Social media platforms are a way of life today and almost everyone is usually found on at least one of them. Many real estate agents generally use Facebook or Twitter however Instagram is another platform that has lent a helping hand to the new generation of users that believes in ‘visual online marketing’.
Today, there are more than 200 million active users on Instagram which is a huge asset for many new generation real estate agents and one that cannot be ignored. Though there are more than a billion active users on Facebook, however, Instagram has found its use in the real estate business with the use of pictures and videos. Central Florida real estate agent Fred Franks of Local Realty Service found several reasons to share their listings using Instagram.
Instagram is a highly visual social site that uses good quality pictures and videos. It is one of the fastest growing social media platforms that have an increased number of users by almost 23 percent in six months. Many youngsters have moved from one platform to another, depending on the need of the hour.
5 Instagram Marketing Tips for Realtors!
Dedicated to business - Attractive real estate photos are well received by potential clients on Instagram rather than Facebook. It improves business reputation, reaches the target audience (leads), and generates more interaction as well as engagement. People love seeing beautiful, creative, fun, unique or unusual photos and if real estate agents want the photos of their listings to remain afloat, it is wise to choose a platform that is dedicated.
The photos must compel the clients to view them or talk about them. Instagram users and potential clients or followers do not want a sales pitch, so real estate agents can add a personal touch to the photos by sharing emotions in various languages if they cater to such audience. Photos of houses taken from outside on a street are not compelling and shout out loud ‘sales’.
Establish as an expert – Instagram is all about ’#Hashtags’ and creating a strategy. Real estate agents can link their content using a maximum of 30 #Hashtags. A Storytelling strategy that many agents can use is ‘Categories, Locate, Emote, Event and Product’. Agents can #Hashtag locations and share the emotions and spread the word behind the posting, allowing them to be specific when using phrases or keywords.
Other types of ‘#Hashtags’ that many agents use involve the property’s history, type, and features that are exclusive. When #Hashtags is effectively used on Instagram over a period of time the agents get recognized as experts.
Behind the scenes - Real estate business has always left people wondering about the way it works and is intrigued by the lifestyle of agents, and successful stories of ‘happy’ buyers and sellers. There are several television reality shows that are based on real estate business. These showcase the lifestyle of various local communities and events.
Puts the agent on the Map - Instagram can help real estate agents to boost their profile by ‘geotagging’ and mapping. The Instagram account allows ‘maps on’ feature which lends a precise geographical location of the photograph in real time. So, the minute a photograph is clicked and posted on Instagram a location and address can be added.
This shows potential clients the localities and properties a real estate agent works in as well as leaves a track record. This lets out the word about various property listings before other real estate agents do.
Broaden reach – Real estate Instagram users can broaden their reach by recommendation or aligning with someone influential. This allows access to other markets and lets them reach a bigger audience. Agents can use the ‘explore’ button to search for ‘#Hashtags’ to follow and use ’@mention’ follower strategy someone who is working on the property or amenities or local businesses near the location of the listing. This strategy exposes to new followers and adds value to postings.
Videos of properties – Just like photos, good quality videos are highly appreciated by users on Instagram. They must be taken in good light and must be just about 15 seconds long to include every important feature of the listing. The agents can plan well in advance by writing the key features. Agents can use interviews or testimonials of clients and run them through so that the videos are just the right length.
Cross posting helps – A strategy that many real estate agents can utilise is a cross post on other social media so they have a bigger audience and scope of reach. The posts can automatically get shared on Facebook and Twitter or any other social media platform which targets the market or demographic they want to reach.
Many real estate firms use the Instagram platform and make use of their logos by implementing it in the videos and photos occasionally which helps in branding. They generally showcase company outings or private showings and increase popularity. It brings a positive change in the real estate business through social media platform said Ocala Realtor Kartrina Barone of Housesforsaleinocalafl.com.
