We talked earlier this week about how much real estate social media can help your business. There’s nothing like being where people are – physically and online – to help you build your brand and get new clients.
When you combine a strong online presence with farming postcards and a great listing marketing process, you’ll be unstoppable!
We talked about starting with Facebook. Another key real estate social media platform is Instagram. Here’s why – along with what to do and what to avoid.
Why Instagram?
Instagram is incredible for real estate for two reasons. First – it’s all about images! Images are worth MORE than a thousand words when it comes to real estate. And professional real estate photos are some incredibly beautiful pictures to share!
In addition, there are over 700 million users on Instagram who like over 4 billion posts per day. That engagement is hard to beat. It’s also very user-friendly. You can access Instagram on any device, especially mobile.
Finally, hashtags give you the perfect way to be found amongst the millions of images. When you use real estate related hashtags and local city and neighborhood names, the folks who find and follow you will be the ones interested in those areas.
What to Do on Instagram
As with any platforms, there are things to focus on and mistakes to avoid. Here are the things you should definitely do.
Post Incredible Images
Of course, your listings are part of your Instagram feed. But don’t stop there. Share or take incredible pictures of your neighborhood, city, or state. Be sure to give credit where it’s due, of course!
You may post a local monument and ask, “Who knows what this is?” to draw engagement. Or, post a photo and ask folks to share a memory of a town hangout spot.
You don’t have to be a professional photographer. You’d be amazed what you can do with just your cell phone and some free editing software.
Use Local Hashtags
When it comes to real estate social media, getting found is the name of the game. With Instagram, it’s easy – use appropriate hashtags!
People often search or follow specific hashtags. Look for already-popular ones that mention your local area. Add your own that are more specific to the neighborhood.
In addition, you’ll want to search local hashtags and follow them yourself. You can also follow people that use those hashtags – don’t be nervous, following folks you don’t know is perfectly normal on Instagram!
Experiment with Videos and Stories
Instagram video and stories are other great ways to capture people’s attention. They don’t have to be part of your primary strategy at the beginning, but you can experiment with them as you grow.
Instagram Mistakes to Avoid
As you build your account and reputation on Instagram, make sure you aren’t making mistakes that could damage your business or cause your account to be banned.
Here are some mistakes to avoid!
Using Altered Stock Photos
People on Instagram want to see real photos that you – or someone you give credit to – has taken. Don’t buy stock photos and then edit them, hoping to fool people!
Instead, take photos as you’re going about your day to day business. Snap an interesting statue, market, or favorite restaurant. Those images become marketing collateral.
If you fake it, the locals – your target market – will know. So don’t do it!
Buying Likes or Followers
Sure, fake followers can make your account look active and popular, but people can smell the slime a mile away. Why would a local Nebraska Realtor® have so many followers from the Philippines or other non-local areas?
It makes you look desperate and the engagement and followers mean nothing to your business. Don’t waste your time. Instead, engage with other users and post quality content to get the audience you need.
Giving Up Too Soon!
The final – and most common – Instagram mistake is simply giving up too soon. Don’t quit. It takes time to build a powerful online following when you do it right.
The good news is that once you have a great audience, it will help carry you through times when you can’t engage as much. That marketing capital is worth gold once you have it.
A One-Two Punch
Remember that the best way to use online marketing is to combine it with in-person and postal mail marketing. The more you show up in someone’s life, the more popular and successful they think you are.
Need some help with print real estate marketing? We’re here to serve. Contact us today!
Do you use Instagram? Why or why not? Share in the comments!
This post originally shared on PrinterBees' Real Estate Marketing Magazine.
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