Revolutionizing Customer Acquisition with Instagram Optimization Services in Japan

The Transformation of Local Store Marketing in Japan

In recent years, small businesses and restaurants in Japan have faced significant challenges in attracting new customers through conventional methods. Many owners have realized that relying solely on Google searches is not enough to draw in the younger demographic, particularly those in their twenties and thirties. This group tends to prioritize Instagram over Google when searching for places to eat or shop, often viewing businesses that aren’t featured on the social platform as nonexistent.

With this trend in mind, iSearch Marketing Japan (based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and led by CEO Kim Seong-cheol) has introduced a groundbreaking new product, the "Account Visibility Service." This innovative solution is designed to thoroughly analyze Instagram’s search dynamics and position clients’ official accounts in prime visibility spots, ensuring that they remain in the users' sightlines.

Unique Features of the Account Visibility Service

1. Top 5 Guarantee in Account Tabs
When users enter keywords, the service optimizes their client’s store to ensure it appears within the top five results in Instagram’s account tab. This not only increases exposure but also distinguishes the client's business from competitors.

2. Auto-Suggest Inclusion
As users type keywords into the Instagram search bar, this service ensures that the client's account appears automatically in the suggestion list. This feature is invaluable as it allows users, even those unfamiliar with the store's name, to discover the business through related search terms.

3. Repeated Exposure in Suggested Tabs
By aligning with trending posts associated with hashtags and location tags, the service allows the client's account to be displayed multiple times in the suggested tab. This tri-layered exposure across search results, account tabs, and suggested tabs significantly boosts brand recognition and store visit rates.

Real Success Stories

In the vibrant area of Shibuya, a café optimized for hashtags like "#ShibuyaCafe" and "#TokyoLunch" consistently appears at the top of Instagram’s account tab. Following implementation, the café's reel posts gained extensive visibility in the suggested tab. Within just two months, their follower count skyrocketed from 1,500 to 4,800, and weekend foot traffic increased by 70% compared to pre-launch figures.

Similarly, a restaurant in Kyoto utilizing "#KyotoGourmet" and "#KawaramachiDinner" successfully reached suggestive search results. This service significantly enhanced visits from tourists, especially international travelers who prioritize Instagram over Google search, leading to an increase in inbound visits from 15% to 30%. Overall sales grew by 60% year-on-year.

Greater Effectiveness Than Traditional Influencer Marketing

Historically, many businesses relied on influencer marketing to gain visibility. However, these campaigns often yielded only short-term spikes with little sustained impact. In contrast, the Account Visibility Service fortifies the client’s own official account, fostering lasting customer engagement and visibility. One ramen shop owner from a rural area expressed, "Previously, influencer postings only resulted in a brief surge of interest. Now, thanks to this service, our account has strengthened, and we consistently feature in search results and suggestions. As a result, customers now recognize us as a frequently seen recommendation on Instagram, which has boosted our repeat visits."

The Vision for iSearch Marketing Japan

CEO Kim Seong-cheol articulated his company’s mission: "Our aim is not just to run temporary advertisements but to grow our clients’ official accounts into valuable assets. By creating triple exposure through the account tab, auto-suggestion, and suggested tabs, we aim to empower local small businesses to compete with larger brands effectively."

The company plans to extend this service beyond the restaurant sector, targeting beauty salons, retail stores, and the healthcare industry, thereby supporting small businesses throughout Japan.