Most people turn to the Internet to find homes for sale in their area as well as real estate agents to work with. So it makes good business sense for real estate agents to utilize social media platforms to market their listings. Even more so, since pictures drive listings, utilizing social platforms that focus on photography is an excellent strategy for agents.

One popular social platform created specifically for the purpose of photo sharing is Instagram. Instagram is a photo and short video-sharing social network, where posts can be marked with relevant hashtags and shared on a variety of other social networking platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Flickr.

With more than 200 million active monthly users, Instagram has risen to the top of the social media charts. This highly engaging visual marketing platform is a powerful tool for real estate professionals to connect with clients and potential clients.

This video produced by Instagram shows the power of visual storytelling for brands and how moments connect businesses and customers. What story do you want to tell?

Getting Started on Instagram

Are you ready to set up your Instagram account and use it to build connections through the power of pictures?

Instagram requires users to set up an account by downloading the mobile app on a phone or tablet – posts cannot be made from a desktop. Instagram can be accessed and viewed from a computer, but posts need to be made from a mobile device or tablet unless users use a service such as Bluestacks.

Once an account is created, users can customize their profile by adding a name, a profile photo, a short bio and a link to their Website.

You can set your account to either public or private. Public means anyone on Instagram can see your posts, and it reaches a broader audience. Private will allow only the people you’ve approved to see your posts.

Profile Tips
Use a headshot or personal photo so you are easily identifiable

Your bio can only be 150 characters, so utilize catchy bullet points to make a statement

Link your business Website address to your profile

Getting Familiar with Instagram
Photo and video sharing on Instagram is done by accessing the photo library on your phone or tablet, or by using the Instagram camera function in the app. When you open the app, you are automatically taken to the feed screen.

    The Instagram Feed Screen                                                   Photo Editing Tool Screen

Click the magnifying glass icon to search for photos, videos, people to connect with, and relevant hashtags and locations/places that are trending.

To upload an image to Instagram, click the blue icon. You will then be prompted to select a photo or video from your camera library or take a photo or video using the app. If you select a photo, you will then see the editing tools screen after you upload or take the picture.

Instagram offers free photo editing tools. To learn more about photo editing tools, read these photo tips and tricks.

Click the heart conversation icon to see your feed activity as well as recent posts by other users you are following. To interact with other users, double tap on any post to “like” it or add a comment at the bottom.

To get to your profile page where you can review content and make profile edits, click the person icon.

#Awesome Hashtags

Instagram offers the use of hashtags to reach a wider audience and to attract followers to your account. It also offers mapping and tagging to make your message location specific and capitalize on popular hashtags. If your posts are set to public (and they should be for business pages), you can add hashtags. Read this article to learn more about using hashtags on Instagram photos and videos.

Tips for Engaging and Attracting Followers

1. Now that your account is created and you have started posting, here are tips on making the most of your time on Instagram.
2. Comment and like others’ photos and videos. The more you engage with others, the more they will engage with you.
3. Map out a strategy to post a certain amount of photos or videos each week and be consistent.
4. Utilize relevant hashtags and tags to open up a wider audience for your content.
5. Post photos of the unique amenities of a listing such as architectural details, kitchens and master baths get more engagement with the photo.
6. Tell a story using photos and videos, with a focus on clients and the unique attributes of a listing.
7. Be patient; building a social media gathering takes time.

Many consumers and clients are visually driven and active on social media sites. Instagram is a powerful tool that visually displays your real estate business and offers another platform to build your brand. If you are using Instagram in your business, share your tips in the comments section below.  Follow KWRI on Instagram.

Instagram Do’s and Don’ts

DO

• Post original photos. The objective is to display and promote listings you actually have. Instagram is a “gallery” of who you are, so keep your photos and videos original, and thus, genuine.

• Plan your videos: Videos can only be 3 - 15 seconds in length on Instagram. Make the best use of that short time by knowing exactly what you want to say. A brief script may help you stay on track and cover everything you want to in each listing video.

• Keep it business/personal. Instagram is less conversational than Facebook. A way to make your Instagram account more appealing is to show your personal side every once in a while. Photos like company outings, lunch with a client or other day-to-day events are effective ways to keep it professional, and personal.

DON’T

• Don’t request followers or likes for your account. The point of social media is to create and build brand awareness – for free. Nobody wants to feel solicited or sold to, so don’t ask people (whether you know them or not) to follow you. Keep in mind that typically an Instagram audience is a slower build than Facebook and Twitter. An account that is on target, welcoming and consistent will attract, and keep, followers.

• Don’t mix your message. Too many personal, private photos on Instagram can mislead your audience. If you are active on social media, consider creating two accounts: one that is for business and one that is personal. 

• Don’t ignore your audience. While Instagram isn’t as communication based as Facebook, followers do reply to posts. Be sure to tend to your posts and reply to comments as necessary. Nothing tells your audience you aren’t present and responsive as ignoring a question or comment.

• Don’t leave out hashtags. Hashtags are used to identify messages on a specific topic. They are a good way to attract new followers and have your photos seen by more people. Add hashtags to your posts that identify locations and top features to your listings. Instagram allows users to browse photos with the help of a map, so be sure to tag the location of your photos. This is a perfect way to connect with people in your geographic area who may be looking for homes.

For Keller Williams associates who want to learn more, log into KWUConnect to watch the video below as well as many others.