There’s no getting around it…as an agent, having an engaging Instagram presence is a must. This ever-popular platform provides agents with massive reach, which means you can’t afford to neglect it. The good news is that handling it the right way can help you attract prospects, nurture leads, and build your professional network.

Here are a few useful tips for real estate agents using Instagram:

Know your brand well

On social media, few things turn followers off faster than generic, incohesive content. If it doesn’t feel consistent and on-brand, it won’t capture attention. That’s why it’s so important to know your niche and values, and to use written copy and visual elements (from colours to typography) to convey them.

Start with your profile. Create a clear, compelling, to-the-point description and add a high-quality photo that captures your personality. From there, think about the voice and type of imagery that best represents you and your brand. Over time, these decisions will become second nature!

Make every image Insta-worthy

It may seem like an obvious point, but every photo you post should be eye-catching and of good quality. It can be challenging when you’re busy, but taking the time to snap pictures from various angles and in different lighting is worth your while.

When it comes to listing photos, hiring a professional with real estate experience is a wise investment. If you take your own, make sure you have the right equipment. Since Instagram is about authenticity, you should also capture some behind-the-scenes shots. If you’re not a pro when it comes to selfies and candid photos, you’ll want to get some tips from a friend who is.

Leverage the power of video

At this point, there’s no denying that video is an essential real estate marketing tool. Buyers love interactive tours, and Instagram is a great place to post them.

If you choose to do a story, you can use a combination of clips, still images, and captions to make something truly unique. Instagram also allows you to apply filters to your videos, which can help you create a mood that works well with your brand.

Learn how to write a good caption

While Instagram is highly visual, writing great captions can help you further engage your followers. Remember to put the most important details in the first sentence. Asking questions is another way to get your readers involved. Something as simple as, “What do you want to know about the Toronto market?” can work well.

Don’t forget about relevant hashtags! They make your posts searchable, which infinitely extends their reach. In other words, adding #realestate, #listing, or #openhouse at the end of your caption could help you attract more prospects than you otherwise would.

Lastly, you shouldn’t be afraid to use emojis. While they may not be appropriate in your professional communications, they definitely have a place on a playful platform like Instagram.

Show off your neighbourhood expertise

Forging community relationships is a big part of being a successful real estate agent. You can do that by using your platform to promote local businesses that align with your brand.

Whether you’re taking food selfies at a buzzworthy eatery or sharing your positive experiences at a trendy boutique, you can provide valuable content for your followers while building goodwill with community business owners.

Celebrate your clients’ wins

Last but not least, Instagram is a great place to showcase your clients’ success stories. Testimonials provide exceptional proof, and they’re even more effective when they’re accompanied by a photo.

In addition to posting direct quotes, you can use captions to tell the stories of your clients’ success. Provide key details, and (if they’re okay with it) don’t shy away from describing challenges you helped them overcome. If you have permission to snap a few candid images, they can enhance your narrative.

 

Ready to find out how Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd. can help you take your business to the next level? Reach out to learn how we can support you as you advance in your real estate career.