering new ways to drive traffic, engagement, and conversions in a competitive digital landscape. Here’s why they matter: 

Enhanced Customer Discovery 

The Instagram Map and reposts make it easier for potential customers to discover your brand, whether through local searches or shared content. For example, a fashion retailer tagging its store location in a reel showcasing new arrivals can attract nearby shoppers, driving both online and in-store sales. 

Increased Engagement Drives Conversions 

The Friends tab encourages authentic interactions, which are proven to boost conversion rates. According to a Sprout Social study, 66% of consumers are more likely to purchase from brands they feel connected to on social media. By fostering engagement, these features help build trust and loyalty. 

Local SEO for Omni-Channel Growth 

For eCommerce brands with physical locations, the map feature strengthens omni-channel strategies. A Google study found that 76% of consumers who search for local businesses visit a store within the next 24 hours. Geo-tagged content positions your brand in front of these high-intent customers. 

Potential for Brands

An eCommerce brand could see an increase in online sales after implementing a location-based Instagram strategy. By tagging retail locations in reels and stories, a brand could see boosted local discoverability, driving both foot traffic and eCommerce conversions. The addition of reposts and the Friends tab is expected to further amplify these results by increasing content reach and engagement. 

How to Make These Features Work for Your Brand 

To maximize these updates, Blue Wheel recommends the following strategies, rooted in our expertise in eCommerce and social media: 

1. Leverage Reposts for Organic Growth 

• Share trending reels or posts that align with your brand’s values, adding a thoughtful note to encourage engagement. 
• Use niche-specific, high-performing hashtags (e.g., #EcoFriendlyProducts, #ShopLocal) to increase visibility on the explore page. 
• Create shareable content with clear calls-to-action (e.g., “Save this for your next purchase!”) to inspire followers to repost your work. 

2. Optimize Local SEO with the Instagram Map 

• Tag locations in every post, reel, and story to boost visibility on the map. For example, a beauty brand could tag its flagship store in a reel highlighting a new product launch.
• Develop location-based content (e.g., “Top Wellness Spots in [Your City]”) to attract local followers and drive in-store visits. 
• Monitor competitors’ geo-tagged content to identify trending locations and align your strategy with market demand. 

3. Maximize Engagement with the Friends Tab 

• Engage with content in the Friends tab to maintain visibility within your network and align with Instagram’s algorithm. 
• Craft reels that invite interaction, such as polls or questions, to encourage likes, comments, and reposts. 
• Use privacy controls to ensure your brand’s activity remains professional and aligned with your messaging. 

4. Pro Tip: Use Notes Strategically 

Add concise, engaging notes to reposts or location-based content to maintain follower interest. For example, pair a reposted reel with a note like, “This recipe inspired our latest product—what’s your favorite way to use it?” to keep your audience engaged. 

The Bigger Picture: A Must-Have for eCommerce Success 

Instagram’s latest updates reflect how consumers discover and engage with brands today,  creating a more dynamic platform for eCommerce growth. By emphasizing authentic interactions and location-based discovery, these features deliver measurable benefits: increased reach, stronger engagement, and enhanced local visibility. 

For businesses with physical stores, the Instagram Map connects online and offline experiences, driving omni-channel success. For online-only brands, reposts and the Friends tab amplify content reach and foster customer loyalty. 

With the map rolling out in the US and other features available globally, now is the time to integrate these tools into your strategy. By aligning with Instagram’s focus on engagement and discoverability, you can position your brand for long-term growth in the competitive eCommerce space. 

How to Get Started 

To capitalize on Instagram’s updates, start by testing reposts to share high-value content, tagging locations to enhance local discoverability, and engaging in the Friends tab to boost interaction. Use Instagram’s analytics to track profile visits, follows, and conversions, then refine your approach based on data-driven insights. 

At Blue Wheel, our expertise in eCommerce and social media strategy ensures our clients stay ahead of the curve. The latest Instagram features offer a strategic opportunity to elevate your SEO, connect with audiences authentically, and drive measurable results. 

Begin implementing these tools today to strengthen your brand’s presence and achieve eCommerce success. Get in touch with our experts today!