Instagram Hacks Every New Agent Should Know
Instagram is a real estate goldmine. With over a billion users, it’s the perfect platform to showcase your listings, connect with potential clients, and establish yourself as a local expert. But it’s not just about posting a pretty picture and hoping for the best—there’s a strategy behind successful real estate Instagram accounts, and as a new agent, you can master it.
Here are the top Instagram hacks every new agent should know to turn your profile into a lead-generating machine!
- Use Instagram Reels to Showcase Listing
Instagram Reels are one of the hottest tools for real estate agents right now. These short, 15-30 second videos are highly engaging and can reach a larger audience than regular posts. Plus, they’re perfect for giving quick tours of your listings or highlighting property features.
How to Do It:
- Film short, engaging clips that show off the home’s best features. For example, focus on that spacious kitchen, stunning backyard, or cozy living room.
- Add popular music and a catchy caption to keep viewers entertained and interested.
- Use local hashtags and geotags (more on that below!) to expand your reach.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Use Reels to highlight unique features or create a “day in the life†of a homeowner in the neighborhood.
- Leverage Hashtags & Geotags for Maximum Visibility
Hashtags and geotags are your secret weapons for expanding your audience on Instagram. They help people find your content, especially those who may be looking for homes in specific areas or neighborhoods.
How to Do It:
- Use relevant local hashtags like #CharlotteRealEstate, #NYCHomes, or #DallasRealEstate to target people searching for homes in your area.
- Always include a geotag with your location or the location of the property in your posts. Geotagging increases your chances of being discovered by local users.
- Mix in trending real estate hashtags like #HouseHunting, #JustListed, or #DreamHome to connect with broader audiences.
Pro Tip: Create a “hashtag bank†by researching popular local and industry hashtags, and save them in your notes to use in every post.
- Make the Most of Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories are a great way to stay top-of-mind with your followers and give them behind-the-scenes glimpses into your day as a real estate agent. Stories are more casual and temporary, so they’re perfect for connecting with your audience without the pressure of perfection.
How to Do It:
- Share sneak peeks of upcoming listings, open houses, or home staging setups.
- Use polls and question stickers to engage your audience. Ask things like “What’s your dream home feature?†or “Which kitchen do you prefer?â€
- Post quick market updates or tips, like “3 things to know before buying your first home†or “Why spring is the best time to sell.â€
Pro Tip: Highlight your best Stories (like virtual tours, home buying tips, or client testimonials) so they stay on your profile for potential clients to see later!
- Optimize Your Instagram Bio for Business
Your Instagram bio is prime real estate—pun intended. When someone lands on your profile, you’ve got just a few seconds to make a great first impression. Use your bio to tell people who you are, what you do, and why they should follow you.
How to Do It:
- Include keywords like “Real Estate Agent†and your location to help potential clients find you.
- Add a call-to-action (CTA), like “DM me for home listings†or “Contact me for a free consultation.â€
- Make sure you include a link in your bio! This could be a link to your website, property listings, or a lead capture form.
Pro Tip: Use a tool like Linktree to include multiple links in your bio, such as links to new listings, your blog, or your YouTube channel.
- Post Consistently to Stay Top-of-Mind
Consistency is key when it comes to Instagram. Posting regularly helps you stay top-of-mind with your audience and keeps them engaged with your content. Whether you post once a day or three times a week, having a consistent schedule builds trust and makes you more recognizable.
How to Do It:
- Plan your content in advance. Use a social media scheduler like Later or Hootsuite to line up your posts ahead of time.
- Mix up your content! Share a variety of posts, from new listings and market updates to neighborhood features and client testimonials.
- Post at optimal times—check your Instagram Insights to see when your audience is most active, and aim to post during those windows.
Pro Tip: The Instagram algorithm loves consistency! The more you show up on your followers’ feeds, the better your chances of engagement and visibility.
- Use Video (And Don’t Be Afraid to Go Live!)
Instagram loves video content, and so do its users. Whether it’s a listing video, a market update, or a live Q&A, video helps you connect with your audience on a personal level and keeps them engaged longer.
How to Do It:
- Film short videos giving home tours, showcasing neighborhoods, or explaining real estate tips. You can post these to your feed, Stories, or Reels.
- Go live on Instagram to engage directly with your followers. Consider doing live virtual tours of open houses or hosting live Q&A sessions where you answer common real estate questions.
- Use video to introduce yourself! Show off your personality and let followers get to know you, which will help build trust.
Pro Tip: Video doesn’t have to be perfect. The more authentic and real you are, the better—especially on Instagram Live!
- Engage with Your Audience
One of the most powerful ways to grow your Instagram presence is by engaging with your followers and other users. The more you interact, the more Instagram’s algorithm will reward you with greater visibility.
How to Do It:
- Respond to every comment and DM you receive—it shows you’re attentive and active.
- Like and comment on posts from other local businesses, real estate agents, or potential clients. This boosts your visibility and can lead to collaborations or referrals.
- Use Instagram’s built-in features like polls, quizzes, and stickers to make your Stories interactive.
Pro Tip: The more you engage with others, the more likely they are to engage with you. Think of Instagram as a community, not just a marketing tool.
The Bottom Line: Instagram Is a Game-Changer for New Agents
Instagram is more than just a social media platform—it’s a powerful tool for building relationships, growing your brand, and turning followers into clients. By using Reels, Stories, hashtags, and engaging consistently, you can build a thriving real estate presence online.
Ready to level up your Instagram game? Start implementing these hacks today, and watch your follower count—and your client list—grow!