Are you ready to get more leads using Instagram?

In the last article, we discussed how powerful Instagram is as a platform in getting you more leads.

Due to people’s reliance on social media for information, Instagram has become a go-to for real estate agents to display their properties and get more viewers online.

If you don’t want to be left out, then you’ll have to learn to utilize this powerful tool.

Setting up your Instagram account is simple, and the platform is straightforward to use.

The content you’ll post, however; now that’s what’s going to make a difference.

Before setting up your Instagram account and page, here is something to consider:

Personal vs. Professional Instagram posts

We have heard some realtors say “never post personal photos on your professional Instagram page.”

While there are significant differences between personal and professional Instagram pages, this does not necessarily mean that your page should only contain images of properties you are selling.

Posting personal photos can actually help in marketing your brand because it lets your viewers know more about you as a person.

Your clients aren’t just interested in your services; they’re just as interested in YOU. Through your posts, they find out more about who they are dealing with.

With that out of the way, let’s get technical.

Setting Up Your Instagram Page

First, you will have to download the Instagram app on your phone. Unlike other social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, Instagram activity and setup is primarily made on your phone.

There are two ways you can sign up with Instagram; you can use your own email address, or you can sign up using your existing Facebook account, which links the two accounts together.

Upon signing up, the first thing you will need to do is to provide your name.

It is important to note that this will be different from your username, which is used for the URL extension and for people to see when they search for you on Google or other search engines.

One good thing to consider when choosing a username is to not include your brokerage.

You can add extensions such as “realtor” or “real.estate” to your username to help visitors identify you as a real estate agent, but keep it at that so you won’t get into trouble in having to change your username in the event that you need to change brokerages.

Next, you will need to write your bio. Instagram allows for a 150-word bio, so be as straightforward as you can, but it would be nice as well to throw in a little creativity when introducing yourself and your services.

It is also good practice to include a link to your website in your bio so whenever you post one of your listings, your visitors can also access your website easily.

Afterwards, you will need to select a profile photo. The ideal size of the photo is 400 by 400 pixels, and the photo itself should be a good representation of your brand.

This may be a professional or a more personalized headshot, or a branded logo (as long as the logo you use in the profile will be consistent with the marketing materials you use).

Finally, once your Instagram page is set up, get your family and friends to follow your account to broadcast your new page to the world.

Share your Instagram page to your other social media platforms to announce its creation.

Posting and Hashtags “#”

Now that your Instagram page is set up, here are some reminders to make sure that your posts are informative and engaging to your audience.

  1. Post Quality Images. You don’t have to be a professional photographer in order to get good quality images to post on your Instagram account. Most mobile phones are equipped with high definition cameras, and there are numerous easy-to-use photo editing software out there. Plus, Instagram’s filters help make your photos look better.
  2. Add Captions To Your Posts. You are running a real estate Instagram page, not an art gallery. Make sure to add captions to your posts to make it simpler for your viewers to know what your post is about. Instagram allows you to add captions up to 2,200 characters in length, but be straightforward in describing the properties that you are posting including important keywords or phrases.
  3. Use Hashtags (#) On Your Descriptions. Hashtags aren’t just a trend in posting images, but they are also an efficient way of helping your potential leads find you via your posts. Using hashtags like #city, #neighborhood or #realestate on your post descriptions can increase the chances of non followers to find your listings on Instagram. (NOTE: #city would be the name of your city)
  4. Take Advantage of Carousels. Carousels are a feature in Instagram that allow you to put multiple photos in a single post, up to ten images. This means that you can include multiple shots of the property that you will be posting.
  5. Share Unique Stories. Instagram Stories is a feature that allows you to post photos or videos that don’t appear on your followers’ feeds; rather, they show up as special posts on the top of your followers’ screens (if they are using mobile) or at the right-hand side (if they are using a desktop). Because stories last only for 24 hours, they are better used for more specific posts.

 

Connecting Instagram To Your Website

One incredible feature that HoopJumper offers its clients is the ability to have their Instagram posts AUTOMATICALLY share to their website and other connected social media pages.

So what are you waiting for?

Are you ready to get more leads using Instagram?

Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity; and remember, we are always here to jump through hoops for you!

~Brett