That Red Light Changed the Way I Think About Social Media and Instagram Search

The other morning, I was sitting at a red light on my drive to work. I had a coffee in hand, my brain was only half awake and then something oddly eye-opening happened.

I glanced over and noticed the kind of thing you probably see a dozen times a day without really registering: a local business decal on the door. This one was for a cleaning company. The decal had the business name, a phone number, and a website listed.

And for whatever reason, it made me pause. I asked myself:

“How many people actually call that number?”

Because I know I don’t.

Instead, without even thinking, I pulled out my phone and searched for them on Instagram.

Nothing. No posts on both Facebook and Instagram. No face behind the brand. No proof they were active. Not even a little logo or hint of engagement to confirm they were still in business.

Just... silence.

And that’s when it hit me:

We’re not just living in a digital-first world anymore. We’re living in a social-first one.

The Way People Find You Has Changed

For decades, small businesses were told to invest in flyers, print ads, car wraps, and business cards. While those still have a place, the way people actually search for businesses in 2025 has shifted.

Today, you'd be surprised at how many people are hopping on Instagram and TikTok and typing in things like:

• “best taco spot in nashville”

• “chiropractor franklin tn”

• “cozy coffee shop near me”

• “fall nails inspo”

  
  

They’re looking for local businesses, but they’re doing it through social media. If they can’t find you there? Or they do find you, but your feed looks outdated or inconsistent? You’ve already lost their attention.

Your Content Is Your Storefront

We’re way past the era of “optional” social media. At this point, your content is your storefront. It’s how people window-shop. It’s how they decide if they trust you enough to book an appointment, place an order, or walk through your actual front door.

They’re asking:

• Does this feel legit?

• Is this business active?

• Who runs it?

• Are they someone I want to support?

  
  

People don’t need perfection. They just need presence.

If You’ve Been Avoiding Social Media, You’re Not Alone

A lot of small business owners feel overwhelmed by social media and we totally get it.

Trying to post consistently while running a business? Exhausting.

Knowing what to post and how to make it look good? Confusing.

Worrying about the algorithm? Frustrating.

The reality is: just because social feels hard, doesn’t mean you can ignore it. Especially because your future customers/clients aren’t ignoring it.

So, What Now with Instagram Search?

This isn’t a doom-and-gloom story. It’s a wake-up call and a hopeful one.

Fortunately, the solution is simple: show up. You don’t have to dance, you don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be there. Actively and consistently. If you don’t want to do that alone, that’s where we come in.

At Defined Digital Marketing, we help small businesses create strategic, scroll-stopping content that actually helps them get found online. We make it look good, feel authentic to your business/brand, and work like a magnet for the people already searching for what you offer.

If that sounds like what you need heading into 2026, let’s talk. Showing up on Instagram search might be the most important marketing move you make this year.